College Counseling Program

We are thrilled to share that more of our seniors have received university acceptances—congratulations to our students as they continue to hear exciting news from around the world!

Our juniors are continuing their individual counseling meetings, and they are encouraged to use the Christmas holiday to research university requirements and begin planning meaningful summer activities.

For our seniors, this is the time to complete any remaining applications and stay on top of upcoming deadlines. Please make sure all materials are submitted well in advance.

Wishing all our students a productive and successful season as we move further into the admissions cycle!

Social/Emotional Counseling Program

Maintaining Wellness & Balance in December

Students are heading into assessment week next week - it’s also the last week before winter break. This time can feel both exciting and overwhelming; students are looking forward to time with family, travel, and rest - but they’re also juggling assessments, college deadlines, performances (a huge congratulations to all involved in Into The Woods - it was fantastic!), and the natural energy dip that comes at the end of a long semester. 

With one week to go before break - one week that can feel really big and consequential - this is a good time to pause and plan: wellbeing doesn’t require big changes, small habits can make a big difference:

For students:

• • • Make a plan: break assignments into smaller steps

    • Protect your sleep: sufficient sleep is necessary for learning focus, and balanced mood.

    • Take real breaks: short walks, stretching, standing, and/or a quick chat are great - don’t forget that both mental and physical breaks are needed.

    • Notice stress signals: Tension, irritability, procrastination are common signs of stress - ask for support as soon as these pop up. 

    • Celebrate progress: Every test, project, and milestone count. Be sure to celebrate each before moving on to studying for the next assessment or working on the next project. 

For Parents:

• • • Normalize mixed emotions: Excitement and tiredness is a normal end-of-semester combo.

    • Support routines: Sleep, meals, physical activity, and technology boundaries help. 

    • Focus on effort, not perfection: This can be a tough one but do try to model and emphasize to your kids that growth is more meaningful than grades. 

    • Check in with curiosity: Try “How are you feeling about finishing the semester?” rather than “Are you prepared for exams?”

    • Protect downtime over the break: Rest is not a a reward – it’s a necessary condition for development. 

Navigating December as an ACS Student

Our community is beautifully diverse – students may be experiencing:

• Distance from extended family and/or multiple family obligations

• Holiday celebrations from multiple cultures

• Travel planning and travel across timezones

• Internal pressure to “finish strong” academically

Please remind your kid(s) that balance is a strength and that breaks and rest are necessary, not simply a distraction from success. 

Wellness Tips for Families Traveling Internationally

Travel can be joyful and exhausting all at the same time. Here are a few ideas to support wellbeing if you’re planning to travel internationally over the break:

Before you go:

• Talk about travel expectations - rest, screen time, family obligations.

• Plan for sleep shifts - hydrate, sunlight in the morning, and movement help a lot.

While Traveling:

• Encourage some time offline - card games, reading, journaling, listening to music.

• Bring healthy snacks to avoid long gaps between meals.

• Use travel time to reflect on the semester - what went well, what to learn from.

With Extended Family

• Set boundaries (gently or firmly if necessary): “We’re glad to be here. We’re also tired from school - we may need a quiet morning”

• Help you child advocate for breaks when schedules get full

Returning Home

• Leave space to re-adjust: one quiet day before school starts can make a big difference.

Wellness Tips for Families That Call Jordan Home or Who Aren’t Traveling

Create meaningful break moments

• Enjoy your annual traditions and/or make new ones: seeing family, movie night, cooking, game evenings

Balance Social Time and Rest

• Encourage your child to meet friends, but not to overbook.

• Quiet days at home are healthy, not necessarily “boring.”

Support Digital Wellbeing

• Agree on holiday tech boundaries: screen-free dinners, devices out of rooms and in charging stations at night 

• Encourage creative use of devices (music, language apps, photos) versus passive scrolling.

Give Space for Multiple Feelings: Some students feel left out while others travel. Others feel relieved to stay. All emotions are okay: “I notice you’re feeling_______. What would make the break feel good for you?

A Simple reflection for This Week

Try asking: “What is one thing you can let go of, and one thing you can add, to feel more balanced over break?”

This is a gentle way to promote self-awareness and self-management.

Wishing You a Restorative Break

Our counseling team is proud of the resilience and growth our students have shown this semester. WE hope winter break brings meaningful family time, fun traditions, restful days, and a chance to recharge - whether you are traveling across the world or enjoying our beautiful Jordan.

Our door is always open, and we are here to support every student as we wrap up the term.

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

Important Announcement: Practice Schedule During Assessment Week

• • All regular practice schedules will continue through Wednesday, December 17.

  • This includes days when students have assessments.

  • For students who finish their assessment and do not wish to leave campus, a supervised space will be provided. Students can use this area to wait until their scheduled practice begins. Please refer to the HS office for more information and kindly plan your week accordingly.

Basketball Friendly Games 

Come out and support our teams in upcoming friendly basketball games right here at ACS! Your support means a lot to our athletes.

Basketball Friendly Games :

• • Saturday, December 13, 2025: 4:00 PM: U19 Boys Basketball vs French School

  • Sunday, December 14, 2025: 4:30 PM: U19 Girls Basketball vs ISC

  • Sunday, December 14, 2025: 5:30 PM: U16 Boys Basketball vs ICS

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.