WGO - HS Archive: Nov 21

WGO

Issue #14: November 21, 2024

ES Matters

MS Updates

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From the Principal

Dr. Jeff Wilusz

Good Afternoon

As discussions about cellphone use in schools gain momentum, many districts and states have implemented bans, citing concerns about students' mental health, focus, and engagement. However, in his recent article "Why School Cellphone Bans Are a Bad Idea", Brandon Cardet-Hernandez—a former principal and current president of the education technology company Mrs. Wordsmith—urges schools to rethink this approach.

Cardet-Hernandez highlights the potential of smartphones as learning tools, particularly in under-resourced communities where phones often serve as calculators, translators, and mini-computers. He emphasizes that technology, including app-based learning tools, can play a critical role in enhancing education. For instance, some teachers use apps to engage students while conducting small-group instruction, enabling personalized support that addresses both academic and social-emotional needs.

Research supports these practices. Schools integrating digital tools have reported improved learning outcomes and increased student engagement. For example, in Savannah, Georgia, voice-recognition technology helped reduce the percentage of students reading below grade level by 7%. Additionally, adaptive technologies now allow teachers to customize learning materials for English-language learners, students with disabilities, and advanced readers, making classrooms more inclusive and effective.

As Cardet-Hernandez points out, this is a pivotal moment to lean into technology rather than shy away from it. With the rapid growth of generative AI and other tools, we have unprecedented opportunities to create innovative, equitable, and engaging learning environments.

We encourage you to reflect on this perspective and share your thoughts as we work together to prepare our students for a tech-driven future.

Navigating PowerSchool - As mentioned in this week's Learning Series, 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.

HS Learning Series: Hope, Efficacy, & Achievement Reminder - Thank you to everyone who was able to make it to Wednesday’s HS Learning Series around Hope, Efficacy, and Achievement. As promised, the following are the documents/videos we went over:

We house our Learning Series sessions in the “Important Dates & Quick Links” section of the WGO for you to access at your convenience. We look forward to seeing you all again at our next Learning Series in December!

HS Couseling Office Announcements - Ms. Kurdi & Ms. Collings

PSAT SCORES - Most students have been able to access their PSAT scores successfully. As a reminder, the College Board has announced that PSAT scores were 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 distributed scores to those students last week. Grade 10 students who do not have a College Board account can request their scores from the Counseling Office. Please email Ms Ellen at ehindeleh@acsamman.edu.jo with any questions about accessing scores.

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.

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 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

* Events and Virtual Sessions

* Camps and Courses

* 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

Lots of colleges visited us this month! We’re thrilled to provide such opportunities to our students who get to meet with so many college representatives in person. We’re excited that a few parents joined us this week too. As always, the representatives were so impressed with our well-informed and respectful high school students. You rock, ACS high school students!

Congratulations to our seniors who have been accepted to their best-fit colleges! These students have worked diligently to find institutions that align with their academic goals, personal interests, and future aspirations. Each acceptance is a reflection of their hard work, dedication, and the thoughtful college search process. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited for the next steps in their educational journeys.

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 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

Season two of sports is starting up; make sure you check out the Activities Site for start dates.
Next week there will not be practices from Nov. 28th-Nov.30th due to the holiday weekend

Busing

If your HS child receives ACS busing transportation, they are also eligible for the HS Activities late bus which departs @ 4:45 pm. 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

Mark Your Calendars

Nov 27 - StuCo Fall Potluck
Nov 28 - November Break **No School**
Nov 29 - Dec 1 - HS ISTA - Italy
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

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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