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See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
Lessons From the Penn State Scandal
Business and Operations // November 30, 2011
During the past few weeks, college football fans—and the nation at large—have witnessed a scandal engulf an esteemed university (Penn State) and its legendary football coach (Joe Paterno). For private school leaders, the question is: What can we learn from the scandal so that our schools avoid such a fate?
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Virtual Bookstores
Business and Operations // November 29, 2011
Technology has certainly helped streamline the book buying and selling back process. Now, parents, faculty, and students can buy, rent, and sell textbooks online without much hassle at all. It seems the largest bother nowadays is deciding on what bookstore vendor to use for your school.
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Trapped Under An Elevator
Business and Operations // November 29, 2011
Even in the safest school environments, student curiosity can become a risk. A recent story published by the Huffington Post describes how student exploration can go wrong.
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Green Corner
Business and Operations // November 29, 2011
Ten Eco-Tips for the Holidays Originally published on care2.com by Kelly Magill. The holidays are here! Along with the holiday spirit, a few extra pounds, and a happy but hectic hustle, this time of the year can be very wasteful. This year, however, you don’t need to feel guilty for going all out in your celebrations. We’ve come across an article that’s packed with tips on how to minimize your holiday footprint.
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The Homework Debate
Academic Leadership // November 29, 2011
In “At Elite Schools, Easing Up a Bit on Homework,” the New York Times reports that a group of elite New York City private schools has decided to give over-programmed students a breather. Dalton School will stagger tests and papers, as well as push midterms back so students can actually relax during the holiday break. Hunter College High School has established three “homework holidays.” The Horace Mann School now has a tutoring center for students to help get it all under control.
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Security Practice Differences
Business and Operations // November 29, 2011
Myth: Schools located in cities and those in suburbs will naturally have different security practices.
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Facebook Reaches 800 Million Users
Advancement // November 23, 2011
On the eve of yet another Facebook facelift (F8), Facebook hits a new milestone with 800 million users.
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Kindergarten Is The New First Grade
Advancement // November 23, 2011
Every school has its own policy for accepting kindergartners. For some, it’s a birthday deadline, others it’s a developmental readiness assessment. And, yet there is no definitive answer. When to accept students, or start students, is a difficult decision—and often one that is ultimately made by the parents.
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Beginning Teacher Attrition and Mobility
Board of Trustees // November 21, 2011
Although the School Head is responsible for hiring a strong, mission-based faculty, the Board must provide the needed funding, via strategic financial planning, so that the Head can recruit and retain a quality teaching staff for your school. Keeping new teachers is especially difficult in the current economy and market.
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Characteristics of the Ideal Trustee
Board of Trustees // November 21, 2011
The Committee on Trustees is always searching for “ideal” Board members—people whose skills and personal qualities help to keep your school moving forward. As time goes on, however, it is worth revisiting the essential responsibilities, behaviors, and priorities of Trustees. This training might be part of your annual Board retreat or new Trustee orientation. The goal is to ensure that Board members know that the ideal Trustee:
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