DECEMBER 12, 2025
US Winter Band Concert — TODAY
The Upper School Band Concert is happening today at 8:00 p.m. and will feature the Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensemble. Come hear music from "The Simpsons," from several Hans Zimmer movies, and a heavy metal mash-up with "Carol of the Bells." All are invited, and there is no admission fee. View the flyer for more information.
Come See the New Inquiry & Innovation Center — Wednesday, December 17
On Wednesday, December 17, we invite all parents of students in grades 8-12 to the Upper School for a very informal visit to the newly opened I&I Center. The evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Academic Center with brief remarks from Dr. Flocco and Dr. Sauer to explain the space and its intended use. Afterwards, our students will be available to give tours of the space. We anticipate concluding the evening around 8:15 p.m. We realize that the Middle School Chorale Concert is that evening. This is a hectic time of year, and our options for parents who want to see this space before the winter break are limited. Please know there will be other opportunities to see this space in the spring.
Spots Still Available for Global Experience Travel
There are still spaces available for our travel programs to the Dominican Republic (Spring Break), Greece (May Term for Seniors), China, Tanzania, and our Chile Exchange Program (All in June). If you want more info or an application, please check our Global Travel Info Doc and reach out to Cort Bosc with questions!
One More Host Family Needed for Our Chilean Exchange Students
This year, we celebrate the 14th anniversary of the IAC-MKA Student Exchange Program with Instituto Abdón Cifuentes (IAC) in San Felipe, Chile. We have six wonderful students joining our community for four weeks in February/March, and we are just one host family away from giving them all great homes for the month. The remaining exchange student in need of a host family is a female-identifying student. If you are interested and/or would like more information, please reach out to Cort Bosc.
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.
Order Your 2025-2026 Upper School Yearbook
The Upper School Yearbook is currently on sale. The cost of the yearbook is $78 per copy. 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.
Purchase a Senior Recognition Ad in the Yearbook
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.
As of November 1, 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 January 18, 2026. To purchase an ad, visit our publisher's website.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Tuesday, December 16, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. — PAMKA Spring Social Meeting (POSTPONED UNTIL JAN 13 2026)
For a complete calendar listing of events, view the PAMKA Calendar in Veracross.
Last Call to Support the Tri-Campus Hat, Scarf, Mitten, and Children’s Toy Drives
The annual Tri-Campus Hat, Scarf, Mitten, and Toy Drives this year will benefit Valley Settlement House and Toni’s Kitchen, and today is the last day to drop off donations or order online through Amazon wish lists. This is a wonderful way for our community to help keep local children warm and make their holidays a little brighter.
You can support the drives in two easy ways:
- Drop-Off Donations - Please bring new hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, and new, unwrapped toys for children ages 4–12. Please place items in the collection boxes located in the lobby of each campus.
- Order online through Amazon Wish Lists - Choose items from the Amazon Wish List links below and have them shipped directly to the organizations:
Amazon Wish List Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Log in to your Amazon account
- Click on the link for the drive(s) you’d like to support
- Select the item(s) you wish to purchase and add them to your cart. When you’re done shopping, click “Proceed to Checkout.”
- Under the address options, select Valley Settlement House or Toni’s Kitchen (these should appear at the top) so your items ship directly to the organization.
- Please do not ship to your home, and do not select gift wrap or gift note options.
- Choose your payment and shipping method and complete your order.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Primary School Engagement Chair, Ashley Hirsh. Thank you for your generosity and for helping MKA support our local children and families this season!
PAMKA Slate — Be a Part of Our Team
The nominating process for next year’s slate will begin in January 2026. As self-nominations are preferred, we encourage you to start considering which role(s) you may be interested in taking on. Additional information will be shared after we return from winter break. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact the Nominating Chairs, Meredith Gardner and Lauren Fass.
Save the Dates for Our PAMKA Spring Events
- PAMKA Spring Social — Friday, April 17
- Cougar Pride Day — Saturday, April 25 (Rain date Sunday, April 26)
Stay Connected with PAMKA on Facebook
Join the MKA Parent Watercooler on Facebook.
Important Notice Regarding Cold And Flu Season
Cold and flu season is upon us. In order to prevent widespread flu and other illnesses within the school, we recommend that your child stay home if experiencing flu or cold symptoms. Please include your campus nurse on emails regarding a child’s absence due to illness. To decide whether or not to send your child to school, please review the guidelines on our Health & Safety webpage.
- Rachael Masters, R.N., Primary School Nurse
- Debra Van Eerde, R.N., Middle School Nurse and Tri-Campus Nursing Supervisor
2026-2027 Preliminary Calendar
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.
Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Meetings
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, and/or Paris McLean, Assistant Head of School for Community Belonging.
EPE Winter Sessions — Registration Closes Today, December 12
Fight the winter blues with EPE! MKA is pleased to offer after-school care for your child(ren) in grades Jr-K to 8 through our Extended Play and Enrichment (EPE) program. After-school care is provided from the end of the school day until 6:00 p.m. each day.
Please visit the EPE webpage to familiarize yourself with the programs, schedule, and registration details. Questions? Please email Amy Pacifico and Amy Gonzalez.
Celebrate the Season of Generosity: Make Your Year-End Gift By December 31
As the year comes to a close, many choose this time to give generously to the organizations that matter most to them. MKA’s highest philanthropic priority is The MKA Fund, and we invite you to consider making a gift this holiday season.
Your generosity creates an immediate and meaningful impact, enriching the experience of every student and faculty member in our community.
Our goal is to reach 100% participation from families in every grade. Please consider making a gift to The MKA Fund before December 31 and contribute in a way that feels meaningful to you and your family. Thank you and happy holidays!
Holiday Favorites from the MKA School Store
Deck the halls in green and blue! Our school store is making gifting easy this year. From cozy wearables to spirited accessories, our holiday gift picks make celebrating the season even brighter. These hand-picked favorites are ready to add holiday sparkle and school pride to every celebration.
The archive of weekly tri-campus newsletters can be located on the homepage of your Veracross Portal.