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What are the latest trends impacting private-independent school enrollment? How can you be the most effective in your role as an administrator? How can you help your school meet its mission and best serve your students?
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.
Student and Parent Responsibility in Reducing Sports-Related Risks
Private School News // January 29, 2019
School sports are a huge part of school culture. For many schools, the pulse of student spirit runs through its athletic teams. Running right alongside that spirit, however, is also the risk of student injury.
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Appointing Finance Committee Members and Defining Their Responsibilities
Board of Trustees // January 26, 2019
The Finance Committee must bring to its relationship with the Business Manager a perspective that is simultaneously supportive and critical. Ask hard questions. Supply relevant evidence.
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Want a Stronger School Culture? Think ‘Professional Development’
School Leadership // January 25, 2019
ISM often finds that private-independent schools still underfund professional development (PD), perhaps unaware of its importance and thus downplaying it in the budget. As a Trustee, ensure that enough funding is allocated to professional development for all school employees. The difference could be a vibrant school culture, rather than one that’s simply “going through the motions.”
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How to Involve Student Voices in the Disciplinary Process
Academic Leadership // January 24, 2019
Many schools form disciplinary and honor committees to help resolve behavior-based student issues. If mission-appropriate, some schools choose to include students on these committees to ensure students feel heard and are involved in the process.
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Three Dimensions of Strategic Academic Planning
Academic Leadership // January 23, 2019
Strategic academic planning is a complex subject with no simple answers. Your school must construct your academic offerings in a way that best supports your mission, while also doing what’s best for your students. Consider these three dimensions of strategic academic planning as you continue to evaluate what makes sense for your school.
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Three Key Insights You Must Glean From a Campaign Feasibility Study
Advancement // January 17, 2019
When you start a fundraising campaign that asks your community to support your school's long-term mission and vision, you want to know that you are going to be successful. This is where a campaign feasibility study comes in.
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How to Prepare When Your School Head Announces Plans to Retire
Advancement // January 15, 2019
When your School Head announces his or her retirement, it requires careful planning by your Marketing Communications Office.
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Tips for the Perfect Admission Packet
Advancement // January 14, 2019
Creating the perfect admission packet for your school requires careful thought. After all, what works for the school down the street may not work for yours—your school’s admission packet must reflect your school’s unique culture, beliefs, and mission.
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Three Items to Check in Your School’s Long Term Disability Policy
Business and Operations // January 13, 2019
You should periodically check your school’s group long term disability (LTD) policy to ensure it’s best suited to serve your school’s employees. It can be overwhelming, so here are there places to start when checking your school’s LTD policy.
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How to Safely Maintain School Employee Records
Business and Operations // January 12, 2019
Many schools put tremendous effort into maintaining student records. However, there is sometimes less emphasis on maintaining and organizing proper employee records. It’s important to store your employee records appropriately for both organizational and audit purposes. Enstating a system that can be easily followed ensures current and future administrators can find the information he or she needs quickly, and helps protect your school from risk.
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