UPPER SCHOOL UPDATES

Important Note Regarding Special Schedule

Please see this letter from Head of Upper School, Dr. Flocco, regarding a special schedule on Friday, October 17. Requirements may differ for each grade level. Please read this notice carefully.

FIRST Tech Challenge Practice Day — Sunday, October 12

MKA Robotics, the Upper School’s Robotics team, will be hosting a FIRST Tech Challenge Practice Day on Sunday, October 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Middle School Upper Gym.

Teams from across Northern New Jersey will be participating in this event. Activities will include practice scrimmages, opportunities to get assistance with coding, time to work on competition bots, and a chance to collaborate with other teams.

Please stop by to see MKA Robotics in action, cheer on the teams, and see what this year's competition is all about!

Host An Exchange Student From Chile

We need a few families to volunteer to host our exchange students from San Felipe, Chile, this February. This is an incredible opportunity to make friends and a family with someone completely new. You don't need to be taking Spanish to host. They will be visiting from the second week of February through the first weekend in March (just under four weeks), and here's a quick guide to hosting as well as a video from alumni who have hosted. Please email Mr. Bosc or stop by his office at the stairwell by the Dining Hall if you are interested.

Important Information for Junior Parents Regarding the Annual Washington, D.C. Trip

Please see this letter from Dean of Students Gillian Branigan and History Department Chair Kyle Salkin, which includes important information on the annual junior trip to Washington, D.C. The trip will take place from Wednesday, April 15, at 8:00 a.m., to Friday, April 17, at approximately 6:00 p.m.

Financial Aid Information Evening for Upper School Parents — Tuesday, October 14

Please join the College Counseling Office (CCO) for a VIRTUAL discussion and review of the college financial aid process on Tuesday, October 14, at 7:00 p.m. Our guest speaker is Hilary Ferrie, Associate Director of Undergraduate Financial Aid at Boston College.  **Zoom link to follow.

PSAT/NMSQT (Digital) for Sophomores and Juniors — Friday, October 17

MKA has registered all sophomores and juniors for the PSAT/NMSQT for Friday, October 17, at 8:00 a.m. No additional steps are necessary on your part. View this document for more details. For sophomores, the PSAT is a practice for the SAT. For juniors, the PSAT/NMSQT is a practice and also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (for students to become Commendees, Semifinalists, etc.). For further information, consult the online PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide.

Please note the school day will end when students are finished with the test (standard time–approximately 11:00 a.m.; extended time–12:30 p.m.). Lunch will be available for those who need to remain on campus for after-school activities.

At-Home Practice Digital ACT — Testing Window Begins Saturday, October 18

The testing window for the practice at-home ACT is from Saturday, October 18, to Monday, November 10. The College Counseling Office (CCO), along with Compass Education Group, will offer sophomores and juniors the opportunity to take a full-length, at-home, computer-proctored digital practice ACT test. Should your child wish to take this practice ACT, you MUST register online in advance using this link.

Standardized Testing Information Night for Students and Parents — Wednesday, November 5

Please mark your calendars for an upcoming presentation on “Navigating College Admission Tests,” led by Adam Ingersoll of Compass Education Group. This event will be available in person at the Upper School or via live stream on Wednesday, November 5, at 6:00 p.m. Please register using this link.

Important Upcoming Dates

• Friday, October 10 — Parent Social Grade 3
• Monday, October 13, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. — PAMKA Book Fair Meeting
• Thursday, October 16 — Jr-K Parent Social
• Thursday, October 16, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Common Ground Speaks: Author Ruth Whippman
• Friday, October 17 — Grade 6 Parent Social

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

Don’t Forget to Register for Common Ground Speaks

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.

Middle School Conference Day Volunteers Needed — Thursday, October 23

Middle School Conference Day is Thursday, October 23, and we like to keep our teachers nourished and energized as they get through their meetings. Please visit the MS Conference Day SignUp Genius to donate a food or beverage item or to help with set up/clean up. Any questions, please reach out to Michelle Willford.

Save the Dates for the Scholastic Book Fair — November 7-12

Be the Author of Your Own Story! The 2025 Scholastic Book Fair will be held Friday, November 7, through Wednesday, November 12. Join us as we celebrate books, uncover new stories, meet visiting authors, and participate in exciting events.

Please check out our webpage and stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks, including information about the full Book Fair schedule and opportunities to volunteer! Questions? Contact PAMKA’s Book Fair Co-Chairs Angie Tekriwal and Katie Cocco.

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 Sonia & Sumeet Datwani for hosting the KG Social and to April & Brett Straten and Margaret & Richard Wager for cohosting the 8th Grade Social this past weekend.   We are grateful for their hospitality and generosity.

• 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.

Stay Connected with PAMKA on Facebook

Join the MKA Parent Watercooler on Facebook.

Upcoming Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Meetings

Join us for the following Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group meetings:

• Monday, October 13, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Jewish Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Meeting
• Wednesday, October 15, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — AAPI Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Meeting
• Wednesday, October 15, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Muslim Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group
• Tuesday, October 21, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Parents & Caregivers of Gender Expansive Children 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.

Get Ready for MKA Homecoming Tomorrow!

Tomorrow, our community is joining together from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to celebrate Homecoming, for a day full of MKA pride, fall fun, and Cougar Pride. 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.

Last Chance to Register 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.

Did You Know? Your Gift to MKA Could Be Matched!

Many employers will match charitable contributions made by their employees, which means your support of the MKA Fund could go even further.

When you make your gift, don’t forget to check if your company has a matching program. Your donation and your company’s match will both count towards our goal of reaching 800 donors for MKA Day on November 20. It’s an easy way to double your impact for MKA students and teachers! Click below to see if your employer participates.

The archive of weekly tri-campus newsletters can be located on the homepage of your Veracross Portal.