College Counseling Program

A particularly busy week in College Counseling! After putting in a lot of time and hard work, many students have finally submitted their early applications, and we now have our sights set on preparing for the next set of deadlines. Seniors are encouraged to have a relaxing break and a productive one - getting caught up on those essays and statements will be so helpful moving forward! Another gentle reminder: US citizens and their families are reminded to complete the FAFSA.

Our Juniors have begun exploring different university programs as part of their ongoing college preparation. This activity encouraged them to dig deeper into potential fields of study and gain a clearer understanding of what pursuing certain programs might involve. They are encouraged to continue researching and discovering the paths that best match their interests and goals.

This week, we were pleased to host Stony Brook University, University of Tampa, Temple University, Minerva University, Koc University, and The George Washington University. In addition, the Senior Associate Director from the University of Chicago presented on the topic of Selective, Holistic Admission in the U.S, and we were so pleased to have parents in our audience as well. When we get back from the holiday, we look forward to welcoming representatives from several universities in the UAE as well as EU Business School and Lane Community College. All parents and high school students are invited — and highly encouraged — to attend!

Got more college questions? Ask Ms. Kurdi directly (rkurdi@acsamman.edu.jo), or schedule a meeting by emailing Ms. Ellen (ehindeleh@acsamman.edu.jo).

Social/Emotional Counseling Program

Parent-Teacher Conferences

I enjoyed meeting some of you during Parent-Teacher conferences. Thank you for your partnership in supporting the social, emotional, and academic growth of your children.

Academic Advising for Grades 9-10

On October 28th, 9th and 10th graders (as well as 11th graders) will take the PSAT. This week, I ran an informational session for grade 9 students, as well as 10th and 11th grade students new to ACS. The primary aim of the session was to provide a brief overview of the test’s purpose, structure, and testing-day practices/rules. The primary takeaways were:

1. This is a practice test that gives students an opportunity to be exposed to collegiate admissions testing WITHOUT scores being sent to colleges and universities. It’s not an intelligence test. We know that one of the best ways to prepare for standardized testing is to do practice problems and full tests under testing conditions (on the actual testing program, together with other students, timed, etc.); the PSAT gives students an opportunity to do a full practice test prior to taking the actual SAT. Students with documented College Board accommodations will take the PSAT with their accommodations. 

2. Come prepared. Students need to bring:

   1. 1. 1. Their FULLY CHARGED laptop, 

         2. Computer charger, 

         3. Pen or pencil (scratch paper will be provided),

         4. A drink and/or snack, kept under their desk. The cafe and cafeteria will be closed, so if they want something to eat or drink, they should bring it from home.  

         5. They can bring a calculator if they wish, but there is also a digital calculator available on the testing platform throughout the test.

         6. Bluebook was downloaded on their computer. We showed the students how to download Bluebook during a cohort meeting, so everyone should have it. If they were absent that day or don’t have it downloaded for some other reason, they should come to the HS office on Sunday, October 26th, to ensure it’s downloaded. 

• They cannot bring any electronic devices into the testing room, including smart watches and headphones/earbuds. If any devices are found on them, the test will be cancelled. 

• Note: Students with personal Chromebooks cannot use them for the PSAT. If their personal computer is a Chromebook, they need to let us know in advance (by Oct 26th at the latest), and the school will provide a computer for them for the PSAT. 

Here is a link to the full PSAT informational presentation for your reference. 

October Break

Following Parent Teacher Conferences and the completion of the first half of the semester, students and their families are encouraged to get some real rest and connect over the October break. 

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

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, 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! 🦂

SAISA Girls Volleyball is Coming to ACS! 

We are proud to announce that ACS Amman will host the SAISA Girls Volleyball Tournament from October 30 – November 1, 2025. This is a very special moment for our school community as we welcome student-athletes and coaches from across the SAISA region right here on our campus.

Why This Matters

• • Hosting SAISA gives our girls’ team the home-court advantage and the chance to play in front of their friends, family, and teachers.

  • It’s also an opportunity for our entire community to show what Scorpion Pride is all about—hospitality, spirit, and sportsmanship.

How You Can Be Involved

• Come Cheer: Pack the stands, wear your ACS gear, and bring the energy to every game.

• Volunteer: Opportunities are available to help and support visiting teams - click here to access the volunteer opportunities.

• Spread the Word: Encourage family and friends to attend and make it a weekend of celebration.

• The tournament schedule is here.

• Look out for updates on how you can help us create a warm and spirited ACS welcome for all visiting teams.

Let’s fill the gym with energy and make this a weekend to remember.

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