College Counseling Program

Our juniors were expected to create their first balanced college list and to share it with their parents by now. We hope that conversations at home have helped students get some direction on where to focus their attention. Juniors are meeting individually with Ms. Kurdi now to discuss those lists. Parents can see their student’s list directly by using their parent MaiaLearning login credentials. Not sure about your credentials? Email Ms. Ellen (ehindeleh@acsamman.edu.jo). 

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! They are off to great places soon, and we are so proud of their achievements! 

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 the final stretch of the school year, our ACS family remains spread across continents. With the recent extension for students in the U.S. and the start of evacuations for our Canadian families this week, our "campus" currently spans multiple time zones. Whether you are navigating the daily rhythm in Amman or joining us remotely from abroad, you remain a vital part of this high school.

The regional landscape remains complex, and we recognize the weight of the sirens and the uncertainty of the skies. Yet, your ability to carry on—playing sports, making art, and showing up for your friends—is a testament to the strength of this student body.

Academic Milestones & The Road Ahead

Despite the logistical shifts, the important work of being a student continues. We see the dedication required to meet these benchmarks:

• Seniors: University decisions are arriving, and the finish line is in sight. As you celebrate these milestones, stay focused on your final requirements and upcoming AP exams.

• Juniors: With the SATs behind you, your focus now shifts toward AP preparation and stepping into leadership roles for next year.

• 9th & 10th Graders: You are finalizing your schedules for next year while maintaining the day-to-day rigor of your current courses.

Staying Engaged and Connected

The remainder of the year typically moves very quickly. To ensure a successful conclusion to the semester, it is essential that all students—both in Amman and those learning remotely—prioritize the following:

1. 1. Proactive Communication: This is especially vital for our students abroad. Stay in close contact with your teachers. If time zone shifts or personal stressors make a deadline feel difficult, reach out early so we can support you.

   2. Maintain Your Focus: It can be challenging to stay engaged when you aren't physically in the building. Make a conscious effort to participate in your classes and check in on your peers.

   3. Honor the Togetherness: Our community isn't defined by our location, but by how we support one another. Reach out to a classmate you haven't seen in person lately; those small connections are what keep our community whole.

Support and Resources

The Counseling Office is here for every student, regardless of your GPS coordinates. I continue to offer daily check-in slots for all high schoolers to process recent events or simply catch up.

As we approach AP exams and end-of-year celebrations, let’s continue to bridge the distance. We are one ACS community, and we are finishing this year together.

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!

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.

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.