Academics

Mixed Me By Taye Diggs

Kindergarten students welcomed Paris McLean, Assistant Head of School for Diversity, Inclusion, and Antiracism to their classroom when he came to read a story by Taye Diggs. The story he shared explains how the main character, Mike, lives in the world as a biracial student.

Paris shared, “We all come from different backgrounds, have different identities, and walk our history. For me, the book is essential for our young people to recognize that difference isn't dangerous. As a biracial person, I could also share my personal background and identity with the students. The class was terrific: they remained engaged, made thoughtful predictions, and highlighted personal connections.”

Model Un Visits Brown University

Members of the Model UN Club at the Upper School, as well as Upper School teachers Isabel Janelli and Derek Morf, attended the 26th Annual Session of the Brown University Simulation of the United Nations. Hosted by the Brown Model UN program, the event allowed students to expand their understanding of global issues, develop critical thinking skills, and make new connections with other students who attended the conference.

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Celebrating Over 80 Years Of School Bells

Students at the Primary School began the 30th year of the handbell program this fall. Long-time Primary School music teacher Jane Smith started the “Brookside Bellringers” in 1989 when she moved from teaching at the Middle School to the Primary School and wanted to help the young musicians sing heartily, read music, count time, perform on a musical instrument, and participate in an ensemble. While this program for our youngest students has enjoyed great longevity, bell-ringing is one of MKA’s most enduring and unique traditions.

The original “Kimberley Bells” were purchased in England in 1937 by The Kimberley School (TKS) music teachers, Miss Bauer and Miss Carpenter. The first group of students learned to ring them in 1938, and while no formal group was created, the bells were available to students, and being a bell-ringer was seen as a very special role. Mrs. Smith’s Brookside Bellringers used these original bells from 1989 until 2007 when they started to disintegrate. New handbells and choirchimes were gradually introduced beginning in 2005, which allowed whole grade levels to play together.

8th grade

Annual Williamsburg Trip

The Bellringers have performed at MKA for All-School Gatherings, investitures of new Heads of School, Primary School concerts, assemblies at the Middle and Upper School, and Primary School Closing Exercises. The group has also performed off campus at Senior Care, the Short Hills Mall, Van Vleck House & Gardens, The Pleasantdale Chateau, The Manor, and the Highlawn Pavilion. The handbells have been an important and engaging tool to foster a love of music and learn technique at TKS and eventually MKA for over 80 years. We look forward to many more years of music and joy from the bells of the Brookside Bellringers!

Eighth graders explored Mount Vernon, Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestown, and the Yorktown American Revolution Museum on their annual class trip. They learned all about the people of the past through handson exhibits and activities, tours, and visits to archaeological sites. The power of place took them back in time to experience historical empathy as they saw, heard, felt, and sometimes smelled the past. This trip helps all students dive deeper into their research for their history papers.

STUDENTS EXPERIENCE NORTH AMERICA’S PREMIERE POETRY FESTIVAL Poetry came to life as 28 juniors and seniors from Paige Boncher's Art of Poetry classes traveled to NJPAC in Newark to attend the Dodge Poetry Festival. Students listened to readings and engaged directly with acclaimed poets like Sandra Cisneros, Sharon Olds, Patricia Smith, Yusef Komunyakaa (in some cases, even collecting their personal emails to continue their conversations!). The day was designed for high school students, and the poets tailored their talks to their audience, dispensing advice on writing and life for the budding poets in the audience.