UPPER SCHOOL UPDATES

Support REMIX at the International A Cappella Championship — Tomorrow

MKA’s a cappella group, REMIX, will be competing in the Varsity Vocals International Championship of High School A Cappella (ICHSA) tomorrow, Saturday, February 7, at 7:00 p.m. in Ramsey, NJ. This competition is the only international tournament that showcases the art of student a cappella singing. Come out for a night of great music and to support REMIX as they perform and compete. Please use this link to purchase your tickets.

Important Update on Senior Health & Wellness Curriculum and Sports Betting

As we approach Super Bowl Sunday, please see this letter from Rob Leather, Upper School Health, Wellness, and Physical Education Department Chair, outlining how sports betting is addressed in the Senior Health & Wellness curriculum and sharing related resources for families. If you have questions, please contact Rob directly at rleather@mka.org.

Reminder: CCO Sophomore College Information Evening — Wednesday, February 18

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 Wednesday, February 18, at 7:00 p.m. in the Upper School Dining Hall.

Please note: Due to the snowstorm, this program was rescheduled from our original date of Tuesday, January 27.

CCO Ninth Grade Student & Parent Evening — Monday, February 23

Please join us on Monday, February 23, at 6:00 p.m., for our Ninth Grade Student/Parent Evening, when we welcome Mr. Greg Moyer, Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Director of Admissions Recruitment at Dickinson College, to speak about “Making the Most of the High School Years.” His remarks will be helpful to both students and parents.

Please take a moment to register for the event using this link, so we can plan accordingly. We look forward to seeing you on the 23rd!

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.

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.

Information for Junior Parents Regarding Annual Washington, D.C. Trip — April 15-17

Attention Junior parents! Please read this letter from Gillian Branigan, Upper School Dean of Students, which provides important information about this year’s Washington, D.C. trip that will take place from March 26-28.

Please make sure to complete the required consent form (included in the letter) by Friday, March 6.

Important Upcoming Dates

• Tuesday, February 10, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. — PAMKA Spring Social Meeting

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

Winter Coat and Sweater Drive — ENDING TODAY

PAMKA is hosting a Coat and Sweater Drive to benefit MESH Montclair, a local non-profit organization dedicated to helping Montclair’s vulnerable homeless adults and families, ending today, Friday, February 6. We are collecting used/new ADULT coats, ADULT sweaters, and other essential items. Drop-off bins for coats and sweaters will be located at the Primary, Middle, and Upper Schools. Online donations of other essentials can be made via the MESH Amazon Wish List. Select the address "MESH Executive Director, Joe Granger, Montclair, NJ" so that your items will be sent directly to the organization.

Questions? Contact Upper School Community Engagement Chair Erica Ajayi.

Middle School Student vs. Faculty Basketball Game — TONIGHT

We look forward to seeing everyone at the basketball game tonight. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Pizza, wings, drinks, and baked goods will be available for purchase in the dining hall. Admission is $10 per person or two canned /dry goods per person. All canned/dry food items will be donated.

Please see the schedule below:

• Dinner and Bake Sale: 6:00 - 6:45 p.m. in the dining hall
• Students sing the national anthem with the band!
• Sixth and Seventh Grade Game: 7:00 - 7:30 p.m.
• Eighth vs Faculty Game: 7:40 - 8:30 p.m.

Volunteer or Donate for Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day — Wednesday, February 25

We will be celebrating MKA’s faculty and staff on Wednesday, February 25. Please help us show our amazing faculty and staff how much we appreciate their hard work by volunteering to help with set-up and/or clean-up that day, or by bringing in food or beverage items for them to enjoy. Please sign up below:

• Primary School (Questions? Contact Besa Owen)
• Middle School (Questions? Contact Michelle Willford)
• Upper School (Questions? Contact Maggie Marotta)

Save the Date: Cougar Pride Day — Saturday, April 25

Cougar Pride Day will be held on Saturday, April 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Van Brunt Field (rain date Sunday, April 26). Join us for an unforgettable day filled with carnival games, thrilling inflatables, creative arts and crafts, exciting field activities, and captivating showcases from our student clubs.

Get ready to show off your Cougar Pride! This year, our students competed in a t-shirt design competition for Cougar Pride Day. Stay tuned for more details on the winning design and where to order your one-of-a-kind Cougar Pride Day t-shirt.

Do you have Spirit Wear and Code of Attire clothing that has been outgrown? The Cougar Consignment is back—an initiative that gives you the chance to rehome those lightly used MKA clothes and to shop at Cougar Pride Day. There will be a formal donation collection at the schools from March 30 to April 13.

Questions? Please contact Amira Artis or Aparna Shah.

Upcoming Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Meetings

• Tuesday, February 10, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Muslim Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group meeting
• Thursday, February 26, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. — Black History Month Dinner

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.

2026-2027 Transportation Form — Due February 10

If you are interested in shuttle or van transportation for the 2026-2027 school year, please complete the registration form as soon as possible, but no later than Tuesday, February 10. Final routes and confirmations will be provided to families in April.

If you have any questions, please contact Eileen Richardson or Codi Hirst.

Re-enrollment Contracts for the 2026-2027 School Year — Due February 11

Re-enrollment contracts for the 2026-2027 school year were released via e-mail on January 28.  Families should complete their enrollment via Veracross. The deadline to return your contract and deposit to reserve your place for next year is Wednesday, February 11. Families applying for financial aid will receive their contracts in late February.

If you have any questions, please contact Alyson Waldman, Director of Enrollment Management, Admissions and Financial Aid, or call (973) 509-7930. We look forward to welcoming you back to MKA next year!

Join Us for a Special Black History Month Dinner with Jillian Jones ’15 — Thursday, February 26

The Upper School Black Student Affinity Group and MOSAIC (Parents and Caregivers of Black Students Affinity Group) are excited to invite you to the 2026 Black History Month Dinner on Thursday, February 26, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Upper School Dining Hall. This celebratory evening is open to all MKA families, faculty, and staff. Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with food, community, and our special guest speaker, Jillian Jones '15.

Please RSVP by completing this form. If you are interested in bringing food, please take a moment to fill out this sign-up sheet.

All RSVPs and food sign-ups are due by February 20. Questions? Contact Tony Jones and/or Callie Bond.

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.