Issue #32: April 16, 2026
Issue #32: April 16, 2026
Embedded Files
From the Principal
From the Principal
Dr. Jeff Wilusz
We often talk about curriculum and grades, but at the heart of every great classroom is a simple truth: students learn best when they feel understood.
In a recent piece by Larry Ferlazzo, "Want to Up Your Teaching Game? Listen to These Students," students shared what truly motivates them. One student noted that when teachers take the time to really "get" them, learning becomes personal. Another shared that simply being known by name and story, not just by a test score, makes all the difference.
At ACS, making sure every child feels seen and valued is our daily mission. We know that when a student feels they belong, their academic potential follows.
How can we support your child better? You know your child’s story best. If there are insights or small details that could help us connect with them more deeply, please reach out. We are proud to be your partners in their growth
Attendance During AP Exams - AP attendance Procedures will be shared with students early next week and we wanted to ensure you all got to see what the expectations were communicated out to students. Please note, students will have a supervised space to be in the event that they choose to stay at school throughout the duration of the regular day:
You are allowed time out of class to prepare for AP exams. This preparation needs to take place off of campus. You may not leave class and remain on campus.
For morning exams
You can take your study leave the day before the test starting at 11:40 (Tuesday at 11:35)
1 - Go to the class you were scheduled to go to and inform them that you have a test the next day and you will be taking AP study leave.
2 - Check out with the HS office
For afternoon exams
You can take your study leave the morning before your test. You need to be at school in time to take your exam. Please check in the HS office when you arrive.
Seniors last day of school is May 14, so the following pertains to 11th and 10th grade students
Attending AP classes after the AP exam weeks are completed:
Work in AP classes will stop after the date of the AP Exam. These will become study hall periods.
You will be able to leave school if your AP class(es) take place at the end of the day. To do this you will need to go to your AP class and get a blue pass from the teacher. This will allow you to leave campus. (Teachers will enter APT into PowerSchool for any student they hand a pass to)
If you have two AP classes back to back you can leave at the start of the first one.
If you have a study hall adjacent to an AP class you do not have to attend study hall
You may leave at lunch if your AP class is after lunch
On Tuesdays, depending on our schedule you may leave at the following times: 11:20 (Adjacent to SH) or 1:15.
If your day starts with an AP class you may arrive at the start of your first non-AP class. When you arrive at school please check in at the HS or Counseling Office
Service Week - Due to a combination of scheduling conflicts and the overlap with AP exams and Assessment Week, we will not be holding our annual Service Week this school year. While this is an important tradition in the High School, this pause ensures our students can remain focused on their upcoming academic requirements. We are already looking forward to rebounding with a strong and impactful program for the 2026/2027 school year.
HS Assessment Week - May 31 - June 3 marks our formal Assessment Week, with final unit assessments administered across all subjects. This will be students' only scheduled opportunity to demonstrate their learning before the semester ends on June 4. Please note that early assessments will not be offered. Students who miss assessments during this window will likely have limited evidence for teachers to evaluate, which may impact their final grades. During Assessment Week, students will be dismissed earlier than usual each day. Transportation will be available for students who regularly ride the bus.
Spring Concert - ACS Families are cordially invited to an evening of music and talent at our annual Spring Music Concert.
Date: Monday, May 11
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Venue: ACS Theatre
Admission: Free
Performances are an essential part of the learning process in the Performing Arts. By attending, you are not only enjoying a wonderful evening of music but also providing our students with an authentic performance experience and a supportive audience. We look forward to celebrating their hard work and artistry with you!
ACS Book Talks - The Learning Commons invites you to watch the following:
HS Couseling Office Announcements - Ms. Kurdi & Ms. Touchton-Leonard
HS Couseling Office Announcements - Ms. Kurdi & Ms. Touchton-Leonard
College Counseling Program
We had great energy in the building this week as we welcomed a representative from AUB Mediterraneo. Our juniors truly leaned in, showing great curiosity and engagement during the visit.
The highlight of the week was our Common App Brainstorming Session. We traded "writer's block" for creative breakthroughs through a series of interactive activities designed to unearth those unique personal stories. It wasn't just productive—it was a lot of fun to see the diverse ideas starting to take shape!
What’s Next?
Keep the Momentum: Juniors, don't let those ideas go cold! Continue refining your essay drafts while the inspiration from our session is still fresh.
Looking Ahead: Next week, we shift gears to another crucial piece of the puzzle: Letters of Recommendation. Start thinking about which teachers know your academic journey and character best.
All students and parents are reminded that they are always welcome to schedule counselor meetings. Grades 9&10 parents with Ms. Kate (ktouchtonleonard@acsamman.edu.jo) and Grades 11&12 with Ms. Kurdi (rkurdi@acsamman.edu.jo).
Social/Emotional Counseling Program
As we move into "Prom and Graduation Season," we are keenly aware that these milestones carry a lot of weight. To our students who have been evacuated: please know that you remain in our hearts and minds. Even across the distance, you are a part of these traditions and this community. We are celebrating your journey alongside those who are here on campus.
A Note for Prom Night
To those attending Prom tonight: enjoy every moment of this special celebration! I want to remind you all to look out for one another. Stay safe, make thoughtful choices, and ensure that everyone in your group feels looked after. Let’s make this a night to remember for all the right reasons.
We are so proud of the growth and resilience these students continue to display. Have a safe and wonderful weekend!
Transition Support
One of the most bittersweet parts of the school year is saying goodbye to students who are moving on and leaving Amman. Though I have only been in this role for a year, their presence has left a lasting impression, and they will be dearly missed. While I’m sad to see them go, I’m also excited for your family as you embark on this next chapter.
Please let me know if you would like to set up a meeting or call with me to support you during this time. The goal would be to provide tangible takeaways to help you navigate the coming months as your children move toward their next chapter.
If you would like to set up a time to meet, respond to this email with your availability over the coming weeks and we'll put something in the calendar.
As always, if you have any questions or would like to discuss anything further, please don’t hesitate to contact me at: ktouchtonleonard@acsamman.edu.jo
Our HS Counseling Team
Ms. Ruba Kurdi: College Counselor rkurdi@acsamman.edu.jo
Ms. Kate Touchton-Leonard ktouchtonleonard@acsamman.edu.jo
Ms. Ellen Hindeleh: Administrative Assistant ehindeleh@acsamman.edu.jo
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on the acceptances that are continuing to roll in! We are so proud of your achievements and know that you will be stars wherever you go!
Upcoming 2025-26 SAT Dates
Athletics/Activities Announcements: (Mr. Mo Hourani)
Athletics/Activities Announcements: (Mr. Mo Hourani)
Activities in Session: Location and Team Updates. To all Students and Parents. As our spring sports season is underway, we want to inform you of the protocols and adjustments we have implemented for all activities.
Location Update: All outdoor activities will continue to take place, noting that when we have the sirens, we move to Shelter in Place. Shelter in place for all outdoor activities will be the cafeteria.
Roster Updates: We are moving forward with our teams as "normal" while accounting for the departure of some of our student body. Coaches are prepared to adjust team sizes and positions accordingly.
Please check the ACS Activities Website Here for the final updated schedules, specific times, and locations for your sport. Students are expected to attend all scheduled sessions.
Open Gym Opportunities — Spring Term
We have open gyms running for several of our sports programs and all students are welcome to join
Girls Basketball — Mondays after school
Boys Basketball — Tuesdays after school
Girls Volleyball — Saturdays
For more information, reach out to the Activities Office at mhourani@acsamman.edu.jo.
ACS Activities Program: 2025–2026 - Stay up to date with all athletics, arts, and activities information by visiting our ACS Activities Website Here
HS Bus Riders Reminder - If you need to use the late bus but are not on the late bus roster, complete the form before 12:00 PM the same day.
Late Bus Sign-Up Form. - The late bus departs at 4:45 PM. Students not registered will not be accommodated.
Important Dates & Quick Links
Important Dates & Quick Links
Mark Your Calendars
Mark Your Calendars
April 27 - World Language Showcase (3:30 - 4:30 PM)
April 28 - HS AP Art Exhibition (3:15 - 4:00 PM)
April 29 - Senior Lock In
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.
Please find the HS PS Tutorial recording to give you a quick guide to help you navigate PowerSchool and generate some fruitful conversations at home.
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