With extracurricular-driven “superkids” and homework horror stories driving media headlines, it begs the question: Are today’s students truly overworked to the point of mental and physical health risks? Research suggests that the rigors through which we push many students are not enough to warrant panic, though that may not be true across the board.

Over 10 years ago, history professor Richard Jenson published a paper in the Oxford Journal’s Journal of Social History, claiming that the famed “Irish need not apply” signs—a classic example of early American intolerance toward its immigrant population—was simply a “myth of victimization.” However, after online media sources found his paper, creating a minor viral storm of re-publication and citation, a single curious private school student discovered on a whim the very signs the college professor said he couldn’t find. Primary image credit to Irish Central

The U.S. Labor Department has proposed an increase in the minimum salary required to meet the basic compensation criterion (the minimum salary requirement for salaried employees), possibly resulting in major payroll upheaval for private-independent school administrators across the board. The updated amount is currently anticipated to be $50,440.00, increased from $24,500.00. Another significant change in the rule is that this amount will be automatically updated to reflect inflation.

Naming opportunities recently came up as a topic of conversation on our Development Director e-List. After all, publicly acknowledging a major donor with a plaque or a sign on campus is a fantastic way to say thank you for his/her support. That said, your school—spearheaded by the Development Office—should plan how it will approach donors interested in signing their names on your school, in a manner of speaking.

What’s playing over your headphones lately? Music, or a favorite morning talk show? You could use your spare time as a way to find out what’s going on with your peers and learn new techniques through podcasts! Podcasts are like pre-recorded radio shows you can download to your phone, music player, or computer. This month, we’ve found three we think Development Directors will appreciate.

What’s playing over your headphones lately? Music, or a favorite morning talk show? You could use your spare time as a way to find out what’s going on with your peers and learn new techniques through podcasts! Podcasts are like pre-recorded radio shows you can download to your phone, music player, or computer. This month, we’ve found three we think Business Officers will appreciate.

Soda was once the Big Bad Wolf of student health reform measures. After all, an estimated 41% of a student’s sugar intake once came solely from liquids, according to the Center for Disease Control—and soda comprised a large portion of those liquids. The sugary, carbonated beverages have now largely disappeared from school vending machines and lunch offerings, but that doesn’t mean sugary drinks are gone completely. Some private-independent schools and public institutions are slowly phasing out juice—even 100% fruit juice with no added sugar—though research is conflicted on whether these sweet substitutes are as unhealthy as soda.

Q: We have employees who are not paid over summer break and who are not actively working with us during that time. If they work on average less than 30 hours per week because of the break, do we have to offer them health insurance?

Private-independent school students inspired their communities during the spring session by giving back to the neighborhoods where they lived. From Ohio to North Carolina, students took the initiative to feed the hungry and celebrate the accomplishments of those others may have ignored—and we’d like to take a moment to celebrate their unsung actions.

What’s playing over your headphones lately? Music, or a favorite morning talk show? You could use your spare time as a way to find out what’s going on with your peers and learn new techniques through podcasts! Podcasts are pre-recorded radio shows you can download to your phone, music player, or computer. This month, we’ve found three we think all private-independent school administrators will appreciate.