Issue #26: February 26, 2026
Issue #26: February 26, 2026
Embedded Files
From the Principal
From the Principal
Dr. Jeff Wilusz
I hope you’ve all had a productive and fulfilling week. As we dive deeper into the semester, I wanted to share a quick reflection on something that sits at the heart of what we do: the relationship between our teachers and your children.
At ACS, we believe that academic excellence isn't just about what happens on an assessment, but it’s about the connection in the classroom. Research consistently highlights that when students feel truly seen and supported by their teachers, they don't just perform better, they become more resilient and motivated to tackle the "tough stuff.” We are committed to cultivating an environment where every student feels they belong, knowing that this sense of security is the ultimate fuel for well-being and growth.
However, the magic of these connections is truly amplified when school and home work in tandem. Here are two simple ways you can help us strengthen those bonds this week:
Reframe the Teacher as an Ally: In your chats around the dinner table, try encouraging your child to see their teachers as their greatest resources. Simply asking, "What’s one thing you and your teacher talked about today?" can help them view their instructors as partners in their journey.
Celebrate the Process: We are big proponents of a "growth mindset" here. When your child hits a snag, remind them that effort is the path to mastery. When students believe their hard work leads to improvement, they are much more likely to lean into their relationships with teachers and take the lead in their own learning.
We are always grateful for the ongoing support you provide. As always, if you have any insights or just want to share a win your child had this week, my door (and inbox) is always open.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent Teacher Conferences
We invite you to participate in the Spring 2026 Parent-Teacher Conferences on March 19. There are no classes for students on this date.
Please understand that the PowerSchool sign-up process applies only to Elementary Homeroom teachers, Learning Support teachers, and Counselors.
In High School, we encourage your child to join you during PTC, as this is a great opportunity to assist them in taking responsibility for their own learning.
High School parents do not need to meet with Cohort advisors.
The following crossover teachers will be in the Sting Zone with MS - see MS information for break times.
Jason Kennedy
Claudia Pike
Riley Battaglia
Allison Bailey
Frida Abi Fares
Teachers will be rotating for breaks. Please see the table below
For any questions, please contact Ms. Iman
ACS Book Talks - The Learning Commons invites you to watch the following:
HS Couseling Office Announcements - Ms. Kurdi & Ms. Touchton-Leonard
HS Couseling Office Announcements - Ms. Kurdi & Ms. Touchton-Leonard
College Counseling Program
We continued our region-specific FLEX sessions this week with juniors. We had four sessions, each focused on a different area: US, Canada, Europe, and the UK. Every country/region’s application process is different, and it’s important for juniors to start understanding the options 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
As we wrap up the first week of Ramadan, I want to update you on my upcoming social emotional lessons for the high school. Though four years can feel like a relatively short period of time for adults, the four years of high school are a deeply significant and varied time for high school students. Each year is characterized, in general, by distinct developmental stages and it’s vital that our social emotional program meet students where they are to address their emerging strengths and areas of growth.
For example, 9th grade is a huge transition year for students - in high school, academics are higher stakes, GPA starts to really matter, and - critically - there are much higher executive functioning demands (like planning, organizing, time management, and working memory) paired with challenging social emotional demands (navigating transitions, forming complex peer relationships, and developing self-identity) all within the context of robust digital ecosystem.
To address this period in students’ lives, I focus on the following four social/emotional domains in my lessons:
The “Social Reconstruction” of High School: Changing Friendships
Executive Functioning as Self-Care
Identity Development and the “Digital Self”
Stress Tolerance and The Growth Mindset
Labeling the “Feel”: Getting Beyond “Fine” and “Stressed” to Effectively Learn and Reset
These lessons are the foundation of my work with students in high school. My aim is for students to understand that discomfort is required for growth; high school isn’t about avoiding challenges, but rather building the internal “hardware” to handle it.
Next week, I’ll outline my lesson frameworks for 10th graders.
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
Upcoming 2025-26 SAT Dates
Athletics/Activities Announcements: (Mr. Mo Hourani)
Athletics/Activities Announcements: (Mr. Mo Hourani)
SAISA Sign-Ups Now Open: Boys Soccer, Girls Basketball, & Badminton
It’s time to gear up for the next season! PowerSchool sign-ups have opened this past Tuesday Feb 17 for SAISA Boys Soccer, SAISA Girls Basketball, and SAISA Badminton.
The season officially kicks off on March 1 and runs through April 27. Please review the practice schedules below to ensure you can commit to the team
Important Reminders
Make sure to log in to PowerSchool to secure your spot.
We look forward to seeing you out there!
Join the First ACS Golf Team!
ACS is officially launching its Golf Program in partnership with Amman Golf Club! Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned pro, come represent the Scorprions as we take on 4 other schools in the first-ever Interschool Amman Golf Championship.
The Quick Stats:
Who: All MS and HS students (All skill levels welcome!)
When: Saturdays at 1:00 PM (March 14, April 11, 18, 25).
The Big Meet: Championship Tournament on Saturday, May 9.
Bonus: Optional Tuesday practices at no extra cost.
Transport: ACS provides the bus for all Saturday sessions.
Fees & Sign-Up:
100 JOD per month covers all coaching, range fees, and Saturday transport.
Don’t miss out—space is limited as we build the inaugural ACS Golf squad.
Click Here to Sign Up Now!
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.
Important Dates & Quick Links
Important Dates & Quick Links
Mark Your Calendars
Mark Your Calendars
SAISA Contemporary Arts Festival at ACS - March 5-7
MS/HS Community Iftar - March 12
Senior Lock-In - March 12
Parent-Teacher Conferences - March 19 (8:30 - 3:30)
Quick Links
Quick Links
The HS Weekly Update is sent out to students each weekend and updated daily. Feel free to bookmark the link so that you can see what is going on in the HS from the students' perspective.
Help Navigating PowerSchool - The How to View Grades from Parent Portal is a quick reference to help guide you through the intricacies of PowerSchool. As always, if you notice something “off” or have questions, please reach out to teachers after speaking through it with your child(ren) and they can help.
Please find the HS PS Tutorial recording to give you a quick guide to help you navigate PowerSchool and generate some fruitful conversations at home.
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