College Counseling Program

A big congratulations to our seniors who submitted their early applications this week—fantastic work! We’re also excited to announce that college acceptances are already starting to arrive. We couldn’t be prouder of our graduates and all the amazing paths they’re taking!

This week, we were pleased to host representatives from several universities in the UAE as well as EU Business School, Southern Utah University, Clark University, Virginia Commonwealth University and Lane Community College. Next week, we’re excited to host a representative from Parsons Paris for a brief portfolio workshop. 

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

Social/Emotional Counseling Program

Seniors: Managing Stress and Anxiety in October

October is Mental Health Awareness Month and as it draws to a close, I want to outline why October can be a particularly challenging month for both High School seniors and their parents and highlight some strategies they can use to reduce student stress and anxiety and how parents can best support their kids while managing their own worries about the future. 

For Students

Why October Feels Overwhelming:

By October, many seniors are juggling college applications, exams, progress reviews, extracurricular commitments (special shout out to our seniors traveling for SAISA this week!) and uncertainty about the future. This combination often heightens stress and anxiety - even for students who are typically more balanced and calm.

Key Strategies for Managing Stress, Anxiety, and Overwhelm 

1. Break Tasks Into Manageable Steps

Large goals (like “finish college applications”) feel overwhelming. Divide them into smaller, specific actions (e.g., “revise essay intro,” “request transcript”) and check off progress daily.

2. Use a Planning System

Keep one central calendar for deadlines, essays, and tests. Visual structure reduces cognitive overload and last-minute panic.

3. Prioritize Sleep & Nutrition

Fatigue and skipped meals amplify anxiety. Aim for 8+ hours of sleep and balanced meals to support focus and mood regulation.

4. Limit Comparison

Avoid constant discussions about where others are applying or being accepted. Everyone’s path is unique—comparison fuels unnecessary stress. Social media notoriously triggers social comparison. Reduce social media use or take breaks from accounts that feel particularly triggering.

5. Practice Daily De-Stressing Routines

Short mindfulness or breathing exercises, stretching, journaling, or outdoor walks calm the nervous system. Even 5–10 minutes helps reset.

6. Seek Connection & Support

Talk openly with friends, parents, or counselors. Sharing worries prevents stress from building up. Counselors can help with organization, essays, or emotional support.

7. Try to Maintain Perspective

Remind yourself: senior year is one step in a lifelong journey. College decisions don’t define your worth or future success.

For Parents

For parents of seniors, it’s natural to feel nervous about what comes next. Try to model calm and confidence. Talk to other parents, our college counselor (Ruba Kurdi, rkurdi@acsamman.edu.jo - who is a phenomenal resource) and me (the social emotional counselor), or trusted friends if your worries feel overwhelming. Remember that your teen takes cues from your tone and reactions so they may mirror your responses to stress and uncertainty. Your reassurance helps them feel grounded. 

Both you and your child are going through a major transition. Try approaching your senior - and yourself - with empathy, trust, and curiosity. 

Here are some strategies that may help support your teen:

1. Be a steady presence. Listen more than you advise. Many seniors just need space to vent rather than solutions.

2. Encourage balance. Remind your teen to take breaks, sleep, and keep perspective. Overwork often leads to burnout.

3. Focus on effort, not outcomes. Praise persistence, organization, and self-advocacy—traits that matter far beyond college decisions.

4. Maintain perspective. There are many pathways to success; one college decision doesn’t define your child’s potential. 

I encourage you to read item four (above) again. There are MANY pathways to success; one decision does not define your child’s potential OR your success as a parent.

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, 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.