Dear Lower Elementary School Families,

As we move further into October, we remain grateful for the strong partnership we share with our families. With Parent-Teacher Conferences, the Fall Carnival, our Parent Coffee Series, and Halloween celebrations approaching, our campus is full of energy, creativity, and connection. Below are several important highlights and reminders as we continue this engaging season of learning and celebration together.

Upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences

We look forward to welcoming families to our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences. These conversations provide an important opportunity to celebrate your child’s progress, learn more about their experiences at school, and discuss the next steps in their learning journey.

Homeroom teachers will share sign-ups with families on Sunday, October 25, at 3:00 p.m. Please be sure to sign up for a slot. We greatly value this opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school in support of each child’s continued growth and development.

LES Parent Coffee Series: Inclusion and Belonging

We are pleased to invite families to the next session of our LES Parent Coffee Series, which will focus on Inclusion and Belonging. This session, scheduled for Monday, October 26, at 8:15 a.m. in the ES Cafeteria, will provide an opportunity to explore what inclusion and belonging look like within the Lower Elementary School and how we work together to ensure that every learner feels known, valued, supported, and connected to our community.

Please refer to the flyer below for further details. We hope you will be able to join us for this meaningful conversation.

Halloween Celebrations and Costumes

As we approach Thursday, October 29, we are excited to celebrate Halloween with a Lower Elementary School assembly, costume parade, and classroom festivities. Each class will have the opportunity to participate in the parade in a joyful and age-appropriate way, allowing learners to share their creativity with classmates and teachers.

Costume Reminders

To ensure a positive and comfortable experience for all children, particularly our youngest learners, we kindly ask that costumes be friendly, non-frightening, and appropriate for school. Please reserve costumes with frightening masks, horror themes, or heavy face paint that significantly changes a child’s appearance for celebrations outside school. Additionally, please also consider how cultural appropriation, insensitivity, and misrepresentation can perpetuate stereotypes.

Costume accessories resembling weapons must also remain at home. This includes toy swords, knives, axes, spears, guns, blasters, or any other items that could be mistaken for weapons. Keeping these items at home helps us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

We also encourage families to select costumes that allow children to move comfortably, participate safely in their regular school activities, and independently manage their clothing and bathroom needs throughout the day.

Pumpkin Patch: October 26 and October 28

Permission slips were shared with Grade One and Grade Two students earlier this week. Please ensure that they are returned to school signed during the days the Pumpkin Patch is open.

Our Pre-K and Kindergarten learners can visit the Pumpkin Patch with their parents at the end of the school day.

Dear Upper Elementary School Parents,

This week, we welcomed our NEASC accreditation visitors to campus as part of our ongoing commitment to school improvement and excellence. During their visit, they engaged with our school community, observed learning in action, and reviewed evidence of our progress toward our strategic goals. The accreditation process provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on our strengths, celebrate our successes, and identify areas for continued growth. We deeply appreciate the opportunity to welcome an external organization to serve as our critical friends—offering thoughtful feedback, fresh perspectives, and constructive recommendations to help us continue moving forward. This collaborative process supports our commitment to continuous improvement and ensures that we remain focused on providing the highest-quality learning experiences for all students. Thank you to our faculty, staff, students, and families for the important role you play in our school’s ongoing growth and success!

Fall Carnival
We look forward to welcoming you this evening to our Fall Carnival sponsored by CAST.  Students will have a wonderful time dressing up in costumes, playing games, trick-or-treating, going to the haunted house, and playing with their friends and family.  Tickets are still available for purchase at the door for ASD students.  

Please note that Halloween class parties will be held during the school day on Thursday, October 29th. These class parties are coordinated by our amazing PTA Homeroom parents. 

Pink Day: United in Support and Awareness
Our ASD community came together in a beautiful display of solidarity for Breast Cancer Awareness, with students and faculty across all divisions wearing pink to show their support for those affected by cancer. From our youngest learners to our High School students, the sea of pink served as a meaningful reminder that we are stronger when we stand together. Pink Day was an opportunity to raise awareness, show compassion, and recognize the individuals and families in our community whose lives have been touched by cancer. We are proud to be part of a school community that leads with kindness, embraces empathy, and reminds one another that no one has to face life’s challenges alone. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this day a heartfelt celebration of awareness, hope, and community spirit.

Dear Middle School Parents,

Thank you for a wonderful first quarter of the school year! It is hard to believe that we are already 25% of the way through the school year. It has been a busy and rewarding start, and I am grateful for the continued partnership and support of our Middle School families. We have much to celebrate and plenty to look forward to as we head into the remainder of October and a busy November.

Upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences
Our Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences are just around the corner. Please mark your calendars for the following dates and times:

• Wednesday, November 4 | 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.: In-person conferences

• Thursday, November 5 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Online conferences via Google Meet

We have heard from many Middle School parents that they appreciate the option to meet with teachers in person or virtually, so we are pleased to continue offering it this year. Information about how to sign up for conferences will be shared with parents on October 25. We look forward to connecting with you and continuing our partnership in support of your child's learning and growth.

Middle School Parent Coffee: AI in the Classroom
We are excited to host our next Middle School Coffee on Tuesday, October 27, at 8:00 a.m. in the MSPR. Our Technology Integrator, Mr. Daniel Mendes, will lead a presentation titled “AI in the Classroom: Opportunity, Safety, and Finding Tech Balance.”

As artificial intelligence continues to shape the world around us, this will be a great opportunity to learn more about its role in education, the opportunities it presents, and the importance of helping our students use technology safely and responsibly. We look forward to seeing all interested parents for what promises to be an engaging and informative conversation.

Cybercrime Awareness and Online Safety
On Thursday, October 29, we will once again welcome attorneys from the law firm of Al Tamimi & Company to speak with our students about the importance of understanding cybercrime in Qatar.

Two years ago, we had the pleasure of welcoming two attorneys from Al Tamimi & Company who shared valuable guidance with our students on staying safe online and navigating the digital world responsibly. The firm regularly visits schools throughout Doha to raise awareness about cybercrime and online safety, and we are grateful that its team is making time to return to ASD to support our students once again. Helping our students develop the knowledge and skills to make safe, informed decisions online is an important part of preparing them for the world they live in.

As we wrap up October, I hope you and your families enjoy the remainder of the month. We have an exciting, rewarding, and action-packed November ahead in Middle School at ASD, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together.

Dear High School Parents,

We are already completing week nine of the school year! Our students continue to thrive, making the most of every opportunity, whether in their classes, clubs, community celebrations, or school-wide events.

To highlight just a few of the exciting activities happening across our campus:

• Honor Society Inductions: Over 140 High School students were inducted into our eight honor societies.

• School Spirit & Awareness: The Varsity Club Council hosted a vibrant Spirit Week, while Roses for a Cure led efforts to promote Breast Cancer Awareness.

• Co-Curricular Achievements: Our Model United Nations delegation was in full force last weekend; our volleyball and swim teams competed; and final rehearsals are underway for the High School Musical Rock of Ages.

• Academic & Senior Milestones: Students in Grades 9–11 recently completed the PSAT. Following their University Bootcamp, hosted by our Counseling and English departments, our Seniors gathered for a fun, Oktoberfest-themed "Senior Surprise" organized by the Junior/Senior Committee.

In addition to these daily successes, we hosted a visiting team from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) this week as part of our reaccreditation process. The visiting team spent the week reviewing our self-study and learning more about our community. Their initial feedback underscored just how warm and welcoming ASD is, with our students eagerly sharing their academic and co-curricular experiences. We look forward to receiving NEASC's final report, which will help shape our next strategic plan and drive continuous growth for our school.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership at home, which enables our students to arrive each day ready to fully engage in their learning.

We look forward to connecting with you at our upcoming Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences, which will take place online via Google Meet:

• Wednesday, November 4: 3:40 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

• Thursday, November 5: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Note: Registration details and sign-up links will be sent to all parents on Sunday, October 25.

All my best,

Ms. Jennifer Mendes
High School Principal

Important Updates and Announcements

Parent Advisory Forum Recap: Student Growth, Assessment Insights & What’s Next
Thank you to all the parents who joined us for our virtual Parent Advisory Forum (PAF) this week! We had a fantastic turnout.

During our session, we explored how MAP test results and the upcoming Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences support ongoing student growth. We also celebrated the outstanding results of our students' hard work from the 2025–2026 school year across our AP and IB programs, and shared key updates from our Counseling and High School Technology teams.

If you couldn't make it, you can catch up anytime:

• Presentation Slides: [Link]

• Video Recording: [Link]

As always, please feel free to reach out to our team with any questions, ideas, or feedback.

Save the Date for Our Next PAF!

• Date: Monday, November 23

• Time: 8:15 AM

• Location: HS Presentation Room (HSPR)

We look forward to seeing you there in person!

Mental Health Matters: Quail Snuggling Workshop Brings Calm & Connection
By setting their phones aside, students took a meaningful pause to reconnect with nature, each other, and themselves. Cuddling the quails offered comfort and relaxation, which clinical research shows can decrease stress hormones and promote focus amid busy academic schedules.

In line with our commitment to equity and inclusion, activities like this offer diverse ways for students to find calm, recharge, and feel valued within our supportive school community. We were also thrilled to share this experience with our security team, recognizing their constant hard work in keeping us safe.

A special thank you to our MHM Club student leaders and sponsor for making this joyful and restorative event possible for our students!

Honor Societies: Congratulations to Our New Inductees!
It was an honor and a true pleasure to celebrate more than 140 newly inducted members into our high school's eight honor societies earlier this month. The executive student leaders of each society presided over the ceremony, setting an inspirational and hope-filled tone for the academic year ahead.

If you were unable to attend or would like to relive the special moment, you can watch the ceremony in full by clicking [here / link].

Congratulations again to all the inductees across our eight chapters:

• Honor Society of the Cinematic Arts

• International Thespian Society

• Mu Alpha Theta (Math National Honor Society)

• National Art Honor Society

• National English Honor Society

• National Honor Society

• Science National Honor Society

• Tri-M Music Honor Society

International Week Announcement
Our International Week Committee has a few exciting updates and opportunities for our community as we prepare for this year's celebration:

• Country Booth Sign-Ups: Spaces are still available for families interested in hosting a country booth! This is a wonderful way to share your culture, traditions, and food with our school community.

• Student Logo Contest: Calling all student artists! Students are encouraged to submit their original designs for this year's official International Week logo.

For full details, submission guidelines, and sign-up forms, please visit the [International Week page].

Counseling
This week, students in Grades 9–11 completed the PSAT, while our Grade 12 students participated in University Application Bootcamp. It was a full morning, but a productive one across the High School.

For our younger students, the PSAT provided valuable experience with the digital testing environment, pacing, and question format. For seniors, Bootcamp created something equally valuable: time. Students had a dedicated block to work on applications, essays, personal statements, and other application tasks with counselors nearby for support and members of the English Department available to provide feedback on writing.

We are grateful to everyone who helped make both events run smoothly, and we are proud of the way our students approached the day.

Help Us Plan What Comes Next
We also want our parent programming to reflect the questions and concerns that matter most to our community. If there is a topic you would like the Counseling Team to explore this year, whether related to student well-being, parenting adolescents, university planning, vaping, gambling, technology, motivation, or something else entirely, tell us.

We cannot promise to solve every teenage mystery, but we can certainly try to bring the right people and resources to the table.

SHARE YOUR PROGRAMMING IDEAS

Your feedback will help shape future Counselor Coffees, workshops, speakers, and family programming.

AP Updates
The following email was sent to all Grade 12 students and their parents/guardians were BCCed, identifying action required regarding the option to elect not to sit any AP exam(s) in May 2027:

Hello Grade 12 AP Students,

As per our Program of Studies (page 7), as Seniors at ASD, you have the option to elect NOT to sit your AP Exam(s) should you so choose.

Common reasons for this decision include:

• Your preferred university does not offer credit for the course.

• You have already earned the maximum credit allowed for that subject.

• You do not feel confident about passing the exam.

PLEASE NOTE: Here at ASD, the default setting for all enrolled AP students is "Order the Exam." If you take no action, an exam will be ordered for you, and your family will be expected to pay for that exam. If you wish to OPT OUT of taking one or more of your AP Exams, please complete our official AP Exam Opt-Out Form below (do not reply directly to this email):

[LINK TO GOOGLE FORM]: Grade 12 AP Exam Opt-Out Form

Important Costs & Timelines:

1. FREE CANCELLATION DEADLINE — Monday, November 2nd:

If you fill out the form by Nov 2nd, I will remove your exam from our order, and you will NOT be charged.

2. SECONDARY DEADLINE ($40 Fee) —Sunday, January 17th (After the end of Semester 1):

If you submit an opt-out request between Nov 3rd and Jan 17th, your family will only be charged the College Board's non-refundable $40 Unused Exam Fee.

3. AFTER JANUARY 17th:

After the close of Semester 1, the full exam cost will be due and billed by the ASD Business Office, whether or not you sit the exam.

Academic Implications: 

Choosing not to sit the final AP exam in May will NOT affect your transcript or your grade "bump." However, you are still expected to complete all coursework, including the Mock Exam, and continue actively participating in the course.

Before submitting the form, please discuss this decision with your family, your teachers, and your counselor. Note that the form requires you to confirm parental approval. If you have any questions or need guidance, please feel free to reach out to me directly!

Best regards, Mr. Joshua Giddens 

IB Diploma Programme Update
We would like to congratulate all IBDP English Language & Literature Grade 12 students and teachers on the completion of their formal IBDP Language A Oral examinations last week! This is an important assessment component for these students and represents a significant milestone in their progress towards their final exams in May. 

Further, formal IBDP Grade 12 Predicted Grades will be finalized on October 26th. These are based on IB grade descriptors and teachers’ professional judgment and may not directly reflect percentage averages in PowerSchool. These Predicted Grades are used to support students' applications to Universities, particularly in the UK, and reflect the student’s progress to date. Parent–Teacher Conferences on November 4 and 5 will provide a valuable opportunity to discuss student progress, celebrate achievements, and identify next steps for continued growth and success. If you have any questions, please contact the IBDP Coordinator at katrina.charles@asd.edu.qa.

Service Updates
Useful Service Links (all of these folders are also available in students’ Teneen Courses under “Service”).  Questions about Service in the High School should be sent to Mr. Shang at cshang@asd.edu.qa. 

What I need to know about Service (contains rollout information, Service Handbook, etc.)

Nuts and Bolts of Service (List of Approved NGOs for fundraising, Global Citizenship Grant Request, etc.)

Managebac Support Materials

List of Service Clubs and their Contacts

We would like to acknowledge and recognize our October Break Interns, who spent the break exploring various career paths in the health sciences and Engineering.

We would especially like to extend a big thank you to our community partners, Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) and Sidra Hospital, for welcoming our students over the past break.  Over 30 students spent October Break learning from leading members of the health sciences and engineering fields.

And last but not least, we welcomed our second Service Speaker last week, Mr. John Simpkins, former General Counsel for USAID.  Mr. Simpkins shared his experiences working in development and multinational organizations with our high school students in a keynote address.  He also visited our grade 9 GIA classes, our IB Economics Classes (who study International Development as a part of their curriculum), and our MUN students had a chance to have an in-depth session with him as they prepared to host ASDMUN and venture onward to Oxford MUN.

SAT

Upcoming Fall 2026 SAT Dates

Upcoming Fall 2027 SAT Dates

Registration must be done through the College Board website, available here.

Any questions regarding the SAT at ASD can be directed to the SAT Coordinator, Rachel Rust, at rrust@asd.edu.qa.

THE DRAGON HEART AWARD

MESAC Swimming Returns to ASD for the First Time in More Than a Decade!

ASD is proud to welcome more than 100 swimmers from MESAC schools next week, Thursday through Saturday, for this exciting event!

Hosting a swim meet of this scale is a tremendous team effort, requiring timers, announcers, and a dedicated group of volunteers to help everything run smoothly. 

We need your support! If you have some time to spare and would like to be part of this special event, please sign up using the volunteer form below. Every helping hand makes a difference. Thank you for helping us bring the MESAC swimming community to ASD and for continuing to make our Dragon community so special! 

MESAC Swimming Championships Volunteer Form

If you’d like to come along and cheer on our swimmers in person or follow the action via livestream, you’ll find the schedule and links below.

Thursday, October 29 

9:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Day 1 Morning session.

3:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Day 1 Afternoon Session with medal presentations

Morning Live Stream

Afternoon Live Stream

Friday, October 30

10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.     Day 2 Morning Session.

3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.     Day 2 Afternoon Session with medal presentations.

Morning Live Stream 

Afternoon Live Stream

Saturday, October 31

10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.     Day 3 Morning Session. 

3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.     Day 3 Afternoon Session with medal presentations.

Morning Live Stream 

Afternoon Live Stream

What an amazing week of after-school sports and activities at ASD!

Our JV and Varsity MESAC Academic Games teams went head-to-head in a virtual match against the American Embassy School of New Delhi before taking on a team of our very own Dragon faculty!

Three of our volleyball teams competed in the QUESS Finals, with our JV girls earning 3rd place in their division and both our Varsity boys and Varsity girls being crowned QUESS champions!

Equally impressive were our Middle School and MESAC swim teams, who competed in the inaugural PAAC-6 (Peninsula Activities and Athletics Conference) Swimming Championships. Great things come from small beginnings, and with ISLQ and GAAQ also in attendance, our Dragons made a tremendous impact, setting 10 meet records and achieving numerous personal-best times!

A fantastic week showcasing the talent, commitment, and spirit of our student-athletes and participants. Well done, Dragons!

Last Thursday, October 15th, Lower and Upper Elementary students had a wonderful time at the AMA bake sale, enjoying a fun, exciting experience as they explored the delicious treats and chose their favorites!