College Counseling Program

More and more university acceptances! Congratulations to our Class of 2026!!

Some seniors still have more applications to submit, and this holiday is the time to complete any remaining tasks and stay on top of upcoming deadlines. Of course, seniors are reminded to submit all materials well in advance.

Juniors will be researching university requirements ahead of course selections at the beginning of the second semester. They will also be making summer holiday plans and prepping for any standardized tests that they are planning to take in the upcoming semester. Feels too early? It’s not! Planning ahead always pays off. 

Wishing all our high school students a well-deserved, relaxing and productive winter holiday!

Social/Emotional Counseling Program

Congratulations on reaching the mid-point of the year! Whether you spent the last few months navigating the transition to high school, finding your footing in 10th and 11th grades, or managing the multiple demands of senior year, you have earned this pause. 

In our fast-paced, international community, “rest” is often misunderstood as just sleeping in. While sleep is vital - and our students know I talk about its importance a lot - restoration often comes from switching gears - moving away from curriculum-based thinking and toward introspection. 

To help find that “creative rest,” I’ve put together a few recommendations to help you disconnect from the classroom and reconnect with yourself:

To Read - For Self-Discovery and Perspective

• The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green: This is a collection of personal essays that “rate” different parts of the human experience on a five-star Scale. It’s a masterclass in paying attention to the small things in life. 

• Braiding Sweetgrass (Young Adult Edition) by Robin Wall Kimmerer: This is a beautiful look at how indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge can help us heal our relationship with the world. Perfect for a quiet rainey (or snowy) afternoon. 

To Listen - For Learning and Curiosity

• Ologies with Alie Ward: Ever wondered about the lives of ants (Myrmecology) or the science of fear (Phobology)? This podcast interviews experts in niche fields with humor and deep curiosity. It’s learning without the pressure of a test.

• The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos:  Based on the most popular course in the history of Yale University, this podcast uses science to debunk what we think makes us happy and offers practical tips for mental well-being.

The Final Challenge - Sometime during the break, try a “Digital Sunset.” After 8:00 PM, put your phone in a drawer and leave it there until morning. Notice how your focus and stress levels change when the “scroll” disappears. 

A Special Note To Our Seniors: 

To our Class of 2026: You have officially reached the halfway mark of your final year. While many of you are currently balancing the "Winter Break Paradox"—the desire to rest while feeling the weight of looming college deadlines or Internal Assessments—we want to remind you that strategic recovery is actually a performance-enhancer.

If you work yourself to exhaustion over the next three weeks, you won’t have the mental "fuel" required for your final semester. This break, we encourage you to step away from the portals and the word counts to feed your curiosity and your soul.

Here are my recommendations for a high-impact "active reset":

To Read:

• Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein: If you’re feeling pressure to have your entire life mapped out right now, this book is for you. It explains why a "winding path" often leads to greater success and fulfillment.

• The Consolidations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton: A short, accessible read that applies the wisdom of history’s greatest thinkers to modern problems like unpopularity, frustration, and inadequacy. (I also have a copy of de Botton’s Art as Therapy in my office if anyone would like to take a look at a gorgeous, insightful book). 

To Listen:

• How I Built This with Guy Raz: Hear the stories of entrepreneurs and creators. It’s a great reminder that every major success started with a series of failures, pivots, and uncertainty—useful perspective during application season!

• Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris: Specifically the episodes on "Academic Stress" or "Taming the Inner Critic." It provides practical mindfulness tools for people who don't think they have the time or temperament for meditation. 

Try to designate "Application-Free Zones" this break. Pick two full days where you do not open a single essay draft or check a single portal. Your brain needs to fully detach from the "evaluative" state to find its creative spark again.

We are incredibly proud of your resilience and the leadership you’ve shown this semester. Finish your tasks with focus, but don’t forget to enjoy the transition. You only get to be a high school senior once!

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

Sneak Peek: Upcoming HS International Travel Opportunities (Mumbai & Amsterdam)\

Dear Grade 9–12 Families,

As we approach the winter break, we are thrilled to give you an early look at two incredible international travel opportunities scheduled for March 2026. These trips are designed to foster global advocacy, leadership, and artistic collaboration. Please mark your calendars and look out for detailed information packets and application forms immediately following the holidays.

Save the Dates

• Event Dates: March 27–29, 2026

• Travel Dates: March 26–30, 2026

• Timing: These dates fall primarily during the Eid Break, minimizing school absence.

The Opportunities

1. Compassion Summit (Mumbai, India)

• Hosted by: The American School of Bombay.

• Focus: Students will engage in global collaboration, develop essential leadership skills, and work with peers from around the world on meaningful service-oriented projects.

• Ideal for: Students passionate about service, leadership, and global changemaking.

2. High School ISTA Festival (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

• Hosted by: International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA).

• Focus: An immersive experience in international arts collaboration. Students will work with professional artists and peers to create and explore theatre in a dynamic global setting.

• Ideal for: Students passionate about the performing arts and creative collaboration.

After the winter break, we will send detailed letters containing:

• • Financial commitment details.

  • Specific interest and application forms.

  • Selection criteria and deadlines.

  • When selected, visa and travel requirements.

We look forward to sharing more about these exciting journeys in the new year!

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.