Issue #31: April 9, 2026
Issue #31: April 9, 2026
Embedded Files
From the Principal
From the Principal
Dr. Jeff Wilusz
As we look toward the future of learning at ACS, we’ve been reflecting on an insightful piece by Thomas R. Guskey titled "Learning Is Dynamic. Grading Should Be, Too." In the article, Guskey reminds us that effective "marking" is so much more than just sticking a letter on a piece of paper. He argues that because learning is a continuous, fluid journey, our grading systems need to reflect that growth rather than just acting as a final "gotcha" at the end of a unit. It’s about shifting the focus from a snapshot of what a student knew on a Tuesday morning to a comprehensive story of their progress, persistence, and ultimate mastery.
This philosophy is at the heart of our schools Learning 2030 vision and our strategic goals for the next five years. We are committed to an assessment philosophy that promotes a "culture of growth, reflection, and continuous improvement". You may have noticed this in our ongoing move toward competency-based learning/feedback, where students receive internal and external insights on how they learn, not just what they produce. Our goal is to ensure that by the 2026/27 school year, these sectional guidelines are fully integrated so that every assessment serves as a tool for student agency and agility.
We believe that when grading is as dynamic as the students themselves, we cultivate the "tenacity in pursuit of excellence" that our vision promises. We aren't just preparing them for the next test; we are preparing them for a meaningful contribution in a changing world.
MAP Testing - Our 9th and 10th grade students will be taking their second MAP test on Wednesday, April 15th. We will be running an adjusted schedule for each of those days. Grade 11 & 12 students will be working with Ms. Kurdi & Ms. Kate on collaboration and college-related activities.
Junior/Senior Prom - The Prom Committee is excited to announce that Prom will be held on the 16th of April from 7-9:30 at Segreta in the St. Regis Hotel. The theme is Secret Garden, so people can wear any dress or suit as long as it is correlated with the theme.
The Prom Committee will be selling tickets every day in the LC during lunch until 15 April. Tickets will cost 65 JD, and are only open to 11th and 12th graders. Seniors can invite students from younger grades as their plus one as well as people from outside of ACS, provided that they give I.D. in advance. As prom is a school event, we will be filtering songs, checking bags, and making sure that there is no alcohol. Our team kindly asks for you to encourage your children to attend so we can have the best Prom possible!
Lastly, we wanted to bring to your attention an annual tradition that has occurred after the prom in the past, known as the "post-prom" event. Please be aware that this event is not in any way associated with ACS, and we do not endorse or condone it.
In previous years, students have organized this independent event, selling tickets off-campus at an additional cost. The event typically extends into the early morning and includes an open bar. We want to emphasize that ACS neither promotes nor supports the "post-prom" event.
We strongly encourage you to have an open conversation with your children before giving them permission to attend any such event. It's essential for everyone to be well-informed about the nature of the activities and potential risks associated with independent post-prom events.
If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to reach out to us. Your cooperation and support are crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students.
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.
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
Counselor’s Corner: Staying Connected and Moving Forward
As we reflect on another busy week here at the American Community School Amman, we are reminded of how much we value the energy our students bring to campus. While our halls are quieter than usual without our evacuated students, we are keeping you all in our thoughts and looking forward to the day we are back together as one full community.
Highlights from the Week
It has been a productive week of both academic growth and community building:
Grades 9 & 10: Students successfully navigated MAP testing this week. Your focus and effort during these assessments are greatly appreciated.
Grades 11 & 12: Our upperclassmen have been deeply engaged in college counseling sessions. Seniors had a practical and insightful "Money Matters" talk with Mr. Wilusz to prepare for the financial realities of university life, alongside the exciting milestone of graduation gown fittings. Juniors started the day with breakfast and some friendly competition during our World Geography Jeopardy session - it was a wonderful opportunity to slow down, connect, and enjoy some time together. Juniors then participated in a specialized workshop on college essay writing with Ms. Kurdi.
A Note to Our Remote Students
To our students currently learning from a distance: we truly miss your presence on campus. We know that engaging with school from afar presents unique challenges, and we want to ensure you feel supported. Please make it a priority to stay in close, consistent communication with your teachers, especially if you are struggling with specific material or have questions regarding upcoming deadlines.
Furthermore, do not hesitate to reach out to your friends here in Amman. Maintaining those social ties is just as important as your academic ones, and we encourage you to keep those lines of communication open.
Support is Here
Whether you are on campus or joining us remotely, the Counseling Office remains a resource for all of you. I, Ms. Kate, am available for daily check-in slots for any student who needs a space to process, ask questions, or simply touch base.
We are proud of the resilience and commitment you continue to show. Let’s keep supporting one another as we move through the remainder of the semester.
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.
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 15 - HS Spring MAP Testing - Day 2
April 16 - Prom
April 27 - World Language Showcase (3:30 - 4:30 PM)
April 29 - HS AP Art Exhibition (3:!5 - 4:00 PM)
April 30 - 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.
Page updated
Report abuse