Dear Lower Elementary School Families,

At our recent Lower Elementary Parent Workshop, we talked about transitions and well-being. Transitions are a natural part of family life, and even positive changes can bring unexpected challenges. We explored what families might notice as children settle into a new school year or environment, and shared practical ways to offer connection, reassurance, and consistent routines along the way. Thank you to the parents who joined the conversation. You can find the workshop slides here.

We have also been celebrating learning across Lower Elementary. Grade 2 recently completed its first CKLA unit, Fairy Tales and Tall Tales. Students listened to familiar fairy tales, identified the elements that make them recognizable, and compared them with a new genre: tall tales. Parents enriched the experience by visiting classrooms to read fairy tales from their own traditions. Students are now demonstrating their understanding in writing by retelling a story and changing one of its elements. To mark the end of the unit, Grade 2 students dressed as characters from fairy tales and tall tales, enjoyed special snacks, and paraded their costumes for one another. 

Dear Upper Elementary School Parents,

As we head into the holiday, I would like to thank our parents for the tremendous support of your child’s education, and particularly, to our ASD parent groups who make the home-school connection so powerful.  Having served as the Upper Elementary Principal on two occasions, from 2010 to 2015 and again from 2023 to the present, it has been my honor and privilege to serve such a wonderful group of students, teachers, and parents.  This school year will be my final year at ASD, and my wife Florencia and I will be retiring to spend more time with our families in Paraguay and the United States.  Our two oldest children are now working, and our youngest will be graduating from ASD in May, so this is an opportune time for our family to make new plans. We are forever grateful for the many blessings we have received by living and working in Qatar, a country which we love dearly.  ASD is a special school, and again, I thank you for your support and partnerships in your child’s education.  

Important Upcoming Dates for UES 

• October 4 - 8: Fall Break

• October 11: Return to school from Fall Break

• October 22: Fall Carnival sponsored by CAST

• October 28: UES Parent Coffee on Interpreting Your Child’s Report Card and MAP Test Results

• October 29: Report Cards and MAP scores sent home

Kind regards,

Brian Donaldson
UES Principal

PTA Book Fair
A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful PTA and school community for making our Book Fair such a success! Your time, enthusiasm, and generous support helped create a special opportunity for our students to celebrate the joy of reading.

Book fairs play an important role in fostering a love of literacy, encouraging students to explore new authors and genres, and helping them discover books that spark their curiosity and imagination. They also provide a wonderful opportunity for families to engage in their children's reading journeys and nurture a lifelong love of learning.

We are grateful to our PTA, parent volunteers, and families for coming together to make this event possible.

Parents as Language Partners: Coffee Morning
We were delighted to welcome Dr. Eowyn Crisfield for a Parent Coffee focused on multilingualism and how families can support children as they navigate learning multiple languages. The session provided valuable insights into the benefits of multilingualism and the important role parents play in nurturing language development at home.

Parents explored how learning multiple languages supports cognitive development, strengthens cultural connections, and fosters a greater understanding of the world. The discussion also highlighted practical strategies families can use to encourage language development, including creating meaningful opportunities for conversation, celebrating home languages, reading together, and making language learning a natural part of everyday life.

An important takeaway was that every language a child learns is an asset. By valuing and nurturing students' home languages while supporting their development in English, we help build confident, capable, and connected multilingual learners.

Opportunities like these strengthen our home–school partnership and reinforce our shared commitment to supporting every child's learning and development.

Fall Carnival Facts at a Glance:
The Creative Arts Support Team (CAST) and the Elementary School are excited to offer the Fall Carnival for Elementary School students for the second year in a row!

• Thursday, October 22, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 

• Ticket information: Parent tickets are 40 QR, while tickets for students ages 3 and older are 80 QR. Younger siblings ages 2 and under are free (limit of two per family).  Please click the Ticket Booking Form for more information and to order your tickets.

Dress Code Reminder
It is essential that students respect the learning environment and life in Qatar by being appropriately dressed for school. The purpose of the student dress code is not to inhibit any person's taste in attire, but rather to better facilitate the educational process through reasonable dress guidelines that instill dignity and pride. As a reminder, shorts worn at school should be knee-length or longer, in accordance with our school dress code policy. We appreciate families’ support in helping students adhere to our school expectations.

Dear Middle School Parents,

As we begin our October break, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a busy past week. I hope the coming week provides our Middle School families with an opportunity to relax, recharge, and enjoy some quality time together as a family.

This week, we were pleased to welcome Mr. Nick Haisman-Smith from the Institute for Social Emotional Learning (ISEL) to our Parent Coffee on Tuesday. Thank you to Mr. Haisman Smith for sharing such important information and insights with our parents. We greatly appreciate his partnership and the opportunity to continue supporting the social and emotional well-being of our students and families.

On Wednesday evening, our 7th and 8th-grade parents had the opportunity to learn more about our Week Without Walls program and receive trip-specific information for their students. We are very excited about the experiences that await our students and look forward to an amazing Week Without Walls experience during the week of November 15!

As we look ahead to our return from break, please mark your calendars for the first Middle School Social of the year, which will take place after school on Thursday, October 15. Tickets will be sold during lunches during the week we return from break. This is a presale event, so if your student is interested in attending, please make sure they purchase their ticket using their DragonCard.

It is hard to believe that we are already seven weeks into the school year and just two weeks away from reaching the quarter mark! The weeks are certainly flying by, and we are grateful for the energy, enthusiasm, and support our Middle School families bring to our community each day.

MS Lost and Found Notice

Just a quick reminder to please label your child's PE shirt and water bottle with their name and grade level. This helps to keep things organized and ensures that they don't accidentally end up with someone else's gear or in the lost and found. Additionally, it avoids the need to repurchase new gear or water bottles.

Any items left unattended will be placed in our designated lost-and-found area in the grade-level common areas. Please remember to check the lost and found areas for any missing items. All unclaimed items will be donated or discarded after December 16.

Reporting Student Absences and Attendance Matters

If your child cannot attend school, will be tardy, or if there is a change in the regular pick-up arrangement, such as a doctor's or embassy appointment, please send an email to msattendance@asd.edu.qa. For planned absences of more than two days, students should visit the MS Office to collect a Pre-arranged Absence Form. This form must be presented to the teachers of the classes to be missed due to the planned absence to inform them appropriately. 

Middle School Office Teneen Group

Stay informed about all Middle School announcements and events by joining our MS Office Group on Schoology (Teneen)​ using the one-time access code: 2562-5FWM-S5MJG. Ensure you don’t miss any important updates and events!

Middle School Art Students Explore Contemporary Art
What can a mountain teach us about ourselves? Quarter 1 Middle School Art students explored this question during an inspiring visit to the VCU Art Gallery, where they experienced contemporary art firsthand and connected ideas from the exhibition to their own creative practice.

Gallery curator Mr. Chase Westfall gave an engaging presentation on Pakistani artist Fazal Rizvi and his exhibition, How to Become a Rock, on view through October 8. Students examined artworks in a variety of media and learned how artists can use land, materials, and the forces of nature to explore identity, the body, and our relationship with the world around us.

Students practiced looking closely, interpreting artistic choices, and discussing how materials and subject matter communicate ideas. They then applied their learning by creating their own concrete poems, combining words, shape, and visual composition to express an idea inspired by the exhibition.

This hands-on experience encouraged students to see art not simply as something to look at, but as a way to ask questions, make connections, and communicate ideas. What a wonderful way to bring art to life and inspire our young artists!

Dear High School Parents,

We are so proud of our High School students! They have had a phenomenal start to the school year and recently concluded their first units of study with summative assessments. While scores will soon be available in PowerSchool, the most valuable part of this process is the feedback students receive. This feedback serves as a roadmap, helping them set targeted goals for continued growth in every course.

The upcoming October Break is a wonderful opportunity for families to pause and reflect on the start of the year together. We encourage you to engage in brief coaching conversations with your child. Rather than focusing solely on grades, ask open-ended questions that promote self-reflection:

• "What is one thing you feel proud of accomplishing during this first unit?"

• "Looking back at your feedback, what is one strategy or habit that worked really well for you?"

• "Where did you feel most challenged, and what support or tools might help next time?"

• "How are your routines feeling around time management and balance?"

Developing these reflection and study habits now will serve them well throughout High School, post-secondary education, and beyond.

Our students have worked exceptionally hard and truly deserve this upcoming break. Whether your family is traveling, spending quality time together, or pursuing extended learning, I hope your children get exactly the rest and recharge they need.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Working together, we ensure our students thrive in all areas of their lives at ASD.

All my best,

Ms. Jennifer Mendes
High School Principal

Important Updates and Announcements

Home- School Partnership: Updating Family Information on File
To help us maintain seamless communication between school and home, please take a few moments to log into PowerSchool and review your contact information under the Personal Info tab.

Having your most current phone numbers, email addresses, and emergency contacts ensures we can reach you promptly whenever necessary. Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping us keep our records up to date!

Save the Date: ASD Unfied Honor Society Induction Ceremony
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 13! On this date, we will host a beautiful unified ceremony to celebrate students' induction into our various discipline-specific honor societies.

Event At-a-Glance:

• When: Tuesday, October 13 at 5:00 p.m.

• Where: ASD Theater

• Honor Societies Recognized: Honor Society of the Cinematic Arts, International Thespian Society, Math National Honor Society (Mu Alpha Theta), National Art Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Tri-M Music Honor Society.

We welcome families, friends, and community members to join us in recognizing the hard work, talent, and commitment of these outstanding scholars and artists!

Upcoming: PSAT | Tuesday, October 20
On Tuesday, October 20, students in Grades 9–11 will take the PSAT.

As part of the College Board's SAT Suite of Assessments, the PSAT measures reading, writing, and mathematics skills. More importantly—especially for our younger students—it provides a valuable snapshot of current academic strengths and areas for growth.

For most students, the goal isn't achieving a specific score. It is an opportunity to practice in a low-stakes environment, become comfortable with the digital testing platform, and gain insights for future learning. For eligible Grade 11 students, the PSAT/NMSQT also serves as the qualifying assessment for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

What Can Students Do Now?
There is no need to spend the next month cramming! Instead, we recommend these simple, effective steps:

• Get familiar with Bluebook: Ensure you have access to the College Board's digital testing app and become comfortable navigating the platform.

• Try a practice assessment: Completing just one practice test helps build familiarity with question formats, pacing, and tools.

• Use results strategically: Focus on identifying patterns in missed questions rather than fixating solely on the score.

• Brush up, don't cram: A quick review of unfamiliar math concepts, grammar rules, or reading strategies is far more effective than hours of passive studying.

• Build strong test habits: Focus on regular reading, healthy sleep routines, focused study time, and time management.

• Keep it in perspective: Remember that this is a benchmark and a practice experience—there will be plenty of time for targeted preparation down the road.

We will share additional details closer to October 20, including test-day logistics and final reminders.

Whether your student is just starting their high school journey or mapping out college applications, our goal is to provide the right guidance and support every step of the way!

AP Updates

As AP Students approach a (welcome and hopefully fun) break, they are reminded that time is a valuable and scarce resource in AP courses and should be used wisely.  As communicated previously, formative practice and review are vital parts of the formula for success in AP courses, and students should seek a clear understanding of what they can do to continue progressing towards their goals. Teacher feedback, along with practice through resources in AP Classroom, Albert.io, or assigned reading, provides valuable indicators of which topics or skills students might need to work on to ensure they return from the break refreshed and ready to continue their learning.  If you have any questions, please contact the AP Coordinator at joshua.giddens@asd.edu.qa.

IB Diploma Programme Update
As we approach our half-semester break, I would like to wish everyone a restful and enjoyable break. This is an important opportunity for students to recharge, while also setting aside a little time for purposeful preparation ahead of our return.

Grade 12 / Year 2 IB Students
Please balance rest with preparation for the important weeks ahead. In particular, students should prioritize preparation for their formal IB Individual Orals, which contribute to their final IB subject grades, and carefully review feedback and guidance provided by their teachers. Students should also review the feedback on their Extended Essay draft so they are well prepared to complete their final essay following the break.

Grade 11 / Year 1 IB Students
This is a good opportunity to finalize your study timetable and establish a consistent routine of study and review. Revisiting material already covered will help build strong habits and prepare you for the increasing number of assessments as the semester progresses.

Grade 10 Students and Families
As course selection approaches, I encourage families to review the High School Program of Studies, particularly the prerequisites for IB courses that students may be considering. Maintaining strong academic performance, especially as we approach the end of Semester 1, will help students keep as many course options open as possible. Please also plan to attend the High School Curricular Pathway Night (Formerly known as AP/IBDP Night) on December 2nd from 4:30-6:30 pm, where further information about courses, prerequisites, and pathways will be shared. Most importantly, I hope everyone enjoys a well-earned break. Rest, recharge, spend time with family and friends, and return ready for a positive and productive next stage of the semester. 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 have an important milestone in our academic celebrations coming up after we return from October break.  On October 13 at 5:00 p.m. in the Theater, we will host our first unified Induction Ceremony to recognize students inducted into ASD's honor societies.  These include the Honor Society of Cinematic Arts, the Math National Honor Society, the National Art Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, the National Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society, the Thespians, and the Tri-M.  Induction into these organizations recognizes both excellence and students' commitment to these respective disciplines.  We invite our community to come out and help us recognize and celebrate our Honor Society Inductees.

This past week, participants in our adaptive sports programs completed their training through IMPACT.  IMPACT was created by Bilel B. (G11), one of the student leaders for our Challengers Adaptive Sports program, to equip students with the skills to work with children with disabilities.  Our adaptive programs include student-led groups such as Challengers, Tracksters, Tappers, and Hoopers.  This also includes students from our Science National Honor Society who deliver science enrichment programs at the  Family Hope Center and some of our IB Year 1 students who support the Buddy Program at Step by Step School for Special Needs.  

Over three Fridays in September, students learned about communication skills, structuring adaptive programs to meet the needs of adaptive players, first aid, and basic sign language, as well as hearing from parents and adaptive players themselves to highlight their perspective of adaptive sports.

A huge thank you goes to Ms. Sheryl Stotland for her continued support of all of our adaptive sports programs at ASD.

Our adaptive sports programs will start welcoming their players after October break as their respective seasons begin for the academic year.  

A shout-out this week goes to our Care for a Cure Club, which raises awareness about Cancer.  They hosted their first annual Qatar Cancer Society pop-up, where representatives set up interactive displays to raise awareness of different types of cancer and the importance of early detection.

Learning continues for about 30 of our High School students as they embark on week-long internships over October Break with our community partners, Sidra and Primary Health Care Corporation. We thank our partners for welcoming our students into their offices, labs, and clinics and mentoring them in their first steps towards the profession. 

Each year, ASD offers students the opportunity to travel abroad to work with one of our international partners over March Break.  Please see our video trailer and the poster below for signups and more information.  Once you submit a non-binding sign-up, we can share detailed information, after which you can make a final decision about whether to travel.  Once the non-binding signup is submitted, it also secures a spot on the deposit list until the deposit deadline.

** Please note that the trip to Uganda is on standby.  We are accepting signups from interested students, but we will not accept any deposits until we are sure the trip can run in accordance with the US State Department Advisory. All other trips are operating as planned.**

Counseling Updates
The Monthly Counseling Newsletter Is Here 

Apparently, a lot can happen in a month.

Our latest High School Counseling Newsletter is now live, with updates on senior applications, University Application Bootcamp, university visits, the PSAT, and upcoming parent programming. Whether you have a Grade 9 student just getting started or a senior knee-deep in applications, there is something in there for you.

Read and be guided by the October Counseling Newsletter

SAT

Important Information for SAT on Saturday, October 3, 2026, on the ASD Campus
Please be reminded that the Bluebook App should be downloaded on your device before arrival.  Instructions for installing the Bluebook App were sent via the College Board.

All students, ASD or non-ASD, must bring a photo identification (no digital copies allowed) in which the name on the ID matches the name on the SAT registration ticket.

• Click here for acceptable forms of identification

Check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Gate 8 and will close at 8:00 a.m.  You will be provided with your testing room number at check-in.

Upon entering the campus, security will direct you to the HS Office lobby and to your testing room.

Good luck with your SAT!

Upcoming Fall Semester 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