Attention Grade 7 & 8

Ready to Change the World? Compassion Summit 2026!

We are looking for 8 passionate students to represent ACS at

Compassion Summit 2026 in Mumbai, India!

This isn't just a trip; it’s an incredible opportunity to team up with students from across the globe to "speak of things that matter."

Have you ever had a friend walk past you without saying hi, or received a short, one-word text and immediately thought, "Are they mad at me?" Most of the time, our brains jump straight to a negative conclusion.

Assuming positive intent means choosing to believe that people are doing their best with the tools and energy they have at that moment. It means instead of thinking "they’re being rude," you think "maybe they’re just having a really long day."

Why does this matter? Because when we assume the worst, we create stress and drama for ourselves that often isn't even real. Here is the ultimate truth: It takes just as much mental energy to assume something positive as it does to assume something negative. Since you're using the energy anyway, why not spend it on a thought that makes you feel peaceful instead of one that makes you feel frustrated? By giving others the benefit of the doubt, you create a kinder environment for everyone (including yourself).

The next time someone does something that bugs you (like bumping into you in the hall or not sitting by you at lunch) don't react right away. Instead, take three seconds to flip your script:

• Second 1: STOP. Catch your first negative thought (like, "That was so rude!").

• Second 2: FLIP. Think of one other reason it might have happened (like, "Maybe they’re just in a huge rush to get to class").

• Second 3: CHOOSE. Decide to react to the second, kinder reason instead of the first one.

The Challenge: Try to do this just three times this week. You’ll be surprised at how much calmer you feel when you stop looking for reasons to be upset!

Hi everyone,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! I’m Ms. Lori Black, your new Middle & High School Librarian, and I’ll be working with Ms. Kelli Harris in the Learning Commons. We can’t wait to see you this year and help you find great books, explore new ideas, and succeed in your classes.

Check out our MS LC Resources page—it has research tools, study tips, and our library catalog so you can see what books are available. 

If you have any questions, just email us.

We’re here to support you—whether you need help finding sources for a project, choosing your next read, or figuring out how to use a database.

See you in the Learning Commons!