August 24, 2025
Update on Food Service During Dining Hall Renovation
The dining hall renovation is progressing well, and we are looking forward to a greatly improved, beautifully renovated space for our community. While the work continues, we know that there are a lot of questions about MBS’s plans for food service this fall.
We are pleased to confirm that with the help of our dining partners at FLIK, MBS will continue to offer hot and cold lunch options for our students when they return to school.
As in previous years, there will be three lunch periods - two for upper school students, and one for the middle school.
Students will pick up their lunches from one of two serving lines set up in tents in front of the Math Science Center, and will be able to eat their lunch either outside, in one of our common areas, or even in one of their classrooms. There are certain spaces on campus, including science labs and the Athletic Center, where food will not be permitted during lunch.
As a reminder, students are not permitted to use third-party delivery services (DoorDash, etc) for food delivery during the school day.
MBS will continue to be a nut-free campus, and we will continue to have gluten-free options available for our lunch service. We will also continue to post allergen information next to the serving lines for our students.
In terms of our food offerings, we expect to offer many of the same menu items as before, but there will be a few differences until the dining hall reopens.
- We will have prepackaged salads available during this time in place of the salad bar.
- Access to our toasters and panini presses will not be available.
- We will be offering premade sandwiches and loose bagels, though the “make your own sandwich” station will be paused.
- Also, during this time, we will not be able to provide a la carte breakfast or after-school food service.
While we are grateful to be able to offer lunch during our construction, we recognize that some of these temporary changes may be frustrating to you or your student(s), and, at first, there may be slightly longer wait times for food. We ask for your patience during this time as we work with our partners at FLIK to make adjustments as needs arise.
The Office of DEIB Announcement
With the start of the school year quickly approaching, we wanted to make you aware of some changes to the Office of DEIB. Klarissa Karosen P’26, ’28, Director of DEIB, has decided not to return to MBS this year. We sincerely thank her for her work and leadership over the past ten years and wish her the very best as she pursues the next chapter of her professional life.
The School remains committed to continuing the work of the Office of DEIB as outlined in the Strategic Plan, and we have made some adjustments to ensure that the office is appropriately staffed. Tahj Valentine ‘18 will continue in his role as Associate Director of DEIB, assuming some additional responsibilities. Andrea Wilson P’29, ‘31, a member of the History Department faculty, has joined the Office of DEIB as an Interim Associate Director on a part-time basis. Andrea and Tahj will be working in partnership to manage the School’s DEIB initiatives this year. Later this year, the School will begin a search for a Director of DEIB and will post a job description at that time.
We welcome Andrea to the Office of DEIB, and we thank both Tahj and Andrea for stepping up to assume these responsibilities this year!
New & 9th Grade Parent/Guardian Orientation — Wednesday, August 27
All new and 9th Grade parents and guardians are invited to join us for an orientation meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27 in Founders Hall. This parent/guardian event will provide information about the opening days of School and introduce you to a number of the adults on campus who will work with your children throughout the year.
New & 9th Grade Student Orientation — Thursday, August 28
Upper and Middle School Orientation (for all 6th and 9th grade students as well as new 7th, 8th, 10th, and 11th Grade students) will take place on Thursday, August 28, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Dismissal times are grade-dependent. There will be a 1:00 p.m. dismissal for the Middle School, a 2:30 p.m. dismissal for 9th grade, and a 12:30 p.m. dismissal for grades 10 and 11. Students should bring their iPad/laptop, wear sneakers, and bring a water bottle. Lunch will be provided.
Middle School drop-off and pick-up will be at the Middle School drop-off area behind the Middle School building. Upper School students should be dropped off at Senior Circle near Wilkie Hall at the front of the School.
The 9th graders will be picked up in Senior Lot at the bottom of campus, while the 10th and 11th graders will be picked up by Senior Circle.
After drop-off, students will proceed to Founders Hall to check in, at which point they will receive a folder that will include the name of their advisor. They will then head into the theater for the initial presentation.
Please click here for a map of campus.
Parent/Guardian Sign In/Out Procedure
Please click here for detailed information regarding our parent/guardian sign in/out procedure.
Community Day — Tuesday, September 2
To help students forge connections with their classmates, each grade will participate in programming on Community Day.
The school day will begin as normal at 8:00 a.m., with the following dismissal times:
Convocation Day — Wednesday, September 3
We will celebrate the beginning of the academic year with a Convocation ceremony on Wednesday, September 3. This is a dress-up day. The remainder of the day will follow a modified schedule in which all classes will meet for an abbreviated time.
The school day will begin as normal at 8:00 a.m., with the following dismissal times:
First Day of Classes — Thursday, September 4
The first day of classes will be held on Thursday, September 4, beginning with advisory at 8:00 a.m. This is a dress-up day and will follow an “A” day schedule.
Parents Association Welcome Coffee — Monday, September 8
Join us for a welcome coffee to celebrate the start of a new school year! We will gather on campus from 8:15 to 9:00 a.m. Please park in the Frelinghuysen Arboretum. Please contact Alexis Benbassat P'23, '26, Robin Grapkowski P'29, or Director of Special Events & Parents Association Liaison Keri Skobo-Trought with any questions.
Homecoming & Reunion — Friday, September 26 - Saturday, September 27
Kick the weekend off on Friday, September 26, with a Friday Night Lights varsity football game vs. Dalton at 6:00 p.m. At halftime, we'll be running the Kirby Mile, so lace up those running shoes!
On Saturday, September 27, classes celebrating a special anniversary (years ending in 5s and 0s) will have the opportunity to gather for their reunions. All are welcome to take a campus tour, and attend a special alumni BBQ for ALL alumni and their families.
Register today!
Student Weekly Schedules
We are using an updated 8-day rotating schedule this year. You may view the Middle School schedule here and the Upper School schedule here.
Delayed Wednesdays Schedule
We will once again have a late start to the school day on select Wednesdays for the upcoming year. Occurring once or twice a month, these Wednesday mornings will provide faculty the opportunity to meet, engage in important professional development, and further discuss the work they do with their students. You may view the dates here.
Dress-Up Day Schedule
Click here to view the dress-up day schedule for the year.