Stay current with the latest private-independent school news.
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.
Search
See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Keeping Communications Open and Flowing in Your School
Private School News // August 31, 2011
It’s a new school year and a fresh start to tackling one of any organization's largest issues—communication. Communication concerns seem to never find absolute resolution. There are always news tactics and policies that seem to assist in keeping the channels of communication open for a bit, but as time passes there it is again—communication troubles popping up on employee evaluation forms, in suggestion boxes, and on the tails of the gossip comet.
Read More
BYOT: Cell Phones Approved For Classrooms
Private School News // July 28, 2011
On the first day of school students are required to bring pencils, pens, paper … and their cell phone? Some schools are experimenting with “bring your own technology” (BYOT) policies. Research concluded in April 2010, by the Pew Research Center indicated that 75% of students, aged 12-17, own a cell phone or smart phone. The logic behind BYOT policies is simple—if students already own some sort of smart device, allow them to drive the speed in which technology is updated, saving the school precious dollars on IT support and demand.
Read More
Why People “Like” Facebook Pages
Private School News // July 28, 2011
There’s no denying it, social media has made a place for itself in today's marketing plans. Facebook is among the leaders, and understanding why people fan Facebook pages can help your school develop its social media strategies.
Read More
Cyberbullies Need Protection, Too
Private School News // July 28, 2011
Protect a bully? That’s ridiculous! Although it seems counterproductive to protect someone who threatens and abuses others, yes, even bullies need protection. Bullies, both online and in the schoolyard, often act on spontaneous compulsions without thinking about the effects of their actions. Let’s be honest, not all bullies are intentionally trying to harm someone. And, those who are intentionally seeking to harm another often act on emotional impulse without having the proper coping skills to handle the situation responsibly. As you know, not all bullies are bad kids, just momentarily misdirected.
Read More
Sustainable Lunch Programs
Business and Operations // July 18, 2011
On the ISM Business Manager listserv last month, a few subscribers shared thoughts about sustainable lunch programs. This healthy trend is starting to pick up momentum, and so for all our readers who are equally curious about how to add local food alternatives to their lunch menu without stretching their budgets into the red, we’ve done some research for you.
Read More
Green Corner
Business and Operations // July 18, 2011
This month’s green tips come from a high school student, Teniola Ayoola, in Bowie, Maryland. Her article published as “Student Shares Five Hot Green Summer Tips” on acespace.org lists five summer green tips from an ecofriendly way to charge your cell phone to saving energy by reducing your AC use.
Read More
A Protocol and Script For Calling “911”
Business and Operations // July 7, 2011
The idea of having to dial 911 is not a pleasant one. No one wants an emergency on campus, and certainly no one wants an emergency to happen without proper protocol in place. But, what is proper protocol?
Read More
Summer Safety Tips for Parents and Summer Program Leaders
Business and Operations // July 7, 2011
Summer is the season of exploration. But it’s also one of the most dangerous times of the year for youth. Swimming accidents, outdoor mishaps, and neighborhood bullies are all concerns parents and summer program leaders should be reminded of as the season continues to roll toward the new school year. Many of these are simple, quick tips that could save a life.
Read More