(StatePoint) Do your New Year’s resolutions include improving your grades? If so, here are five habits you can adopt to ace math class this spring semester:
Meet with your teacher
If you’re feeling a bit lost during a lesson or you receive a grade on a test that you’re not happy about, see your teacher about it. Most teachers want their students to thrive and are happy to schedule an appointment to go over tricky concepts. If your teacher has a tight schedule, they may be able to recommend learning resources or a good tutor. Don’t be embarrassed about sharing your struggles. The important thing is to speak up sooner rather than later so you don’t fall further behind.
Equip yourself with the right tools
When shopping for educational tools, you don’t need to compromise your learning potential to stay within budget. Give yourself every advantage you need to succeed by equipping yourself with an affordable calculator that helps you actually understand the concepts behind the equations, and one which will save you time when you need it most. With its Natural Textbook Display and intuitive icon menu, the fx-9750GIII graphing calculator
from Casio is incredibly easy to use, whether you’re graph plotting, doing vector arithmetic or creating a spreadsheet. Approved for the SAT, PSAT, ACT and AP tests, this model includes Exam Mode to lock specific functionality for testing purposes, making it a must-have tool not only during late night study sessions and daily lessons, but also during timed tests
Study regularly
It’s a good idea to review recent chapters and class notes after school each day, even if there is no formal homework assignment. You may even want to complete a few relevant practice exercises. Doing so will help you synthesize the information from the latest lesson and prime you to learn new material the next time class meets.
Stay sharp
Free online educational tools can help you stay sharp, even when class is out of session. Check out Casio’s education blog found at casioeducation.com/blog for exam-specific study tips, math activities and advice on using your calculator effectively.
Stay organized
Create a system for note-taking that works for you and be sure to keep your notes, assignments and marked up quizzes and exams tidy. This organization will not only aid your comprehension of the material, but also help you find the information you need to prepare for exams and complete assignments.
Whether math is your favorite subject or the one that puts the heaviest strain on your GPA, you can enter the new year and the new semester with a clean slate, and great habits that will help you make the grade. n
Pi Day, celebrated every year on March 14th (3.14), is the perfect opportunity to have fun AND learn about one of mathematics' most fascinating constants.
Creative Ways to Celebrate
Here are some engaging and educational activities to make the day memorable for students:
Explore π Through Food: Pie and Pizza
Nothing says Pi Day like indulging in some circular treats! Teach students about the relationship between a circle's diameter and circumference using actual pies or pizzas. Have students measure the diameter and circumference, calculate Pi, and enjoy their results as a delicious snack.
Create π Art and Crafts
Let creativity shine by crafting Pi-themed decorations. Students can make Pi collages, design Pi bracelets with beads representing the digits of Pi, or create "Pi Skylines" by graphing the digits of Pi as bar charts.
Memorization Challenge:
Recite the Digits of π
Host a friendly competition to see who can recite the most digits of Pi. Provide fun prizes like Pi-themed stickers or certificates. Share mnemonic techniques to help students memorize Pi’s digits, such as creating a Pi-ku (a haiku using the digits of Pi).
Conduct a
π Science Experiment
Integrate math and science by exploring how Pi applies in real-world scenarios. For example, use circular objects to measure and verify Pi, or demonstrate how Pi is crucial in calculating areas and volumes of circular shapes.
Dive into π Literature
Introduce students to books and stories that celebrate Pi and mathematics. Titles like Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi or The Joy of Pi can make abstract concepts accessible and fun. Discuss the history of Pi and its applications across different cultures.
π Math Challenges
Create math puzzles and problems centered around Pi. Tasks could include calculating the area of circles, solving riddles with Pi-related clues, or finding Pi in everyday objects.
3.141592653
5897932384626433832 79502884197169399375105
82097494459230781640628620
899862803482534211706798214
8086513282306647093844609550
5822317253594081284811174502
841027019385211055596446229
48954930381964428810975665
93344612847564823378678
31652712019091456485
669234603...
Pi Day is an opportunity to inspire curiosity, creativity, and an appreciation for the wonders of mathematics. Multidisciplinary engagement can inspire a lifelong love of learning! Whether you dive into math challenges or enjoy a slice of pie, the possibilities are as infinite as Pi itself!
WHY CHOOSE THE WILLIAMS SCHOOL?
In its 134th year of educating students, Williams is strongly devoted to its Core Values of Scholarship, Character, and Community.
SCHOLARSHIP
Middle School
Middle School students are met with a pre-college prep curriculum that equips them with the study skills and content knowledge to succeed in our more rigorous Upper School college prep program. In addition to tackling core subjects, Middle School students experience several enrichment subjects that expose them to both the visual and performing arts, physical and wellbeing education, and research and technology.
Upper School
Upper School students gain the chance to differentiate themselves as they prepare for college, careers, and happy and successful lifestyles. In addition to a strong college preparatory curriculum with Honors and Advanced Course levels, they gain several distinctive opportunities:
• Our 9th grade students participate in a year long Leadership Seminar that focuses on a positive mindset, teamwork, and leadership skills.
• Our 10th grade students may join one of four Interdisciplinary Certificate programs:
• STEM
• Environmental Sustainability
• Global Perspectives
• Humanities and the Art
Each program includes a focused pathway with independent study and group research project opportunities as well as the development of a digital portfolio and capstone presentation for students to share with colleges.
• Our 11th and 12th grade students have the opportunity to participate in Williams’ College
Acceleration program, which allows them to take up to four courses at Connecticut College before they graduate from Williams.
CHARACTER
Middle School
Students in grades 6-8 enroll in our program to learn HOW to learn. They develop their executive function, study, and social and wellbeing skills, as well as their creativity, selfawareness and self-advocacy.
Upper School
Students in grades 9-12 enroll in the college preparatory program to discover their individuality, engage with information, think critically, make connections, and work collaboratively. At the same time, they develop their critical research, communication, and personal growth and wellbeing skills.
Student Life
As students work to become responsible, independent, and socially responsible young people, multiple programs help them foster good habits of mind, teamwork, and leadership:
• Over 20 sports teams (soccer, cross country, basketball, swimming, lacrosse, tennis, sailing)
• A plethora of performing arts opportunities (theater, music, dance)
• Numerous active and engaging clubs
• Monthly Middle School / Upper School student mentor programs
• Weekly Faculty Advisor meetings
• Daily Faculty office hours
• Counseling services that focus on social emotional and learning differences
• A stellar College Counseling program with 100% of our seniors typically matriculating to impressive colleges and universities
COMMUNITY
According to many developmental psychologists, the adolescent years are the most influential to the growth and development of young people. At Williams, students thrive in a close-knit community. They gain individual attention and are challenged every day to expand their minds and develop their well being.
Providing a positive and productive educational environment that challenges and supports each student’s growth and well being is the top priority at Williams. Students rise to challenges as they are supported by caring teachers and peers that build their confidence and help them discover their individuality, knowledge, interests, and skills.
The Williams community takes pride in students building strong relationships and a shared sense of growth and pride in themselves and each other.
With students and families from over 40 different sending towns and diverse backgrounds, engaging families in all that we do at Williams is crucial to our success. In a recent parent survey, Williams received 5-star ratings for our Academic, Student Life, and Engagement programs. It is clear that The Williams School’s devotion to its core values of Scholarship, Character, and Community are the key components to success.
Adults can take action to PREVENT BULLYING
when someone steps in to help, can help to reduce bullying incidents.
Millions of children wake up very day in fear of harassment. Bullying is an epidemic that can result in humiliation, poor grades, low spirits, and even suicide. In years past, bullying may have ended after kids left the classroom or school grounds, but technology has enabled bullying to follow children home through their devices.
Studies indicate bullying is getting worse.
The National Center of Safe Supportive Learning
Environments says that, despite a number of school programs designed to decrease bullying, one in five students between the ages of 12 and 18 are bullied every year in the United States. According to 3rd Millennium Classrooms, which offers schools courses on topics like bullying, the most common type of bullying is verbal harassment, followed by social harassment. Cyberbullying now accounts for 25 percent of all bullying.
• Be observant. Bullying generally happens in areas away from crowds, such as in the bathroom, school buses or via cell phones and computers. Adults need to be vigilant in recognizing that bullying may be taking place. Warning signs of bullying include being afraid to go to school; using excuses to stay home or return home from school; having nightmares; becoming withdrawn; or a decline in academic performance.
• Be an authoritative parent. According to Diana Divecha, a developmental psychologist who has counseled families on bullying, an authoritative style of parenting may help. This style offers a high degree of warmth, love and closeness, but also provides clear limits
and high expectations with the support necessary to meet those expectations. Children raised in this environment have better mental health and stronger relationship skills.
• Create a zero-tolerance policy. Schools can implement strong policies against bullying where students should be able to speak to someone confidentially, and bullies will be investigated and dealt with promptly and effectively.
• Encourage participation in activities. Children should be encouraged to do what they enjoy and try out various activities in and out of school. These activities give kids a chance to have fun, let off steam and meet others with similar interests. A strong circle of friends
Bullying is a top concern* for parents
of respondents said they are extremely or very worried that their children might be bullied 35% said they were somewhat worried 39%
can boost kids' confidence and serve as another defense against bullying.
• Keep lines of communication open. When children feel comfortable speaking with their parents, an older sibling or another trusted adult about their feelings, they can express their concerns and seek advice regarding how to address them. This can go a long way toward making children feel better.
• Cultivate a strong parent-school relationship. Children benefit the most when there is a strong partnership between schools and families. Schools should foster strong pathways of communication with parents.
Bullying is quite common**
1 out of every 5 students reported being bullied 17% of boys reported being bullied
24% of girls reported being bullied
Cyberbullying *** is of paramount concern
46% of teen respondents said they have encountered at least one cyberbullying behavior
28% have experienced multiple incidents of cyberbullying behavior
The most common type of cyberbullying: Being called an offensive name The next most common: Being victimized by the spread of false rumors online
Helping Children Develop Healthy Device and Media Habits
(StatePoint) What are TikTok’s privacy settings? Can parents control what advertising their children see on Facebook? How do parents limit the amount of time their children spend on Instagram?
A new parent tool, the Glossary of Digital Media Platforms, offers the answers and will be handy for parents of children trying out new phones or other tech-related holiday gifts. The American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health developed the free resource, which contains detailed information on popular digital platforms, including Apple, Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok and X, with more to come.
“Parenting around media can be so challenging,” said Jenny Radesky, MD, FAAP, co-medical director of the Center of Excellence. “Figuring out what apps and settings are best for your family is an important part of the conversation. At the center, we created the Glossary of Digital Media Platforms to make it a little easier for parents to learn about each app and figure out what settings and tools exist to keep their kid safe while connecting online.”
Users click on a platform to learn about its default and customizable safety settings; messaging and friending controls; screen-time management
settings; parental controls and more. Parents aren’t the only ones looking for assistance when it comes to the online world. Pediatric providers, teachers and others who work with children and teens can introduce the glossary briefly during clinic visits, back-to-school nights, in newsletters, or other communications and encourage families to have conversations about safe and balanced relationships with social media. The tool can also facilitate conversations on concepts like private versus public accounts, time limits and how to block or filter upsetting content.
Here are some examples of how the glossary can be used:
• If children have iPhones, parents can learn more about the Family Sharing feature, which includes settings to limit who a child can contact, downtime/do-not-disturb settings and the Ask To Buy option that requires a parent to approve purchases.
• If social media and notifications are distracting teens at night, families can use the glossary to look up apps and how to silence notifications or activate other nighttime settings.
• For teens who are stressed out by negative content on social media feeds, the glossary contains information on tools to curate feeds
and block and filter content.
• If a child’s school has a phone policy, families can look up device or app settings to silence distracting apps during school hours.
The glossary joins a roster of resources available at Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, which includes conversation starters for parents concerned about how their children are using social media. The center’s activity cards can help young children build healthy relationships with media and their devices before they grow into teens and young adults.
Megan Moreno MD, MSEd, MPH, FAAP, co-medical director of the Center of Excellence, urges parents and other adults to avoid taking a doom-and-gloom approach when talking about the sometimes-danger-
ous social media landscape with kids.
“We can give ourselves grace for these initial reactions of worry and fear, but we have a choice to make on what we want our reaction to be going forward,” Dr. Moreno said. “We can choose open-mindedness. We can choose curiosity. We can choose evidence over hype, and we can stay centered on our children and families.” n
What parents can do to save more for college
Raising a child is no small task. Though it's no surprise that parenting requires a substantial investment of time and energy, the financial cost of raising a child might raise more than a few eyebrows. According to the SmartAsset™ 2024 Study, the median annual cost to raise a child in the United States in 2024 is $22,850, and that figure is considerably higher in many states.
A 529 education savings plan is an increasingly popular way to save for college. The Education Savings Programs at Bank of America reports that 529 plan assets increased from $88.5 billion in 2008 to more than $446 billion in 2023. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged investment program administered by a state. When funds withdrawn from the plan are used for qualified expenses, such as tuition costs, then the earnings are free from federal income tax obligations. There are distinctions between 529 prepaid tuition programs and 529 savings programs, so parents are urged to discuss those differences with a financial advisor so they can choose the best plan for their situation.
Take advantage of a 529 plan
Commitment and discipline are vital to getting across the financial finish line when raising a child, and that includes finding a way to finance a college education. Data from the College Board, a nonprofit that studies trends in the cost of a college education, indicates the cost of tuition and fees varies widely depending on the type of institution.
Parents may have extra sources of income that can be used to fund college savings. Annual bonuses, money distributed through state-sponsored property tax relief programs and even money freed up when kids graduate from daycare and into elementary school can be redirected into college savings plans. Redirected daycare expenses may be particularly savvy,
Redirect extra income to a college savings plan
Tuition and fees at an in-state four-year public school cost a little more than $11,000 during the 2023-24 school year, while it was nearly four times as much ($41,540) at a private nonprofit four-year institution.
Financing a child's college education can seem like a daunting task. However, an array of strategies can help parents save more for college.
as parents know the cost of daycare is considerable. In fact, a recent report from Child Care Aware of America indicated the cost to place two children in child care exceeded annual typical mortgage payments in 45 states. Once kids are out of daycare, parents can redirect some or all the money they had been spending on child care into college savings plans.
College is a costly investment, but parents can look to a handful of strategies to help defray tuition costs. By exploring options such as 529 plans, redirecting extra income, and seeking support from loved ones, families can make significant progress
toward achieving their savings goals. Starting early and staying consistent in these efforts can help alleviate the financial burden of higher education, ensuring that parents are better prepared to support their children’s aspirations and future success.
Don't go it alone
A 2023 survey from the College Savings Foundation found that 45 percent of parents would request that family and friends contribute to a child's 529 plan in lieu of the standard gifts given to children for their birthday, special events like graduation or during the holiday season. This practical yet less traditional approach can pad college savings plans by a considerable amount over the years, and close relatives might be more than happy to help parents fund a better education for their youngsters.
With the right planning and resources, turning the dream of a college education into reality is within reach for many families.
Breaking Free from the Debt Cycle
BY MIRIA GRAY, AVP, COMMUNITY EDUCATION OFFICER AT CHELSEA GROTON BANK
Breaking free from the debt cycle may be a goal many of us share in 2025. While it requires intentional planning and discipline, now is the perfect time to implement strategies that can lead to long-term financial freedom. Here are some actionable steps you can implement to help you on your way:
1. Assess your current financial situation. Make a list of all your debts that includes current balances, interest rates, and minimum monthly payments so you can prioritize which debts to tackle first.
2. With a complete list, it is time to create a workable monthly budget.
a. Allocate your monthly income towards expenses in these categories: Household, Automotive, Personal, Debt, and Savings.
b. Use the 50/30/20 rule to help make sure
you are allocating the correct amounts to each category: 50% of your income for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and debt reduction.
c. Identify areas where you can reduce spending like canceling unused subscriptions.
d. Choose a debt repayment strategy. The snowball method focuses on paying off the smallest debts first, providing quick wins to keep you motivated. The avalanche method targets high-interest debts first, saving you money in the long run.
3. After looking at your budget, if paying off your debt seems impossible, look for ways to boost your income in 2025. Take on a side hustle, freelance work, or monetize a hobby, even temporarily. Use the extra cash exclusively for debt repayment.
4. Finally, if you can, try to set aside a small emergency fund for debts and unexpected expenses. Aim for $100 initially, then
penses.
For more assistance, attend one of Chelsea Groton’s upcoming classes. For more details and to register, visit www.ChelseaGroton.com/ChelseaUniversity.
ABOUT CHELSEA GROTON BANK
Based in Groton, Conn., Chelsea Groton Bank is a full-service mutually owned bank with over $1.7 billion in assets. Chelsea Groton
er banking, business banking, mortgage and business lending, cash management, financial planning and financial education classes. With 14 branch locations throughout New London County, Chelsea Groton Bank also provides online and mobile banking, 24-hour telephone banking, and nationwide ATM banking for individuals, families and businesses. To learn more, please visit www.chelseagroton.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS Institution ID 402928.
Bilingualism is more common than ever before. According to Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley (EB), today more of the world's population is bilingual or multilingual than monolingual. Anyone can benefit from speaking multiple languages, and people of all ages, and children in particular, may find that learning more than one language is a particularly useful skill.
Effects on the brain
There are cognitive and neurological benefits to bilingualism, according to a 2012 study published in the journal Cerebrum. The brain of someone who is bilingual or multilingual more efficiently processes information and, as one ages, it may be possible to more effectively stave off cognitive
El bilingüismo es más común que nunca. Según Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley (EB), hoy en día más de la mitad de la población mundial es bilingüe o multilingüe en lugar de monolingüe.
Hablar varios idiomas puede beneficiar a cualquier persona, y personas de todas las edades, especialmente los niños, pueden descubrir que aprender más de un idioma es una habilidad particularmente útil.
Efectos en el cerebro
Existen beneficios cognitivos y neurológicos del bilingüismo, según un estudio de 2012 publicado en la revista Cerebrum. El cerebro de una persona bilingüe o multilingüe procesa la información de manera más eficiente y, a medida que envejece, puede ser
decline. The same study indicates that bilingualism has been associated with better memory, visual-spatial skills and even creativity
Academic advantage
Studies have shown that children who are bilingual can outperform children who only speak one language in a number of subject areas, indicates Unuhi, a bilingual literacy platform. This can further a child's educational development, literacy and other skills that can have positive effects outside of the classroom.
Economic advantages
As bilingual children grow and become young adults, speaking a second language can pay dividends in the workforce. Ours is a global
posible retrasar de manera más efectiva el deterioro cognitivo. El mismo estudio indica que el bilingüismo se ha asociado con una mejor memoria, habilidades visoespaciales e incluso creatividad.
Ventaja académica
Los estudios han demostrado que los niños bilingües pueden superar a los niños que solo hablan un idioma en varias materias, según Unuhi, una plataforma de alfabetización bilingüe. Esto puede contribuir al desarrollo educativo, la alfabetización y otras habilidades que tienen efectos positivos más allá del aula.
Ventajas económicas
A medida que los niños bilingües crecen y se convierten en adultos jóvenes, hablar un segundo idioma puede
The many benefits of bilingualism New London Adult & Continuing Education
Los numerosos beneficios del bilingüismo
society, and knowing a second or third language can make a person a more attractive hire over another who only knows one language. More companies, especially those with international offices, consider bilingualism a high priority.
Higher adaptability
As their brains constantly switch from one language to the other, bilinguals learn to manage conflict more readily, thus making them more adaptable. This means that people who speak multiple languages may be less affected by environmental changes, and could be more open-minded to new experiences, says EB.
Strong cultural ties
Children who are bilingual may have grown up in households where their first languages are those of their families' native countries and the second come from having to assimilate into society. Bilingual children often have strong ties with their families, cultures and communities. The National Academy of Sciences has reported that babies raised in bilingual households show better self-control and are able to use their second language to create strong relationships.
Being bilingual offers a wealth of cognitive, academic, economic, and cultural benefits that can enhance a person's life from childhood through adulthood. While children may enjoy unique advantages when learning multiple languages, it's important for adults to recognize that it's never too late to begin their own language-learning journey. Whether for personal enrichment, professional opportunities, or deeper cultural connections, acquir-
generar beneficios en el ámbito laboral. Vivimos en una sociedad global, y saber un segundo o tercer idioma puede hacer que una persona sea una contratación más atractiva en comparación con alguien que solo sabe un idioma. Muchas empresas, especialmente aquellas con oficinas internacionales, consideran el bilingüismo una alta prioridad.
Mayor adaptabilidad
Debido a que sus cerebros cambian constantemente de un idioma a otro, los bilingües aprenden a gestionar los conflictos con mayor facilidad, lo que los hace más adaptables. Esto significa que las personas que hablan varios idiomas pueden ser menos afectadas por los cambios en su entorno y estar más abiertas a nuevas experiencias, dice EB.
Fuertes lazos culturales
Los niños bilingües pueden haber crecido en hogares donde su primer idioma es el idioma nativo de sus familias y el segundo proviene de la necesidad de integrarse en la sociedad. Los niños bilingües suelen tener fuertes lazos con sus familias, culturas y comunidades. La Academia Nacional de Ciencias ha informado que los bebés criados en hogares bilingües muestran un mejor autocontrol y son capaces de usar su segundo idioma para crear relaciones sólidas.
El bilingüismo ofrece una gran cantidad de beneficios cognitivos, académicos, económicos y culturales que pueden enriquecer la vida de una persona desde la niñez hasta la edad adulta. Aunque los niños pueden disfrutar de ventajas únicas al aprender varios idiomas, es importante que los adultos reconozcan que nunca es demasiado tarde para comenzar su propio viaje de aprendizaje de idiomas. Ya sea por enriquecimiento personal, oportunidades profesionales o conex-
ing a second or even third language can open doors and broaden horizons in ways that extend far beyond words. In an increasingly interconnected world, bilingualism is not just a skill—it's a powerful tool for navigating and embracing the diversity of our global society.
iones culturales más profundas, adquirir un segundo o incluso un tercer idioma puede abrir puertas y ampliar horizontes de maneras que van mucho más allá de las palabras. En un mundo cada vez más interconectado, el bilingüismo no es solo una habilidad: es una herramienta poderosa para navegar y abrazar la diversidad de nuestra sociedad global.
Building Bridges with Cognates: Connecting Languages
Never studied Spanish? You might be surprised at how much you already understand, thanks to cognates—words that share similar meanings, spellings, and origins across languages. English borrows extensively from Latin, the root of Romance languages like Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian. As a result, many Spanish words are easily recognizable. For instance, "familia" means "family," "nación" translates to "nation," and "delicioso" is, as it sounds, "delicious." These connections make learning a new language easier and more intuitive, giving you a head start in understanding and communication. Explore these linguistic bridges and discover ow much you already know!
English speakers looking to learn a second language might find Romance languages like Spanish particularly approachable. Thanks to shared Latin roots, many words in these languages are cognates, making unfamiliar vocabulary feel surprisingly familiar and easing the learning process.
to Be More Productive and Creative How to Use
(StatePoint) For many people, the start of a new year is the time to get serious about projects large and small. But if you’re struggling to buckle down, or you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, you may be surprised to learn that by leaning into color and the science behind it, you can hack your way to a more productive and creative 2025. Studies have shown that colors can have a powerful effect on the mind and body, impacting the way we feel and think. In fact, certain colors can do everything from lowering your heart rate to improving your memory. There are many ways to harness the power of color science, from painting the walls of your home office and adding plants into your workspaces, to even selecting your writing tools wisely. When it comes to boosting your productivity and creativity, here’s how to harness the power of color science for writing:
Unleash Your Creativity
and ideas.
Stuck on a seemingly unsolvable problem? Lighter shades of purple are known to help break through writer’s block and open a world of possibilities. Reach for the G2 Purple Creativity pack to help you whenever you need a flash of inspiration. Comprised of purple hues, use this color pack to fuel your creative spark when making visual art, writing poetry or composing music, or whenever you simply need to unleash your inner visionary.
Unlock Your Productivity
Did you know that PURPLE is a powerhouse for creative thinking? Reach for a lighter shade when you need a fresh idea for this year’s school fundraiser or you’re meeting with your work teammates for a crucial brainstorming session. Want to add some drama or personality to your next presentation? Darker shades of purple have an aura of luxury, mystery and sophistication, and can be used strategically in presentations and hand-written communications to project these qualities in your work
BLUE is a strong choice for generating ideas and evoking peace, making it a helpful color to employ when you need to stay cool and confident in the face of a challenge. The G2 Blue Productivity pack features curated hues of blue to give you an arsenal of tools to work with for tackling different tasks.
taking notes during a call. Color science can also help you in other areas of your life. That’s the idea behind the new G2 Boost Collection from Pilot Pen. Each pack of pens is offered in a range of hues within one color family to keep your projects organized, and is designed to fuel your writing, self-empowerment and self-expression.
Shades of GREEN can be used for achieving more inner balance, while PINKS can be used for adopting a more optimistic mindset. To learn more about reaching your goals with writing tools, visit powertothepen.com/g2-boost.
Using Color to Improve Focus
Students often struggle to focus during study sessions. Introducing strategic colors to study environments can help: BLUE for calm and sustained attention during reading or writing tasks.
YELLOW for stimulating energy and focus during brainstorming sessions.
PURPLE for inspiring creativity in group discussions or art projects.
Consider incorporating these colors through highlighters, sticky notes, or desk decor.
Lighter shades of blue can help you hone in on the details, so if you’re balancing your household budget, making your daily to-do list, or proofreading your work, use a light blue pen to do it. Because darker blues aid in problemsolving under pressure, you can lean into these shades for tasks like delivering a wrap-up report to your supervisor on a deadline, working out an equation during a timed test, or
Whether you’re a visionary who has trouble getting started, or you’re raring to go but just need a great idea, color science and the right writing tools can help you amplify your innate talents, harness new skills, and maximize your mindset to unlock your potential. n
Color for Subject Organization
Assigning colors to different subjects or topics can make materials visually distinct and easier to organize. For example:
MATH: Use BLUE to stimulate focus and problem-solving.
SCIENCE: GREEN promotes balance and growth, making it ideal for understanding systems and processes.
HISTORY: YELLOW enhances memory retention, helping with timelines and key events.
Label folders, notebooks, or digital files with these colors to create a consistent and intuitive system.
Leverage COLOR to Learn and Achieve
Color isn’t just for creativity—it’s a powerful tool for education and boosting executive functioning. Explore these dynamic tips to help students and educators unlock their full potential!
Enhancing Memory with Highlighted Notes
Highlighting key terms and concepts in different colors aids memory by creating visual distinctions. For example:
PINK: Definitions or vocabulary words.
YELLOW: Key concepts or main ideas.
GREEN: Supporting details or examples. Encouraging students to use this system can help with studying and retaining information more effectively.
Color-Coding for Time Management
Colors can help with planning and scheduling:
Use RED for urgent tasks or approaching deadlines to signal priority.
Assign ORANGE for ongoing projects that require energy and attention.
Choose GREEN for tasks that are complete or for breaks, symbolizing balance and accomplishment. This strategy makes time management more engaging and visually clear, especially for students or professionals with ADHD or executive functioning challenges.
Boosting Emotional Regulation in Learning Spaces
Color can help regulate emotions, which is especially useful for children managing stress or frustration:
SOFT GREENS and BLUES in the classroom or home learning spaces promote calm.
WARM PINKS and ORANGES can lift moods and encourage optimism.
Take color temperature into consideration for room decor to create an emotionally-supportive atmosphere.
Empowering
Self-Expression with Color
Providing students with colorful tools, like pens or markers, allows them to express their personalities and preferences in their work. This fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their learning process.
Financial Planning
A Great Career Option for Remote Work
(StatePoint) If you’re like most workers today, you see remote work as a major perk. In fact, a Buffer study finds that 98% of all workers have expressed the desire to work remotely, at least part of the time.
Fortunately, high-earning potential and the flexibility to work anywhere often go hand-in-hand for those on the path to becoming a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional. Here’s why, and what it means for you:
An in-demand field: The Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts that demand for financial planners will increase at a rate of 13% through 2032, meaning financial planners enjoy job security and plentiful career opportunities at firms of many types and sizes. And CFP® certification only makes your job more secure — 86% of consumers prefer an advisor who has completed a rigorous education program and passed a certification exam.
Broad parameters: CFP® professionals work in a variety of settings. Many CFP® professionals start their own business — acting as their own boss, deciding on their pay structure and working wherever they wish. Some financial firms that hire CFP® professionals also have remote options. Holistic financial planning advice can be delivered in person or virtually, allowing for a great deal of location flexibility.
Scheduling flexibility: Where you work is just one piece of the equation. What about when you work? It’s not uncommon to have a lot of schedule flexibility as a financial planner, especially if you lead your own practice. You can design a work week that aligns with your personal life, family needs and outside pursuits.
Job satisfaction: Financial planning is a helping profession. Financial planners help their clients achieve financial goals, navigate life’s challenges and even help close wealth gaps. Many CFP® professionals also serve those in need through pro bono financial planning. In addition, the flexibility of financial planning makes this one career path that provides plenty of job satisfaction. In fact, 89% of CFP® professionals are satisfied with their decision to pursue certification. n
To learn more about career options with a CFP® certification, visit CFP.NET
Does working from home sound like a dream come true? Read below to decide if remote work would be a good fit for you!
Top 10 Pros & Cons of Remote Work
Flexibility: Ability to set your own schedule and work at your own pace.
No Commute: Saves time and money, reducing stress and environmental impact.
Work-Life Balance: Easier to integrate personal and professional responsibilities.
Increased Productivity: Fewer office distractions for some people.
Cost Savings: No need for work attire, commuting costs, or frequent dining out.
Customizable Work
Environment: Tailor your workspace to your preferences.
Access to Global
Opportunities: Work for companies anywhere in the world.
Time for Personal Growth: Opportunity to use saved commuting time for hobbies or learning.
Less Office Politics: Reduced exposure to workplace drama or interruptions.
Health Benefits: More time for exercise, healthier meals, and less exposure to sick colleagues.
Isolation: Lack of in-person interaction can lead to loneliness.
Work-Life Blur: Harder to separate work and personal life, leading to burnout.
Distractions at Home: Household responsibilities or family members can interfere with focus.
Communication Challenges: Misunderstandings or delays in collaboration due to virtual tools.
Dependence on Technology: Technical issues can disrupt workflow.
Limited Networking: Fewer opportunities for spontaneous professional connections.
Overworking: Without clear boundaries, some people work longer hours.
Lack of Structure: Requires selfdiscipline to stay productive and organized.
Career Progression: Remote workers may miss out on promotions or leadership roles.
Unhealthy Habits: Sedentary lifestyle or irregular meal schedules can creep in.
Earn a Degree Close to Home at Sacred Heart University’s Griswold Location
Make a lasting difference. Become a teacher.
Prepare to inspire young minds and advance your career as a school leader through the graduate programs at Sacred Heart University’s convenient Griswold location.
You’ll complete your CT teacher certification and Master of Arts in Teaching degree – and earn free tuition through SHU’s internship program. Designed for recent college grads and career changers alike, classes at the Griswold location will have you ready to teach at the elementary or secondary level in a little over a year.
Already have your certification? Enroll in the administrator (092) certificate program.
Flexible in-person, online and hybrid options are available.
Free tuition with SHU’s internship experience
Improve your employment prospects while gaining invaluable exposure to daily school practices, curriculum and student development/behaviors at varying grade levels. The area school district you work within will cover the cost of 36 of the 42 graduate credits required.
Experienced faculty
The faculty at SHU’s Griswold campus bring in-depth expertise of modern classrooms and impart skills to their students that enable them to succeed in today’s schools. Students in the program learn from:
• Full-time faculty members
• Principals
• Master teachers
This contributes to a strong focus on applied learning and in giving graduate candidates practical opportunities in learning, teaching and career networking.
Built-in networking opportunities
Sacred Heart University’s Griswold campus maintains close working relationships with area school districts, providing students with a direct link for field experience, graduate internships, student teaching opportunities and subsequent employment. The University also opens its doors to area educators for teaching methodology exhibitions and other functions to bolster their professional development.
Learn More
For more information about these and other education programs based at SHU’s Griswold location visit www. sacredheart.edu/griswold.
Advance your career as a school leader in one of Sacred Heart University’s graduate programs.
Master of Arts in Teaching with Initial Teaching Certification Elementary Education (PK-6)
Master of Arts in Teaching with Initial Teaching Certification Secondary Education (4-12)
Math | Science | Social Studies | English | Spanish
CT Intermediate Administrator Certification (092)
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Earn FREE tuition and gain hands on experience.
COURSES ARE TAUGHT AT SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY’S GRISWOLD LOCATION. Flexible online, hybrid and in-person options
