Books are a wonderful, cozy way to help kids make sense of it big changes. Reading together creates a safe space to talk through big feelings, share a cuddle, and help your child see they aren't alone.

Our team put together this list  of favorite picture books to help spark gentle, meaningful conversations at home.

Ideas for using books to support your child through changes:

Focus on the Characters: Ask open questions like, 

• "How do you think the main character feels right now?" to let your child share feelings without pressure.

• Normalize Mixed Emotions: Remind your child that it's okay to feel sad, angry, and excited all at the same time during a big change.

• Keep Routines Grounded: Reading together at the same time each day builds predictability and comfort during transitional periods.

Need more book recommendations or support? Reach out to the Learning Commons Team. We're here to help!

Our counseling team also knows that parent support during periods of transition is key to buffering students’ experience. They have put together this list of guidelines to help you help your children move through this transition.

Big thanks to the PTG for the annual PTG picnic! Everyone was having so much fun eating, chatting, and playing. 

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

1. Registration opens: August 30 - 3PM

2. Registration closes: September 6 - 4PM

3. Placements shared: September 9

4. Program begins: week of September 13

5. Program ends: November 12

Before you register

1. 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)

2. Sign up directly on PowerSchool: https://psforms.acsamman.edu.jo/aep

3. 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

1. ES buses depart at 4:15 pm sharp.

2. MS/HS buses depart at 4:45 pm sharp.

3. 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.

Introducing Scorpion Kingdom, an interactive reading challenge for the school year. Students can reveal the map of the kingdom by reading books. The map is divided into six sections, one for each of the grade levels from KG to Grade 5. Students must work together to reveal the map in their section.

After the first week, the students have been working hard to fill in their section:

We are thrilled to welcome our very own teacher and author, Ms. Zeina El Kouzi, to the Learning Commons! She will be hosting special read-aloud sessions to share her brand-new book with our students, creating a special story-time experience designed to inspire our young readers.

Unveil Your Next Great Read in the LC! 

Mark your calendars for September 22nd! The Learning Commons is unveiling an exciting new collection of books. Stop by, explore the fresh additions to our shelves, and check out your next great read.

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.  

Key Responsibilities of a Room Parent

• 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.

Parent Issues and Concerns

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.

Class Potlucks and Extra Activities

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.