College Counseling Program

We provided two opportunities for our juniors this week to attend the second part of the balanced college list workshop. A copy of the presentation was already shared with all juniors. Along with their resumes, juniors are expected to also create their first balanced college list and to share it with their parents by the end of the month. Parents can see their student’s list directly by using their parent MaiaLearning login credentials. Not sure about your credentials? Email Ms. Ellen (ehindeleh@acsamman.edu.jo).

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

As we wrap up this final week before Spring Break, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the extraordinary circumstances our High Schoolers are navigating. We have spent the last week in a unique hybrid reality—balancing in-person learning in Amman with the digital presence of our evacuated students joining us from around the world.

Whether you are in a classroom on campus or logging in from a different time zone, the "day-to-day" of being a teenager has not paused. I have been deeply moved this week by the resilience of our students. Despite the sound of jets and the disruption of "stay-in-place" procedures, I have watched you continue the rigorous work of high school: analyzing literature, practicing for sports, creating art, and, most importantly, showing up for your friends. To maintain that sense of normalcy while sirens are overhead or living out of a suitcase abroad is no small feat.

Holding Space for Our Community

This week, I held sessions with our students to process the heartbreaking news of a death by suicide at a neighboring school in Amman. In our tight-knit international community, we felt it was vital to provide a safe, informed, and calm space for students to ask questions and share their feelings. 

Looking Ahead: Programming & Pulse-Checks

To ensure our Social-Emotional (SEL) programming remains responsive to your actual needs, I conducted a "Pulse-Check" survey with our 9th graders this week. Their feedback is invaluable and will directly shape our support systems for the rest of the year.

After Spring Break, I will be back in classrooms with a full slate of support:

• 9th and 10th Grade: Tailored SEL lessons focusing on the specific emotional and social challenges of this semester.

• 11th Grade: Specialized sessions to help juniors prepare for the transition to 12th grade.

• Seniors: "Senior Seminars" focused on the transition to university—addressing the logistical and emotional "adulting" skills needed for life after ACS.

A Note on Spring Break

We know that for many ACS families, this break does not look like what you had planned or hoped for weeks ago. Plans have shifted, and the "rest" you find might feel different than usual. My hope for every student and parent—whether you are traveling, staying in Amman, or waiting to return—is that you find moments of genuine connection and quiet.

Please remember that even during the break, you are part of the ACS family. We are one community, connected by more than just a campus.

Spring Break Wellness Guide: Grounding 

If your plans have been disrupted or you are feeling the weight of the current conflict, here are a few ways to protect your peace over the holiday:

• Establish a "Micro-Routine": If you are in a hotel or temporary housing, create a small daily ritual (like 10 minutes of reading with your breakfast or a specific 20-minute workout). Predictability is an antidote to anxiety.

• The "News-Free" Zone: Designate specific hours of the day where phones are put away. Constant exposure to sirens or headlines keeps the nervous system in "fight or flight." Give your brain a scheduled break.

• Physical Grounding: If you feel an "inner buzz" or anxiety, try the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: identify 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you can taste.

• Stay Linked: Isolation is the enemy of resilience. Use the break to have one "non-school" conversation with a friend every day. Talk about movies, music, or dreams—remind yourself that you are more than the crisis around you.

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

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on the acceptances that are continuing to roll in! We are so proud of your achievements and know that you will be stars wherever you go!

Spring Season Tryouts: Schedule and Safety Protocols

Activities in Session: Location and Team UpdatesTo all Students and Parents,As our spring sports season is underway, we want to inform you of the protocols and adjustments we have implemented for all activities.

• • Location Update: All outdoor activities will continue to take place, noting that when we have the sirens, we move to Shelter in Place. Shelter in place for all outdoor activities will be the cafeteria.

  • Roster Updates: We are moving forward with our teams as "normal" while accounting for the departure of some of our student body. Coaches are prepared to adjust team sizes and positions accordingly.

  • Please check the ACS Activities Website Here for the final updated schedules, specific times, and locations for your sport. Students are expected to attend all scheduled sessions.

Note on SAISA Travel: We are closely monitoring the situation. A final decision regarding travel for SAISA Season III events will be communicated by March 31. Our priority remains the safety and mobility of our student-athletes.Thank you for your understanding as we prioritize the safety and well-being of our community.

Thank you for your understanding as we prioritize the safety and well-being of our community.

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.