Dr. Jeff Wilusz
As the second semester is underway with new energy and opportunities for growth, we like to remind everyone of some practical tips that can help to ensure your child's success moving forward.
If your child has new classes this semester, we encourage you to reach out to the respective teachers. Building a strong parent-teacher partnership is crucial for student success. Don't hesitate to inquire about the curriculum, expectations, or any other information that will contribute to your child's positive learning experience.
Our teachers are here to support both you and your child. Whether it's clarifying assignments, addressing concerns, or simply staying informed about classroom activities, open communication is key. We believe that a collaborative effort between parents and teachers leads to the best outcomes for our students.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or if there's anything we can assist you with. We look forward to a productive and successful second semester together!
26/27 Course Registration Parent Information Session (Presentation/Documents) - Below, I have provided all the documents you will need in order to be prepared for helping your child to select their courses for next year. Please make sure that you have reviewed the Program of Studies prior to course selections and/or the scheduled meeting your child has selected with either Ms. Kurdi, Ms. Kate, Mr. McBride, or Mr. Wilusz.
Lastly, take note of the following Course Selection dates:
February 9th @ 11:00 a.m. - 11th Graders
February 10th @ 12:40 p.m. - 10th Graders
February 12th @ 11:00 a.m. - 9th Graders
Senior Sunrise - On February 3, the Senior Council is hosting its annual Senior Sunrise, a meaningful rite of passage for the Class of 2026. This event is designed to bring the entire grade together to bond and build class spirit before they enter their final semester. The event begins at 7:00 AM on the field. A full breakfast that includes pancakes, manaeesh, coffee, and juice will be provided. Please remind your seniors to dress warmly for the cold morning weather!
ACS Book Talks - My name is Lori Black, and I’m the Middle and High School Teacher Librarian. This year, we’re on a mission to build a community of readers by sharing our favorite books. Each week, a teacher, student, or staff member will highlight a book they love in hopes of inspiring others to read it too. We will call it ACS Book Talks. I hope you enjoy this new project and discover something wonderful to read! - This is the video for MS/HS.
College Counseling Program
Lots of conversations are taking place around course selections for next year. Students are attending sessions with subject-area teachers as well as counselors to make sure they understand all the options and are building four year plans with the plethora of resources available to them. 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).
Seniors - You are continuing to inspire us all with your diligence and enthusiasm! Congrats on all the offers of acceptances that are continuing to roll in! Your hard work is paying off, and we couldn’t be prouder!
Juniors - Stay in touch: Juniors are continuing to schedule their own one-on-one meetings with Ms. Kurdi, via google calendar, to make course selection decisions for their senior year. Mark your calendars: We hosted Cardiff Metropolitan University this week, and we have several upcoming visits! ALL students are encouraged to talk to university representatives who have come a long way to help you understand your options. Take advantage of the opportunities and ask those great questions!
Social/Emotional Counseling Program
On top of school work, sports, friendships, and university applications, high school students received their first-semester grades at the end of this week. For some students, their semester grades may feel like recognition and reflection of their efforts. Some students may not feel that their first semester grades represent their efforts and abilities. For some, they may feel a combination of these sentiments.
To students and parents, please remember that grades are one data point. Though grades can play a key role in course progression and university applications, they are not a representation of who students are. In reality, and the bigger picture, grades are one piece of a complex and robust group of factors and experiences making up our wonderful students.
If you are feeling proud and excited about your grades, congratulations - they are well-earned. If you feel surprised, upset, or disappointed in your first semester grades, I encourage you to talk to your teachers about your strengths and areas of growth so that you can have a semester that you feel represents your abilities. Remember, my door is always open.
Parents, if you are feeling particularly proud of your child or if you are struggling in reaction to your child’s grades, please feel free to reach out to me - I love sharing in successes and pathways to growth alike.
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
SAT registration link
Note: ACS Amman is the testing center and will not appear in the drop-down list. You must enter our code, 54202, to select our school as a testing center.
High School AEP and Athletics/Activities Schedule for Ramadan
Dear Parents, commencing with the start of Ramadan, our High School After-school Enrichment Programs (AEPs) and athletic schedules will be adjusted to align with the 2:30 PM school dismissal.
Activity & Training Sessions
Please note the following time slots for all HS afternoon programs:
Session 1: 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM instead of sessions that run 3:15-4:30
Session 2: 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM instead of sessions that run from 4:30 to 6
Bus departure for bus users will be for Session 1 at 4PM (instead of 4:45 PM).
Athletic Support - We recognize that many of our student-athletes will be fasting. Coaches are prepared to modify training intensity during these sessions to prioritize student health and well-being while maintaining our program goals.
Students who are not involved in an after-school program are expected to leave campus at 2:30 PM to ensure they have ample time to return home.
Offseason Development Programs:
Off Season Football - SIGN UP ON POWERSCHOOL
ATTENTION SCORPIONS!
Are you looking to build on your footballing skills? Do you enjoy competing in different skill and athletic challenges with your friends? This is your chance to do just that and more!
5 sessions over 5 weeks. Each session will focus on a particular skill or attribute necessary for football players, no matter the age, no matter the position.
Coaches will work on:
1. Ball control and dribbling
2. Passing, crossing and movement
3. Close range finishing and long range shooting
4. Defending
5. Athletic and fitness challenges
Grades 9, 10, 11 & 12 Wednesdays 3:15-4:30
Come out and showcase your skills! ⚽️💥🦂
Coach Raouf and Coach Ghassan
Off Season Badminton - SIGN UP ON POWERSCHOOL
Badminton season development sessions will be starting on Thursdays after school. Beginning on Thursday January 29, Mr. Reid and Mr. Hamamreh are inviting interested 9th to 12th grade students to join them for some recreational badminton. These sessions will help you brush off the rust before SAISA badminton starts up March 1. Come out to play with a friend or by yourself, and learn some tips and tricks on the way. Prior experience with racquet sports appreciated but NOT necessary! Bring your racquet if you have one! Sign up on PowerSchool.
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.
Senior Sunrise - Feb 3
11th Grade Course Selection - Feb 9
10th Grade Course Selection - Feb 10
9th Grade Course Selection - Feb 12
February Break - Feb 13-15
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.