Trouble Homeschooling? Jazz Bear Is Here To Help

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Schools across the state of Utah have been closed for nearly two weeks, on Monday, Governor Gary Herbert mandated that schools keep their doors shuttered through at least May 1, due to the coronavirus outbreak. As a result, parents have quickly had to adopt the role of school teacher, often while balancing a fulltime work schedule remotely from in the home. Fear not parents, the Utah Jazz have a solution, and the Jazz Bear mascot is here to help with your children.

The “Bear’s Reading Challenge” launched Wednesday, and runs through April 27th, encouraging students grades K-12 to read for 600 minutes over the next  33 days. Parents, teachers, and students can track their reading and submit their results by April 27 for a chance to Jazz prizes.

Those interested can download the reading tracker at www.nba.com/jazz/reading-challenge.

Download a reading tracker 𝙃𝙀𝙍𝙀 and get started on Bear’s Reading Challenge 📚

» https://t.co/tYCGLqu7qf pic.twitter.com/WM1cFBHgBL

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 25, 2020

The reading program is part of the “NBA Together” initiative that strives to “support, engage, educate and inspire youth, families and fans” during the viral pandemic.

Prizes include a 2019-20 autographed team basketball, autographed jersey, and separate prize packs.

Previously, KSL’s Studio 5 made resources available to parents who are looking for help online to keep their kids engaged during the school week. Those resources can be found in the tweet below.

If you’re like me and you’re going to be home with the kids while they’re out of school, here’s some very practical and easy activities to keep everyone engaged and sane. https://t.co/Cbrzd20LhO

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) March 16, 2020

During the school hiatus, parents have had to get creative with their teaching approach, and it hasn’t always gone smoothly.

Y’all, we need to pray for 8 year old Ben. “I’m telling you it is not going good.” pic.twitter.com/g28x7oFciE

— BrenWin (@brendawintrow) March 24, 2020

Coronavirus Resources

• Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing [email protected].
• What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy
• What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus
• Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered
• The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found at our Staying Safe: Coronavirus section.
• Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?

How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a face mask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.

How To Get Help

If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, you can contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth service through your healthcare providers.

Additional Resources

If  you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at [email protected].