UPPER SCHOOL UPDATES

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.).
4. 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.

Important Upcoming Dates

• Monday, September 29, 8:15 - 10:15 a.m. — PAMKA Book Fair Meeting
• Tuesday, September 30, 8:15 - 9:30 a.m. — Meet the Counselors Coffee
• Friday, October 3 — Parent Social for Kindergarten and Grade 8
• Friday, October 10 — Parent Social for Grade 3

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

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.

Jr-K–12 Parent Coffee: Meet the Counselors — Tuesday, September 30

MKA's school counseling team will provide a brief overview of the tri-campus counseling program on Tuesday, September 30, at 8:15 a.m. in Higgins at the Middle School. Hear about the Office of Student Support and how the counselors collaborate with members of the Academic Support team, and learn what you can expect for support for Jr-K–12 students. There will also be time for Q&A for campus-specific questions. Coffee and refreshments will be served.

Thank you to all those who have RSVP’d. We can’t wait to see you there!

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.

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 Ashley & Craig Hirsh for hosting the fourth-grade social, to Jamie & Matt Reichstein for hosting the fifth-grade social, and to Justyna and Jan Kwapniewski for hosting the eleventh-grade on-campus social this past weekend. We are grateful for their hospitality and generosity.

• 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.

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:

• Wednesday, October 1, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. — Admissions & Office of Community Belonging - International & Expat Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Breakfast
• 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

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.

International Parent Affinity Group Breakfast — Wednesday, October 1 

Are you living in the U.S. temporarily, or have you recently returned to the U.S. after living abroad? Come meet others who have had the same experience and share your story on Wednesday, October 1, from 8:15 - 9:15 a.m., in the Middle School Higgins Common Room.

To RSVP, please contact Callie Bond, Associate Director of Community Belonging and Admissions Liaison.

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.