Over the past 10 years (that’s right, this season marks ten years of ISM’s e-Letters—happy birthday e-Letters!), ISM has published several articles about creating the perfect parent newsletter. Of course, 10 years ago the focus was more on printed newsletters and now the buzz is about greener, electronic alternatives. But, regardless if your school has moved over to an electronic-only format, sending out both printed and electronic variations, or is still relying on print solely, the content is what matters most.

School’s back in full swing, and so are bullies. Not that they’ve waited all summer for school to begin—they’ve most likely been spreading their terror off school grounds over their vacation. But, now that students are back on campus, bullying is once again a concern for your school.

The sheer volume of electronic messages arriving in computer in-boxes, cell phones, and hand-held devices can leave school administrators and Board members feeling overwhelmed. Here are some easy tips to help you control e-mails, save time, and increase your productivity.

If this is your first year serving on a private-independent school Board of Trustees, familiarize yourself with the duties that you’ll be expected to handle during your tenure. To hit the ground running, make sure you do the following.

Your doors have recently re-opened for another school year, and campus is buzzing with the energy of new and returning students, faculty, staff, and administrators. The days go by in a blur. As the Business Manager or Human Resource Manager (or, multiple other roles person), if you can successfully address a majority of the questions, concerns, and requests directed your way each day, you go home feeling satisfied … and exhausted! This might be the least auspicious moment to add something else to your plate, of course. Yet and still, we’re “nudgers” by nature (HR people, that is), so we have to ask: Have you attended to your coaching duties?

We hope that everyone was able to take time off for some extended rest, relaxation, and renewal this summer, or, at least, to enjoy a less frenetic pace in the office while faculty and students were away from campus on summer break. While you were away, so to speak, there were a few regulatory developments that you should be aware of—as well as some leading-edge HR and leadership thinking that we want to bring to your attention.

Q.: We’ve had a problem with some teachers exceeding their allowed sick days. We’re considering making teachers pay for the cost of a substitute when this happens, as we understand other schools have a policy like that. Is this advisable?

It’s a bit ugly out there. Or it’s still ugly out there. According to a new survey conducted by Campbell Rinker for Dunham+Company, 78% of donors will either not give or be more choosy about their donations, thanks to the economy.

While the students at your school get all their new books for the year, we thought we’d ask ISM’s development consultants what books are essentials for their bookshelves. Here are a few they suggest:

When Martha Hagedorn-Krass wrote a thank you letter to President Clinton after his appearance at the Association of Fundraising Professionals March conference, her intent was to show appreciation for his comments on “green” energy projects at the Empire State Building and the Chicago Merchandise Mart. Hagedor-Krass, who is executive director of the Ronald McDonald House of Topeka Kansas, told the former president about the house’s current fundraising campaign to install new 80-to 95-percent energy efficient systems.