Issue #35: May 7, 2026
Issue #35: May 7, 2026
Embedded Files
From the Principal
From the Principal
Dr. Jeff Wilusz
Our students wrapped up the first week of AP exams, and they’ve handled the challenge with focus and determination. It’s a reflection of their hard work and the steady support they’ve received from all of you.
We’ll see results in July, but no matter the outcome, we’re proud of the commitment they’ve shown. Thanks for being part of their journey.
AP exams will continue through Friday, May 15. Please note that some exams will be held on Fridays. The school will be open and ready to support students taking these exams. You can view the full AP exam schedule here.
Attendance During AP Exams - AP attendance Procedures will be shared with students early next week and we wanted to ensure you all got to see what the expectations were communicated out to students. Please note, students will have a supervised space to be in the event that they choose to stay at school throughout the duration of the regular day:
You are allowed time out of class to prepare for AP exams. This preparation needs to take place off of campus. You may not leave class and remain on campus.
For morning exams
You can take your study leave the day before the test starting at 11:40 (Tuesday at 11:35)
1 - Go to the class you were scheduled to go to and inform them that you have a test the next day and you will be taking AP study leave.
2 - Check out with the HS office
For afternoon exams
You can take your study leave the morning before your test. You need to be at school in time to take your exam. Please check in the HS office when you arrive.
Seniors last day of school is May 14, so the following pertains to 11th and 10th grade students
Attending AP classes after the AP exam weeks are completed:
Work in AP classes will stop after the date of the AP Exam. These will become study hall periods.
You will be able to leave school if your AP class(es) take place at the end of the day. To do this you will need to go to your AP class and get a blue pass from the teacher. This will allow you to leave campus. (Teachers will enter APT into PowerSchool for any student they hand a pass to)
If you have two AP classes back to back you can leave at the start of the first one.
If you have a study hall adjacent to an AP class you do not have to attend study hall
You may leave at lunch if your AP class is after lunch
On Tuesdays, depending on our schedule you may leave at the following times: 11:20 (Adjacent to SH) or 1:15.
If your day starts with an AP class you may arrive at the start of your first non-AP class. When you arrive at school please check in at the HS or Counseling Office.
Spring Concert - ACS Families are cordially invited to an evening of music and talent at our annual Spring Music Concert.
Date: Monday, May 11
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Venue: ACS Theatre
Admission: Free
Performances are an essential part of the learning process in the Performing Arts. By attending, you are not only enjoying a wonderful evening of music but also providing our students with an authentic performance experience and a supportive audience. We look forward to celebrating their hard work and artistry with you!
ACS Book Talks - The Learning Commons invites you to watch the following:
HS Couseling Office Announcements - Ms. Kurdi & Ms. Touchton-Leonard
HS Couseling Office Announcements - Ms. Kurdi & Ms. Touchton-Leonard
College Counseling Program
Wishing Success to Our AP Students!
I want to extend a huge "Good Luck" to all of our students currently sitting for their AP exams. This is a pivotal time of year, and we are incredibly proud of the focus you are showing.
For our Seniors: We are rooting for you as you work toward meeting the conditions of your offers in the UK, Europe and beyond. We hope you get the results you need to secure your offers!
For our Juniors: Remember that these exam scores can be used to meet entry requirements for universities in the UK, Europe and beyond, and can often earn you valuable college credit at many US universities, giving you a head start on your degree.
Thank You for Joining Us
A big thank you to the parents who attended our two online sessions this week! It was great to connect and discuss the nuances of global admissions.
For those who missed it or would like a refresher, both the US Admissions and the UK & Europe presentations are now available.
Resources Available: You can find both slide decks in the MaiaLearning platform under the "Resources" section.
Keep up the great work, everyone—the finish line is in sight! All students and parents are reminded that they are always welcome to schedule counselor meetings. Grades 9&10 parents with Ms. Kate (ktouchtonleonard@acsamman.edu.jo) and Grades 11&12 with Ms. Kurdi (rkurdi@acsamman.edu.jo).
Social/Emotional Counseling Program
Counselor’s Corner: May Milestones and Career Discoveries
The first week of May has brought a palpable shift in energy to the High School. Between the focused silence of the AP testing rooms and the high-spirited countdowns from the Seniors, it is clear that we have entered the final, defining stretch of the academic year.
AP Season and the Senior Countdown
This week marked the beginning of AP Exams for our 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. We have been so impressed by the focus and determination these students are showing as they tackle these rigorous assessments.
For our Seniors, this week carries an extra layer of sentiment. With their last day of school on May 14th, they officially have only one week of classes remaining. It is truly bittersweet to watch them wrap up their high school careers, but incredibly exciting to discuss their next steps. While our underclassmen still have until June 4th, the Seniors are leading the way into graduation season.
Grade 9: Personalities and Future Paths
While the upperclassmen were testing, I had the pleasure of spending time with all of our 9th graders exploring the links between personality and career interests.
The students completed a career inventory that mapped their individual traits to the Holland Scale (RIASEC). It was a joy to see them discover careers that aligned with their natural strengths—many of which they had never previously considered. Seeing their curiosity sparked as they explored potential future paths was a definite highlight of the week, and we look forward to building on these discoveries in the years to come.
One Community, Near and Far
As we mark these milestones—from the first AP exam to the final Senior classes—our evacuated students remain constantly in our thoughts. We know that experiencing the "Senior Week" energy or the end-of-year rush from a distance is not easy. Please know that whether you are on campus or abroad, you are a vital part of these celebrations.
As we move into the final weeks for our 9th–11th graders and the final days for our 12th graders, let’s continue to support one another and finish this journey with the same resilience we have shown all year.
As always, if you have any questions or would like to discuss anything further, please don’t hesitate to contact me at: ktouchtonleonard@acsamman.edu.jo
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
Athletics/Activities Announcements: (Mr. Mo Hourani)
Athletics/Activities Announcements: (Mr. Mo Hourani)
ACS Activities & Athletic Awards Celebration RSVP - We are excited to celebrate our student athletes and activity participants at the ACS Activities & Athletic Awards Celebration on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 5:00–7:00 PM in the ACS Theater & Quad Area.
Please complete the RSVP form below by Thursday, May 7 at 3:00 PM - RSVP FORM LINK
A few important notes
Activities Participants and Athletes - Attendance is mandatory
One submission per family, please
Tickets are free!
Tickets are required for entry and will be available for pick-up from the Activites Office on Monday, May 11
There will be many raffle prizes!!
We look forward to a wonderful evening honoring our Scopions
END OF AEPs and Feedback Form - Just a quick note to let you know that AEP Session III is wrapping up with programs concluding on Saturday, May 10. This has been a wonderful session, and we are especially grateful to our students, coaches, and program leaders for pushing through what has been a season with its share of uncertainty. Your continued support and flexibility have made a real difference.
We would love to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to complete our feedback form using the link below — your input goes a long way in shaping future sessions.
Here is the form for reference.
For your planning ahead, here are next year's AEP session dates:
Session I: September 13 – November 12, 2025
Session II: November 29 – February 11, 2026
Session III: March 14 – May 10, 2026
More details on Session I sign-ups and programming will be shared at the start of the new school year.
Thank you again for being such a supportive AEP community - we look forward to another great year ahead.
For more information, reach out to the Activities Office at mhourani@acsamman.edu.jo.
ACS Activities Program: 2025–2026 - Stay up to date with all athletics, arts, and activities information by visiting our ACS Activities Website Here
HS Bus Riders Reminder - If you need to use the late bus but are not on the late bus roster, complete the form before 12:00 PM the same day.
Late Bus Sign-Up Form. - The late bus departs at 4:45 PM. Students not registered will not be accommodated.
Important Dates & Quick Links
Important Dates & Quick Links
Mark Your Calendars
Mark Your Calendars
May 4-15 - AP Exams
May 11 - Spring Concert (5:00 - 6:00 PM)
May 13 - Activities & Athletic Awards Celebration (5:00 - 7:00 PM)
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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