On Friday, March 22, Piscataquis Community Elementary School fifth graders learned the winners of the Newspapers in Education Contest during which they were challenged to create an advertisement for the book “Small People; Big Brains.” Perhaps the even bigger challenge was selecting an ad to publish from the many submissions. Judges finally settled on three finalist ads: first place by Melissa Burdin, second by Macee Pearl, and third by Jemyni True. Each student received a certificate of accomplishment and art kit to encourage the development of their skills.Art Teacher Mrs. Daniels received special recognition for her support of the Newspapers in Education program and this special project:
For your constant understanding and for always being there,
To tell them they can do it and to show them that you care!
Principal Mrs. Orton wondered with the group “if we can expect Mr. Boomsma to write a book every year so get this opportunity again…”
There’s never a lack of stories and inspiration from these kids, but I’m not sure I can keep up! Walking down the hall just yesterday a Kindergartner informed me, “I go to school here and my dad coaches one of the teams here… is that weird?” I tried to assure him it was anything but… adults and children can attend the same school and learn from each other. These people may be small, but they often have really big brains.
It (Broker Course) showed me what I didn’t know… (I liked) the instructors approach to teaching with examples and (how) he encouraged lots of discussion during class.
You get the keys for people buying houses, how about for your career?
Beginning April 6th in Bangor, I will be teaching the course entitled “The Role of the Designated Broker,” but it’s not just for designated brokers! If you’re currently holding a real estate associate broker license, this course is for you. You’ll learn what you don’t know and gain a whole different perspective about the business of real estate.
This is truly a class about the practice and the business of real estate–not just law and theory. Upon completion of the course and two years practicing as an associate broker, students become eligible to apply for a Broker’s License and are also eligible to fill the role of designated broker for your company. But even if you have no interest in being a designated broker, you’ll want to consider taking this course. You’ll develop a new understanding of the business as we look at some of the management issues and opportunities that exist in the increasing complex business of real estate. You’ll learn about things like business planning, ethics, and risk reduction–topics only touched on in previous licensing courses. The course is offered as a weekend course by the Arthur Gary School of Real Estate at the Ramada Inn in Bangor. For more information or to register, visit the Arthur Gary School website or call 856-1712.
Due to the impending storm, the Real Estate Associate Broker Class scheduled for Wednesday, March 20th has been postponed. The class is rescheduled for March 27th with the final exam now planned for the morning of Wednesday, April 3rd.
We have a winner! Actually we could LOTS of winners. In conjunction with the Newspapers in Education initiative and with the cooperation of Jane Daniels, art teacher at PCES, I commissioned the fifth graders to develop an advertisment for my forthcoming book, Small People – Big Brains: Stories about Simplicity, Exploration, and Wonder. The kids did an incredible job and made selecting the first place winner difficult for the judges! After much deliberation, one ad was selected for printing in the March 27th Newspapers in Education Supplement of the Piscataquis Observer.
The entire project is proving to be great fun! I may have to write another book before next year so we can do it again! We’ll be announcing the winner next Friday at school which means the kids will finally stop hounding me when I’m there!
As for the book itself, it’s in the final editing and illustrating stages. Then comes proofing and cover design. I confess I’m a little behind schedule, but still hoping for an April release date!
For those interested in a career in real estate… ! I’m starting a class in Bangor for those who would like to meet the license qualifications. At last count we had sixteen students signed up, but we can certainly squeeze in a few more! The class starts at 6 PM at the Ramada Inn on Odlin Road in Bangor.
Real estate licensing classes are offered through the Arthur Gary School of Real Estate. For complete course details and to register visit the school’s website at http://arthurgary.com or call the school at 856-1712.
Walter keeps the class interesting with anecdotal stories that put law into real terms. Good sense of humor!
Walter Boomsma (“Mr. Boomsma”) writes on a wide array of topics including personal development, teaching and learning. Course information is also available here!
