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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.
Answering a Question About In-Kind Gifts
Advancement // February 10, 2019
There are many nuances of fundraising and accepting donations that require careful care and attention to rules and procedures. Recently, a Director of Advancement posed a question about in-kind gifts to his peers on the ISM e-list for Development.
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Four Items You Must Include in Your Employee Handbook
Business and Operations // February 8, 2019
Your employee handbook is the guiding document for your teachers and staff to understand what is and isn’t a part of working at your school. Your handbook should be carefully written and reviewed often to ensure it’s best suited to protect your employees and your school as a whole.
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Should Your Private School Offer Sexual Harassment Training?
Business and Operations // February 7, 2019
Many school officials have questions when it comes to sexual harassment training. But before you de-prioritize this training in favor of the many other items on your to-do list, consider two important reasons to include harassment training in your professional development initiatives.
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The Head's Role in Major Gifts Fundraising
School Heads // February 6, 2019
For an effective major gifts fundraising program, the Leadership Team—you as School Head, the Board President, the Chair of the Board’s Development Committee, and the Development Director—must shift your focus. You’re not raising dollars—you’re building relationships.
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The Biggest Tuition-Setting Mistake Schools Make
School Heads // February 5, 2019
When it comes to setting your tuition, many schools make assumptions about what their families are willing to pay.Some schools think they must keep their prices low to match their local competitors. Others feel parents will simply refuse to pay tuition over a certain amount. Our research has found that these assumptions are not the case.
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Three Things Schools Need to Know About Homestay Programs
Private School News // January 30, 2019
As more schools offer international programs, new questions have risen about the best ways to support foreign students. They’re separated from their families for months at a time and schools want to do what’s in their best interests. One method that schools take is homestay programs.
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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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