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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.
Five Steps for Smooth Summer Admission Tours
Advancement // May 1, 2018
The summer is no time for rest in the Admission Office. Chances are that there may still be open seats for the upcoming school year and you’ll be working through the summer months to fill those spots. But tours can feel less lively in the summer. There isn’t the usual hustle and bustle that lets prospective families see classes in action and students enjoying activities and programs.
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School Spotlight: Jacksonville Country Day School Strengthens Its Strategy to Support Its Students
Private School News // April 26, 2018
We have often cited that every private-independent school should live by its mission, making each decision with this statement in mind. Along with the mission, ISM recommends that schools create their full Purpose and Outcome Statements.
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How to Help Students Cultivate Collaborative Problem-Solving Skills
Private School News // April 26, 2018
Helping students learn problem-solving and collaboration skills will be essential to their future job success. In today’s global workforce, employees must be able to work together across geographies and time zones to solve problems, generate solutions, and effect change. School leaders are charged with empowering students to learn these fundamental competencies through their curricula and programs.
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How Will You Recognize the Qualified Interim Head?
Board of Trustees // April 24, 2018
Your School Head of 20 years is about to retire and your Search Committee has been unable to find a new Head who “fits” your school’s current strategic goals. You’ve decided to select an Interim Head, a temporary position for the upcoming school year, until a new Head can be found for the following year.
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Nine ‘Icebergs’ That Can Sink Your Ship
Board of Trustees // April 24, 2018
As an experiment, ISM suggests that your Board list the top strategies or actions you would take if you wanted your school to fail utterly. Then put systems and processes into place to avoid these scenarios. The following nine ‘icebergs’ are likely to sink your ship, resulting in insolvency, weakened organizational stability, and increased bureaucracy.
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The Importance of Positive Parent-Teacher Relationships
Academic Leadership // April 17, 2018
Teachers and parents provide a vital support system to help students flourish. Both groups are important. But, when parents and teachers communicate and work together effectively, it can significantly impact each student’s long-term success.
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Four Strategies to Strengthen Your School’s Student Council
Academic Leadership // April 17, 2018
If your school’s mission includes an emphasis on leadership and community involvement, a student council is often a great way to help students learn and share these skills. A student council can be a key driver in cultivating leadership skills for students in the middle and upper levels
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Preparing Your School for an Active Shooter
Business and Operations // April 9, 2018
There have been 306 shootings on school campuses in the U.S. since the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012, according to Everytown For Gun Safety. As horrible as it may be to think of an active shooter at your school, it can happen. This type of event is usually random and can occur with little or no warning (or where warning signs were missed).
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What Should Vendor Contracts Include?
Business and Operations // April 9, 2018
Your school probably uses vendors in some capacity to help support your operations. This could include transportation, food service, contractors or builders, coaches, outside facilities management, medical professionals, office suppliers, and more. While most schools engage with vendors, many do not use best-in-class contracts or agreements to solidify their working relationships. This can expose the school to significant risk and potential financial loss.
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How to Manage Expectations When You’re Out of the Office
School Heads // April 3, 2018
There are certain times when your duties as School Head will cause you to be out of the office or otherwise interfere with your regular routine. You may be hard at work cultivating donors for an upcoming major gifts campaign or creating a new strategic plan with your Business Office and Board.
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