College Counseling Program

All high school students completed their course selections this week, but students are reminded that they should continue to do their research into programs and universities. This month, juniors will be creating their primary balanced college list and adding their choices to their Considering List in MaiaLearning. Parents can see their student’s list using their parent MaiaLearning login credentials. Parents are reminded that they are always welcome to schedule counselor meetings as well. 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

Course Selection Check-In

By now, all current 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th graders have entered their course requests for the ‘26-’27 academic year. Below, you’ll find my entry from last week about the high school course registration process, with a link to the ‘26-’27 High School Program of Study, for your reference. 

There seems to be quite a bit of worry surrounding course selection, specifically, students have voiced concerns about having sufficient credits to graduate and worry about how many and which AP classes to take. Please remember that though we want students to enter course requests as close to their final preferred schedule as possible now, they can come to us with changes should they decide they’ve made an error if priorities change. Please make these change requests as soon as possible! All students were emailed a course change request form on the day of their course registration assembly - please use this form rather than emailing a request. 

A note and reminder about credits: 

• • A one-year course is equal to 1 credit

  • A one-semester course is equal to .5 credits

Students need to take 8 credits of courses per year, therefore, they will take 32 credits of courses if they are enrolled in ACS for 9th-12th grades. Students need to take 24.5 credits to graduate, leaving 8.5 credits for non-required courses.

As always, my door is always open if students or parents have questions about courses or about the process. 

Charting the Path: 2026-2027 Course Selection Begins!

It’s that time of year again! While it feels like we just settled into the second semester, it is already time to look ahead and begin designing your schedule for the next academic year.

Choosing your classes is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of your education, but we know it can also feel a bit overwhelming. To help you feel prepared and confident, here is your roadmap for the next week.

Step 1: Consult the "Map"

Before our registration assemblies next week, we ask that all students and parents spend some time reviewing the 2026-2027 HS Program of Study. Think of this as your essential guide to high school; it contains everything you need to make informed decisions, including:

• Course Offerings: Detailed descriptions of every class available next year as well as typical, subject area specific progressions our students can take. 

• ACS Graduation Requirements: Our Four Year Plan details the courses and credits required to graduate from ACS.

• University Recommendations: The Four-Year Plan also details recommended courses and subject-area credits recommended for students to be competitive candidates from colleges and universities. 

Please be assured that we have provided all HS students with key information about graduation requirements, university recommendations, strategies for creating a balanced schedule, and thought exercises for helping them build a schedule that will support their overall success and well-being in HS. 

All HS students have attended an assembly at which we shared the 26-27 Program of Study and Four Year Plans, have reviewed their personal Four Year Plans with their cohort teachers, and had cohort Q&A presentations to answer any questions they might have. 

Step 2: Attend Your Assembly

Next week, we will hold grade-specific Registration Assemblies. During these sessions, the counseling team and administration will walk through the logistics of how to sign up, highlight new course options, and answer any remaining "what-if" questions.

Step 3: Keep a Healthy Perspective

While these decisions are important and help shape your high school experience, remember: this is not the end of the world. Sometimes a student signs up for a class in February and realizes by August that their interests or academic needs have shifted. We aim for a "measure twice, cut once" approach to keep our school's master schedule stable, but please know that we are here to support you. If you realize you need to request a change later on, we will work together to find the best possible path forward.

Next Steps:

1. Download/Open: Access the 26-27 HS Program of Study [Link Here].

2. Discuss: Students and parents, take 20 minutes this weekend to talk about goals and "must-take" classes over the weekend if you haven’t already done so.

3. Prepare: Bring a draft Four-Year Plan and any remaining questions to the assemblies next week!

We look forward to helping you build a schedule that balances your academic ambitions with your personal well-being.

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

SCORPION NATION: WHAT. A. WEEKEND.

I am sitting here reflecting on the last 48 hours and I am bursting with pride. As an Athletic Director, you dream of weekends like this, not just for the trophies, but for the heart, leadership, and unity our students displayed.

From the courts to the committee rooms, our Scorpions showed the world what it means to compete with grit!

The Weekend Breakdown

• • Boys Basketball: Secured the WIN in an absolute nail-biter against the home team TAISM (Our hearts are still recovering!)  

  • Girls' Football: Fought until the final whistle to take 2nd Place! 🏃‍♂️Overall 15-19 Track Winners,  Overall 15-19Boys and Girls Winners and Boys 2nd Overall! 

  • Wrestling: Dominating the mats and bringing home a massive haul of medals! 

  • Model UN: Proving our brilliance extends far beyond the field—incredible work, delegates!

  • To our incredible coaches: thank you for pouring into these kids. 

  • To our athletes: watching you gel as teams and step up as leaders is the greatest reward. Sports really are the ultimate vehicle to unite us all.

  • To our incredible Parents: We cannot thank you enough for your support. 

I couldn't be prouder. I couldn't be more grateful.

STING ‘EM, SCORPIONS! 

Spring 2025 Tryouts & Activities Sign-Up - Note that sign-ups for SAISA Girls Basketball, SAISA Boys Football and SAISA Badminton starts on the week of March 1. Forms will be available on PowerSchool next week!

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.