Issue #2: August 20, 2026
Issue #2: August 20, 2026
Embedded Files
From the Principal
From the Principal
Dr. Jeff Wilusz
Thank you to all who were able to make it to Back to School Night this past Monday. It was great to see all your faces in person! If you were unable to make it, please take a moment to look through the BTSN Presentation, and we encourage you to reach out to your kids' teachers.
In line with tradition, I would like to share the first three keys of the Seven Keys to A Successful School Year, written by a wise old, old, old, old educator, Mr. Keith Boniface, former HS Principal here at ACS.
Keep your eye on the learning, not the grade
This first and crucial key is surprisingly easy to overlook. Schools exist for learning, not as an all-out quest for grades, a competitive endeavor, or a sorting mechanism for universities. Nor are they meant simply to uncover weaknesses or keep children occupied. At their core, schools are about learning.
Losing focus on this distinction often happens when a test or assignment comes home. Instinctively, we tend to ask, “What did you get?” We talk about grades as if they were the end goal. It is an honest mistake; after all, grades are intended to indicate student learning. But they are far from the most important thing on the page.
Students come to the table knowing some things well, working to understand others, and knowing nothing about a few—yet. Their learning journeys are unique, and our questions should reflect that. The next time your child comes home with a graded assignment, try swapping “What did you get?” for “What did you learn?”
Remember to take the long view
Whenever kids make mistakes (and they certainly will) it can be tough to remember that a single mistake does not define them. Even repeated missteps do not dictate who they are as people. Children are constantly in the process of becoming. Rather than labeling a student as lazy, dishonest, or rude, it is far more accurate, and constructive, to view those behaviors as temporary moments, not permanent identities.
Kids deserve the grace to grow, which requires us to take the long view. A mistake isn't a failure; it’s an opportunity. In disciplinary moments, my favorite question to ask is simply, “So, what did you learn?” It connects directly back to that crucial first key.
Communicate
In real estate, the golden rule is location, location, location. In the school-home partnership, it has to be communication, communication, communication. (Inevitably, someone jokes that the real phrase for raising kids is "medication, medication, medication," but it's always said tongue-in-cheek!)
Our school is committed to keeping our doors open and our inboxes welcoming, and we encourage parents to take full advantage of that. If you're reading this, you're likely already someone who stays in touch, so I encourage you to pass the word along and inspire other parents to do the same.
I know you’re clamoring for the final four, but holding back is the only way I can guarantee you’ll come back to read my post next week!
HS Weekly Update - The HS Weekly Update is sent out to students each weekend and updated daily. Feel free to bookmark the link so that you can see what is going on in the HS from the students' perspective, including activities, clubs, and future events.
HS Couseling Office Announcements - Ms. Kurdi & Ms. Touchton-Leonard
HS Couseling Office Announcements - Ms. Kurdi & Ms. Touchton-Leonard
College Counseling Program
It has been an action-packed start to the term! Here is a quick breakdown of what we covered this week and key action items for families.
Seniors: Setting the Foundation
Logistics & Basics: We met twice this week to walk through essential expectations, application timelines, and fundamental procedures for the year ahead.
College Application Agreement: We thoroughly reviewed the agreement so every senior understands their responsibilities and steps moving forward.
Juniors: Looking Ahead & Free University Swag
Welcome & Planning: I met with the junior class to introduce my role and share what to expect during our individual meetings and upcoming FLEX sessions this year.
College Campus Swag: During my summer conference and college tours, I collected a stash of university merchandise. Juniors are invited to drop by my office to pick up some college swag!
Senior Parents: Thank You & Next Steps - A huge thank you to everyone who joined our senior parent meeting! The vibrant energy in the room showed just how strong a support system our seniors have behind them. Please check your email for the presentation slides. We kindly ask that ONE parent or guardian per family completes the following:
MaiaLearning Parent Survey: Complete your survey in MaiaLearning. (If you need your login credentials resent, please contact Ms. Ellen).
Sign the College Application Agreement: Review and submit the signed form.
Schedule a 1-on-1 Meeting: Reach out to book an individual meeting with me—we can meet in person or online, whichever fits your schedule best.
I am thrilled to partner with all of our seniors’ parents to keep our students grounded, prepared, and supported throughout the journey ahead!
Got a question or concern? Who can you contact?
Academic Inquiries:
Please begin by consulting your child and the subject teacher.
Regarding schedule management or academic planning, please begin by consulting the POS and then Ms. Kate (9-10) or Ms. Ruba (11-12).
Testing (SAT/AP/College Board): Reach out to Ms. Ellen Hindeleh. ehindeleh@acsamman.edu.jo
Social and Emotional Wellbeing: Ms. Kate. ktouchtonleonard@acsamman.edu.jo
College and Career Guidance: Ms. Ruba. rkurdi@acsamman.edu.jo
Tawjihi Equivalence Procedures: Ms. Khuloud Hajjiri. khajjiri@acsamman.edu.jo
Social/Emotional Counseling Program
We have officially crossed the finish line of our first full week of school, and what an incredible week it has been! The energy across the high school has been fantastic, and it is wonderful to see our campus full of life again. While our halls feel vibrant, our thoughts remain constantly with our students who are still away on ordered departure—we miss you dearly and cannot wait for the day you are back on campus with us.
This week was all about laying the groundwork for a successful semester. Parents joined us on campus for Back to School Night, where they had the opportunity to hear from our High School Principal, Jeff Wilusz, and connect directly with their children’s teachers. Meanwhile, students have been hard at work finalizing their class schedules, trying out for sports teams, and establishing the daily routines that will anchor them throughout the fall.
Starting next week, I will begin holding one-on-one "Minute Meetings" with every 9th-grade student! I’ll move on to grades 10, 11, and 12 over the course of the next few weeks. These brief check-ins are a fantastic opportunity for me to:
Explain my role as the High School Social-Emotional Counselor and how I can support them.
Learn about how they understand themselves as learners.
Discuss the academic and social goals they want to work toward this year.
Building a strong routine takes time, so please encourage your students to keep pacing themselves as we find our rhythm. As always, my door is open to both students and parents.
Have a 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
2026-2027 SAT Dates
Athletics/Activities Announcements: (Mr. Mo Hourani)
Athletics/Activities Announcements: (Mr. Mo Hourani)
PowerSchool sign-ups open on Tuesday, August 11, it will remain open till August 27 - Sign up early to secure your spot and know your schedule for the season.
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
Activities & Tryouts Begin
The week of Sunday, August 23: MUN Switzerland and MUN Munich.
The week of Sunday, August 30: U14 Soccer (Boys & Girls), U14 Volleyball (Boys & Girls), Boys Soccer (U18 & U16).
ACS Activities Program: 2026–2027
Curious about what’s happening in student activities this year? From after-school programs to performances and student leadership, the ACS Activities InfoBoard gives you a full overview of what’s planned across all grade levels.
You can also 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!
After-School Exploration Program Dates
Important Dates & Quick Links
Important Dates & Quick Links
Mark Your Calendars
Mark Your Calendars
August 28 - Back to School Picnic
August 30 - HS Fall MAP Testing - Day 1
September 2 - HS Fall MAP Testing - Day 2
Quick Links
Quick Links
The HS Weekly Update is sent out to students each weekend and updated daily. Feel free to bookmark the link so that you can see what is going on in the HS from the students' perspective.
Help Navigating PowerSchool - The How to View Grades from Parent Portal is a quick reference to help guide you through the intricacies of PowerSchool. As always, if you notice something “off” or have questions, please reach out to teachers after speaking through it with your child(ren) and they can help.
Please find the HS PS Tutorial recording to give you a quick guide to help you navigate PowerSchool and generate some fruitful conversations at home.
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