Category Archives: Classes and Courses

Announcements and information about classes and courses being offered.

Classes and Courses, Mental Health, Mental Hygiene, Suicide Prevention

College Resources Added

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The now includes a section specific to high school and college. I’m happy to be able to share some excellent material developed by the JED Foundation.  As noted on their website, “Transitioning into adulthood can bring big changes and intense challenges. The Jed Foundation (JED) empowers teens and young adults with the skills and support to grow into healthy, thriving adults.”

I particularly like their “positive prevention” outlook. These resources are truly empowering–they are not designed only for kids in crisis.

While I continue to teach and support the in conjunction with NAMI, I have been considering developing a workshop/program that looks the slightly different and perhaps bigger picture of emotional health and hygiene. Stay tuned!

Classes and Courses, Just for Fun, Personal Growth, Teaching

More Brains Have Been Ordered!

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My “back to school” shopping list includes brains! When I checked my supply I realized I had to reorder again this year.

Perhaps I should explain.

Dealing with test and quiz anxiety is typically a challenge for some adult learners. A few years ago I learned that using stress balls (sometimes called “squeezies”) can help restless children focus… the constant motion seems to release energy and allow the child to focus. So, I thought. “Why wouldn’t this work with adults taking quizzes and tests?”

My first experiment with the theory included a young man who was self-proclaimed “A.D.H.D.” and quite worried about taking quizzes and tests. He actually broke the stress ball I provided and encouraged him to use. But he also got a pretty good grade and thought having it helped. So I ordered some different ones that wouldn’t break and now offer them to all students prior to a quiz or test.

This could be your brain!

I was quite pleased to find “squeezies” in the shape of a brain. How much more appropriate could things be? Take a test–squeeze your brain! You might be surprised to discover what comes out!

They’ve proven quite popular with students. I’m also told they are quite popular with cats because they are fairly easy to bat around. And, of course, the jokes never get old–nor do the strange looks from the U.P.S. driver when I grab the box from him and announce, “My brains came! My brains came!”

Classes and Courses, Suicide Prevention

Substitute Teacher Workshops, Fall 2017

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This fun program is designed to prepare people interested in serving as a substitute teacher or ed tech.  There will be plenty of “hands on learning” that will include important classroom management techniques and teaching strategies. We’ll also cover some legal aspects and help you develop your own “sub pack” of resources and an action plan that will get you started on the right foot! If you’ve been subbing, this is a great opportunity for a “refresher” and some new ideas. Attendees will earn a certificate recognized by many local districts. One student comments, “…very engaging with a lot of real life scenarios. I came away with new information even after subbing for a year.” The program is taught by Walter Boomsma, an experienced substitute teacher and adult educator.

September 12, 2017, Tuesday–Substitute Teacher Workshop at PHEC, Dover Foxcroft. 9 AM — 4  PM, Course Sponsor is PVAEC.

RSU 19 Adult Ed is offering an evening program with the option of including the Suicide Prevention course required of all public school employees by LD 609.

September 26, 2017, Tuesday–Substitute Teacher Workshop I at Warsaw Elementary School, Pittsfield. 6 PM — 9 PM (must attend two nights), Course Sponsor is MSAD 53.

September 28, 2017, Thursday–Substitute Teacher Workshop II at Warsaw Elementary School, Pittsfield. 6 PM — 9 PM (must attend two nights), Course Sponsor is MSAD 53.

October 3, 2017, Tuesday–Substitute Teacher Workshop III (Suicide Awareness) at Warsaw Elementary School, Pittsfield. Course Sponsor is MSAD 53.

 

Bullying, Causes and Friends, Classes and Courses, Mental Health, Mental Hygiene, Suicide Prevention

Coffee Talks to Continue!

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Our first Coffee Talk was a great success–we covered a lot of ground and agreed to continue the talks as a “series.” Please consider joining us… parents, teachers, kids… all are invited! We’re particularly interested in exploring ways our communities can support our kids as they face many of the issues raised in 13RW.

For those who may not know, Thirteen Reasons Why is the title of a book first published in 2007 and recently adapted to a Netflix Series. The story follows a fictional teenager named Hannah and, in short, how she shares her thirteen reasons for deciding to take her own life. For various reasons, the book and series have captured national interest with many believing the story “glorifies” suicide. Many young adults are reading the book (a New York Times best-seller) and watching the NetFlix series, while many parents are concerned about the messages youth are receiving.

One thing it does do is generate conversation and this informal discussion of the book and Netflix Series will tackle questions like

  • Do books and films like this glamorize suicide?
  • Were Hannah’s reasons for taking her life valid?
  • Why are young adults captivated by the book/film?
  • What does the book/film say about adults?
  • Should I read/see it if I haven’t?
  • For those who have read/seen it, how did it impact you?
  • and any questions or concerns you might have.

This is a free event with an opportunity to get the facts and discuss your concerns and questions around the story and issues young adults face. All are welcomed!

I have created a and we will have additional material available at the Coffee Talk!

Coffee Talk will be held at the Guilford United Methodist Church, 3 School Street (across from the fire station), Guilford from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.  For additional information:

Pastor Reeni Cipullo
Guilford United Methodist Church
(207) 876-3372

Walter Boomsma
Certified Youth Mental Health Specialist
(207) 343-1842

For Immediate assistance, contact the Maine Crisis Hotline.

 

Bullying, Causes and Friends, Classes and Courses, Mental Health, Mental Hygiene, Suicide Prevention

Thirteen Reasons Why…

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Fair Use of copyrighted material*

For those who may not know, Thirteen Reasons Why is the title of a book first published in 2007 and recently adapted to a Netflix Series. The story follows a fictional teenager named Hannah and, in short, how she shares her thirteen reasons for deciding to take her own life. For various reasons, the book and series have captured national interest with many believing the story “glorifies” suicide. Many young adults are reading the book (a New York Times best-seller) while many parents are concerned about the messages youth are receiving.

One thing it does do is generate conversation and I’m honored to have been invited to participate in a Coffee Talk with Pastor Reeni Cipullo. This informal discussion of the book and Netflix Series will tackle questions like

  • Do books and films like this glamorize suicide?
  • Were Hannah’s reasons for taking her life valid?
  • Why are young adults captivated by the book/film?
  • What does the book/film say about adults?
  • Should I read/see it if I haven’t?
  • For those who have read/seen it, how did it impact you?
  • and any questions or concerns you might have.

This is a free event with an opportunity to get the facts and discuss your concerns and questions around the story and issues young adults face. All are welcomed!

I have created a for information on this topic and will have additional material available at the Coffee Talk!

*Book Cover Image Courtesy of Wikipedia