College Counseling Program

We provided two opportunities for our juniors this week to attend an online session to get them started on creating their primary balanced college list and adding their choices to their Considering List in MaiaLearning. The presentation with all the relevant links was sent to students who attended. Students who were unable to attend will have the chance to attend the same session again next week. Creating that balanced college list is very personal and very important, and each student will be asked to share that list with their parents by the end of the month. Parents can see their student’s list using their parent MaiaLearning login credentials. 

All students and parents are reminded that they are always welcome to schedule counselor meetings. 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

Reflections on Our Return to Campus: A Message from the Counseling Office

To our Students and Families,

As we conclude our first day back on campus, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible range of experiences within our community. Seeing students back in the hallways today brought a much-needed sense of routine and connection, yet we remain deeply mindful that "normalcy" feels different for everyone right now.

Between the sounds of sirens and the rapid transition from remote back to in-person learning, the emotional weight of this period is significant. Whether your student was in a classroom today, is learning from home, or is currently navigating the uncertainty of an evacuation, please know that their well-being remains our primary focus.

A Community of Different Realities-  Our classrooms today represented a unique cross-section of our resilience. We have students who are packing for departures with only a few days’ notice, and families who are staying to navigate the local reality of regional conflict. Despite these different paths, we remain one community. For those who were on campus today, the "stay in place" protocols and indoor recesses were reminders of the world outside, but the laughter and learning inside were reminders of the strength we find in one another. For those families who did not yet feel comfortable returning or who are in transit, you were missed, and we remain fully committed to your continued connection and support.

Strategies for Stability This Weekend - As we head toward the weekend, the "not knowing" can often be the most taxing part of a crisis. We encourage you to continue "shrinking the world" to stay grounded:

• • Process the Transition: After a high-adrenaline week of shifting from remote to in-person, "re-entry fatigue" is real. Expect your students (and yourself) to be extra tired this evening.

  • Maintain Your Anchors: In an unpredictable environment, predictability is medicine. Stick to familiar family routines—a movie night, a shared meal, or a regular bedtime—to signal to the nervous system that you are safe in the present moment.

  • Information Hygiene: The news cycle remains intense. Protect your peace by limiting "doomscrolling" and relying on official school communications for academic updates.

  • Extend Grace: Stress manifests in many ways—some may be irritable, while others may be quiet. Be patient with the different ways your family members are processing these rapid changes.

We Are Here For You - The Counseling Office continues to be available for both in-person and virtual check-ins. Whether your student is at a desk in Amman or at a transit point abroad, we are here to provide a listening ear and a steadying hand.

Amman has a unique kind of strength, and our school is a vital part of that. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership as we navigate these headlines together.

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

Spring Season Tryouts: Schedule and Safety Protocols

To all Students and Parents,

Tryouts for our upcoming sports season are still slated to begin next week. However, in light of current travel advisories and campus safety protocols, we are implementing the following adjustments:

• Location Change: All tryouts originally scheduled for the outdoor fields will continue to take place noting that when we have the sirens, we move to Shelter in Place. Shelter in place for all outdoor activities will be the cafeteria. 

• Roster Updates: We are moving forward with tryouts as "normal" while accounting for the departure of some of our student body. Coaches are prepared to adjust team sizes and positions accordingly.

• Please check the ACS Activities Website here for the final updated tryout schedules, specific times, and locations for your sport. Students interested in trying out must attend the scheduled sessions.

Note on Travel: We are closely monitoring the situation. A final decision regarding travel for SAISA Season III events will be communicated by March 16. Our priority remains the safety and mobility of our student-athletes.

Thank you for your understanding as we prioritize the safety and well-being of our community.

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.