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Check out Community Corner, a free blog from ISM.
We cover such topics as how to communicate with your constituencies, work with your fellow school leaders, leverage new technology trends, utilize recommended reading and resources, implement new strategies—all to better serve your school's mission.
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See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
Your Questions Answered: Private Schools After the Pandemic
School Leadership // October 25, 2020
The pandemic has proved to be a unique disruptor. It has exposed weaknesses and provided opportunities to overhaul existing models. What schools need to do now is plan for the future—which is still very much unknown. Today, we’re answering some frequently asked questions about what the future could look like.
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Your Questions Answered: Maintaining a Healthy Headship
School Health and Wellness // October 25, 2020
As a School Head, you are probably facing difficult decisions on a daily basis. You have to answer to families, faculty, staff, and the Board in our current ongoing crisis. It is imperative you are supported in your role, and that you have access to all the resources you need to make mission-critical decisions. We’re answering some of your most frequently asked questions about maintaining a positive Headship.
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How to Create a Terrific Case for Support
Fundraising // October 11, 2020
One of the pillars of an effective fundraising campaign is your school’s Case for Support. The Case for Support communicates with donors and prospects, and begins the process of matching their values and interests with your school’s mission and guiding principles. Here’s how to create a terrific Case that positions your school as a community asset worthy of philanthropic support.
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Teachers Weigh In on the Best Distance Learning Approaches
Academic Leadership // October 11, 2020
ISM worked with more than 1,000 teachers this spring and summer to help them refine their approach to distance learning. As part of our study, we surveyed them about their experiences. What worked? What didn’t? Here’s what they said.
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Four Steps for a Successful Marketing Communications Audit
Marketing Communications // October 11, 2020
Do you know which marketing tactics are working at your school and which ones require your attention? Find the answers with a marketing communications audit.
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Creating Your School’s Diversity Statement
School Leadership // October 4, 2020
As School Head, you know that supporting diversity, inclusion, and equity requires more than enrolling culturally diverse students. With your Board, you may have considered multiple dimensions of building and sustaining an inclusive institutional culture for everyone. Your Board may have formally endorsed diversity-related initiatives through its most recent planning document. To establish an institutional commitment to authenticity about diversity, be sure to clarify and formalize the school’s “case” by crafting a Diversity Statement.
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Should Your School Purchase Email Lists?
Marketing Communications // October 4, 2020
As a marketing leader, a primary goal is sharing your school’s message with your community. While you already have an email list of former and current families, you are always looking for ways to expand your reach and drive interest in your school. One question we’ve heard often: Should schools purchase email marketing lists of prospective families?
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The Financial Aid Mistake Your School Must Avoid
Business and Operations // October 4, 2020
Is your school’s financial aid program producing unintended, negative consequences for your applicant pool and current families? The answer might surprise you. Schools want and need middle-income families to join their communities. Unfortunately, many schools use a financial aid model that actually discourages these families from applying for admission and aid. Here’s why and how to fix it.
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How to Use Content Marketing to Boost Inquiries
Marketing Communications // September 27, 2020
Your website is the face of your school, especially when visits to campus are less than ideal. Your school website presents your school’s mission, describes what you offer to prospective students, and persuades families to submit an inquiry. Your goal as a marketing leader? Create content that encourages families to connect with your admission team.
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Six Ways to Use Your Guide to Giving and Getting Involved During and After COVID-19
Fundraising // September 27, 2020
ISM recommends that your Development Office publish an annual Guide to Giving and Getting Involved to help your constituents understand the case for voluntary support and the myriad ways that they can be involved in your school community. It is critical to remind parents who are not regularly on campus that the school must be sustained through the commitment of time and money from its friends.
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