OCTOBER 9, 2026
A Letter from Dr. Flocco: Updates on Special Schedule for October 16
Please see this letter from Head of Upper School, Dave Flocco, Ed.D., regarding details for the special schedule on Friday, October 16.
Homecoming Dance — TOMORROW
Join us "Under the Stars" tomorrow, October 10, from 7:00–10:00 p.m. at the Primary School Campus. All students in grades 9–12 are invited. Attire is semi-formal, and admission is $10. See the event flyer for additional details.
Virtual Financial Aid Information Evening — Tuesday, October 13
Please join us for a virtual discussion and review of the college financial aid process on Tuesday, October 13, at 7:00 p.m. for all Upper School parents. Our guest speaker is Hilary Ferrie, Associate Director of Undergraduate Financial Aid at Boston College.
*You will receive a Zoom link to the event as the date nears.
Digital PSAT/NMSQT Exam at MKA — Friday, October 16
MKA has registered all students in 10th and 11th grade for the PSAT/NMSQT exam on Friday, October 16, at 8:00 a.m. No additional steps are necessary on your part. View this document for more details.
For 10th-grade students, the PSAT is a practice for the SAT. For 11th-grade students, the PSAT/NMSQT is a practice exam 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.
Upper School Wellness Week — October 13–15
As we prepare for Wellness Week at MKA, we are excited to provide our students and families with opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage in conversations that support the health and well-being of our entire community.
As part of this work, we will also recognize LGBTQ+ Awareness Month. Our goal is to provide families with information and resources that can help them better understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ young people and consider how we can create an environment in which every student feels safe, respected, supported, and valued.
We are pleased to welcome Thomas Foley from HiTops as a keynote speaker during Wellness Week. Thomas will help provide our community with information and perspective around LGBTQ+ awareness, allyship, and creating supportive environments for young people. His presentation will complement the work already taking place within our Health & Wellness curriculum and our broader commitment to student well-being.
At MKA, we believe that wellness extends beyond physical health. It includes our mental and emotional health, our relationships with others, and our sense of belonging within our community. This means making sure that students from all backgrounds and identities know that they have a place here and that they are supported by the adults and peers around them.
Our intention is not simply to recognize one particular group, but to reinforce a broader MKA commitment: we support and care for all members of our community, particularly those who may experience marginalization or feel that they do not always have a voice or a place at the table.
Please see this letter from Thomas Foley, which provides additional information about his work with our students and what families can expect during Wellness Week.
We look forward to making Wellness Week an opportunity for learning, conversation, and connection for our students, faculty, staff, and families.
Free At-Home Practice Digital ACT: Sunday, November 1–15
The College Counseling Office (CCO), along with Compass Education Group, will offer sophomores and juniors the opportunity to take a free full-length, at-home, computer-proctored digital practice ACT test. The available testing window is from Sunday, November 1 through Sunday, November 15. Students will receive a score report that corresponds to the scoring used on the official ACT and will be able to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses on this standardized test.
Should your child wish to take this practice ACT, you MUST register online in advance.
The test is the new, shorter format; the Science test section is included. An additional benefit to taking a practice ACT is that students can compare this exam to their experience taking the PSAT, which is scheduled during the school day on Friday, October 16. Ideally, students should decide before the end of their junior year whether they want to continue taking the ACT or the SAT; this will allow them to focus their test prep efforts over the summer.
Save the Date: Annual Washington, D.C. Trip for Juniors — Wednesday, April 7
Attention Junior parents! Please read this letter from Gillian Branigan, Upper School Dean of Students, and Kyle Salkin, History Department Chair, which provides important information about this year’s Washington, D.C. trip that will take place from Wednesday, April 7 through Friday, April 9.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Saturday, October 10, 11:00–3:00 p.m. — Homecoming
- Monday, October 12, 8:15–10:00 a.m. — Book Fair Committee Meeting
- Tuesday, October 13, 7:50–8:20 a.m. — Kindergarten Science Open House
- Wednesday, October 14, 5:30–7:00 p.m. — Cougar Conversations for New Families (US Parents Only)
- Thursday, October 15, 5:30–7:00 p.m. — Cougar Conversations for New Families (PS/MS Parents)
- Monday, October 19, 8:15–10:00 a.m. — Book Fair Committee Meeting
Save the Date
- Thursday, November 5 - Wednesday, November 11 — Scholastic Book Fair
- Friday, November 6, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. — PS Pajama Night
- Monday, November 9, 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. — MS Book Fair Evening Edition
For a complete calendar listing of PAMKA events, please view the PAMKA calendar in Veracross.
🎃 Halloween Costume Drive — October 6–13
This week, MKA’s Primary and Middle Schools are kicking off a Halloween Costume Drive to support Wynona’s House, an organization that provides advocacy and support for children affected by abuse and neglect in Essex County.
Please send in any clean costumes (new or gently used) your family is ready to pass along. Costumes for children of all ages and sizes are welcome! Thank you for helping us make Halloween a little happier for our neighbors!
Volunteers and Donations Still Needed for Homecoming
Please drop off donations to the Upper School front desk by Friday, October 9.
Attention all Upper School parents! PAMKA is still looking for volunteers to help with ticket sales and spirit wear sales. Please use this link to volunteer.
9th grade: Please click here to donate chips
10th grade: Please click here to donate chips or pretzels
11th grade: Please click here to donate beverages
12th grade: Please click here to donate barbecue items or help man the grill
Fall Parent Socials
We have been enjoying connecting with fellow parents at our Fall Parent Socials! These fun gatherings are a great opportunity to meet new parents and reconnect with old friends. We’re excited to bring our parent community together for a few relaxed evenings this fall. Thank you to all the families that are hosting these events.
Friday, October 9 — Grade 4
Thursday, October 15 — Grade 10
Friday, October 16 — Grade 2
Saturday, October 17 — Grade 5
Please note: The Grade 12 parent social will be held in Spring 2027. Grade 12 parents will receive an update after spring break.
Please be on the lookout for an Evite from your grade representatives 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 Representatives.
KIPP New Jersey & PAMKA Tutoring Partnership
PAMKA will be offering a 1:1 parent-to-student tutoring opportunity at KIPP Newark SPARK Academy. Parent volunteers will work directly with students to provide individualized academic support and encouragement. No experience necessary—come join us!
If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, please reach out to Liza Helwig, PAMKA's KIPP NJ Tutor Coordinator, at lizalowell@gmail.com.
Common Grounds Speaks: Helping Our Kids Thrive in a Digital World — Tuesday, November 10
MKA is proud to be a member of Common Grounds Speaks (CGS), a consortium of parent associations from independent schools throughout Central and Northern New Jersey. CGS brings parents together to share education, information, and inspiration on topics that matter most to our families.
Join us on Tuesday, November 10 at 6:00 p.m. at The Wardlaw-Hartridge School for an evening with Max Stossel, award-winning poet, filmmaker, speaker, and Founder & CEO of Social Awakening, an organization dedicated to helping young people survive and thrive in today’s digital world.
Max will explore how technology is intentionally designed to capture our attention, how this can impact our children’s developing minds, and practical strategies families can use to navigate these challenges. View the flyer for more information.
REGISTER TODAY
Consignment Pop-Up Shops at the PAMKA Book Fair
PAMKA will be hosting spirit wear and dress code consignment pop-up shops at the upcoming Book Fair evening events—a great way to pass along gently used uniform pieces and help fellow families stock up for the school year. Please drop off at the Primary and Middle Schools in the collection bins starting on Monday!
📚 Donate today and shop during the Book Fair!
Connect with PAMKA on LinkedIn
Engage with parents on the PAMKA LinkedIn page, created as a resource to help our parent community connect beyond the school campus. This page provides opportunities for parents to network, share professional connections and expertise, support one another, and build meaningful relationships within our community.
We invite all parents to follow the page, connect with fellow MKA families, and help us grow this new resource together.
Stay Connected with PAMKA on Facebook
Join the MKA Parent Watercooler on Facebook.
Upcoming Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Meetings
- Wednesday, October 14, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — AAPI Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Meeting
- Wednesday, October 14, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Muslim Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group
- Monday, October 19, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — MOSAIC: Black Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Meeting
- Tuesday, October 20, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Parents & Caregivers of Gender Expansive Children Meeting
Stay up to date on Parent and Caregivers Affinity Group meeting dates for the 2026-2027 academic year using the Community Belonging calendar. For questions, please contact Edie Brennan, Community Belonging Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Liaison; Callie Bond, Associate Director of Community Belonging and Admissions Liaison; and/or Shawna Morton, Director of Community Belonging.
Upcoming Athletics Home Games
Show your Cougar pride this week and cheer on our student-athletes as they defend home turf! For full schedule details, check out the athletics calendar, and don’t forget to follow @mkaathletics on social media.
Friday, October 9
4:00 p.m. — Girls’ Varsity Soccer vs. Bloomfield High School (Van Brunt Field)
Saturday, October 10
10:00 a.m. — Boys Varsity Soccer Livingston High School Home Van Brunt
10:00 a.m. — Boys’ Junior Varsity Soccer vs. Livingston High School (MS Field)
11:00 a.m. — Girls; Junior Varsity Field Hockey vs. Montclair High School (Muenster Field)
11:00 a.m. — Girls’ Varsity Volleyball vs. Glen Ridge High School (US Gym)
12:30 p.m. — Girls Junior Varsity Volleyball vs. Glen Ridge High School US Gym
1:30 p.m. — Boys’ Varsity Football vs. Morristown-Beard School (Van Brunt Field)
Homecoming — TOMORROW
Come join us on Lloyd Road for Homecoming tomorrow, October 10, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.! This event is a fun-filled day for our entire community, with plenty of sports games, food, carnival games, and kid-friendly crafts to enjoy. You can also shop for MKA gear at the school store table.
All student tables (food and activities) require tickets for payment, and tickets are CASH ONLY. Credit cards will only be accepted for the school store. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please note: For those attending sports games on this day, the JV and Varsity soccer games will take place at 10:00 a.m. View the Homecoming flyer to learn more.
RSVP for Indigenous Peoples’ Day Movie Night — Monday, October 12
Join us on Monday, October 12, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., on the Green Roof for a special screening of the documentary The Precipice: The Erosion and Resilience of a Louisiana Community. The film explores the impact of climate change on the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe. Afterward, there will be a brief discussion on environmental resilience in our local community. This event is sponsored by the Science and World Languages Departments; all MKA community members are welcome! Light refreshments will be served.
Please use this Google Form to RSVP. For questions, please contact either Mrs. Barmas or Dr. Jacobs.
Last Chance to Register for the Annual Golf & Racquet Classic — Monday, October 26
Don’t miss your chance to register for the annual Golf & Racquet Classic taking place on Monday, October 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the Somerset Hills Country Club. Join fellow MKA parents, alumni, and supporters for an unforgettable day of friendly competition and camaraderie. Your support at this year’s outing does more than create a great day on the green—it strengthens the MKA experience for our students.
New this year: We've added Mahjong Open Play and a Mahjong 101 Clinic to the lineup!
Event proceeds will combine to create the MKA Athletics Challenge for MKA Day on November 19, our largest day of giving. This means your day out will inspire our entire school community to give back. Spots are limited, so make sure to secure your spot today! Registration ends on October 14.
Looking to make a broader impact? Sponsorships at all levels offer high-visibility brand exposure, strategic networking opportunities, and tax-deductible benefits. It's a win-win, supporting students while showcasing your brand to our engaged and dynamic community. You can view our sponsorships on our registration page.
[REGISTER TODAY]
The archive of weekly tri-campus newsletters can be located on the homepage of your Veracross Portal.