College Counseling Program

This week has been a busy and exciting one in the world of college counseling! Our students had the chance to engage with two college fairs, three university presentations, and two university workshops. These visits are so much more than events on the calendar—they are opportunities for our students to ask thoughtful questions, gather first-hand information, and make meaningful connections with university representatives who know their institutions best.

For our seniors, the timing could not be better. With applications in full swing, these interactions provide insight that helps refine their lists, strengthen essays, and give them confidence in the choices ahead. Juniors and sophomores also benefit, as they begin to picture the wide range of possibilities waiting for them after graduation. Parents are always encouraged to join, and they are encouraged to remind their students to attend. 

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.

Social/Emotional Counseling Program

Launching Bi-Weekly HS Wellbeing Check-In Survey

This week I am launching the bi-weekly high school wellbeing survey. The survey will be sent to all high school students and cover the topics of:

1. 1. 1. General wellbeing

      2. Stress and coping

      3. Safety and support

      4. Wins and challenges

      5. Open reflections

Students will also have the option to request a meeting with me on the survey. 

High School Health Class Mental Health Q&A: Questions and Answers Here

I received several parent requests to see the questions and responses from the mental health Q&A session I did in the high school Health class. Below, I’ve included the students’ questions and linked a document that includes the questions and my full responses. Students’ questions provide insight into what they’re thinking about and concerned about with a general focus on behavioral health, mood disorders, and the influence of peers and social media on adolescent mental health. 

Questions

1. 1. 1. What’s the most common mental health disorder?

      2. What’s the most severe side-effect of bad mental health? 

      3. Does mental health differ depending on the people you hang out with? How do your friends affect your mental health on a daily basis?

      4. Do all mental health challenges tie back to Depression? Have you ever dealt with someone who has suicidal thoughts?

      5. What are factors that can affect your mental health long-term?

      6. How does social media affect teenagers’ mental health?

      7. Are lifespans longer for people who practice good mental health?

      8. What are three things I can do throughout my day to exhibit a more healthy lifestyle?

      9. Is DPDR (Depersonalization - Derealization Disorder) a mental health concern?

      10. Over the past few years, has awareness about mental health increased or decreased?

      11. At what age do you think teens start to struggle more with mental health?

Here is the link to the full HS Health Mental Health Q&A document.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything further, please don’t hesitate to contact me at: ktouchtonleonard@acsamman.edu.jo

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

Celebrating Our Scorpions 

On Saturday, September 20, and Monday, September 22, our U19 teams represented ACS with pride on the road at ICS and King’s Academy.

• • • U19 Boys Soccer

    • vs King’s – 3–0 Win

    • U19 Boys Volleyball

    • vs ICS – 0–2 loss

    • vs King’s – 0–2

    • U19 Girls Volleyball

    • vs ICS – 2-0 loss

    • vs King’s – 2–0 loss

Across volleyball and soccer, our athletes showed resilience, teamwork, and true sportsmanship. Congratulations to all our players and coaches for carrying Scorpion spirit everywhere we go!

Regardless of the results, we are proud of how our students competed, supported one another, and carried themselves as Scorpions. Congratulations to all players and coaches!

High School Cross Country

On Monday, September 22, our High School Cross Country runners competed at King’s Academy, showing huge progress since the start of the season.

Results – King’s 5k:

• • Bryce – 22:15

  • Zain L – 22:16

  • Zain H – 24:58

  • Jerome – 25:26

  • Casper – 26:35

  • Suwoo – 26:37

  • Toby – 27:54

Every runner dug deep, improved on their time trial performances, and pushed each other to the finish. Proud of the grit, endurance, and Scorpion spirit on display. Congratulations to all runners and coaches!

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.

High School Athletics – Upcoming Games - We’re excited to share the confirmed schedule for our U19 and U16 teams next week. Please mark your calendars and come out to support our Scorpions!

Sunday, September 28

• • • • 4:00 PM – U16 Boys Soccer vs MIS (Home at ACS)

      • 5:00 PM – U16 Girls Soccer vs ISC (Home at ACS)

Monday, September 29

• • • • 5:00 PM – U19 Girls Volleyball vs ICS (Home at ACS)

      • 6:00 PM – U19 Boys Volleyball vs ICS (Home at ACS)

Tuesday, September 30

• • • • 5:00 PM – U16 Boys Soccer vs IAA (Away)

      • 5:00 PM – U16 Boys Volleyball vs MIS (Away)

      • 6:00 PM – U19 Boys Volleyball vs MIS (Away)

Wednesday, October 1

• • 5:00 PM – U16 Girls Volleyball vs MIS (Away)

  • 6:00 PM – U16 Boys Soccer vs ISC (Away at IAA)

  • 6:00 PM – U19 Girls Volleyball vs MIS (Away)

Thursday, October 2

• 5:00 PM – HS & MS Cross Country at King’s Academy (Away)

💛 Big week ahead for our U16 and U19 Scorpions across soccer, volleyball, and cross country. Let’s bring the energy and support!

Upcoming Tournaments

• • • AAC Cross Country – Oct 2, King’s Academy (Amman)

    • AAC U16 Boys Football – Oct 2–4, ISC (Amman)

    • AAC U16 Girls Football – Oct 2–4, NES (Amman)

    • SAISA Boys Volleyball – Oct 30–Nov 1, TAISM (Muscat)

    • SAISA Girls Volleyball – Oct 30–Nov 1, ACS (Amman)

    • SAISA Swim Meet – Oct 30–Nov 1, OSC (Colombo)