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Technology is empowering Canyons District students to learn from home, but can pose challenges when they can’t log in to online learning platforms or their computing device malfunctions.

To help students and parents troubleshoot technology blips and breakdowns encountered while navigating the new world of distance learning, Canyons District has created a Technology Help Hotline at 801-826-5200. The hotline will be dedicated to supporting families and staffed Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Anyone needing to request help outside of those hours may do so through CSD’s online request form.

“The hope with the hotline is that it will give families an extra avenue for connecting with us during business hours,” says CSD’s Information Technology Director Scot McCombs. “The dismissal of schools and switch to online learning is new for students and can be stressful. We want them to know there’s help available to overcome any technological problems they encounter.”

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We’ve countered COVID-19’s assault on our physical health by social distancing and working and educating our children from home. But what can, and should, we be doing to safeguard our mental health?

World health experts who have argued for flattening the COVID-19 curve are now warning of a second coronavirus wave of depression, anxiety and emotional exhaustion that could last long after the infectious disease threat has waned.

“It’s important to take care of yourself after any traumatic event,” says BJ Weller, Director of Canyons District’s Responsive Services Department, which oversees counseling and social-emotional supports in schools. “But this health crisis has been particularly worrisome from a mental wellness perspective, because the steps we’ve needed to take to respond can make it harder to cope emotionally.” Social distancing has left many of us socially isolated and economically vulnerable. We are grieving the loss of loved ones and important rituals, from weddings to graduation ceremonies, even as we lose connection with family and friends, the very people to whom we turn to mourn our losses.

But students and parents can take comfort knowing they’re not alone, Weller says. “We’re all going through this together, and help is available.” Throughout the soft closure of Utah’s schools, CSD social workers, psychologists and counselors have been proactively checking-in with students by email or phone. As the growing need for mental health supports has become apparent, the Department of Responsive Services is now launching an online behavioral supports request form that parents can easily access from home.

Request Social Emotional / Mental Health Support

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To continue momentum in flattening the COVID-19 curve, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert and state education officials today announced the “soft closure” of schools will last through the end of the school year. Previously, it was anticipated Utah schools would re-open on May 1. Canyons remains committed to providing educational services and meals to students through the length of the soft closure, which now extends through Friday, May 29. Free grab-and-go sack lunches and breakfasts will still be available for curbside pick-up at 15 locations, and teachers will continue to support and guide students as they participate in distance learning. In line with health guidelines, Canyons teachers are still encouraged to work from home and a limited number of Canyons District employees will be at school buildings and the Canyons District Office. 

We recognize the extended dismissal of classes will give rise to questions about grading, graduation requirements, and previously-scheduled events and activities. The Canyons Board of Education and Administration are working on a plan to address these and other related questions. Once decisions specific to Canyons District schools and students have been made, this information will be sent to families via the Skylert emergency notification system and posted on the District’s website, canyonsdistrict.org. If parents or patrons have additional questions or comments, they can send an email message to communications@canyonsdistrict.org and a representative will be ready to assist. Thank you for your understanding and support as we work together to keep our communities healthy, safe, and learning.