Embedded Files
Issue 3
Counseling Team Update: Rest and Relaxation Well Earned.
As we approach winter break, the Counseling Team encourages students and families to embrace the opportunity to rest, recharge, and reconnect. The now-famous phrase, “That sounds like a next-year problem,” is more than just a joke—it's supported by creative insights from Rick Rubin in his book, The Creative Act: A Way of Being. Rubin reminds us that stepping away from pressing tasks and engaging in simple activities, like walking or washing dishes, allows the mind to explore new ideas freely. This process of intentional distraction fosters creativity, offering fresh perspectives when you return. So, we invite you to be intentionally “distracted” over the break—whether through laughter with friends, family meals, or well-deserved naps. Rest is productive too!
Ministry of Education Degree Equivalence: What You Need to Know
Ministry of Education Degree Equivalence: What You Need to Know
If you plan to have your high school diploma recognized by the State of Qatar—either for future work or university plans in the Gulf—meeting equivalence requirements is essential. To ensure your ASD diploma qualifies for equivalence with a Qatar High School Diploma, you’ll need to achieve one of the following:
If you plan to have your high school diploma recognized by the State of Qatar—either for future work or university plans in the Gulf—meeting equivalence requirements is essential. To ensure your ASD diploma qualifies for equivalence with a Qatar High School Diploma, you’ll need to achieve one of the following:
Two Advanced Placement (AP) Exam scores of 3 or higher
Two International Baccalaureate (IB) Exam scores of 4 or higher
One AP score of 3 and one IB score of 4
An SAT score of 800 or higher (minimum 400 in both Math and Reading/Writing)
An ACT composite score of 18 or higher
In Case You Missed It: Emotional Regulation
This month, the ASD Counseling Team came together across all four divisions for an insightful presentation on Emotional Regulation. We shared practical strategies for students and parents to identify signs of emotional dysregulation and cultivate self-regulation skills. Missed the session? Don’t worry—you can access the presentation slides here.
Focusing In on Careers:
On December 5, our students had the wonderful opportunity to learn from two extremely successful professionals. Dr. Nesrin Ghazy El-Khatib is a distinguished pediatrician with over 25 years of clinical experience, and Mr. Wisam Costandi is a technology entrepreneur and investor passionate about innovation and creating positive change. The Counseling team would like to thank them for sharing their experiences with our students.
On December 15th, we will turn to recent ASD alumni to lead talks. We look forward to welcoming back Ayoub Mansar, Ibraheem, and Ismaeel Al Saadi, from the Class of 2019. Ayoub has an Information Systems degree from Carnegie Mellon University and works as a software engineer at Instagram. Ismaeel & Ibraheem studied Cybersecurity at George Washington University and work as a cybersecurity analysts at Deloitte.
Professional Reading of the Month: Parenting Athletes and Performers
"101 Ways to Be a Terrific Sports Parent" by Dr. Joel Fish is a practical guide for parents to create a positive and supportive environment for young athletes. Drawing on his sports psychologist and parent expertise, Dr. Fish provides actionable advice on maximizing athletic potential, managing competitive pressure, and fostering effective communication with coaches. He emphasizes balancing parental involvement to ensure sports remain a fun and enriching experience. The book also addresses self-esteem issues, developmental differences, and unique challenges that highly talented athletes and single parents face. With insights tailored to both boys and girls, this resource helps families navigate youth sports while promoting personal growth and enjoyment for their children.
Pre-College Programs:
Since the November edition, we have received information about two more pre-college programs: Dartmouth College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. As mentioned, these programs serve as an excellent opportunity for academic and professional exploration. Some of these programs are offered on campus to allow students to gain insight into student life, and some of these programs allow students to earn transferable university credits. To see the list of programs to date, please see check here.
Upcoming Programming:
Community Showing of “Like.” A Documentary that discusses the cell phone and social media use.
Class of 2026 University Admission Kickoff
It's time to start researching and planning for university admission for our Grade 11 students and parents. Save the Date: Monday, January 20, 2025. A Formal Invitation will follow at the top of the year.
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