SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
REMINDER: SCHOOL CLOSED THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 (YOM KIPPUR)
Picture Day — Tuesday, September 30
Smile! Primary School Picture Day is scheduled for Tuesday, September 30. The rain date is scheduled for Friday, October 17. A retake date will be announced at a later time for students who are absent on picture day or need a retake. Stay tuned.
Important Carline/Student Schedule Updates
Thank you, everyone, for your cooperation and patience on the carline. We are off to a great start thanks to you. As we go forward, our efforts are to have all students in their classrooms by 8:00 a.m. when instruction begins. A helpful tip is to arrive between 7:30 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. You will most likely breeze through the morning carline. Carline will close at 7:55 a.m. and cones will be placed in the driveway. Please reference the map for directions for 7:55 a.m. drop off.
We ask that you kindly keep your family carline sign on your dashboard as you drive through the carline until you exit the parking lot during morning arrival AND afternoon dismissal.
IMPORTANT: Please avoid dropping your student off in the parking lot. Directions will be provided to park at the end of the portico, and will provide a safe place for your student to leave your vehicle.
Families who live within one mile of the Primary School are eligible to be walkers. If you would like to be a walker, kindly submit your request to psnotifications@mka.org. During dismissal, parents of walkers should wait under the portico at the end of the building.
Please be sure to send student absences, late arrivals, early pickups, carpools, or play date information to psnotifications@mka.org and copy your student's advisor.
Kindergarten Science Open House
Our Science Specialist, Ms. Glynn, would like to invite the parents of Kindergarten students to drop by the science room anytime between 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 7, for our Kindergarten Science Open House. While there will be no formal presentation, please feel free to stop in to see the science lab, try some of the hands-on activities your child will experience this year, and ask any curricular questions you may have.
Primary School Lunch Program
A full lunch program is available for Primary School students for $2425 for the academic year. The program is currently accepting students, and the cost will be prorated depending on the day your child starts.
If you would like to enroll in the lunch program, please email Eileen Richardson.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Monday, September 29, 8:15 - 10:15 a.m. — PAMKA Book Fair Meeting
- Tuesday, September 30, 8:15 - 9:30 a.m. — Meet the Counselors Coffee
- Friday, October 3 — Parent Social for Kindergarten and Grade 8
- Friday, October 10 — Parent Social for Grade 3
For a complete calendar listing of events, view the PAMKA Calendar in Veracross.
KIPP NJ Parent Tutoring Opportunities
KIPP New Jersey and PAMKA are thrilled to continue their long-standing partnership. We will be offering a 1:1 parent-to-student tutoring opportunity at KIPP Newark SPARK Elementary School. Providing 1:1 support for their students can be very impactful! The program will provide students with English Language Arts support ranging from help with sight words to reading comprehension and fluency. There may also be some math support for Kindergarten through second grade.
To volunteer, please fill out our online Volunteer Form. If you have additional questions about this program, feel free to reach out to Sarah Nassauer, PAMKA’s KIPP NJ Tutor Coordinator. Also, please visit the KIPP NJ Website to learn more about their schools.
Established tutors should expect communication regarding scheduling in the next few weeks from Nailah Brown, who is the Manager of Special Projects & Events for KIPP NJ & KIPP Miami.
Jr-K–12 Parent Coffee: Meet the Counselors — Tuesday, September 30
MKA's school counseling team will provide a brief overview of the tri-campus counseling program on Tuesday, September 30, at 8:15 a.m. in Higgins at the Middle School. Hear about the Office of Student Support and how the counselors collaborate with members of the Academic Support team, and learn what you can expect for support for Jr-K–12 students. There will also be time for Q&A for campus-specific questions. Coffee and refreshments will be served.
Thank you to all those who have RSVP’d. We can’t wait to see you there!
Common Ground Speaks — Thursday, October 16
MKA is a member of Common Ground Speaks, a consortium of parent associations of independent schools in the Central/Northern New Jersey area. CGS works in a collaborative effort to bring education, information, and inspiration to the community.
CGS is very excited to host Ruth Whippman on Thursday, October 16, at 7:00 p.m., at Far Brook School. Ruth Whippman, author of the acclaimed book BOYMOM, takes a sharp, witty look at what it means to raise boys in today's world and how cultural expectations shape the lives of kids, their families, and the communities they grow up in. Drawing on research and personal storytelling, she offers practical ways to nurture emotional health, resilience, and connection for every child. Please register by October 13.
Fall Parent Socials
Our Fall Parent Socials are in full swing! These wonderful evenings are a fantastic way to meet other parents in your child’s grade. Many thanks to Ashley & Craig Hirsh for hosting the fourth-grade social, to Jamie & Matt Reichstein for hosting the fifth-grade social, and to Justyna and Jan Kwapniewski for hosting the eleventh-grade on-campus social this past weekend. We are grateful for their hospitality and generosity.
- Friday, October 3: Kindergarten, Grade 8
- Friday, October 10: Grade 3
- Thursday, October 16: Jr-K
- Friday, October 17: Grade 6
The Grade 12 Parent Social will be held in Spring 2025. Grade 12 parents will receive an update after Spring Break. Please watch for an Evite from your Grade Representative with details regarding the host, location, timing, as well as how to RSVP. Invitations will be sent approximately four weeks prior to your social. For any questions, please contact your PAMKA Grade Representative.
Upcoming Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Meetings
Join us for the following Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group meetings:
- Wednesday, October 1, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. — Admissions & Office of Community Belonging - International & Expat Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Breakfast
- Tuesday, October 7, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — MOSAIC: Black Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group meeting
- Wednesday, October 8, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — South Asian Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group meeting
Questions? Contact Edie Brennan, Office of Community Belonging/Caregiver Affinity Group Liaison, and/or Paris McLean, Assistant Head of School for Community Belonging. The Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group meeting dates for the 2025-2026 academic year can be found on the Community Belonging Calendar in the Veracross Parent Portal under the "Resources'' tab.
International Parent Affinity Group Breakfast — Wednesday, October 1
Are you living in the U.S. temporarily, or have you recently returned to the U.S. after living abroad? Come meet others who have had the same experience and share your story on Wednesday, October 1, from 8:15 - 9:15 a.m., in the Middle School Higgins Common Room.
To RSVP, please contact Callie Bond, Associate Director of Community Belonging and Admissions Liaison.
MKA Homecoming — Saturday, October 11
Mark your calendars! Join the MKA community to celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, October 11, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for a day full of MKA pride, fall fun, and community spirit. There will be sports games, family-friendly activities like games and face painting, and more. Please also consider bringing donations for Toni's Kitchen, which can be dropped off in bins at the ticket tables. View the Homecoming flyer to learn more about the day's festivities and what donation items are needed most.
Join Us for MKA’s Golf & Tennis Classic — Monday, October 27
The Golf & Tennis Classic returns to Somerset Hills Country Club on Monday, October 27! Hosted by Board of Trustees President Naveen Ballem ’90, M.D., F.A.C.S., the day will feature friendly competition, school pride, and meaningful connections.
Secure your spot by registering today! Questions? Contact Gretchen Berra for more information.
Save the Date — MKA Day is Thursday, November 20
Mark your calendars, Cougar Nation! On November 20, our entire community will rally together for MKA Day, our biggest day of giving, with one goal: 800 gifts in 24 hours to support our students and school.
Stay tuned for more details on how you can join the excitement. Questions? Please contact Kelly Flippin, Director of Annual Giving.
The archive of weekly tri-campus newsletters can be located on the homepage of your Veracross Portal.