Issue #13: November 14, 2024
Issue #13: November 14, 2024
Embedded Files
From the Principal
From the Principal
Dr. Jeff Wilusz
Good Afternoon
In today’s evolving educational landscape, there’s a growing emphasis on developing students’ skills in critical thinking, collaboration, and self-directed learning—key abilities for thriving in today’s world. Dr. Tony Wagner, a renowned education expert, highlights this shift: “The world doesn’t care what you know. What the world cares about is what you can do with what you know.” Today’s students, accustomed to quick access to information and digital interactions, are in a unique position to build these skills. Habits like frequent online research, collaborative gaming, and social networking already help students practice problem-solving and teamwork. We can encourage them to apply these habits toward their studies by supporting thoughtful discussions about what they’re learning and guiding them to set goals that connect schoolwork with real-world applications.
Simple actions—such as letting them take the lead on planning their study time, encouraging them to reach out to classmates for group study, and discussing articles or current events—can reinforce their abilities to think critically and work independently. Together, we can help prepare your children for success in a fast-paced world that values adaptability and skill in action.
These educational trends align closely with our mission at ACS to cultivate well-rounded individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also adaptable, resourceful, and ready to contribute meaningfully to society. By fostering these essential skills, we aim to prepare students for success in both their personal and professional lives, equipping them to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Thank you for partnering with us on this journey!
HS Learning Series: Hope, Efficacy, & Achievement Reminder - Join us for our upcoming HS Learning Series (Wednesday, November 20 @ 8:15 a.m.), focusing on Hope, Efficacy, & Achievement. This session will explore the strategies for fostering a hopeful mindset, building self-efficacy, and boosting academic success. Parents will gain some insight on the practical tools teachers use to inspire resilience and motivation, helping students reach their full potential in both their academic and personal growth. We will also address questions/feedback from our first Learning Series session.
HS Couseling Office Announcements - Ms. Kurdi & Ms. Collings
HS Couseling Office Announcements - Ms. Kurdi & Ms. Collings
PSAT SCORES- The College Board has announced that PSAT scores will be released to students (grades 9-11 who took the PSAT on October 29th) online on November 14th. Students in grades 10 and 11 should log into their personal College Board account to access their scores. Students in grade 9 do not yet have a College Board account; the Counseling Office will distribute scores to grade those students next week. Grade 10 students who do not have a College Board account can request their scores from the Counseling Office.
The College Board has shared two resources that may be helpful for students and families to interpret their PSAT Scores: PSAT/NMSQT: Understanding Scores for Students and Families (Grades 10 and 11) and PSAT 8/9: Understanding Scores for Students and Families (Grade 9). Please contact the Counseling Office with any questions or assistance.
Lots of colleges are visiting us this month! This week we hosted a college fair with 12 representatives, and we have 14 more representatives lined up to visit us next week! We’re thrilled to provide such opportunities to our students who get to meet with so many college representatives in person. Parents are reminded that they are more than welcome to attend too! Check out our college visits calendar, and feel free to join us!
Some juniors’ families that weren't able to attend college night with Ms.Kurdi last week were asking about the presentation slides. This is the presentation that was shared.
All seniors’ families are reminded to submit the CSS profile to US universities that require it for financial aid. Also, the following came into Ms. Kurdi’s inbox from UC San Diego and is a good reminder for all US citizens regarding their applications: “The Department of Education has delayed the release of the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to December 1, 2024. This delay provides extra time for students to gather the necessary documents and ensure a smooth application process once the form becomes available. Students and families are encouraged to prepare early. Mixed-status families, in particular, should consider starting the process to obtain their FSA-ID now, as it is required to complete the FAFSA.”
You’re encouraged to visit our College Counseling website where some highlights are:
* Scholarships and Competitions
* In a Nutshell
Got more college questions? Ask Ms. Kurdi directly (rkurdi@acsamman.edu.jo), or schedule a meeting by emailing Ms. Ellen (ehindeleh@acsamman.edu.jo).
Our HS Counseling Team is:
Ms. Ruba Kurdi: College Counselor rkurdi@acsamman.edu.jo
Ms. Christine Collings: HS Counselor ccollings@acsamman.edu.jo
Ms. Ellen Hindeleh: Administrative Assistant ehindeleh@acsamman.edu.jo
The acceptances are still rolling in …. Congratulations, Class of 2025!!
University Visits
University Visits
Here are the dates and registration deadlines for the upcoming SAT test for those who are planning on taking the tests. Please note that there is no late registration.
SAT registration link: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/international
School Code: 54202
ACS Amman is the testing center and will not show up in the drop-down list. You must enter our code, 54202, in order to select our school as a testing center.
Athletics/Activities Announcements: (Jacob “Chip” Nielsen)
Athletics/Activities Announcements: (Jacob “Chip” Nielsen)
Athletics and Activities website- This is our central hub for athletics and activities information
NEW Calendar!!! https://sites.google.com/acsamman.edu.jo/activities/calendars
Upcoming
AAC Tournaments this weekend
Cross Country AAC @ Wasfi Al Tal Parking Lot Location.
Activities Registrations
Athletic signups for season two are open in PowerSchool and will close Sun Nov. 17th @ 11am
ASA’s after-school activities are open in PowerSchool and will close Thurs. Nov. 21st @ 9am
Season two (Will begin the mid-to-late November week of the 24th)
HS Boys Basketball (SAISA/AAC)
HS Girls Basketball (AAC/SAISA)
Track and Field (SAISA/AAC)
Tennis (SAISA Invitational)
HS Girls Football (SAISA)
PowerSchool registration will open Sunday, November 10th; make sure you register if you are interested in trying out/participating
Busing
If your HS child receives ACS busing transportation, they are also eligible for the HS Activities late bus which departs @ 4:45pm. Please see the Athletics and Activities page for more information.
Medical
Be sure to update your child’s medical information with the Health Office (Nurse Hiyam) and in PowerSchool.
Important Dates & Quick Links
Important Dates & Quick Links
Mark Your Calendars
Mark Your Calendars
Nov 27 - StuCo Fall Potluck
Nov 28 - November Break **No School**
Nov 29 - Dec 1 - HS ISTA - Italy
Dec 4 - MS/HS Theater Showcases
Dec 6 - Helping for the Holidays
Dec 10 - HS Arts Showcase & Music Concert
Dec 12 - 9/10 Homecoming Social
Dec 15-19 - HS Assessment Week
Dec 19 - End of First Semester
Quick Links
Quick Links
The HS Weekly Update is sent out to students each weekend and updated daily. Feel free to bookmark the link so that you can see what is going on in the HS from the students' perspective.
Help Navigating PowerSchool - The How to View Grades from Parent Portal is a quick reference to help guide you through the intricacies of PowerSchool. As always, if you notice something “off” or have questions, please reach out to teachers after speaking through it with your child(ren) and they can help.
HS Learning Series - The HS Learning Series folder contains each session that we conduct throughout the school year. Please feel free to access it at your convenience. We will also keep the feedback form live so that you can provide us with information on what you would like to learn/see at upcoming sessions.
Please find the HS PS Tutorial 24/25 recording to give you a quick guide to help you navigate PowerSchool and generate some fruitful conversations at home.
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