College Counseling Program

We have started our region-specific FLEX sessions this week with juniors. We focused on Canadian applications, and next week, we have sessions that are focused on the US, Europe, and the UK. Every country/region’s university application system is distinct, and it’s important for juniors to start understanding the different processes and requirements in order to prepare accordingly. 

Later 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

First and foremost, Ramadan Kareem to those who celebrate! Mid-February is a unique, liminal space in the school year. The initial spark of the second semester has faded and the pressure of looking toward next year is starting to mount. This is also one of the longest periods at ACS between breaks - I encourage students and families to lean into the marathon analogy as it feels very apt for this time of year. 

Below, I have some thoughts and recommendations for each grade as we move through early spring. 

9th Grade: Navigating the “Mid-Year Slump.”

By now, the novelty of high school has officially worn off. We often see 9th graders hit a "motivation wall" in February as the workload stays high but the energy dips. This week, I encourage freshmen to practice "Helping Your Future Self." When they’re tempted to leave a project for Sunday night, I’m asking them to pause and ask: "Will 11:00 PM Sunday-night-me be grateful for this choice?" Small wins in the organization right now are the best way to prevent burnout before Spring Break.

10th Grade: Overcoming Social Comparison

With the big decisions of course selection behind them, we’ve noticed a spike in "social comparison" among sophomores. It’s easy for students to look at their peers' choices and wonder, "Did I do enough?" or "Should I be on a different path?" My focus this week is on Internal Validation. In many, and particularly the school context, it can be hard to feel like personal value isn’t a competition. Try grounding yourself and being "present" in your current interests rather than constantly measuring yourself against the person in the next desk over.

11th Grade: The Stamina Stretch & "Productive Rest"

For our juniors, mid-February is often the peak of the "Academic Grind." The path for 12th grade is set, but the workload of 11th grade is in full swing. This can lead to a "survival mode" mentality. This week, try engaging in Productive Rest. There is a big difference between "scrolling to numb out" and "resting to recharge." I encourage juniors to find at least 20 minutes a day for a "Digital Sunset"—time away from screens to let their nervous systems actually reset.

12th Grade: Navigating the "Admissions Waiting Room."

For many of our seniors, mid-February feels like being stuck in a giant "Departure Lounge." With applications submitted and course selection behind you, you are now in the high-anxiety gap of waiting for final decisions. Though many seniors have heard back from at least one university, this "waiting room" phase often triggers a desire to check out early or a spike in "Senioritis" as a defense mechanism against the unknown. This week, I encourage seniors to pivot their focus from the future results they can't control to the present community they can. Try identifying one person—a teacher, a staff member, or a peer—who has made your high school journey better and tell them. Focusing on gratitude and making intentional "final memories" is the best way to manage transition anxiety and ensure you leave this chapter with no regrets.

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

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.