Issue #8: October 1, 2026

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From the Principal

Ms. Ruth Poulsen

Wellbeing Focus: Building Balance and Healthy Routines

As we move into October, students are beginning to settle into the rhythms of learning, friendships, and school expectations that help them feel safe and successful. This is a good moment to check in on how children are balancing school, home, and rest. Research shows that healthy routines in sleep, nutrition, movement, and downtime play an important role in helping children focus, manage emotions, and succeed academically.

Sleep: Rest is essential for children’s growth and development. When children get enough sleep, they are better able to concentrate, manage emotions, and enjoy their school day.

Nutrition: Balanced meals and snacks provide steady energy for learning and play. Children who start the day with healthy fuel are more likely to stay focused and engaged.

Movement: Regular physical activity supports both health and learning. Opportunities to move throughout the day help children release energy, concentrate in class, and build healthy habits.

Downtime and Creativity: Children need unstructured time to play, imagine, and rest. Downtime allows them to recharge and process everything they are learning.

Family Tips for Balance at Home

Establish consistent home routines
Share meals and conversations together
Build in quiet time for rest and creativity
Show your child what balance looks like by practicing it yourself

By reinforcing these healthy habits at home, children come to school ready to learn, connect with friends, and grow with confidence. Together, we are building strong foundations for both academic success and lifelong wellbeing. In the coming weeks, our Wellbeing Focus will take a closer look at each of these areas, beginning with sleep.

Warmly,
Ruth Poulsen

Important Dates & Quick Links

Mark Your Calendars!

Day of Play - October 8
Spooktacular - October 9
Sign-ups for Parent Teacher Conferences Close - October 11, 12:00pm

Quick Links

Parent Teacher Conferences

Dear ACS Families,

We invite you to participate in the Fall 2026 Parent-Teacher Conferences on October 15. There are no classes for students on this date.

** Please understand that the PowerSchool sign-up process applies only to Elementary homeroom, Learning Support, Counselor, and Arabic conferences.

ES Information

Our Fall Conferences are student goal setting conferences. ES Students are expected to attend conferences with their parents.
For Conference Manager support please contact Ms. Farhan
For PowerSchool support please contact Ms. Khuloud
Conferences with elementary classroom teachers, elementary counselors, elementary learning support teachers and Arabic teachers are by appointment only; parents/guardians must book through the Conference Manager which opens for sign-ups on Saturday, September 26th at 12:00 pm and closes on Sunday, October 11th at 12:00 pm. Click here for instructions.
Ms. Lindsey Cayer (Music for EYP, KG and G1), Mr Harry Westall (Music for G2, G3, G4 and G5) and Ms. Dana Kayyali (Art for EYP, K, G1, G3 and G5) will be available in their classrooms for walk-in conferences.
Ms. Heba Khoury (Art for G2 and G4) will be available in The Sting Zone for walk-in conferences.
The PE teachers will be available in the ES LC breakout rooms for walk-in conferences.
You're invited to stop by the ES office before or after your conferences to have a coffee or tea with Ms. Ruth Poulsen, our new ES Principal.
All teachers have scheduled breaks. The specialist teachers’ breaks are when classroom teachers are meeting with families. To help you plan your time effectively, please note the following break times:

Morning Break:

PE Teachers 9:20 - 9:50
Art and Music Teachers Break 10:00 - 10:30
Arabic Teachers 9:20 - 9:40 and 11:40 - 12:00
HR Teachers, SS Teachers and Counselors 9:00 - 9:20 and 11:20 - 11:40

Lunch Break:

PE Teachers 1:30 - 2:15
Art and Music Teachers 1:00 - 1:45
Arabic Teachers 2:00 - 2:40
HR Teachers, SS Teachers and Counselors 1:20 - 2:00

Afternoon Break:

PE Teachers 4:00 - 4:30
Art and Music Teachers 3:30 - 4:00
Arabic Teachers 3:40 - 4:00
HR Teachers, LS Teachers and Counselors 3:00 - 3:20 and 4:40 - 5:00

Photo Spotlight

ES Learning Commons

Storytime magic in full swing!

Ms. Zeina visited the LC to read her book, followed by a fun hands-on activity that brought the story to life. Thank you, Ms. Zeina, for inspiring our young readers and sparking so much creativity!