College Counseling Program

Another busy week for college counseling! Our students had the chance to engage with universities from several countries: Ireland, US, Cyprus, and UK. These visits are opportunities for our students to gather first-hand information and ask meaningful questions not only about admissions and programs but also about scholarships. Parents are again reminded that they are encouraged to attend these visits and fairs. 

Application season is now in full swing. Seniors had the opportunity to attend one ApplyCanada and one ApplyUK&Europe workshops. These workshops walk the students through the application process step by step and include tips for writing the personal statement/motivation letter. Most US applicants are now polishing their Common App and supplemental essays, especially for those earlier deadlines mid to late October. 

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

In our effort to support student and parent needs, we are consolidating resources as much as possible. We will be shifting resources and information from the college counseling website to the Maia platform, thereby phasing out the college counseling website. We appreciate your patience during this transition period and encourage you to login to Maia to access a plethora of resources. Juniors, seniors and their parents who are seeking specific advice or clarification are welcome to reach out to Ms. Kurdi directly.

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

HS Wellbeing Check-In Survey - Update

Roughly 35% of high school students responded to the first Wellbeing Check-in Survey - which is a great response rate in this space! It’s given me insight into what’s working well and where more support might be needed. 

Mid-Semester Mental Health Check-In

This week marks the halfway point in the semester, which means courses, activities, and other student commitments are in full swing. This would be a good time to do a mental health check-in with your high-schooler. Below, you’ll find my recommendations on how to initiate that conversation, a checklist you can use to monitor their overall mental health, and some red flags to watch for.

Tone and Aim - Teens become more and more focused on their own identity development and peers than they are on their families. Despite this normal developmental trajectory, they still need parental guidance and support. This can be a challenging balance and can sometimes (often) result in conflict or misunderstanding between parents and teens. It’s important, therefore, to approach this conversation with curiosity and openness - the aim is not to fix or lecture, but rather to listen and keep communication open. 

You could start with

“ I’d love to check in with you – not about grades, but about how you’re feeling mid-semester. I’m here to listen and learn about how you’re doing.”

Conversation Starters - one or several of these could work well

1. 1. 1. How have you been feeling about school lately—stressed, balanced, overwhelmed, or okay?

      2. Is there something right now that feels harder than usual?

      3. What’s been going well for you? (school, friends, activities)

      4. How are things with your friends? Do you feel supported socially?

      5. How are you sleeping and eating? Do you feel rested most mornings?

      6. When you feel stressed, what helps you cope? Do you feel like those strategies are working?

      7. Is there anything I can do differently to support you right now?

Following your conversation, you can use this checklist to keep tabs on how your teen is doing, generally

☐ My teen is sleeping 7–9 hours most nights.

☐ They have at least one or two friends they connect with regularly.

☐ They’re keeping up with schoolwork without constant panic.

☐ They’re able to name at least one healthy coping skill (exercise, music, journaling, talking).

☐ They’re showing interest in at least one enjoyable activity.

☐ They know I’m available to listen without judgment.

Here is a list of possible red flags - if you notice these, consider reaching out to me or another mental health professional

1. Significant changes in sleep, appetite, or mood

2. Withdrawing from friends or favorite activities

3. Talking about feeling hopeless or like a burden

4. Drop in grades linked to motivation/energy rather than effort

5. Expressions of not feeling safe

If you have any questions or you’d like to brainstorm how/when etc to have this conversation with your teen, please don’t hesitate to email me to set up a time to talk: ktouchtonleonard@acsamman.edu.jo

Resources

Here is a list of podcasts (with links) that can help teens feel grounded and regulate their emotions:

1. On Our Minds – Student-led stories about teen mental health. Relatable, short, and authentic.
   🔗 On Our Minds

2. Mostly Mindful for Teens and Tweens – Bite-sized mindfulness practices to help reduce stress and build resilience.
   🔗 Mostly Mindful

3. She Persisted – A teen host interviews experts and peers about mental health, motivation, and growing up.
   🔗 She Persisted

4. Meditative Story – Combines real human stories with gentle mindfulness prompts and soothing narration.
   🔗 Meditative Story

5. Sleep with Me – A quirky, rambling bedtime podcast designed to calm the mind and ease listeners into sleep.
   🔗 Sleep With Me

6. The Mindful Teen Podcast – Practical mindfulness techniques from professionals and teens for handling stress and emotions.
   🔗 Mindful Teen Podcast

7. The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos – Evidence-based tips on happiness and well-being, delivered in a calm, engaging style.
   🔗 The Happiness Lab

8. Peace Out Podcast – Short stories and mindfulness activities geared toward younger teens, great for calming down after a busy day.
   🔗 Peace Out

9. Brains On! – Science explained in fun, accessible ways. Engaging but not overwhelming—perfect for curious teens.
   🔗 Brains On!

10. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls – Empowering, inspiring bedtime-style stories about real women, told in a calming voice.
    🔗 Rebel Girls

Remember - parenting is a joyful honor but also really hard sometimes! You’re doing a great job. 

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! 

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.

Basketball

Tryouts

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

• Tournaments

  1. 1. AAC U18: January 18–22

     2. AAC U16: January 29–31

     3. SAISA Boys Basketball: February 5–7

     4. SAISA Girls Basketball: April 24–26

Track & Field

Tryouts

• Start on November 2

Meets

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

  • SAISA Track & Field: February 5–7

Gear to have ready

• • Running shoes (well-fitted, broken in before tryouts)

  • Lightweight athletic wear for practice and competition

  • Water bottle and sunscreen

  • Spikes (optional, depending on events)

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 will be available to help welcome and support visiting teams.

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

Next Steps

• • Tournament schedules and volunteer sign-up details will be shared soon.

  • 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.