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?
Sign up to receive Community Corner, a free newsletter 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.
Join more than 30,000 private-independent school administrators and have Community Corner delivered right to your inbox.
Search
See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
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
Read More
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).
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
Use This Summer Program Checklist to Protect Your Students and School
School Heads // April 3, 2018
As April arrives and you prepare for your school's summer program, ensure you’re following a risk management protocol to protect your students and your school. Give this risk-management checklist to your Summer Program Director to help you maintain the safety of your campus and your students.
Read More
International Travel Tips to Keep in Mind This Spring
Private School News // March 28, 2018
Spring can be a busy travel season for many people. Whether you’re planning a spring break trip or a summer getaway for yourself or your family, or chaperoning a school-sponsored outing, there are certain suggestions we recommend everyone know before they go abroad. We’ve compiled a list of tips that U.S. travelers should keep in mind when leaving the country. Perform your due diligence and share these tips with other travelers to ensure your trip is a seamless and easy experience.
Read More
Four Recommendations for Surveying Your Parent Body
Private School News // March 28, 2018
It can be easy to assume that your entire parent body “wants a new technology center” or “won’t pay more in tuition” from anecdotes or a small, highly vocal group. But the only way to truly understand what your parents want is through a well-designed survey. This tool enables you to gather the honest opinions of your entire parent body, not just those whose voices rise above the rest.
Read More
Provide Hands-on Tech Experience With a Student-run IT Help Desk
Private School News // March 28, 2018
The role technology plays in our schools and in the lives of our students only continues to expand. Your school has probably already worked to incorporate technology into classrooms and administrative functions. But, as technology becomes more ingrained in every aspect of school operations, your IT staff may start to feel the strain.
Read More
Preparing for a Powerful Full-Board Presentation
Board of Trustees // March 20, 2018
When a Board committee or Trustee is on the agenda to present a proposal to the Board, expect him or her to come thoroughly prepared. The following template can help Trustees organize proposal presentations.
Read More
The Essential Role of the Annual Fund Chair
Board of Trustees // March 20, 2018
Because the annual fund is broad-based and occurs regularly, it connects your school with the widest possible group of donors in your community and works to instill in them the habit of giving. The annual fund also opens the opportunity to identify individuals who later might become primary supporters of your capital, endowment, and major gift programs.
Read More