PRIMARY SCHOOL UPDATES

STAR Camp is Back — Registration Now Open

This year, STAR Camp is celebrating 20 years at MKA, and we’re ready for another unforgettable summer of learning and fun! Registration for STAR Camp (Grades 4-8) and Jr. STAR Camp (Jr–K - 3) is open now.

To learn more about the program and register for camp, visit www.mka.org/starcamp.

Mid-Year Progress Reports — Available Today

Mid-Year progress reports from advisors and specialists will be available today at 4:00 p.m. through the Veracross Parent Portal.

To provide a more dynamic look at your child’s creative journey, individualized feedback for Art, Music, and Dance/Theatre Arts will be shared via the Seesaw app rather than through traditional written comments on the mid-year progress report.

Rising Fourth Grade Tech Information Session — February 18 & 19

We are excited to support our third-grade students as they transition from 1:1 classroom iPads to their own school-managed laptops in fourth grade. To prepare families for this milestone, the Ed Tech Department is hosting two 30-minute information sessions (available in-person or via Google Meet).

We will provide an overview of the MKA 1:1 Laptop Program and the Tech Bytes class, which helps students build the skills and "habits of mind" needed to successfully manage their school work with their new devices. We will also discuss the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and what families can expect with this new responsibility.

Please note: The Google Meet session will be recorded and will not be interactive. Please RSVP and submit your questions in advance so we can tailor the session to your needs!

Choose the session that works for you:

• Webinar: Feb 18 at 6:30 p.m. (link to be shared soon)
• In-Person: Feb 19 at 8:00 a.m. at the Middle School

Please use this link to RSVP and submit questions by February 16.

Occupational Therapy Workshop in Partnership Series — Thursday, February 19

Join us for More Than Handwriting: Understanding Occupational Therapy and Child Development on Thursday, February 19, at 6:00 p.m. in the Primary School cafetorium. This workshop will explore how occupational therapy (OT) supports students’ graphomotor, sensory processing, and independent self-care skills, and how these areas are nurtured within the classroom to support learning and independence.

Parents are encouraged to RSVP by completing this form, which also provides an opportunity to submit questions in advance.

Save the Date: First Grade Showcase — Friday, March 6

We look forward to welcoming first-grade parents to the first-grade showcase, 1C, 1Co, and 1N on Friday, March 6. Stay tuned for more information in the weeks to come.

Important Upcoming Dates

• Wednesday, February 25 — PAMKA Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day

For a complete calendar listing of events, view the PAMKA Calendar in Veracross.

Volunteer or Donate for Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day — Wednesday, February 25

We will be celebrating MKA’s faculty and staff on Wednesday, February 25. Please help us show our amazing faculty and staff how much we appreciate their hard work by volunteering to help with set-up and/or clean-up that day, or by bringing in food or beverage items for them to enjoy. Please sign up below:

• Primary School (Questions? Contact Besa Owen)
• Middle School (Questions? Contact Michelle Willford)
• Upper School (Questions? Contact Maggie Marotta)

Introducing the PAMKA Social

This year, PAMKA is launching a new signature event: the PAMKA Social, created with a focus on building community. We are delighted to invite MKA parents, Trustees, faculty, and staff to join us on Friday, April 17, at 4Sixty6, from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. for an evening centered on connection and celebration. There will be no auction and no speeches—just a fun, vibrant evening that we hope many will choose to attend. Purchase your tickets here.

Help PAMKA continue to support MKA faculty with the 2026 50/50 Raffle

Tickets are now on sale for PAMKA's 50/50 raffle! Purchase raffle tickets here. The winner will be announced at the PAMKA Social on Friday, April 17!

• All proceeds go directly towards Faculty Trust Grants and Faculty Wish Lists
• Tickets are $50 each. One lucky winner will take home 50% of the total pot!

Just in time for MKA Faculty Staff Appreciation Day on February 25! Did you know that you can purchase 50/50 raffle tickets on behalf of MKA faculty or staff as a way to show your appreciation?

• Each faculty member will receive an email notifying them that a raffle ticket has been purchased on their behalf as a token of your appreciation. Please purchase your tickets for Faculty Staff Appreciation Day by Monday, February 23.
• Purchase raffle tickets using this form. 

Questions? Please contact Sara Elwell.

PAMKA Parenting Workshop — Wednesday, March 11

Please join us for a PAMKA parenting workshop on Wednesday, March 11, facilitated by Nancy Wheeler, P’23, ’26, founder of Financy LLC. This workshop is open to all Jr–K through 12th-grade parents.

“Nurturing Financial Fluency” is a practical, judgment-free workshop that helps parents raise financially confident kids. Parents will learn simple ways to talk about money, spot everyday teachable moments, and model the financial habits they value (no financial expertise required). You'll leave with easy conversation starters and tools you can use right away to guide your child's financial journey.

Please RSVP by March 2. Please join us for whichever session works for you:

• 8:15 - 9:45 a.m. (Middle School Higgins Conference Room) — RSVP here.
• 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. (Middle School Library) — RSVP here.

Upcoming Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Meetings

• Thursday, February 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. — Black History Month Dinner

Stay up to date on Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group meeting dates for the 2025-2026 academic year using the Community Belonging Calendar.

Questions? Contact Edie Brennan, Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Liaison, and/or Paris McLean, Assistant Head of School for Community Belonging.

Deadline Extended: MKA Transportation Options for 2026-2027 School Year

Registration for MKA transportation has been extended. If you require for-fee transportation and have not already responded, please complete the form by Friday, February 20. 

Final routes and confirmations will be provided to families in April. If you have any questions, please contact Eileen Richardson or Codi Hirst.

PAST DUE: Re-enrollment Contracts for the 2026-2027 School Year 

Re-enrollment contracts for the 2026-2027 school year were released via e-mail on January 28 and were due this past Wednesday, February 11. If you have not yet completed your re-enrollment, please do so as soon as possible to reserve your place for next school year. Families applying for financial aid will receive their contracts in late February.

If you have any questions, please contact Alyson Waldman, Director of Enrollment Management, Admissions and Financial Aid, or call (973) 509-7930. We look forward to welcoming you back to MKA next year!

Volunteers Needed for Tri-Campus Lunar New Year Celebration — February 20 & 24

MKA’s annual Lunar New Year celebration is right around the corner. As we welcome the Year of the Horse, we are seeking volunteers to help on the day of the event and/or families interested in contributing donations for our students. If you would like to support us in any capacity, please email EJ Park and Nicole Xu and/or use the sign-ups linked below.

Primary School and Upper School: Friday, February 20

• US Volunteer Sign Up
• PS Volunteer Sign Up

Middle School: Tuesday, February 24

• MS Volunteer Sign Up

Join Us for a Special Black History Month Dinner with Jillian Jones ’15 — Thursday, February 26

The Upper School Black Student Affinity Group and MOSAIC (Parents and Caregivers of Black Students Affinity Group) are excited to invite you to the 2026 Black History Month Dinner on Thursday, February 26, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Upper School Dining Hall. This celebratory evening is open to all MKA families, faculty, and staff. Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with food, community, and our special guest speaker, Jillian Jones '15.

Please RSVP by completing this form. If you are interested in bringing food, please take a moment to fill out this sign-up sheet.

All RSVPs and food sign-ups are due by February 20. Questions? Contact Tony Jones and/or Callie Bond.

Reminder: 2026-2027 Preliminary Calendar Available to View

Families can now view and download the 2026-2027 Preliminary School Calendar. Please note that dates are subject to change, and additions may be made in the coming months. The calendar can also be found in the Veracross Parent Portal under the Resources tab. We recognize the importance of sharing this early version with families to anticipate childcare needs and/or plan family vacations.