April 30, 2026
12:30 pm
Dear ASD Community,
Following the recent ruling from the U.S. State Department, the Ordered Departure status for Embassy personnel has been officially extended through at least the end of May 2026. This extension carries significant implications for our families and industry partners who remain involuntarily displaced. ASD remains committed to providing a clear academic path forward for these students during this continued period of displacement.
As we continue with full, on-campus instruction, our primary commitment is to protect the integrity, rigor, and quality of the ASD Diploma. Consequently, for families who are involuntarily required to remain out of the country, we will continue to provide asynchronous learning opportunities.
We are supporting families affiliated with entities on ordered or involuntary departure status, including:
U.S. Embassy and Department of Defense (DoD)
ExxonMobil
ConocoPhillips
Chevron Phillips
TotalEnergies
It is important to clarify that after May 7, these asynchronous learning opportunities are reserved exclusively for students whose absence from Qatar is involuntary, specifically those subject to official Embassy mandates or substantiated industry-directed evacuations. If your family is involuntarily displaced through an organization not identified above, please contact your child’s divisional principal to verify your status and coordinate continued asynchronous access. For all other students, our expectation remains full, on-campus participation, as our standard instructional model is designed for face-to-face learning.
Offering an optional remote model for voluntary absences risks our accreditation and reputational standing. Asynchronous learning lacks the live support and resources available on campus: including real-time instruction and immediate feedback, collaborative laboratory and experiential learning opportunities, and discussion-based classroom learning environments. In an asynchronous environment, the absence of supervised, proctored testing conditions limits our ability to verify authorship and ensure academic integrity. We cannot, in good faith, certify that a student who chooses to learn remotely has met the same standards as those on campus. Limiting our asynchronous offerings exclusively to Ordered Departure ensures that these exceptions are seen by universities and accrediting bodies as a ‘forced emergency response’ rather than an elective lowering of our academic standards.
We recognize that ASD’s transition back to on-campus instruction and the ending of optional asynchronous online learning may require some of our families who are voluntarily out of the country to make difficult decisions about their circumstances for the remainder of the school year. Please know that we understand the weight of these choices and remain deeply empathetic to the complex dynamics you are navigating. Should you have specific questions or require further clarification regarding your child’s academic standing as you consider these next steps, our divisional principals are available to support you in those conversations.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we navigate these unfortunate and exceptional circumstances together. We look forward to the day when our entire ASD Community is back together in Doha.
Warm regards,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
April 14, 2026
3:30 pm
Dear ASD Community,
Tomorrow is the day we have all been waiting for. After weeks of navigating the "distance" in distance learning, we are finally ready to welcome our entire student body back to campus. As a reminder, tomorrow we will follow the shortened day schedule (8:00 AM - 12:45 PM). Starting Thursday, we will move to our full instructional day schedule (8:00 AM - 3:00 PM).
Updated Safety Protocols
Our return to campus does come with specific restrictions designed to prioritize safety and satisfy regional regulatory requirements. Our staff and faculty have spent the last 48 hours on-site, preparing classrooms and ensuring our campus protocols align with the latest MOEHE guidance. Our primary goal is to maintain a predictable, calm, and supportive environment for our students so they can focus on their learning.
Please take note of the following:
For the time being, the MOEHE has mandated that all instruction and activities be held indoors. Practically speaking, we will treat this much like our existing protocols for a high Heat Index or poor Air Quality Index (AQI) day. All PE classes and recess activities will be moved to our indoor gyms, courts, and multipurpose spaces.
Our after-school offerings, including ASAs and Hydra, remain paused at this time. We are currently seeking clarity and allowance to reintroduce these opportunities within the current restrictions and will provide an update as soon as more information is available.
We have refined our safety response protocols to account for our current regional context. Should an emergency alert occur during instructional hours, students and staff will follow our updated "Shelter-in-Place" protocols.
We have developed specific procedures for handling alerts during transition times. These plans focus on the rapid, safe movement of students from vehicles and buses into the building (during drop-off) or on keeping students in secure zones until it is safe to proceed with dismissal (during pick-up).
In alignment with our current safety measures, we have increased security visibility around the campus perimeter, including a larger presence of local law enforcement. This proactive measure is intended to support our community's safe return to face-to-face instruction and ensure that our campus remains a secure environment for all students, staff, and families.
To help your family navigate our current environment with confidence, we’ve synthesized our essential protocols and the latest MOEHE guidance into a high-level, quick-reference guide. You can access that overview here.
Update for Families Outside of Qatar
We remain fully committed to providing asynchronous learning support through the duration of the U.S. Embassy’s Ordered Departure. We currently have visibility on, and are supporting, families affiliated with entities on ordered or involuntary departure status, including:
U.S. Embassy and Department of Defense (DoD)
ExxonMobil
ConocoPhillips
Chevron Phillips
TotalEnergies
For all other families, we look forward to welcoming your children back to campus this Wednesday, April 15. We understand that some families have scheduled their travel to align with our announced full-day resumption on Sunday, April 19, and asynchronous learning will be available for those students in transition as well. However, if you will remain outside of Qatar on or after April 19 and are NOT affiliated with the entities listed above, please complete the following form immediately (by Wednesday at 5:00 PM at the latest):
Family Return to Qatar: Status Update Form
Effective Sunday, April 19, we will resume our standard attendance tracking and academic assessment protocols. These established policies will apply to all students, except those families affiliated with the previously listed entities or those who have communicated their status via the form above.
While asynchronous learning will be available for these students, it will look different from what other kids are receiving on campus. We recognize that asynchronous learning lacks the live support and resources available on campus: including real-time instruction and immediate feedback, collaborative laboratory and experiential learning opportunities, and discussion-based classroom learning environments. To maintain academic momentum, asynchronous learners require a higher level of self-directed study and a significant commitment to home-based facilitation to bridge the gap between independent work and instructional outcomes.
Should the U.S. Embassy’s Ordered Departure status extend beyond April 28th, we are developing a supportive, flexible plan to ensure no student is academically penalized for circumstances beyond their control. The plan in development will ensure that students out of country are not unfairly compared to their on-campus peers, while still verifying they have successfully met all course requirements, and will protect students’ GPAs from the challenges of distance learning.
If you will remain outside of Qatar on or after April 19 and are NOT affiliated with the entities listed above, please complete the form above so we can accurately and effectively support your children.
Final Thoughts
It has been a long road back to campus. I want to thank you once more for hanging in there during these past weeks, including your compliments on what was working well, and your critiques that helped us sharpen our plans. Most of all, thank you for your dedication. It’s our collective commitment that keeps ASD the premier school community and a cohesive ASD Family.
Get those backpacks ready and the devices charged. I’ll see you at the gates tomorrow morning.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
April 11, 2026
3:00 pm
Dear ASD Community,
I am very pleased to share that we have officially received approval from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) to resume on-campus learning. While this approval comes with certain restrictions that we are currently integrating into our operations, it provides the authorization we have been waiting for to satiate our Return to Campus Decision Matrix and trigger our re-entry plan.
As previously announced, Sunday, April 12, will remain a fully online instructional day for all students as we finalize the transition of our staff back to campus.
Starting Monday, we will begin our 3-Day Re-entry as follows:
Monday, April 13 (Day 1): Staff and Site Preparation
Faculty & Staff: Working and teaching from campus.
Students: Instruction remains synchronous online for the morning session.
Afternoon: The campus is dedicated to faculty meetings to review updated MOEHE guidance, safety protocols, and trauma-responsive practices, ensuring we are fully ready for our students.
Tuesday, April 14 (Day 2): Targeted Re-engagement
Faculty & Staff: Working and teaching from campus.
Students: Instruction remains synchronous online for the morning session.
Afternoon: We will begin welcoming select High School and Middle School students on-site for targeted, specifically timed sessions. Detailed specifics on timing and participants will be sent directly from the MS and HS offices.
Wednesday, April 15 (Day 3): Campus Reunification
All Students: Invited back to campus for in-person learning in their classrooms.
Schedule: We will follow the synchronous/Ramadan schedule (8:00 AM – 12:45 PM).
Afternoon Support: Targeted MS and HS students may stay for additional support (details to follow from Principals).
Students Abroad: Any student currently out of the country will access learning asynchronously.
Thursday, April 16 (Day 4 & Onward): Full Operations
All Students: On campus for a full instructional day (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM).
Students Abroad: Continued asynchronous access will be provided for those still navigating their return to Doha.
Your respective Principals will provide additional, division-specific details regarding schedules and student expectations on Sunday afternoon.
Busing information will be sent directly to families who utilize the school’s transportation service.
To our entire ASD Community, I want to thank you for your incredible patience and resilience. On behalf of our amazing staff and faculty, we cannot wait to see our Dragons back in their classrooms!
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
April 9, 2026
3:30 pm
Dear ASD Community,
Before you dive into the details below, I hope you’ll watch this short video where I share some thoughts on our situation and our path forward.
There is no other way to put it: this has been a wild ride. As we all looked at the news yesterday, there was a sense of cautious optimism that the recently agreed ceasefire might serve as the bridge to a more permanent agreement. Like you, we hope for peace and stability in our region and community.
We must also recognize that the situation remains fluid. This makes long-term planning difficult, and we are currently making scheduling updates daily as the environment evolves. To ensure our return is grounded in objective data, we are continuing to track our progress through our Decision Matrix. While we have successfully cleared most of our internal institutional and logistical nodes, we are still navigating some final thresholds. Most notably, we are awaiting the formal authorization from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) to resume on-campus instruction, which remains the primary regulatory requirement for our return.
Consequently, Sunday, April 12, will remain a fully online instructional day as we continue with our current remote learning operations.
Our Tentative Staged Re-Entry Plan
Because our reentry conditions remain beyond our control, we have transitioned to a 3-Day Rolling Re-Entry model once the conditions allow. This means that once we receive the "green light," we will trigger the following three-day sequence to ensure a safe and structured transition back to campus:
Day 1: All staff and faculty will work and teach from campus. Instruction will remain synchronous online for the morning. We will use the afternoon for in-person staff & faculty meetings to review essential details, updated MOEHE guidances, safety protocols, trauma response practices, and campus readiness for the week ahead.
Day 2: All staff and faculty will work and teach from campus. We plan to begin allowing select High School and Middle School students on-site for targeted, specifically timed sessions after the synchronous portion of the instructional day. Detailed specifics on timing and participants will come from the MS and HS Offices.
Day 3: All students are invited to campus for in-person learning in their classrooms.
Schedule: We will continue to follow the synchronous learning schedule for students (8:00 AM - 12:45 PM), but in person instead of online.
Afternoon Support: Targeted MS and HS students may stay for additional support (details to follow from Principals).
Remote Learning: Any student currently out of the country will access learning online asynchronously.
Day 4 (and onward): Full instructional day (8:00 AM - 3:00 PM) for all students on campus. Any student currently out of the country will access learning online and asynchronously.
The Rationale for a Phased Approach
We are choosing a staged re-entry because we want this return to be permanent. A phased approach allows our faculty to normalize being back in the physical space and familiarize themselves with new guidance before students arrive. For our students, this modified schedule provides a more intentional, gentle return to normalcy rather than an abrupt shift, prioritizing their successful reintegration into the campus environment.
The Planning Quandary
Because our re-entry remains dependent on factors beyond our control, we find ourselves in a planning quandary. While we had hoped that Sunday, April 12, would mark 'Day 1' of our rolling plan, we do not yet have the required MOEHE authorization to resume on-campus activities. Consequently, this Sunday will remain a fully online instructional day. We are now targeting Monday as our potential 'Day 1,' with a final 'Go/No-Go' decision to be made by midday Sunday based on the information available at that time. I will continue to send regular updates as we track these developments; expect to hear from me no later than Sunday afternoon regarding our operational status for Monday (and hopefully the rest of the week).
I recognize the mental load of these shifting details is heavy for everyone. We’ll keep taking this day by day, and I promise to keep open communication as we get closer to our goal.
Our thoughts and prayers for peace…
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
April 8, 2026
5:00 am
Dear ASD Community,
We are aware that the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) has announced a long weekend for government schools and educational institutions, effective today.
Please note that this announcement does not apply to the American School of Doha. ASD will continue with our scheduled remote learning today, Wednesday, and tomorrow, Thursday. We remain committed to our instructional continuity and look forward to seeing our students engaged in their virtual classrooms throughout the remainder of the week.
I will provide a more comprehensive update regarding our roadmap for next week in my scheduled communication tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
April 6, 2026
3:30 pm
Dear ASD Community,
I am writing today to provide a brief update. Our Leadership Team and Board of Directors remain in active monitoring, tracking regional events and local guidance to ensure our path forward is as safe and predictable as possible.
Our Roadmap for April
Building on the roadmap shared last week, we are finalizing the details for a phased transition back to our campus. While these plans remain contingent on regional stability and authorizations from local authorities, our current targets are as follows:
Week of April 12 - 16: A phased reentry focusing on students facing time-sensitive academic milestones, including those preparing for upcoming external examinations, and students developmentally requiring high-intensity, in-person learning support.
Sunday, April 19: Our target for a full return to on-campus, face-to-face learning for the entire ASD Community.
Next Steps and Communication
I am currently working with our divisional leadership to finalize the logistics of the staggered re-entry. I will provide a comprehensive update, including detailed schedules and expectations, in my next community Sahifa this Thursday.
Please rest assured that our Decision Matrix remains our primary guide. While we are planning for these dates with optimism, we are prepared to pivot if the situational data requires it. Should any significant developments occur between now and Thursday, I will reach out to you immediately with an interim update.
Wellness and Community Support
As a reminder, we have two upcoming wellness and community support sessions available this week:
The Mind Institute Session: “Holding the Calm: Parenting Through Uncertain Times”
This live virtual workshop, led by Magali Khalil, Psychologist at Doha’s Mind Institute, is designed to support parents in navigating these conversations with confidence. Drawing on clinical expertise, the session will offer practical guidance on how children process uncertainty and how parents can respond to strengthen emotional security, stability, and resilience.
Parents will gain clear, evidence-informed strategies to help children manage anxiety, express their questions, and maintain a sense of safety during challenging periods. The workshop will also include time for parents to ask questions and receive practical, reassuring guidance from a psychologist who works closely with children and families.
Session Date/Time: Tuesday, April 7, from 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Session Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=bPDIhCz9eU6RhL03864U8H0KBxWjO69MnPjWxGJMrE1UQzBFQlRDUzQ5UTJZN0tRRUM0UkZVQlpZSS4u&route=shorturl
NESA Community Forum: “Navigating Change Together: Strengthening Connection, Care, and Resilience”
For all NESA School Educators, Parents & Community Members, The Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA) invites community members to a follow-up online Community Forum focused on deepening strategies for connection, well-being, and resilience amid ongoing uncertainty.
Executive Director Maddy Hewitt will again convene the NESA Community, inviting Steven Karaiskos, trauma and crisis specialist, and Ellen Mahoney, founder of Sea Change Mentoring, to guide the conversation. This session will emphasize interaction and dialogue, giving participants extended time for questions and discussion tailored to their current experiences.
Session Date/Time: Wednesday, April 8, from 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Session Registration Link: https://nesacenter-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/mHCNSW10SA6AiPkY6rhETw#/registration
Thank you for your continued patience and partnership. I’ll be back in touch on Thursday.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
April 2, 2026
3:00 pm
Dear ASD Community,
As we conclude this week, I am extending a sincere thank you for your continued partnership. This transition has reached every corner of ASD life, disrupting all planned activities, athletics, social events, and community events that serve as the cornerstone of our school. While we are finding ways to stay connected virtually, we recognize that these disruptions impact our students' sense of belonging and our collective cohesion as an ASD Family. Your patience and solidarity as we navigate these losses together have been invaluable.
Operational Update: Our Staged Return to Campus
We continue to work in close coordination with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) and our high-level governmental and security sources to determine when a physical return to campus is viable.
Updated Full On-Campus Target: April 19
Given the current context, including the ongoing directives from the MOEHE prohibiting American schools from resuming on-site operations at this time (and with no indication of how long this will last), we must postpone our targeted full on-campus reopening until Sunday, April 19.
Exploring a Possible Phased Reentry: April 12 - 16
While the full opening is pushed back, we are not standing still. We are actively exploring the feasibility of a staggered or phased reentry to campus for the week of April 12 to 16. Our Decision Matrix outlines conditions under which a staged or staggered approach could be enacted, and would allow us to bring specific groups back in a controlled manner. Please note that this potential approach is entirely situation-dependent.
Should we move forward with any level of on-campus activity that week, we will continue to offer the hybrid virtual option for those families who are currently displaced or unable to return to Doha. We will provide a definitive update on the specifics of the April 12 week next week.
A Note on Our Students
I want to take a moment to offer a massive "kudos" to our students. While this period is taxing for adults, the weight of this disruption on our learners cannot be ignored. From our youngest Dragons to our Seniors, they are handling this situation with remarkable grace and engagement. They are showing up, leaning into their learning, and making me immensely proud to be a part of this community. Our Dragons are truly the best of us.
Wellness and Community Support
As we look toward next week, we are continuing to identify opportunities to support the well-being of our community. We have two additional sessions available to help us all navigate the impact of the current environment:
The Mind Institute Session: “Holding the Calm: Parenting Through Uncertain Times”
This live virtual workshop, led by Magali Khalil, Psychologist at Doha’s Mind Institute, is designed to support parents in navigating these conversations with confidence. Drawing on clinical expertise, the session will offer practical guidance on how children process uncertainty and how parents can respond to strengthen emotional security, stability, and resilience.
Parents will gain clear, evidence-informed strategies to help children manage anxiety, express their questions, and maintain a sense of safety during challenging periods. The workshop will also include time for parents to ask questions and receive practical, reassuring guidance from a psychologist who works closely with children and families.
Session Date/Time: Tuesday, April 7, from 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Session Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=bPDIhCz9eU6RhL03864U8H0KBxWjO69MnPjWxGJMrE1UQzBFQlRDUzQ5UTJZN0tRRUM0UkZVQlpZSS4u&route=shorturl
NESA Community Forum: “Navigating Change Together: Strengthening Connection, Care, and Resilience”
For all NESA School Educators, Parents & Community Members, The Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA) invites community members to a follow-up online Community Forum focused on deepening strategies for connection, well-being, and resilience amid ongoing uncertainty.
Executive Director Maddy Hewitt will again convene the NESA Community, inviting Steven Karaiskos, trauma and crisis specialist, and Ellen Mahoney, founder of Sea Change Mentoring, to guide the conversation. This session will emphasize interaction and dialogue, giving participants extended time for questions and discussion tailored to their current experiences.
Session Date/Time: Wednesday, April 8, from 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Session Registration Link: https://nesacenter-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/mHCNSW10SA6AiPkY6rhETw#/registration
In Closing
I want to thank everyone who has reached out with both support and constructive feedback. We remain committed to making transparent, data-driven decisions while maintaining a steady, clear cadence of communication and a keen eye toward how we can better serve our students.
These times are temporary, but our collective resilience and response will be what’s recorded in our history. I am looking forward to the day, very soon, when we are all back together on campus. Until then, stay safe and stay Dragon Strong.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
March 31, 2026
3:30 pm
Dear ASD Community,
I am writing today to share an update on our current regional status and provide insight into our planning for the coming weeks.
Validation of a Cautious Approach
As everyone is keenly aware, we made the proactive decision last week to continue remote learning through this week and next, even as other schools across Doha returned to in-person operations on Sunday. However, on Sunday, we received a circular from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) stating that four schools, including ASD, were required to return to remote learning immediately and until further notice.
We understand this directive is tied to the heightened security posture across the region, specifically regarding publicized threats directed at U.S. institutions and universities. The closure of Education City additionally evidences this alignment.
Because we had already committed to a Remote Learning path, the circular primarily serves to confirm the cautious approach we have implemented. This development also reinforces why we continue to ground our reopening strategy in objective data and utilize a rolling two-week planning horizon to provide as much stability as possible in an unpredictable environment.
Evaluating the Week of April 12
Our Leadership Team and the Board of Directors continue to meet and evaluate the regional situation. We plan to make a formal determination regarding our learning modality for the week of April 12 to 16, using our established Decision Matrix. We remain committed to transparency and predictability; therefore, the decision regarding that week will be communicated this Thursday.
The Reality of Remote Learning
Like many of you, my family and I are navigating the daily realities and frustrations of remote learning from our dining room table. I also live with the challenges of conducting my own work with my wife’s teaching schedule and our two daughters' learning schedules. I know how difficult it is to find enough quiet corners for everyone to work, the frustration of WiFi dead spots, the endless hunt for moving charging cables, or the stress of a technical glitch at just the wrong time.
While we navigate this temporary shift online, our identity remains fixed: We are ASD. At our core, we are an in-person, on-campus community. We are not a virtual school. This period of remote learning is a temporary stopgap designed to continue delivering on our Mission during a wildly evolving situation. My personal and professional goal remains the same: to welcome our entire ASD Family back to our campus when it is fully safe to do so.
Thank you for your continued patience, resilience, and partnership as we navigate these hurdles together.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
March 29, 2026
3:30 pm
Dear ASD Community,
As promised, here’s a brief update on the situational impacts and our ongoing efforts:
The ASD Leadership Team and the Board of Directors continue to actively monitor the geopolitical and security situation in the region. While there are no immediate changes to our operations, we are closely monitoring updates from all official sources, including the recent threats against US entities and universities.
Remote Learning Optimization and Academic Rigor
As we move into the final quarter of our academic year, we are committed to ensuring that the quality of teaching and learning remains at the highest level. To that end, there are two updates for your attention:
Given our current context, strengthening the partnership between home and school is increasingly important. We recognize the extraordinary circumstances families are currently facing, including the stress of regional uncertainty, many being called back to the office, and, also for many, the challenge of engaging with the learning across disparate time zones. To ensure our students continue to progress appropriately, I ask for your support in encouraging your children to attend and engage in their learning to the fullest extent possible.
Additionally, over the next few days, you will see a focused increase in instructional rigor and the formal reintroduction of assessments across all divisions. These evaluations are critical for our faculty to accurately gauge student progress and understanding, and to identify knowledge gaps that require reteaching. We want to ensure our students are not only participating but are also being appropriately challenged and supported as they work toward completing their grade-level requirements. The division principals will be sharing additional details in this week’s Sahifa.
I know this isn’t the spring season any of us imagined. Navigating the "remote" in remote learning is never easy, but seeing our collective commitment to our learners makes me incredibly proud of this community. We are keeping a very close eye on the horizon, balancing our hope for a return to campus with a clear focus on everyone’s safety. I am eagerly looking forward to the day, hopefully very soon, when our classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and fields are bustling again.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
March 26, 2026
12:00 pm
Dear ASD Community,
As we move through the final days of our break, the ASD Leadership Team and Board of Directors have been working closely with local authorities and the US Embassy in Doha. Our primary focus remains the safety of our students and staff, balanced with our commitment to returning to face-to-face learning when safe for our Community.
Learning Modality for April 6 to 9
Based on guidance from the US Embassy, current safety and security requirements from local authorities, and the thresholds established in our Return-to-Campus Decision Matrix, we will continue with our Remote Learning Model for the week of April 6 to 9. Please note that Sunday, April 5, remains a scheduled school holiday.
As a US Embassy school, our institutional duty of care requires us to align with the safety thresholds established by the US State Department. While we have been tracking shifts in local authorizations, the local diplomatic advisory and threat profile have not yet reached the level of downgrade required for ASD’s safe return to on-campus activities.
As a reminder, before we can consider welcoming students back to campus, we must clear four specific thresholds:
Node 1: Governmental and Diplomatic Security Clearance:
We require official authorization from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) to rescind the distance-learning mandate. (Achieved)
Simultaneously, the US Embassy must lift its shelter-in-place recommendations for American citizens. (Not yet achieved)
Node 2: Security and Infrastructure Assessment (In Process)
Node 3: Operational Readiness (In Process)
Node 4: Community Readiness and Duty of Care (In Process)
This threshold for returning to campus is purposefully high. We are committed to ensuring that our return to campus is fully informed, planned, and carried out with the highest level of safety and security for our ASD Community.
Possible Return to Campus: April 12
Provided the regional situation continues to improve, we optimistically intend to return to in-person, on-campus learning as early as April 12. While this remains a fluid and rapidly evolving situation, we are sharing this tentative target date now to give families currently outside Qatar the time they need to finalize their return plans. We encourage everyone out of Qatar to begin making these arrangements. We anticipate bottlenecks in available travel means, including limited flight availability or multiple layovers, as the region slowly transitions back to normal operations.
Essential Reminders and Resources
Travel Notification: If your family has recently departed Qatar and you have not yet notified us, please complete the ASD Temporary Family Departure Form. You do not need to complete this if you have already informed us of your travel plans.
ASD Wellness Padlet: We also have a curated Wellness Padlet that serves as a library of support resources for families. It includes coping strategies for managing stress, mental health contacts, and engagement activities for both students and adults.
Thank you for your continued patience as we navigate these complexities. I will provide further updates on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday of this coming week to ensure you receive consistent, timely updates. As always, if a critical situation arises, I will be in contact immediately.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
March 24, 2026
11:30 am
Dear ASD Community,
I hope you are having a restful and safe Spring Break. I am writing today to provide a brief update on our ongoing assessment of the regional situation and our upcoming instructional plans.
We are closely tracking the positive shifts occurring within Qatar. We are aware of the recent announcements from the Qatari government regarding the return of employees to their workplaces, as well as the directives from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) to begin bringing teachers and students back to classrooms.
The move by the MOEHE to rescind the distance-learning mandate is a vital first step in our own Decision Matrix. We have maintained from the beginning that liaising with the MOEHE and adhering to their authorizations are absolute prerequisites for any return-to-campus planning. Seeing this shift toward normal operations across government entities and the local education sector provides a welcome signal of returning stability.
While these local developments are encouraging, our Decision Matrix is designed to ensure our return is carefully managed for the continued health and safety of our ASD Community. To provide your family with the predictability we promised, we will proceed with our Distance Learning plan from Sunday, March 29, to Thursday, April 2.
Our Leadership Team and the ASD Board of Directors will meet this week to determine the learning modality for the week of April 6 to 9 (April 5 remains a school holiday). Our goal is to provide a consistent two-week planning horizon, refreshed weekly, to ensure you have the clarity needed to make informed decisions for your household. We expect to share the decision regarding that week with you no later than Thursday, March 26. This allows faculty and families the necessary lead time to secure travel and navigate any transportation bottlenecks before we transition to the next phase of on-campus operations.
I will be back in touch with another update by this Thursday.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
March 16, 2026
4:00 pm
Dear ASD Community,
As we conclude our final instructional day before the break, my primary goal is to provide everyone with as much clarity and predictability as possible during these unpredictable times. To that end, the ASD Leadership and Board of Directors have finalized our operational plans for the coming weeks.
Extension of Remote Learning Through April 2
The ASD Leadership and Board of Directors have confirmed that we will continue with our Remote Learning Model through at least Thursday, April 2nd. We recognize that the fluidity of the current situation makes long-term planning difficult. Our goal is to provide everyone with a rolling two-week planning horizon, refreshed weekly, to ensure you have the predictability needed to make informed decisions about your location and arrangements without the stress of day-to-day uncertainty.
School Timing After Eid & Spring Break
When we resume learning on Sunday, March 29, we will transition back to a full instructional day model, with both synchronous and asynchronous learning activities. This structure will feel familiar to many of you, as it mirrors the successful frameworks we utilized during both the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
8:00 AM – 12:45 PM | Synchronous Learning: This block will consist of live, scheduled instruction with teachers and peers. We will follow our established Ramadan start and end timings for this synchronous portion of the day.
Note on Scheduling: We have purposely designed this synchronous portion of the day to be contiguous. We recognize that a percentage of our students are currently navigating this period from locations outside of Qatar. Introducing large asynchronous blocks between live sessions would be unnecessarily prohibitive for students in disparate time zones; whereas a consolidated block would allow for better engagement for all students, regardless of their physical location.
12:45 PM – 3:00 PM | Asynchronous & Support Time: This afternoon session is dedicated to independent work, teacher "Office Hours," and targeted individual support from teachers and specialists.
This balance is designed to maintain high academic rigor and curricular progress while ensuring that students and staff have the necessary support and flexibility within a remote learning environment.
While the overarching timings are consistent school-wide, each division has tailored its approach to meet the developmental needs of its students. Detailed schedules, expectations, and instructions for each division are available on our dedicated Remote Learning Sahifa page: ASD Remote Learning Plans & Updates.
Roadmap for a Return to Campus: Our Decision Matrix
The Leadership Team and the Board of Directors have developed a standards-based decision tree and analytical framework to govern our eventual resumption of on-campus operations. This is a gated framework that prioritizes the preservation of life over all other factors.
The Four Gated Decision Phases
Before we can consider welcoming students back to campus, we must clear four specific thresholds:
Phase 1: Governmental and Diplomatic Clearance: We require official authorization from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MoEHE) to rescind the distance-learning mandate. Simultaneously, the US Embassy must lift its shelter-in-place and evacuation recommendations for American citizens.
Phase 2: Security and Infrastructure Assessment: There must be a sustained, verifiable cessation of hostilities in the GCC. Furthermore, a physical inspection of the ASD campus must confirm the absence of structural damage or debris from intercepted munitions.
Phase 3: Operational Readiness: We must verify that we have sufficient instructional, medical, and security personnel on-site to operate the campus safely. Additionally, regional supply chains must function sufficiently to ensure the school can sustain itself with food, water, sanitation, and emergency medical supplies.
Phase 4: Community Readiness and Duty of Care: Our return must be restorative rather than rushed. This phase is dedicated to staff preparation, specifically focusing on the trauma-responsive skills needed to support students and the wider community that has experienced significant regional conflict.
I want to emphasize that this threshold for returning to campus is purposefully high. We are committed to ensuring that when we do issue a return-to-campus decision, it is undeniably aligned with our institutional duty of care.
Essential Reminders and Resources
Rescheduling Parent-Teacher Conferences: High School conferences will now take place on April 8 and 9 (one week later than initially scheduled). In line with our established practice for HS, these meetings will remain online. LES, UES, and MS conferences will be moved to late April to prioritize the impact of face-to-face interaction, with the date and details to be determined.
Health, Safety, and Operations Sahifa Page: To ensure you have easy access to these updates, we continue to maintain our dedicated page for timely school-wide updates. This notice, along with all of our updates since the conflict arose, are on that page.
ASD Wellness Padlet: We also have a curated Wellness Padlet that serves as a library of support resources for families. It includes coping strategies for managing stress, mental health contacts, and engagement activities for both students and adults.
Travel Notification: If your family has recently departed Qatar and you have not yet notified us, please complete the ASD Temporary Family Departure Form. You do not need to complete this if you have already informed us of your travel plans.
In Closing
I understand that the transition to virtual learning, combined with regional uncertainty, has been taxing for everyone. We all need a moment to step away from our screens and recharge.
Throughout the break, our Leadership Team will continue to coordinate with relevant authorities and the US Embassy to ensure our planning is informed by real-time security and situational assessments. While our goal is for everyone to have a restorative break, please rest assured that I will reach out with any vital information or shifts in our planning as they occur over the next two weeks.
I wish you and your family a peaceful and safe break ahead.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
March 15, 2026
5:00 pm
Dear ASD Community,
As we approach Eid al-Fitr and Spring Break, I want to share several important updates regarding our school calendar and the comprehensive planning currently underway for our return to campus.
Rescheduling Parent-Teacher Conferences
Given our current operations, we have decided to adjust the schedule for our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences. Our goal is to ensure these meetings remain meaningful and effective for both students and parents.
High School (HS): These conferences will now take place on April 8 and 9 (one week later than initially scheduled). Following our established practice for HS, these meetings will remain in a virtual format.
LES, UES, and MS: These conferences will be moved to late April. Because these are student-led conferences, we want to prioritize the impact of face-to-face interaction. Since these specific meetings are designed for students to showcase their learning journey rather than as primary diagnostic or progress check-ins (which we handle through separate channels), pausing has a positive impact until we have more clarity on our return to campus.
Looking Ahead: Post-Eid and Spring Break Operations
In tomorrow’s Sahifa, I look forward to sharing specific details regarding our schooling plans for the week following Eid al-Fitr and Spring Break. This update will include our intended format and daily timings to help your family plan for the transition into the next month.
The Roadmap for a Return to Campus
Behind the scenes, the Leadership Team and I have been developing a comprehensive Decision Matrix for the Return of On-Campus Operations. This document serves as a structured roadmap for our transition back to school, ensuring that every logistical and safety detail is accounted for.
This matrix is currently with the Board of Directors for their review and feedback. As soon as the review is complete, I will share the details with you.
Reminder: Travel Notification
If your family has recently departed Qatar or if your status has changed and you have not yet notified us, please take a moment to complete the ASD Temporary Family Departure Form. This data remains vital as we refine our "Return to Campus" roadmap.
In Closing
Tomorrow, March 16, will be our final instructional day before we break. I know we all need some dedicated downtime to recharge. Until then, I wish you and your family a very quiet and restful night.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
March 10, 2026
4:00 pm
Dear ASD Community,
I am reaching out today to share a few brief updates to keep us all aligned as we move further into our remote learning model.
Attendance: Our "Two-Pass" Engagement System
As we transition from measuring physical presence to monitoring active engagement, we want to ensure our records accurately reflect your child's learning progress, regardless of their time zone. To maintain high expectations while providing flexibility, our teachers are now utilizing a "Two-Pass" System for attendance:
The First Pass: Teachers first mark students who are present during the live, synchronous Google Meet sessions.
The Second Pass: Teachers then perform a "second pass" later to update records for those who engaged asynchronously (by viewing recordings, submitting assignments, and/or participating in the classroom activities).
This system ensures that no student is penalized for logistical or time-zone-related challenges, provided they are interacting with the learning objectives.
Navigating Technical Hiccups
As we have moved toward a more synchronous environment and implemented new tools, including the ability to record and publish online meetings, we experienced a few unfortunate technical hiccups over the last 48 hours.
These issues appeared to be primarily localized to our Lower Elementary (LES) classes. As a parent of two LES-aged children myself, I experienced these same challenges in my own home; I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when technology doesn't function as expected.
Our IT team has been working diligently with our service and software providers to resolve these issues. We believe the irregularities have been resolved, and we expect a smooth experience tomorrow.
Community Wellness Resources
Following yesterday’s message, I want to remind everyone of two wellness resources available for our community:
NESA Community Forum: The Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA) is hosting a session titled "Staying Grounded in Uncertain Times: Tools for Connection, Care & Resilience" on March 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM Doha time. Registration for this webinar is free and open to all NESA educators, parents, and community members. You can find more details and register here: NESA Community Forum.
ASD Wellness Padlet: We also have a curated Wellness Padlet that serves as a library of support resources for families. It includes coping strategies for managing stress, mental health contacts, and engagement activities for both students and adults.
A Reminder on Temporary Departures
We continue to track the distribution of our community as many families navigate this period from outside of Qatar. If you have recently departed or have not yet notified us of your location, please use the link below so we can effectively account for your situation, refine our remote support systems, and plan for our eventual return to campus.
If you have not yet notified us: Please complete this ASD Temporary Family Departure Form
In Closing
Navigating this transition hasn't been without its bumps, but it has also highlighted the incredible resilience of this community. Seeing the regional movement toward normalcy in government and travel operations gives me great hope that our time apart is only a temporary chapter. Until our next update, please prioritize your family’s well-being and stay safe. We’ll talk again tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
March 9, 2026
2:30 pm
Dear ASD Community,
Today’s update focuses on practical resources for our families and a few reminders.
Community Wellness Resources
Supporting the mental health of our community remains an important focus in this unnerving time. Along these lines, we have two resources available for our community:
NESA Community Forum: The Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA) is hosting a session titled "Staying Grounded in Uncertain Times: Tools for Connection, Care & Resilience" on March 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM Doha time. Registration for this webinar is free and open to all NESA educators, parents, and community members. You can find more details and register here: NESA Community Forum.
ASD Wellness Padlet: We also have a curated Wellness Padlet that serves as a library of support resources for families. It includes coping strategies for managing stress, mental health contacts, and engagement activities for both students and adults.
A Reminder on Temporary Departures
Building on our previous communications, we continue to track the distribution of our community as many families navigate this period from outside of Qatar. To streamline this tracking process, we have introduced a central departure form that eliminates the need for a direct email to your Division Principal(s).
If you have already informed your Division Principal(s) of your departure, you do not need to complete this form. However, if you have recently departed or have not yet notified us of your location, please use the link below so we can effectively account for your situation, refine our remote support systems, and plan for our eventual return to campus.
If you have not yet notified us: Please complete this ASD Temporary Family Departure Form
Student Item Collection: Tuesday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
We will be opening the campus this Tuesday morning from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM for families who still need to collect student devices (grades KG to 5).
If you have a student in LES or UES and need a device for remote learning, please complete the form on this page by today at 6:00 PM: Student Device Collection Form
Devices will be ready for pickup tomorrow between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, via Gate 6.
We again want to emphasize that the current official guidance remains for all residents to shelter in place. As such, this collection window is entirely optional. Please only come to campus if you feel comfortable doing so and believe it is safe and necessary for your circumstances.
In Closing
I am encouraged to see that many Qatari Government entities, and the airspace in Qatar, are progressing toward normal operations, signaling a careful return to stability. We will continue to closely monitor regional developments in coordination with relevant authorities as we plan for our future return to campus.
Please stay safe, stay connected, and have a peaceful evening.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
March 8, 2026
4:30 pm
Dear ASD Community,
I am writing to provide a few updates and clarifications.
Virtual Learning Plans for this Week and Next
As we transition to our structured Remote Learning Model this week, our goal is to provide academic continuity for our students. You can find the detailed schedules and divisional plans for the coming week on this page: ASD Remote Learning Plans & Updates
To support our student population currently outside of Qatar, we are developing the technical capabilities and operational protocols to record live synchronous meetings. We recognize that time zone complexities make joining live calls difficult for many, and making these recordings available ensures that every student, regardless of their physical location, has access to the core interactions of their classroom.
Additionally, in a traditional face-to-face setting, attendance is measured by physical presence. In our current online environment, we are shifting our focus to active engagement. We will monitor participation in learning activities and the completion of objectives as our primary measure of "attendance," rather than requiring presence in every live synchronous meeting. This allows for the flexibility families need while ensuring academic progress continues.
While we are hopeful for a return to campus following the Eid al-Fitr and Spring Break period, we will continue to use this engagement-based attendance model until at least April 6. We remain optimistic about a physical return to our ASD campus, but as the situation remains fluid, we will continue to monitor developments and adjust our timeline and protocols as needed.
A Reminder on Temporary Departures
Building on our previous communications, we continue to track the distribution of our community as many families navigate this period from outside of Qatar. To streamline this tracking process, we have introduced a central departure form that eliminates the need for a direct email to your Division Principal(s).
If you have already informed your Division Principal(s) of your departure, you do not need to complete this form. However, if you have recently departed or have not yet notified us of your location, please use the link below so we can effectively account for your situation, refine our remote support systems, and plan for our eventual return to campus.
If you have not yet notified us: Please complete this ASD Temporary Family Departure Form
Student Item Collection: Tuesday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
We will be opening the campus this Tuesday morning from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM for families who still need to collect student devices (grades KG to 5).
If you have a student in LES or UES and need a device for remote learning, please complete the form on this page by Monday at 6:00 PM: Student Device Collection Form
Devices will be ready for pickup on Tuesday between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM, via Gate 6.
We again want to emphasize that the current official guidance remains for all residents to shelter in place. As such, this collection window is entirely optional. Please only come to campus if you feel comfortable doing so and believe it is safe and necessary for your circumstances.
Virtual School Guidelines
To ensure a safe, respectful, and effective digital environment for all, we ask that both parents and students review our established expectations for engagement and digital citizenship. The ASD Virtual Learning Guidelines outline expectations for all community members to act in alignment with school values and behavior policies within digital learning environments. You can find the guidelines on this page: ASD Virtual Learning Guidelines.
Our Mission Continues
The ASD Mission is very much alive and in motion, even though our campus and buildings are quiet for now. We remain committed to nurturing each learner’s unique academic and personal identity.
This period is a remarkable call to action for our collective character and citizenship, and I am incredibly proud of how our community is rising to meet it.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
March 7, 2026
5:15 pm
Dear ASD Community,
I am writing to provide an update as we prepare for the start of the new week.
Promising Regional Developments
We are closely following the news from Tehran today, which offers grounds for cautious optimism. While we continue to monitor the situation in close coordination with the US Embassy and local authorities, we are hopeful that these statements signal a significant step toward de-escalation and regional stability.
Virtual Learning Plans for the Week
As we transition to our structured Remote Learning Model this week, our goal is to provide academic continuity for our students. Our faculty has been working diligently to ensure that this model balances rigors with the flexibility required during this time. You can find the detailed schedules and divisional plans for the coming week on this page: ASD Remote Learning Plans & Updates
Virtual School Guidelines
To ensure a safe, respectful, and effective digital environment for all, we ask that both parents and students review our established expectations for engagement and digital citizenship. The ASD Virtual Learning Guidelines outline expectations for all community members to act in alignment with school values and behavior policies within digital learning environments. You can find the guidelines on this page: ASD Virtual Learning Guidelines
A Reminder on Temporary Departures
Building on our previous communications, we understand that many of our families are navigating this period from locations outside of Qatar. If your family has opted to depart the country for a period of time, please ensure you have notified your respective Division Principal(s). Having this data is vital for helping us effectively account for our community's distribution, refine our remote support systems, and plan for our eventual return to campus.
We are a strong community, and your continued partnership remains vital to our collective success. Thank You!
Warmly,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
March 5, 2026
7:15 pm
Dear ASD Community,
A Message of Support
As we navigated the complexities of this week, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the significant mental and emotional toll these circumstances are placing on our entire community. With everything going on: juggling work (likely online), supporting your children’s learning (also online), and trying to process the ongoing situation, it is both expected and understandable to experience a range of strong emotions.
We are living through a challenging time that requires immense flexibility for others and for ourselves. Please remember to prioritize your well-being and reach out if you need support. We are in this together, and our priority remains the health of our community.
Next Week's Learning Plan
For this coming Sunday, we will continue to follow our asynchronous learning plans, just as we have this week. Beginning Monday, however, we will transition to a more structured Remote Learning Model designed to provide further consistency and engagement for our students.
Our Division Principals will send comprehensive information on what this looks like by 4:00 PM on Saturday.
Please remain mindful that the situation remains very fluid. While this is our current path forward, we ask that you remain prepared should circumstances require us to pivot or adjust our approach at a moment’s notice. We remain committed to transparency and will update you immediately if our plans need to shift.
Student Item Collection: Sunday, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
We will be opening the campus this Sunday morning from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM for families who need to collect essential student items.
We want to emphasize that the current official guidance remains for all residents to shelter in place. As such, this collection window is entirely optional. Please only come to campus if you feel comfortable doing so and believe it is safe and necessary for your circumstances.
If you have a student in LES or UES and need a device for remote learning, please complete this form by Saturday at 6:00 PM. Devices will be ready for pickup on Sunday between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
Staying Informed and Moving Forward
In a rapidly evolving situation, information can change quickly. We encourage all families to rely on official school communications and verified authorities for the most accurate updates.
We are committed to keeping you informed; should any details of our current plan change, I will be back in touch immediately with further guidance. Thank you for your continued partnership as we support our students.
Warmly,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
March 4, 2026
6:25 pm
Dear ASD Community,
Following our communication yesterday, I am writing to provide an update on the steps we are taking to ensure learning for our students and on our ongoing planning.
Transition to Structured Remote Learning
While we remain in an asynchronous mode for the remainder of this week to allow families to focus on their immediate needs, we are preparing for a more robust educational experience starting Sunday, March 8th.
As we progress to a more structured Remote Learning Model, our goal is to provide more consistent engagement and ensure steady curricular progress for our students. The Division Principals will share detailed expectations and schedules for this model tomorrow afternoon.
Planning for Temporary Departures
Building on yesterday’s message, we understand that some families have already begun the process of departing Qatar. If your family is opting to leave Qatar for a period of time, please notify your respective Division Principal(s) as soon as possible. Having this data is vital for helping us effectively account for our community's distribution, refine our remote support systems, and plan for our eventual return to campus.
Monitoring and Assessment
The ASD Leadership Team and the Board of Directors continue to work closely with relevant local authorities and the US Embassy to monitor security developments in the region. Our decisions remain guided by real-time information and a commitment to the safety of every member of our community. We will continue to adjust as necessary and keep you informed of any further developments.
Thank you for your continued understanding and partnership. We look forward to sharing more specific divisional details with you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
March 3, 2026
6:15 pm
Dear ASD Community,
As we continue to navigate this period of regional uncertainty, the safety and security of our students, staff, and families remain our non-negotiable priority.
The ASD Leadership and the Board of Directors have been working closely with specialists and the US Embassy. Informed by the most recent guidance from the US Embassy regarding the security situation and the order for non-emergency US government personnel to depart Qatar, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to keep the ASD campus closed and remain in a virtual learning environment through the start of Eid al-Fitr/Spring Break (March 17th).
We recognize the weight of this decision and the impact it can have on your daily lives. By providing this clarity now, we hope to give your family the space to make near-term plans with greater certainty.
Remaining on Remote Learning
Remainder of This Week (March 4-5): We will continue in the current asynchronous mode. This allows families to focus on immediate safety and logistical needs without the pressure of required sessions.
Beginning Sunday, March 8th: We will transition to a more structured Remote Learning Model. While still online, this will involve more consistent engagement and curricular progress. Your Division Principals will share detailed expectations for this model by Thursday afternoon.
Planning for Temporary Departures
As I shared in yesterday's update, we are aware that many families are choosing to temporarily depart Qatar. To ensure we can properly support your child's education and track our community's distribution, we kindly ask that you notify your Division Principal if you intend to travel outside the country. This information is vital for our Leadership Team as we refine our learning support and plan for a future return to campus.
Closing Thoughts
This is a challenging time for our school and the wider community in the GCC. Please be assured that decisions are being made based on real-time information and a careful assessment of risks in coordination with relevant authorities and the ASD Leadership and Board.
We will continue to provide transparent and timely updates as the situation evolves. Please look for the Division-specific guidance soon, and above all, please stay safe.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
March 2, 2026
7:20 pm
Dear ASD Community,
We are continuing to closely monitor the situation. To provide everyone with a clearer sense of the immediate path forward, we are sharing the following operational adjustments:
School Schedule for the Remainder of This Week
To ensure consistency and allow you to make necessary arrangements, ASD will remain in an asynchronous learning mode through the remainder of this week. Assignments and information will be posted by teachers by 6:00 pm each day.
There will be no required "in-person" virtual lessons during this time. Our goal is to ensure that students and families can continue to prioritize their well-being and safety without the added pressure of a fixed digital schedule.
We recognize the importance of maintaining personal connections during these uncertain times. There may be optional opportunities for students to connect online; these sessions are intended solely for social support and community-building rather than mandatory instruction. Your Division Principals and/or teachers will share more specific information if and when these opportunities become available.
While the school as a whole remains asynchronous, each Division has unique needs. Your respective Division Principals will reach out tomorrow with more specific details and guidance regarding learning opportunities for their specific grade levels.
Planning for Temporary Departures
We understand that some families may choose to depart Qatar for a period of time. To help us plan effectively, we kindly ask that you notify your Division Principal if you intend to travel outside the country. This information is vital for our Leadership Team to understand our community's distribution and coordinate learning accordingly.
Community Resilience
Uncertainty is never easy, but please know that every decision we make is grounded in the safety and well-being of our ASD Community. Thank you for the patience and understanding you have shown our faculty and staff as we navigate these challenges together.
Until our next update tomorrow, I wish you and your family a peaceful evening.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
March 1, 2026
4:10 pm
Dear ASD Community,
In response to the current period of uncertainty, our primary focus remains the safety and well-being of our students and the broader ASD Community. To ensure everyone has the space they need to prioritize their immediate needs, we are implementing the following adjustments to our school operations:
Operations for Tomorrow
Tomorrow, March 2nd, ASD will operate with only optional asynchronous opportunities. These will be posted by teachers by 6.00 pm today.
There will be no scheduled live or required "in-person" virtual lessons. Families and students should prioritize what they need most right now, whether that is physical safety, mental space, or engaging in light learning activities at their own pace.
This pause in direct instruction is intended to avoid unnecessary strain and allow our community to focus on what matters most.
Ongoing Assessment
We are constantly reassessing the situation and will provide updates daily. Our decisions will continue to be guided by real-time safety conditions and official guidance from local authorities. We will communicate updates regarding the following school day as early as possible.
Long-Term Closure Contingency
We recognize that many students may have essential items or learning materials still on campus. We are currently developing a practical retrieval plan. If the closure becomes prolonged, we will share a specific, safe schedule and process for families to collect these belongings.
Mental Health & Support Resources During Difficult World Events
The well-being of our students is our priority. We encourage you to utilize the resources on the ASD Community Wellness Padlet to help navigate conversations and emotions during this time.
We are currently living in a time that calls for solidarity and mutual support. Let us not underestimate any action, no matter how small. Each of us has a role in strengthening our family and community's cohesion and ensuring that we emerge from this crisis stronger.
We are a resilient community, and we will get through this period together.
Please stay safe and prioritize your family’s needs.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
February 28, 2026
6:25 pm
Dear ASD Community,
Following the recent Government circular, we are writing to inform you that ASD will be transitioning to Remote Learning starting tomorrow.
Here is what you need to know:
Our Current Safety Status
The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. In compliance with the Government directive, the school campus will be closed to all students, teaching and administrative staff, and support employees until further notice. No on-site activities or gatherings will take place during this period.
Plan for Tomorrow (Asynchronous Learning)
To allow our families and faculty to adjust to this transition, tomorrow will be an asynchronous learning day.
Details by Division:
Lower & Upper Elementary:
For LES, please find the asynchronous learning for Sunday, March 1, in the link below.
This learning has been prepared to provide your child with opportunities to continue engaging in meaningful learning experiences while our teachers prepare for the possibility of continued remote learning and virtual lessons.
Please use the link below to access all grade-level learning for tomorrow.
LES Asynchronous Learning Plans
The UES will follow its standard Day 6 schedule this Sunday. Around 7:45 a.m., homeroom teachers will email parents a comprehensive learning plan featuring assignments for both homeroom and specials classes.
Looking Ahead: If remote learning continues beyond tomorrow, we will share details about synchronous learning opportunities to maintain instructional continuity.
Teacher Availability: Should you have questions regarding any part of the day, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher via email.
Middle & High School:
Middle & High School will follow our scheduled Day 6 rotation (Blocks 6, 8, 2, and 4) tomorrow.
Work: Teachers will post an activity for each class on their Teneen page.
Expectations: Students should complete and submit all required work for the day.
Looking Ahead: If remote learning continues past tomorrow, we will share details regarding a synchronous (live) schedule.
Teacher Availability: While not delivering live content, teachers will be online to help and answer questions via email.
Monitoring & Future Changes
We are in constant communication with the relevant authorities and are closely monitoring any updates to the current directive. Any changes regarding the duration of this remote period or a potential return to campus will be shared immediately via official email and SMS.
To ensure you have access to the latest information, we have prepared a dedicated page for timely school-wide updates: Health, Safety, and School Operations Sahifa Page
Consider bookmarking this link and checking it periodically, as we will use it to post all official school statements and guidance as soon as they become available.
Please take tomorrow to settle in, find your rhythm, and know that we are here to support your children. We appreciate your agility and partnership as we navigate this transition together.
Warm regards,
Dr. Victor Guthrie
February 28, 2026
10:15 am
Dear ASD Community,
I am writing to share an important update regarding our campus operations.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has just issued a notice stating that they are implementing a shelter-in-place for all personnel and recommending that all U.S. citizens in the country do the same until further notice.
In alignment with this guidance and out of an abundance of caution for our community, ASD is evacuating our campus and ceasing all on-campus activities until further notice.
What You Need to Know:
Campus Status: We are currently transitioning to a restricted campus status. Only essential security personnel will remain on-site to ensure the facility is monitored and secure.
Your Safety: We encourage all members of our community to follow the Embassy’s recommendation to shelter in place and stay off the roads until we receive further updates.
Next Steps: We are in close contact with official government sources. As soon as we receive additional information or updated guidance, we will communicate with you directly via email and our new dedicated Sahifa page.
To ensure you have access to the latest information, we have prepared a dedicated page for timely updates:
Health, Safety, and School Operations Sahifa Page
Please bookmark this link and check it periodically, as we will use it to post all official school statements and guidance as soon as they become available.
Should our normal school operations be impacted, you will receive email updates from me. These emails will always focus on three key areas: our current safety status, the plan for the next school day, and any potential changes we are monitoring.
I recognize that news like this can feel sudden and unsettling. Please know that these steps are being taken with a "safety-first" mindset to ensure that every member of our community is in the most secure environment possible. We are a resilient and prepared community, and we will navigate this situation together as one ASD Family.
For now, please focus on your families and stay tuned for further updates. We will provide more information as soon as the situation evolves.
Stay safe and stay calm.
Warm regards,
Dr. Victor Guthrie