OCTOBER 3, 2025
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.
Upper School Back to School Night — Thursday, October 9
Back-to-School Night will take place on Thursday, October 9. This evening will allow you to meet your child’s teachers and advisor, and learn more about course content and departmental policies.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Parking around the Upper School is challenging. You may park in any spot overlooking Van Brunt Field, in Walden Lot (and the adjacent overflow space installed because of the construction), or along Lloyd Road. Please plan to arrive early and be mindful of street signs and our neighbors' driveways. The lot located at the rear of the school is reserved for faculty and staff use only. Some families have found rideshares convenient for this event. Please view this map for parking instructions.
- Your child’s schedule will be available via Veracross. We will send you instructions on accessing the schedule the Tuesday before the event (October 7), and you can view it on your phone. A help desk will be located in the main lobby if you encounter any problems accessing the schedule in advance.
- Please join us at 5:30 p.m. in the Upper School Dining Hall for our Global Experiences kick-off. Mr. Bosc, Director of MKA’s Global Experience, will introduce this year's slate of trips in advance of a more detailed and informative Global Experience Evening on November 5. We will also showcase how students can engage with the world beyond our walls (clubs, cultural societies, competitive organizations, etc.).
- Refreshments will be available throughout the evening in the Dining Hall. Please join us during a free period and pursue the Global Experience opportunities for the year.
Here is the schedule you can expect for the evening:
Global Experience Kick Off — Thursday, October 9
We will be hosting the Global Experience Kick Off on October 9, at 5:30 p.m. in the Upper School Dining Hall. This event is intended to highlight all the ways Upper School students can engage with the world beyond this one. Parents and students are welcome to attend. Please stop by before Back to School Night if you would like to hear more about any of the following:
- MKA sponsored travel opportunities that will be offered this year and in future years, as well as all you need to know about timing, registration, application, financial aid, etc.
- Model UN and other clubs and leadership organizations with a global focus
- Cultural Societies and Affinity Spaces on campus
- Social Action and Community Engagement opportunities with a global focus
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.
Save the Date: 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 3 — Parent Social (Kindergarten and Grade 8)
- Friday, October 10 — Parent Social (Grade 3)
- Monday, October 13, 8:15 am - 9:15 am — PAMKA Book Fair Meeting
- Thursday, October 16, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm — Common Ground Speaks: Author Ruth Whippman
For a complete calendar listing of events, view the PAMKA Calendar in Veracross.
Homecoming Volunteers Needed on Saturday, October 11
You are invited to join the MKA Community for a fun-filled day of food, football, and more! MKA students, parents, alumni, and guests will all celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, October 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (6 Lloyd Road, MKA Upper School).
We’re also looking for help with ticket sales and MKA spirit wear sales. Please volunteer for fun jobs during or after the event. We need parent volunteers to assist with sales, setup, and breakdown at the MKA Spirit Wear Table and Tickets Tables.
Please review the available slots here and click the button to sign up. Your help is greatly appreciated!
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.
Save the Date for the Scholastic Book Fair — November 7-12
Be the author of your own story! The 2025 Scholastic Book Fair will be held on Friday, November 7, through Wednesday, November 12. Join us as we celebrate books, uncover new stories, meet visiting authors, and participate in exciting events.
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.
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.
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.
- 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:
- 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
- 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
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.
Tri-Campus Counselor Coffee Recap
Missed the event? Here's what we covered:
We explored strategies for helping children develop resilience, referencing the article "How to Help Kids Learn to Fail." Parents also received this additional resource to support their children's growth.
For questions or concerns, please contact Daniella Kessler, Director of Counseling.
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.