College Counseling Program

This week, we were pleased to host the Senior Director of Admissions from Parsons Paris. Not only did he share about the university’s campus in Paris, but also he gave us insights and tips into portfolios that are part of the application process at most art and design schools. Although the visits and fairs season is coming to an end, we do have one more visit by the University of Calgary in the third week of the month. There is another (smaller) season of visits coming up in the Spring, and we’ll make announcements about those visits closer to the time. 

Seniors are busy, busy, busy! Some of the deadlines coming up for our seniors include November 7th for the University of Toronto’s priority deadline as well as December 1st for some of the universities in Texas’ regular applications and the University of California and California State Universities’ applications. Students applying to the UK, as advised in two ApplyUK Flex’s this week, are advised to submit their UCAS application by the first week of December due to the timing of our Christmas break and the UCAS deadline. Students applying to Europe were advised during an ApplyEurope FLEX to start all their applications now and continue to monitor their portals. This is also true of applications to Canadian universities, and seniors had the chance to ask questions and complete tasks on their Canadian portals during an ApplyCanada FLEX this week. In a nutshell, all seniors have a lot of application work to complete before the Christmas break, and we’re all here to support them and cheer them on!

Another gentle reminder: US citizens and their families are reminded to complete the FAFSA.

Social/Emotional Counseling Program

This week, my message is for 11th graders and their parents. 

For parents of 11th graders

By November, many 11th graders are feeling the full weight of the school year. Academic demands are rising, future decisions are starting to feel real, and social dynamics often shift as students mature and redefine themselves. For parents, this is an important time to offer steady support, calm perspective, and understanding.

What Students Are Experiencing

• • Academic pressure: Exams, major projects, and more rigorous coursework can lead to stress and self-doubt.

  • Future uncertainty: Students are beginning to think about college and careers but may feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start.

  • Social and emotional shifts: Friend groups evolve, motivation fluctuates, and fatigue sets in as the semester intensifies.

  • Family expectations: Cultural or parental hopes about the future can create internal conflict or anxiety.
    
    

How Parents Can Help

• Be calm and encouraging. Offer reassurance rather than pressure—your confidence helps your teen regulate their own stress.

• Focus on effort, not perfection. Praise persistence, organization, and balance rather than grades alone.

• Model healthy habits. Teens notice how adults handle stress—show them what rest, reflection, and flexibility look like.

• Keep conversations open. Ask how they’re feeling, not just how school is going. Listening without judgment builds trust.

• Normalize uncertainty. It’s perfectly okay if your child doesn’t yet know what they want to do after high school.

November is a month for helping teens build resilience—reminding them that growth often happens in the midst of challenges. A little empathy, encouragement, and perspective from home can go a very long way.

For 11th Graders

Dear Class of 2027 - take a deep breath. November can feel really heavy. Classes are intense, deadlines are everywhere, and the future may suddenly feel a lot closer than it did a few months ago. If you’re feeling tired, stressed, or unsure – that’s normal. You’re not behind. You’re human. 

Here’s what to keep in mind this month:

• Strive for progress, not perfection. You don’t have to have it all figured out – this is the year to learn more about who you are and what works for you, both academically and socially.

• Work hard and take breaks seriously. Sleep, food, movement, and laughter actually help your brain perform better.

• Talk about it. Whether it’s with a friend, teacher, or counselor - Ms. Kurdi and I are always here for you guys - sharing how you feel almost always helps.

• Be kind to yourself. 

This month is about building resilience, not burning out. You’ve got this and you’re not alone. 

Finally, the word “”resilience” is used a lot - and I used it quite a bit today. Here’s how I understand the term “resilience” with some examples:

Resilience is defined as the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties and is sometimes understood as ‘toughness’. It is important to note that resilience isn’t about never feeling stressed, sad, or frustrated, but rather it’s about learning how to learn from, work through, to recover and keep going even when something doesn’t go as planned. 

For example

• • When you get a bad grade and decide to study differently next time - that’s resilience.

  • When you have a fight with a friend and you apologize or forgive with greater understanding of yourself and friendship - that’s resilience

  • When you go through a major change like a family move, break-up, or a friend moves away and you find new routines and connections in your new normal - that’s resilience.

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

The “C” in ACS Was on Full Display This Weekend

This weekend reminded us what makes ACS special. While we hosted the SAISA Girls Volleyball Tournament on campus, our Boys Volleyball and Swimming teams proudly represented us abroad. The energy, sportsmanship, and compassion shown across all teams captured the true meaning of the “C” in ACS — Community.

Every athlete gave their best effort. Every coach led with care and purpose. Every cheer, banner, and volunteer hour showed how strong our community is when we come together.

The Girls Volleyball team competed with heart, hosting visiting teams from across the region and showing what it means to welcome others with warmth and respect. Our Boys Volleyball team displayed perseverance and teamwork on every point in Muscat, while our Swimmers in Colombo broke personal bests and lifted each other up at every race.

Thank you to our incredible coaches, staff, parents, and volunteers who made this weekend possible. From organizing schedules and preparing facilities to cheering in the stands and hosting guests, your efforts shaped an unforgettable experience for our athletes and visiting schools.

The results matter less than the connections made, the lessons learned, and the pride we carry for our community.

Go Scorpions — we are proud of you all.

Season II: Time to Gear Up! Power School Sign-ups are Open

Season II is almost here, and it’s time for our Scorpions to get ready for Basketball and Track & Field. These sports are a big part of the ACS experience, and we want to make sure every student-athlete is prepared to step onto the court or track with confidence.

Sign-ups are live on Power School - Schedule is Available on the Activities Website.

Details below

Basketball, Tennis, Local Swimming Meet, U18 Girls Football & Track & Field

Tryouts

• U18 Girls Football start on the week of October 26, 2025

• All other sports, U14, U16, U18 Boys & Girls → Week of November 16

Tournaments

• AAC U18: January 18–22

• AAC U16: January 29–31

• SAISA Boys Basketball: February 5–7

• SAISA Girls Basketball: April 24–26

• SAISA Tennis: January 22-24

• AAC U16 & U18 Meets: January 22–24 (Plan B: February 5–7)

• SAISA Track & Field: February 5–7

How Parents Can Support

• • • Double-check that your child has the right shoes and ACS gear ready.

    • Encourage balanced routines with good sleep, hydration, and nutrition.

    • Mark your calendars for tournament weeks and travel dates.

    • Look out for follow-up emails with detailed packing lists and parent meeting dates.

We can’t wait to see our Scorpions compete and grow this season—thank you for helping them gear up for success!

Go Scorpions! 🦂

Go Scorpions! 

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.