Ms. Ruth Poulsen
Dear ES Families,
We hope you have all had a wonderful week! Our school continues to be filled with the vibrant energy of students learning.
For instance, last week, our tennis courts were transformed into an imaginative, bustling arcade inspired by the inspiring story of Cain’s Arcade—a global movement sparked by a 9-year-old boy who built a fully functioning arcade inside his dad's auto shop out of cardboard and recycled materials.
Using materials like cardboard boxes, tape, string, paper clips, and rubber bands, our fourth graders tackled hands-on design challenges to bring their ideas to life. The experience culminated in an unforgettable event where parents were invited into the school to play the games, collect handmade tickets, and laugh and cheer together with their children.
As I come in as your new ES principal, I keep seeing our ACS values throughout the school. Here were two that I particularly noticed during Cain’s Arcade:
Empowerment: Students were given creative agency to lead their own projects from concept to execution, taking on the mindsets of engineers and problem-solvers. They learned that they could turn simple materials into super fun experiences.
Community: The project fostered deep collaboration among peers who had to negotiate roles and work together toward a shared vision. The arcade itself helped build community, bringing families and students from other grade levels together.
A thank you to our fourth-grade teaching team for organizing such a memorable learning experience, and to all the parents who came out to play!
Warm Regards,
Ruth
PTG Back to School Picnic - August 28, 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
After School Exploration Registration opens: August 30 - 3PM
Cain’s Arcade was so much fun, showing off our fourth graders’ collaboration and design skills.
Thank you also to everyone who came and sat in little chairs during back-to-school night! Every time you come to school, we build a stronger home and school partnership.
Welcome to our new AEP sign-up platform. Please read through the details below before registering.
Afterschool Exploration Program Description:
The Exploration Program (former ASA program) runs for 8 sessions, about an hour each week. Students get a chance to try new experiences in a fun, low-commitment setting. Unlike the Deep Dive Afterschool Activities, Exploration does not include multiple weekly practices or a culminating event.
Key dates
Registration opens: August 30 - 3PM
Registration closes: September 6 - 4PM
Placements shared: September 9
Program begins: week of September 13
Program ends: November 12
Before you register
Full list of offerings: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SATYvl7JqBHrhUwtFdb78EwUJWqOhR4xdu3cpuLYnTk/edit?usp=sharing (a PowerSchool sign-up link is included at the top of the doc)
Sign up directly on PowerSchool: https://psforms.acsamman.edu.jo/aep
AEP calendar: https://activities.acsamman.edu.jo/aeps-clubs
How placement works
Please select three activity choices when registering, in all divisions. Placement counts differ by division: ES students are placed in up to two activities, while MS and HS students are guaranteed at least one, to leave room for sports and Deep Dive commitments. If your child only wants one activity, list it as all three choices.
A note on the new platform
The sign-up platform only shows what's available for your child's grade level, not the full list of offerings. For MS and HS, if your child is already signed up for sports or other activities, please cross-check their schedule before registering to avoid conflicts.
Bus riders during activities
ES buses depart at 4:15 pm sharp.
MS/HS buses depart at 4:45 pm sharp.
Students will not be on their regular morning/afternoon bus. Assignments change daily based on how many students ride the AEP buses.
Changing placements
You can change placements yourself up until the September 6 deadline, after which they lock. If you need a change after that, email us and we'll accommodate it if space is available.
Spots are limited and some activities fill quickly, so we recommend registering early. Placements are confirmed once registration closes, and you'll receive your child's schedule on September 9.
As we all know, it’s very hot outside! Besides appropriate shoes and swim gear for PE, please make sure you send your child to school with a water bottle, hat, and sunscreen, so they can fully enjoy recess even when it’s so very sunny.
We hope that each ES class has at least one class parent. If you are interested in helping in this role, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher.
Support your child’s teacher: Work with your child’s homeroom teacher on class needs such as activities or field trips. Each teacher’s requests will look a little different. Remember, you are not expected to do everything yourself.
Stay connected: Whenever possible, attend Elementary Parent Coffees and Parent Teacher Group (PTG) meetings and encourage other class parents to join you. Dates are in the Elementary School events calendar.
Help with volunteers: From time to time, PTG event chairs may contact you to help recruit parent volunteers.
Assist with field trip chaperones: Support the teacher in finding chaperones when needed.
At least 2 adults are required for all trips.
Day or walking trips: 1 chaperone for every 10 students.
Chaperones may be teachers, assistants, parents, school staff, or other approved adults.
If parents share personal or academic concerns about their child, please do not try to resolve these issues yourself. Instead, kindly direct them to the appropriate teacher or ACS staff member. As a parent rep, your role is to help keep class WhatsApp discussions positive, respectful, and helpful.
Parent reps are welcome to organize potlucks or other class- or grade-wide events outside of the school day. Please note that homeroom teachers may not always be able to attend. Holiday celebrations and other “extras” often depend on the support and organization of dedicated parents, and we are grateful for your involvement.
ES Article of the month:
How to Prepare Your Kids for School After a Summer of Screen Time