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About MKA

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School Information

School Information

Head of School: Nigel D. Furlonge

Primary School Campus 224 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ 07042 973-783-8805 Head of Campus: Yungjin Oh

Middle School Campus 201 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ 07042 973-746-9800 Head of Campus: Carlaina Bell, Ed.D.

Upper School Campus 6 Lloyd Road, Montclair, NJ 07042 973-783-8300 Head of Campus: David C. Flocco, Ed.D.

Main Phone Number: 973-746-9800 Website: mka.org

MISSION STATEMENT

MKA' s challenging, engaging, and innovative academic program provides a vibrant and transformative education. Our faculty ' s deep and genuine understanding of our students as individuals and as learners fosters their ethical development, intellectual growth, and personal success. MKA' s diverse, collaborative, and inclusive community inspires students to lead lives of noble character, purpose, and distinction.

Evidence of our mission is found in the Knowledge, Vision, and Integrity of our students and our alumni:

Knowledge

Academic excellence Intellectual independence Love of learning

Vision

Personal engagement with the world Understanding of human complexity A sense of humility and compassion

Integrity

Strength of character Responsibility as a citizen and leader An honorable and generous life

OUR SCHOOL AND OUR HERITAGE

An independent, coeducational day school located on three campuses, each with its own character, we are linked by strong traditions dating from 1887: vision; persistence; dedication among students, parents, faculty, 4

The heritage of Montclair Kimberley Academy comprises the histories of three schools: Montclair Academy, The Kimberley School, and Brookside School. Each has a rich and diverse tradition of a continual search for excellence.

Montclair Academy was founded in 1887 when a group of parents hired John G. MacVicar to prepare their sons for college. His philosophy emphasized giving attention to the individual' s "formation of character and the principles of truth and honor. " The counterpart for young ladies was founded in 1906 by Miss Mary Kimberley Waring. Miss Waring set high standards and ran The Kimberley School with warmth and legendary common sense.

Parents who wanted a " progressive and liberal" school for their children formed Brookside School in 1925. In 1950, Brookside School and Montclair Academy combined, and in 1974, merged with The Kimberley School to become Montclair Kimberley Academy.

Today the school is 1,000 students strong, with more than 200 faculty members on three campuses. Its original commitment to excellence and character continues with the same energy of its founders.

CHARACTER STANDARDS FOR THE MKA COMMUNITY

All members of the MKA community strive to act, speak, and think in ways that are:

Respectful: We act with civility in our relations with others while still valuing ourselves. We are conscious of the world around us and recognize the worth of all we have and treat it accordingly.

Friendly: We demonstrate good will and compassion in our relationships with others. We understand that in order to have friends we must be friends and treat all with understanding, loyalty, and respect.

Responsible: We fulfill obligations and complete tasks to the fullest of our ability, and we are accountable members of our community. We volunteer our assistance when called upon and budget our time, efforts, and resources sensibly.

Confident: We uphold a positive image of ourselves regardless of the way others perceive us. We recognize our potential and challenge ourselves to improve the talents and skills we possess. We are able to take pride in our work, while remaining humble and accepting criticism. We express our opinions freely without fear of the judgement of others and always speak up when we see acts of injustice.

Temperate: We balance all aspects of our lives. By devoting personal attention to academics and personal commitments, we maintain moderation. While welcoming relaxation, we exert self-control and strength of will when faced with temptation and challenge.

Fair: We cultivate an environment where all students may act and speak without the fear of prejudice, intolerance, or judgement. We recognize and seek to understand the differences between individuals in the community. While recognizing these differences, we also value the inherent equality among all.

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Informed: We rely not only on our own experiences to make decisions, but we also actively seek a more thorough understanding of the world. With our knowledge, we envision a more peaceful and empathetic society.

Honest: We understand the value and necessity of being true to ourselves, as well as others, and we are sincere in words and actions. We take pride in the authenticity of our own work and ideas, and we have the courage and integrity to take responsibility for all of our actions.

MKA’S PRINCIPLES OF PARTNERSHIP

Achieving MKA’s mission “to strengthen each student’s intellect, character, and confidence” is dependent upon a genuine and mutual partnership between our students’ teachers and parents. Collaboration and communication are hallmarks of the MKA experience, and we encourage all members of the community to act in accordance with MKA’s Character Standards, in ways that are respectful, friendly, informed, fair, and temperate. Through such a partnership the best interests of our students can truly be served.

It is expected that all MKA parents will:

Recognize that effective partnerships are characterized by clearly defined responsibilities, a shared commitment to collaboration, open lines of communication, mutual respect, and a common vision of the goals to be achieved.

Respect MKA’s responsibility to do what is best for the entire school community, while recognizing the needs of each individual student.

Familiarize themselves with and support the school’s policies and procedures.

Be their children’s first teachers in modeling behavior in accordance with MKA’s Character Standards.

Provide a home environment that supports the development of positive learning attitudes and habits that are consistent with those of the school.

Involve themselves in the life of the school, be it through volunteerism, support of arts and athletic events, or other means, to promote the best interests of their student.

Share with the school any cultural, medical, personal, or religious information that the school may need to best serve their child and the school community.

Seek to resolve problems and secure information through appropriate channels –classroom teacher/advisor, head of campus and head of school – in that order.

In the face of conflicts and challenges, treat everyone with respect and maintain an educational focus, rather than an adversarial tone.

While technology promotes 24/7 communications, understand that teachers are not available 24 hours a day, and that some questions and concerns are best addressed in person rather than by email.

Utilize the support of PAMKA when appropriate.

Believe that the cost of an MKA education is an investment in the educational development of their child.

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It is expected that all MKA faculty and administrators will:

Recognize that effective partnerships are characterized by clearly defined responsibilities, a shared commitment to collaboration, open lines of communication, mutual respect, and a common vision of the goals to be achieved.

Establish positive, professional relationships with students, characterized by mutual respect, warmth, and good will.

Develop and sustain partnerships with parents that support each student’s well-being and autonomy.

Participate in and contribute to an atmosphere of collegial support and adherence to professional standards, treating colleagues with the same respect that we expect students to demonstrate for their teachers and peers.

Initiate growth in their own intellectual and professional development, making full use of the extensive opportunities provided by MKA for such development.

Know the mission and policies of the school, and as they arise, raise questions or concerns with appropriate colleagues and administrators.

Understand that parent concerns and questions need to be addressed in a timely manner, no later than the next school day, and that appropriate time should be given for full and confidential discussions.

Model behavior in accordance with MKA’s Character Standards, and demonstrate integrity, intellectual curiosity, responsibility, and respect for all persons.

Model an appreciation for diversity of race, religion, culture, gender, sexual orientation, and learning styles.

Be teachers to students at all times; be committed to teaching ethics and character development in accordance with MKA Signature Programs and guiding philosophies.

Involve themselves in the life of the school, be it through attendance at arts and athletic events or other means, to support the interests of their students and colleagues.

Avoid and discourage gossip, rumors, or public judgements about parents, faculty, or students.

Enforce the expectations of MKA’s Code of Conduct for students in a fair, firm, compassionate, and educationally sound manner.

THE MKA EXPERIENCE

MKA is a school of thought that turns inquiry into insight. We intentionally foster balance in students’ lives so they can develop their infinite potential in and out of the classroom. Embracing a contagious go-for-it attitude, students confidently try anything on their distinct educational adventures, guided by faculty who love to learn and live to teach. As diverse as it is united, our community is strengthened by a commitment to good character, and together we celebrate each student’s success, individually defined.

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Montclair Kimberley Academy Board of Trustees 2022 - 2023

Officers

President: Naveen Ballem M.D., F.A.C.S.

’90 Vice-President: Paige L. Cottingham-Streater ‘79 Vice-President: Luke A. Sarsfield, III ‘91 Treasurer: Jeffrey G. Szilagyi Secretary: Stephanie A. Salzman

Merrick G. Andlinger Jennifer Barbetta Anya Barrett ‘89 James L. Bromley Caitlin DiRuggiero ‘06 Sybil Eng Clifford Finkle ‘92 Nigel D. Furlonge Tracy Higgins Tina Jordan Lauren Kaplan ’93 Kathleen M. Logan Robert J. Ruberton Matthew Sherman Alison Slone Craig Solomon Solomon Steplight ’93 Margaret Wager

Member Trustees

Honorary Trustees

Aubin Ames ‘54 John Garippa Alice Hirsh Michael V. Johnson Newton Schott

Advisory Trustees

David Crichlow Carolyn Everson Barry Ridings ‘70

Montclair Kimberley Academy School Song

Oh, MKA, we give to you Our constant thanks and praise,

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We pledge to you our loyalty, Your name we’ll always raise. What e’er the road our lives may take, Our friendships will stay true. Oh, MKA, Oh, MKA, Our song we sing to you. Oh, MKA, Oh, MKA Our thanks to those who went before And set a standard high: Knowledge, vision, integrity Great truths that never die. Within these halls and on these fields We wear the green and blue, Oh, MKA, Oh, MKA, Our song we sing to you.

Composed by Nixon Bicknell and Lois Riley in 1974

School Motto: Knowledge, Vision, Integrity School Colors: Navy Blue and Forest Green School Mascot: Cougar

THE MKA SEAL

After a school competition, the design of Betsy Benedict ‘76 won student and trustee approval. Her concept joined several symbols. The rising sun, a beginning, shines on the torch of knowledge. The palm fronds stand for achievement, the three arrows, for the schools combined in MKA. The motto, said Betsy Benedict, was in English “so that all who read it may understand it. ”

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