UPPER SCHOOL UPDATES

Upper School Community Day 2026 — TODAY

Today is our annual Upper School Community Day! Community Day offers us an opportunity to meaningfully honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We will pause as a community to gather, to learn, to reflect, and to do good.

After honoring MLK and his spirit through a presentation by our Upper School Student Diversity Leadership Committee (SDLC), our day will consist of two important components. The first will be viewing a community film. This year, we will be watching Just Mercy, which recounts the story of Bryan Stevenson and the birth of the Equal Justice Initiative as he works, in particular, to exonerate the wrongfully accused from death row.

Just Mercy offers a compelling study into America’s criminal justice system and the important relationship between justice and mercy. There is a lot for us to consider as we watch this film. As with all of our programming, we are offering multiple opportunities for our students to process and discuss important takeaways from the film.

Next, inspired by Dr. King’s life of service, as well as the lessons taken from the morning’s film, all students will participate in various service projects in the afternoon. Students in grade 10 will travel off campus to local Montclair non-profits (College Women’s Club of Montclair, Human Needs Food Pantry, Montclair Public Library, Presby-Iris Gardens, and Toni’s Kitchen). They will depart the Upper School at 12:15 p.m. and arrive back at school by 2:15 p.m.

In addition, our building itself will also be a hub of activity for 9th,11th, and 12th graders, with activities ranging from packing sustainable lunches for Bridges Outreach to crafting blankets for guests at MESH to preparing children’s activity books for Oasis to making stuffed animals for children at Clara Maass.

The day will run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Please note that today is a no-letter day because there are no classes. Pizza lunch will be served.

We look forward to seeing all students at school today as we gather together in order to engage in meaningful work and service to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thank you for your support of this important day.

Senior Recognition Ads — Deadline is January 18

Parents of 12th-grade students are welcome to purchase Senior Recognition Ads in the back of the yearbook. These ads usually contain family photos and a note of congratulations to celebrate your soon-to-be high school graduate! These ads can be purchased by extended family members as well. One hundred percent of funds go directly towards the 2025-2026 MKA Upper School Yearbook publication.

The cost of a half-page ad will be $225, and a full-page ad will cost $450. The final deadline for purchasing a Senior Recognition Ad is today, January 18, 2026. To purchase an ad, visit our publisher's website.

General questions can be directed to Derek Morf, but technical support should be directed to Jostens through their website.

Order Your 2025-2026 Upper School Yearbook

The Upper School Yearbook is currently on sale. Parents of students in grades 9-11 should reserve a copy for their child/children in advance to guarantee a copy will be available for them in the spring. Visit our publisher's website to reserve a copy.

Parents of 12th-grade students do not need to order a copy of the book because the school will automatically order one for every senior (although you may order extra copies, should you wish). If you have questions, please email Derek Morf.

Exploring Careers in Tech: A Conversation with Sarah Botwinick Pollack ’15 — Tuesday, January 27

The MKA Robotics Team and the Women in STEM Club are proud to welcome Sarah Botwinick Pollack ’15, Senior Developer Relations Engineer at Google, for a virtual and in-person conversation on Tuesday, January 27, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. about her career path in tech. Students are able to attend via Google Meet, or join other Upper School students in the Inquiry and Innovation Center to watch together. Chipotle will be provided for those attending in person. Please fill out this Google Form to register.

Save the Date: CCO Sophomore College Information Evening — Tuesday, January 27

The CCO invites sophomores and their parents to join Ann Fleming Brown, former Director of Admissions at Union College, for a fun and informative presentation about high school and looking ahead to the college process. The event will take place on Tuesday, January 27, at 7:00 p.m. More information to come. We hope to see you there!

Fourth Annual International Cultural Night — Wednesday, January 28

Join us for our fourth annual International Cultural Night on Wednesday, January 28, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the Upper School Dining Hall! This evening is a celebration of all the various unique cultures that make up MKA, and what better way to do that than with food and music? Come enjoy food from around the world and music by our very own Jazz Band. If you are excited to join, please use this Google form to RSVP.

The various Upper School Affinity Groups and Cultural Societies will be bringing food, but we would also love for anyone from the MKA community to contribute to the dinner and bring their own food. If you are interested in bringing food, please take a moment to fill out this spreadsheet as soon as possible. Thank you from the Upper School Global Leadership Committee.

Save the Date: CCO Junior Family College Information Evening — Tuesday, February 3

It was great to see all of you at the Junior College Kickoff this past weekend. We look forward to chatting with you soon and to seeing you (parents and students) again on Tuesday, February 3, from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Upper School Dining Hall for our Junior Family College Information Evening. At this event, we’ll continue the conversation on college research and campus visits. Hope to see you there!

Parent Book Club Coffee — Thursday, February 26

Join us for a meaningful discussion about Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—and What We Can Do About It by Jennifer Breheny Wallace. This insightful book explores how our culture's obsession with achievement is impacting our children's mental health and offers practical strategies for raising healthier, more resilient kids.

This coffee will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 8:15 a.m. (location TBD) and is open to parents of students in grades 6-12 and will be facilitated by Daniella Kessler, Director of Counseling, along with members of MKA’s Counseling Team.

Come connect with other parents, share experiences, and gain valuable perspectives on supporting our teens through the pressures of achievement culture. Please use this link to RSVP. Any questions, please reach out to Daniella Kessler.

Senior Graduation Signs on Sale Now Through February 29

Once again, PAMKA will be selling “Congratulations” lawn signs for graduating seniors. They are 24” x 18” corrugated lawn signs (stakes included) and cost $50.00 per sign. The sale will run from Friday, January 9, until Thursday, February 29. To ensure the signs arrive on time, we will not be accepting orders after the deadline. All signs will be delivered to the Upper School in April and distributed before the May Term begins. Signs will be charged to your student’s MKA account.

To place your order, complete the Senior Graduation Sign Google Form. If you are ordering more than one sign, please fill out a separate form for each.

If this cost presents a financial hardship for your family, please contact Alyson Waldman, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. Questions about ordering? Contact Elizabeth Hejna.

Important Upcoming Dates

• Wednesday, January 21, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. — PAMKA Cougar Pride Day Meeting

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

Volunteers Needed for Cougar Pride Day

Cougar Pride Day Co-Chairs Amira Artis and Aparna Shah are looking for a few more volunteers to head Cougar Pride Day sub-committees. If you are interested in helping with event planning and organization, please reach out to them.

Winter Coat and Sweater Drive — Beginning January 26

PAMKA will host a Coat and Sweater Drive to benefit MESH Montclair, a local non-profit organization dedicated to helping Montclair’s vulnerable homeless adults and families, from January 26 to February 6. We are collecting used/new ADULT coats, ADULT sweaters, and other essential items. More details about how to donate to this drive will follow in the coming weeks.

Questions? Contact Upper School Community Engagement Chair Erica Ajayi.

Nominating Slate — Deadline is Friday, January 30

Be a part of the PAMKA team! It is time to begin the search for the 2026-2027 PAMKA Board of Officers, Committee Chairs, Grade Representatives, and more. The Nominating Committee will be slating nearly 60 positions in February. Your input is critical in helping us fill these roles.

The online nominating form lists every position on the PAMKA Slate and allows you to nominate yourself or another parent for any open positions. The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 30.

As you review the various roles and responsibilities, please note:

• Self-nominations are strongly encouraged, as they support the Nominating Committee’s work in knowing what position(s) interest you.
• If you have any questions about any positions, please feel free to reach out to the Nominating Chairs.
• Please be assured that both the forms and the process are confidential. All nominations go through the committee's process.
• Being a parent volunteer is a great way to stay involved in your child's MKA experience, meet fellow parents, and give back to the community.

We look forward to hearing from you! Questions? Contact Nominating Chairs Meredith Gardner and Lauren Tabak Fass.

Stay Connected with PAMKA on Facebook

Join the MKA Parent Watercooler on Facebook.

Upcoming Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Meetings

• Wednesday, January 21, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — International & Expat Parent and Caregivers Meeting at the Middle School Library
• Thursday, January 29, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Single-Parents Affinity Group Meeting

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.

NEW Single-Parents Affinity Group Meeting — Thursday, January 29

Save the date for the first Single-Parents Affinity Group meeting on Thursday, January 29, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Upper School Large Conference Room.

Purpose: The Single-Parents Affinity Group brings together parents who are raising children on their own, whether by choice, circumstance, or loss, to build connection, share resources, and support one another. Our goal is to foster community and belonging while centering the student experience and helping every family thrive at MKA.

If you are interested in joining this new Single-Parents Affinity Group, please attend the first meeting or contact Edie Brennan, the Community Belonging Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Liaison.

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.

Exclusive Release: Valentine’s Day Sweatshirt

Fall in love with school spirit 💕 Our exclusive Valentine’s Day sweatshirt is here for a limited time only! Cozy, cute, and perfect for February (and beyond).

 Orders close on January 26—don’t miss out! Get yours today by visiting https://www.mka.org/schoolstore.