SY 2026-2027
Embedded Files
AUGUST 27, 2026 | VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 3
Director's Sahifa
DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
Dear ASD Community,
This has been a phenomenal start to our new school year! In just two short weeks, our campus is already incredibly busy. But there’s a noticeable change afoot this year. In my conversations across campus, so many people are sharing a similar sentiment: there’s something different about this year. In my words, there’s an almost palpable positivity. I know it’s far more complex, but I’d distill all of this into a simple commitment that we are here, united as one school family. And it’s setting the tone for a tremendously successful year.
More Dragons Are Returning Home
As palpable positivity is a step in the right direction, so is the tremendous news that we can welcome back many of our Dragon families following recent updates from the US State Department. We also know that some multinational companies tie their personnel policies directly to the State Department’s guidance, and we eagerly look forward to welcoming even more of our Dragons back. We recognize that your time away from our campus and community was not of your choosing, and your presence was deeply missed.
To each returning family: Welcome home! We are thrilled to have you back where you belong!
Community Partnership in Action
The ASD Community is dynamic, fast-paced, and incredibly vibrant because of the selfless contributions of so many parents. There was already a lot of enthusiasm going into Monday's PTA’s Welcome Coffee, with its near record-setting attendance, where families learned more about the various parent groups serving our community and the many ways everyone can get involved.
Then, on Wednesday evening, we had the PTA Community Activities Night, which showcased the many student and family opportunities available in our community.
Ultimately, all of these opportunities, activities, and events rely on parent volunteers. My ask is that everyone finds a way to get involved. Nobody should try to do everything, but everyone should try to do something. Find that “something” here at ASD. You won’t regret it.
Elementary School ‘Back to School Night’
A big thank you to our faculty, staff, and leaders in the Elementary School for hosting both LES and UES Back-to-School Nights this week. And a big “thank you” to all the families who came out. Nights like this are clear evidence of how deeply you value your child’s learning and how invested you are in their learning journey. At ASD, whole child development is a shared partnership between the school and the home. All of our Back-to-School Nights are a natural step toward building trust and an active partnership.
Working Together in Partnership
Pulling on the thread of active partnerships, when questions or concerns arise, our goal is always to resolve them quickly, respectfully, and directly with those closest to the situation. To ensure open and effective communication, we ask families to follow this pathway if concerns arise:
Start with the Teacher
Your child’s teacher knows them best in the classroom and is the first and most important point of contact. Most questions and concerns can be addressed directly here.
If Unresolved, Contact the Division Office
Should the matter remain unresolved, the next step is to reach out to the Principal or Associate Principal of your child’s division. They are ready to partner with you in supporting your child’s experience.
Director’s Office
If the concern persists after those steps are fully followed, families can bring it to me directly. At my level, we strive to ensure alignment with our Policies and to find resolutions consistent with our Mission, Vision, and Values.
I’m sharing this process not to create distance, but to provide clarity on our supportive pathways. By following these steps, we model for our students how respectful, solution-focused communication works. We also ensure that those most closely connected to the matter are given the chance to listen, respond, and support. These protocols and additional information can be found in this helpful reference document.
Neighborhood Traffic Update
Many schools across Doha will start this Sunday, resulting in heavier traffic across the city. Our neighboring school also begins its academic year next week, operating on a 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM schedule. We are in direct communication with their new administration to support a smooth start, and we will deploy additional security around our perimeter to assist with traffic flow and student safety. Please build a few extra minutes into your morning commute over the coming days as neighborhood arrival and dismissal routines normalize.
In Closing
Our campus doesn’t close when the final bell rings at 3:00 PM. This week, more than 300 students participated in tryouts for the High School musical production and MESAC sports and activities. Competitive Middle School tryouts start next week, and registration is officially open on SchoolsBuddy for all Middle School Recreational Teams/Clubs and Elementary ASAs (with activities beginning the week of September 6).
Please also mark your calendars for our upcoming divisional evenings:
Middle School Back-to-School Night: Wednesday, September 2
High School Back-to-School Night: Wednesday, September 9
Thank you for the strong start to this school year!
With Gratitude,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
DRAGON SPOTLIGHT
DRAGON SPOTLIGHT
WHAT'S ON
WHAT'S ON
Sun, August 30
LES Day C
UES/MS/HS Day 1
MS competitive tryouts begin this week. Specific details will be emailed to participants based on the SchoolsBuddy Registration.
Mon, August 31
Mon, August 31
LES Day D
UES/MS/HS Day 2
Tue, September 1
Tue, September 1
LES Day E
UES/MS/HS Day 3
PACT DAY - Dismissal at 12:30 p.m.
ZAKS Uniform Pop-Up Sale, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., MS/HS Lobby
HS Service Job Fair - Grade 9/10 Commons, 9:40 a.m. - 10:40 a.m.
Wed, September 2
Wed, September 2
LES Day F
UES/MS/HS Day 4
MS Back-to-School Night, 5:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., ASD Theater
ZAKS Uniform Pop-Up Sale, 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., MS/HS Lobby
Thu, September 3
Thu, September 3
LES Day A
UES/MS/HS Day 5
CAST School is Cool Ice Cream Pop-Up Sale, during MS Break and HS 2nd Break, MS/HS Cafeteria. More details coming soon!
Deadline: MS Art students can purchase their required supplies as a bundle here. Proceeds go through CAST to support the MS Art program. Learn more about the MS printing press donated last year.
Reminder:
September 6 - 10: ES Sports and ASAs begin
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
FEATURED UPDATES
FEATURED UPDATES
Sign up now for Season 1 (Grades 8-12)
Tryouts for Season 1 Varsity/JV Sports and Activities (Academic Games, Dance, Golf, Swimming, and Volleyball) begin on Sunday, August 23rd. We sent out information about the season earlier this week to all students in grades 8-12 and their parents. Missed it? See below for more details.
Please click the links below for information about the season, including sign-up links for each team. If your child is interested in participating in a Season 1 Sport or Activity, it is their responsibility to complete the sign-up form; parents do not have access to it. If they have already completed the form, it does not need to be completed again.
We are looking forward to a great first season of athletics and activities! Please let us know if you have any questions.
GO DRAGONS!
For more information on all HS SPORTS & ACTIVITIES, please visit the Athletics and Activities group page on TENEEN.
FROM OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY
FROM OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY
One ASD Family:
Stronger Together
Report abuse