College Counseling Program

It may only be September, but our college application season is already off to a flying start—we are thrilled to celebrate our very first university acceptance of the school year!

To mark these milestones, we have a favorite school tradition: whenever a student receives a college acceptance, they get to wear a special robe around school for the day. It’s a wonderful moment that gives our seniors a well-deserved sense of pride, lets our whole school community join in celebrating their success, and serves as inspiring motivation for everyone around them.

Our seniors are in full prep mode, working hard on their personal statements and Common App essays while gearing up for upcoming SATs and university entrance exams. We were also delighted to host a visiting representative from IE University recently. The session was well-attended, and our students engaged with fantastic, thoughtful questions. We have another upcoming visit next week, and parents are reminded that they are welcome to attend during any of these visits.

Meanwhile, the junior class had a deep-dive discussion into standardized testing. After exploring everything from the PSAT and SAT to English proficiency exams, they are now mapping out personalized testing timelines tailored to their individual goals.

With our first robe already being worn and so much focused energy in the air, we’re prepping for a stellar year!

Social/Emotional Counseling Program

It has been another busy and purposeful week in the high school as we prepare for upcoming assessment milestones and launch new ways to connect as a school community. Here are this week’s key updates from the counseling office:

PSAT Preparation & Testing Info (Test Date: Tuesday, October 6th)

This week, I met with our 9th graders for a PSAT orientation session to demystify the upcoming exam and share test-taking strategies. (Sophomores will receive this same presentation early next week!)

What the PSAT IS:

• • A practice version of the official SAT that provides early exposure to college admissions testing format and timing.

  • A helpful tool to gauge college readiness and identify areas to focus on before taking the real SAT in 11th grade.

  • A score report that some summer enrichment programs may request as part of their application.

What the PSAT IS NOT:

• An intelligence test or a measure of your potential.

• A test used for college admissions.

• A report sent to universities (ACS and the student are the only ones who receive the score report).

Score Distribution: 9th grade scores will be downloaded and emailed directly to students once available. For 10th and 11th graders, scores will be accessible directly through their College Board account/app.

Logistics for Tuesday, October 6th

All testing students must report to their assigned classroom by 9:00 AM. Please ensure your student brings the following items:

• • Fully charged laptop (with power cord/charger). Note: Students must bring the same device they used during our in-class Bluebook setup session.

  • Pen or pencil (scratch paper will be provided).

  • Approved calculator (optional, for the math section).

  • Water bottle & healthy snack (Important: The school café will NOT be open or accessible during testing hours). 

Announcing: "Coffee with the Counselor"

I am thrilled to launch a new monthly event: Coffee with the Counselor! On the second Sunday of every month at 8:00 AM (right after morning drop-off), I’ll host an informal gathering for high school parents in the Parent Café to chat, answer questions, and discuss topics related to adolescence and high school life.

Our first gathering will take place on Sunday, October 11th at 8:00 AM in the Parent Café.

Sample topics & questions we might explore in upcoming sessions:

• • Adolescent Brain Development: "Why does my teen's mood or organization shift so quickly, and how can I best support them at home?"

  • Navigating Social Dynamics & Screen Time: "How can we partner to build healthy digital boundaries and manage peer stress?"

  • Balancing Academics & Stress: "What is healthy stress vs. burnout, and how do we foster true resilience?"

  • Preparing for Life After High School: "How do we support independence, emotional readiness, and self-advocacy before college?"

I will send out a sign-up link next week so you can reserve your spot—I can't wait to connect with you over coffee!

As always, please reach out directly at ktouchtonleonard@acsamman.edu.jo if you have any questions. Have a wonderful and restful weekend!

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

Activities Schedules

All schedules for all sports and activities, as well as updates, will be posted on the Activities Calendar — your go-to spot for the most current schedule information. After-School Exploration Program Dates

ACS Activities Program: 2026–2027

You can visit the Activities Page on the ACS Activities website, which will always have the most up-to-date details as things evolve. The InfoBoard offers a great starting point, while the website reflects ongoing updates throughout the year.

Let’s make 2026–2027 our best year yet. Bring your energy, your commitment, and your Scorpion pride!

Scorpion Athletics Weekly: Upcoming Friendly Fixtures

It’s going to be an action-packed week for our Scorpions as our soccer and volleyball teams take the court and field for a full lineup of friendly matches! Mark your calendars and come out to show your support.

U16 Boys Soccer

• • Sat, Oct 10, 10:30 AM: vs ABS @ ABS (Away)

U19 Boys Soccer

• • Wed, Oct 7, 4:30 PM: vs AA @ AA, 6-aside (Away)

  • Sat, Oct 10, 1:30 PM: vs ABS @ ABS (Away)

U19 Girls Soccer

• • Wed, Oct 7, 5:30 PM: vs AA @ AA, 7-aside (Away)

U19 Boys Volleyball

• • Wed, Oct 7, 6:00 PM: vs MIS @ MIS (Away)

U19 Girls Volleyball

• • Wed, Oct 7, 5:00 PM: vs MIS @ MIS (Away)

  • Sat, Oct 10, 11:00 AM: vs ABS @ ACS (Home)

HS & MS Cross Country (Boys and Girls)

• • Fri, Oct 9, 3:00 PM: AAC Cross Country Meet @ KA (Away)

Go Scorpions!