Our school is a nominating institution for several university scholarships. Annually, we undertake a confidential internal process to select our nominees. The selection process is grounded in the stated selection criteria outlined by each award. The method of notification varies by scholarship: some nominees are publicly recognized during school assemblies, while others are contacted directly by the awarding university via email.

Social/Emotional Counseling Program

Beginning this week and going through mid-September, I will be meeting with the 9th and 10th grade cohort groups for an academic advising session on credits, transitions, and building resumes. The primary aims of this session are:

• To normalize the challenges and excitement of the transition to high school.

• Highlight common challenges and problem solve strategies for thriving.

• Identify hopes and goals for high school, in general, and their current year in particular.

• To initiate a credit tracking system to be used throughout HS to ensure they’re on track to meet ACS’s requirements and recommendations of post-secondary institutions.

• To begin comprehensive tracking of their academic, athletic, artistic, musical and other extracurricular activities in a centralized space. These activities will then be used to build more formal resumes in grade 11 in preparation for post-secondary plans. 

Additionally, I am doing one-on-one check-ins with 9th and 10th graders to see how the beginning of the year is going so far.

Finally, a reminder that the start of school is a huge transitional period for everyone in the family - parents and siblings included. The transition can be particularly challenging, and exciting, for families with children starting high school this year and/or starting at a new school. Now that you have a child in high school, or a child advancing in high school, key things to consider are balancing support and independence while also reinforcing balanced routines and social connections. 

Supporting your teen’s transition to high school and/or the school year:

1. Establish/Reinforce Balanced Routines

   1. 1. Encourage regular sleep (teens need 8-10hrs of sleep per night)

      2. Create consistent times for homework, meals, and downtime.

      3. Balance screen time with rest and family time (eg. create tech-free times or locations in your house)

Why it matters: Good routines reduce stress and help teens manage increased workload

2. Support Academic Independence

   1. 1. Encourage your child to use a planner and/or a digital calendar

      2. Ask guiding questions rather than solving problems for them. For example: “What’s your plan to finish this project on time?”

      3. Encourage your child to advocate for themselves: role-play asking a teacher for help.

Why it matters: Independence and autonomy help teens build ownership of learning and confidence in their abilities. 

3. Encourage Social Connections

   1. 1. Rather than asking “did you have a good day?”, try open-ended questions: “ Who did you sit with at lunch?” or “What surprised you about something you learned today?”

      2. Support participation in extracurriculars - sports, clubs, arts, service, etc. 

      3. Normalize ups and downs in friendships. Friendships change a lot in high school. This can be really challenging but is also very normal. 

Why it matters: Belonging and peer support are protective factors for mental health

4. Keep Communication Open

   1. 1. Check in regularly during “low stakes” times like car rides, walks or during joint activities. Avoid interrogating.

      2. Listen more than giving advice and validate how they’re feeling.

      3. Share stories about your own experiences in high school - both your struggles and successes

Why it matters: Though teens are pushing for independence, they still need to feel seen and understood through open, non-judgemental communication. 

5. Support Emotional Wellness

   1. 1. Normalize stress and be a supportive presence: “It’s okay to feel nervous - it means you care, and, you are safe and we can problem-solve together”

      2. Teach and model coping skills like good sleep, physical activity, deep breathing and journaling

      3. Watch out for signs of overwhelm like isolation, increased irritability, changes in sleep or grades. Reach out to me if you notice any of these (ktouchtonleonard@acsamman.edu.jo)

Why it matters: these activities promote emotional regulation which supports both emotional and academic success. 

6. Reinforce a Strengths-Based, Long-Term Perspective

   1. 1. For those with 9th graders, remind them that 9th grade is a transition year and adjustment takes time.

      2. Encourage curiosity, trying new things, and normalize making mistakes and learning from them.

      3. Acknowledge your teens strengths and emphasize growth in those areas, versus perfection

Why it mattress: a long-term, strengths-based perspective helps reduce pressure while still motivating them to challenge themselves.

7. Partner with the School

   1. 1. Stay informed: read the WGO, stay up-to-date on school events

      2. Reach out to your child’s teachers and me if concerns arise

      3. Model respect for teachers and school staff

Why it matters: Students feel more secure when they see their family and the school working together

Finally, with the nervousness and excitement of a new school year, some teens may be experiencing trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Here is a list of podcasts that promote relaxation and calm. If it seems like they’ll be helpful, you can share the list with your child:

1. Untangle - authors, experts, and thought leaders interviewees about mindfulness and brain health.

2. Sleep With Me - stories that progressively more boring to help you fall asleep.

3. Nothing Much Happens - as the title suggests, this podcast has stories in which very little occurs to help you relax.

4. Ologies - deep dives into studies of specific species and animals.

5. Desert Island Discs - Interviews with actors and authors about what music they would bring to a desert island.

6. Boring Books for Bedtime - boring stories read quietly to help you fall asleep.

As always, don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.

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

• • 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

ACS Activities Program: 2025–2026

Tryouts are on their way, and all the information you need is posted online. From schedules to updates, you’ll find everything in one place:

View the ACS Activities Website Here

The full Fall 2025 schedule (including tournament dates) is posted on the Activities Calendar.

Salti Fitness Center Access to HS Students.

Students in the HS have the privilege to access the Salti Fitness Center; access details below:

• Open Monday–Thursday from 3:15–4:30 PM starting the week of August 24. 

• To use the space, students must complete an orientation and submit a signed waiver. 

• Returning students must also attend orientation and renew the waiver.

Orientation Dates:

Monday, August 25 · 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM

Wednesday, August 27 · 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM

Berlin Model United Nations (BERMUN)  

Applications are now open on Power School for the Berlin Model United Nations (BERMUN) team. Here’s what you need to know:

• Team size: Only 10 students will be selected.

• Tryouts: Wednesday, August 27, from 3:10–4:30 PM in Room 415 (4th floor, Middle School—Ms. de la O’s room).

• Application deadline: Sunday, August 24, by 10:00 AM.

• Team announcement: September 1.

• Trip cost: Approximately $2,200 USD.

BERMUN Fall Conference will take place in Berlin from November 19–22, 2025. Click here to visit the BERMUN website for full conference details, including schedule and location.

If BERMUN isn’t the right fit for you, don’t worry! In February, the MUN Club will attend another conference hosted by King’s Academy. No prior experience is needed to apply for that one.

Questions? Reach out to Ms. Hasan or Ms. de la O in the Middle School for help.