Dear JTHS Families, 
 
The theme for this week is all about taking care of yourself.  If you are participating in the #JTHSSelfLoveChallenge, please share what you are doing by emailing us at info@jths.org or by using our hashtag on Social Media.  We would love to hear from you!  I continued on with the challenge today, and I wrote down five things I am grateful for: 

1. My family and the current experience of the five of us becoming closer! 
2. My parents and that we are still able to stay connected from 6 states away (we Zoomed last night for about an hour)! 
3. The weather today, wow, it is beautiful! 
4. My health and the current health of my family! 
5. My job, even during the current circumstances, I love that I get to continue to make an impact in the lives of students, families and staff! 

 
Five Ways to Become Closer with Social Distancing 
As we stay home and socially distance ourselves, this is also an opportunity to become closer and more connected through shared experiences.  Part of self-care includes social/emotional health and maintaining human connection.  This is why I am committed to sending our families a message once a day to let you know we are here for you.  Ms. Tracey Ivan, one of our fantastic Speech Pathologists, shared the article, “Five Ways to Become closer with Social Distancing.”  I encourage you to read the entire article, but here are the five ideas outlined: 

1. No one has gone through this before.  Let’s be somewhat incompetent together! 
2. We, the adults, have to actively work at not feeling helpless. 
3. Relate in real-time through using socially smart technologies such as FaceTime, Zoom, Skype and more, where you can actually see and speak to others. 
4. This is not your problem to solve alone. 
5. Push positive with your thoughts and feelings. 

 
Remember, we are all human, and our feelings are normal.  Please know, “We are all in this together.” 

Quarantine Schedule for Teens 
With teens of my own at home, I can personally attest to the struggle of the unstructured day.  It is hard!  Believe me, I know.  In my own research to provide a sense of normalcy to my own family, I stumbled upon a great article, “Quarantine Schedule for Teens.” Although it can be hard to maintain a schedule, research shows that one way to help teens while they are at home learning is to provide them with a more structured day through a schedule. 

Make your Own Schedule with Your Teen 
Here is blank template that you can print and make your own with your teen. You can determine together: 

• The best time of day to spend on learning activities 
• Best times to take breaks to connect with friends 
• The activities that your family can share to bond during family time 
• The optimal time to work on a new goal 
• Other quiet time activities to help settle down before bedtime 
• Specific time of day to wake up and go to bed 

Today’s Numbers 
Today we had 4,893 students check in remotely for attendance.  Remember, the attendance code is posted by 8:30 a.m. each day to jths.org and it is also sent to our students through Remind.  Please remind your student to check in daily and to complete their assignment from their teachers. 
 
Curb-Side Pickup Meals 
Just a reminder that curb-side meal pickup is tomorrow, Wednesday, April 8 at Central and West from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  There is no meal service on Friday due to the school holiday. 

 
Your Partner in Education, 

Dr. Karla Guseman 
JTHS Superintendent 
kguseman@jths.org