HTLA Counseling Newsletter
Distance Learning Resources and Articles April 2020
Welcome Back to Distance Learning!
We hope you had a relaxing and fun Spring Break despite all that is going on with COVID-19. We realize this time can be stressful, disappointing and frustrating with things changing so quickly, but know that we are here to support you and know we will get through this together. We will continue to provide you with some resources for your academic success, college/career exploration and emotional health. As always, if there is anything you need, please let us know.
Ms. Bender and Ms. Miramontes
Basic Study Tips for Working from Home
- Get up, shower and get dressed every day. It is difficult to be productive when you are still wearing the clothes you slept in last night.
- Create a designated work space. Keep it clear of clutter and make sure all of your materials are there that you will need, including your charger.
- Put away your phone. Our phones are our biggest source of distraction. Turn it off or put it in the other room when you are present for distance learning.
- Watch your sleep schedule. Don't get into a schedule where you are up until 2am and waking up after class starts at 9am. Go to bed early enough to get a good night's sleep and be up and ready to learn for class.
- Get Outside. Although we don't have scheduled x-block anymore, take a walk in your neighborhood, get some fresh air and do some exercise. These things will all help you feel better and more productive.
- Keep a list. Write a list of things that need to be done. You can make a daily list or a weekly list and cross things off when they are complete AND turned in. If you need to check what work needs to be done, you can double check here. This list is by grade level as well.
- Check your email. You should be checking your email daily, multiple times a day. Teachers are using this as the main form of communication and you may have a message from them in your inbox. This is a also a good way for you to contact your teachers if you need help.
Study Tips
These are some great organization tips for students in online classes. Although they are meant for college students, these are still useful to you. Read them here.
How to email a teacher- Everyone should watch this!
For our Seniors
College and Career Resources
College Essay Guy
Things to Do From Home During a Pandemic (Part 2): In part 2, Ed and Whit share a list of awesome things to SEE and LEARN, and ways to relax while at home. Did you know you could take Yale's world-famous course on "Happiness" online now? For free? Check it out.
Volunteer Virtually!
Do you want to help the community but don’t know how because of social distancing or quarantine? Consider . . .
Social Media Manager / Website Developer
Make a card or send a postcard to someone in a nursing home or first responders.
Create an audiobook for students with learning differences.
Go “live” and read books to children in your community.
Learn how to sew and make masks for healthcare and other essential workers.
Start a social media campaign to help raise money for an organization in need in your community.
Offer virtual tutoring sessions.
Need more ideas?
There are thousands of virtual volunteer opportunities for teens!
Check out some videos to explore various career options
Summer Enrollment at Pierce College
Go to the Admissions page and scroll down to K-12 supplemental application: http://www.piercecollege.edu/admissions/
Students will turn in the form by contacting Admissions and Records via Cranium Cafe (online counseling system). Since some of the students may not have a canvas account they should sign up with a guest account.
EdX Courses - Free Online Courses!
2,500+ Free Online Courses from 140 Institutions.
Students can choose to “audit” self-paced courses for free, and have access to course lectures, assignments/tests, and resources. Free online audited courses do not provide “credit,” but more importantly they will offer a chance to learn more about a specific subject for college major exploration.
Courses in Computer Science, Engineering, Business and Management, Language, Humanities, Biology and Life Sciences, Architecture, Food and Nutrition, Law, etc. https://www.edx.org/course?availability=Self-Paced
Self Care Resources
Practicing Good Self Care
2. Do some exercise. Take a walk or run outside, do an online exercise class, do some stretching. Whatever it is- get your body moving every day.
3. Go outside at least once a day. Get some fresh air and hopefully some sunlight!
4. Stay connected. Call, facetime, or zoom with family and friends. It is important to talk with others and connect without having to leave your house.
5. It's okay to feel some big emotions- living through a pandaemic quarentine is something none of us has done before and can lead to feelings of anxiety, sadness, disappointment, worry etc. Acknowledge the feelings and move forward- don't wallow. We will push through this and you have support.