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See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
While You Were Away: Regulations, Requirements, and The Latest Thinking You Should Know About
Business and Operations // September 19, 2011
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.
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Ask Michael
Business and Operations // September 19, 2011
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?
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Taking Care of Your Supporters in a Bad Economy
Advancement // September 14, 2011
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.
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Reading Essentials for the Development Director
Advancement // September 14, 2011
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:
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An Effective “Thank You” Strategy to Generate Donations
Advancement // September 14, 2011
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.
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Take the Dangers of Concussion Seriously as Your Athletes Get Back in Action
School Heads // September 12, 2011
Concussions are a very real danger that students who play contact sports—particularly football—and their parents must consider. And they must take concussions seriously. The September 2010 suicide of a Virginia high school football player Austin Trenum a few days after he may have suffered a concussion during a game fueled the discussion of the possible link between concussion and suicide. Just months before, Owen Thomas, a University of Pennsylvania football player, killed himself. An autopsy of his brain showed early signs of a trauma-induced brain disease that has been found in NFL players—more than 20—who are deceased. The disease is called chronic traumatic encephalopathy and is linked to depression and lack of impulse control.
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Your Advisory Program and Student-Led Conferences Are a Natural Fit
Academic Leadership // September 6, 2011
Sonia Brown, a 14-year old freshman in Yakima, WA, was the one to review her school progress with her parents…rather than the adults who teach her.
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Management by Walking Around, Coaching by Asking Questions, and Other Tips for Division Heads
Academic Leadership // September 6, 2011
Congratulations—you’ve been promoted to Division Head! Once the euphoria has subsided a bit and you have a chance to reflect on your new responsibilities, you may find yourself wondering, “So, what exactly do I do now?” There’s no doubt that there will be a thousand possible initiatives to launch, “fires” to put out, and helpful guidance and direction to offer to your faculty and staff. Given all the possibilities, what is the best use of your time? Even if you are not new to your position, this question weighs heavy on your mind.
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Exercise Your Mind
Private School News // August 31, 2011
Exercising your mind is as important as exercising your body. You might think that, since work keeps you going a million miles an hour five days a week, that you’re getting all the mental fitness you need. But, that’s not the trick to exercising your mind. The real trick to keeping your mind focused and healthy is to learn something new every day.
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Web Shorthand Introduced Into the Oxford Dictionary
Private School News // August 31, 2011
Brace yourself, English teachers, OMG, LOL, and Tweet are now acceptable words according to the Merriam-Webster and Oxford dictionaries.
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