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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.
Top Eight Employee Handbook Mistakes
Business and Operations // May 21, 2013
As you may know, a poorly written, outdated, or inconsistent handbook can hurt your school. In fact, omitting certain language can actually increase your risk of lawsuits or decrease your flexibility to act in the best interests of the school! Knowing that the stakes are high, updating your employee handbook can be a daunting project, especially if you’ve never done it before or if you don’t have any support or guidance to help you along the way. Don’t lose heart—it is an important task! Here are a few common mistakes to avoid as you dive in.
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Just a Few More Wellness Program Ideas
Business and Operations // May 21, 2013
A recent ISM study revealed that most schools don’t offer wellness plans. We found this interesting because wellness plans help control health insurance costs—they save organizations money! The healthier your employees, the fewer health claims. It’s that simple. And, wellness programs in themselves cost very little. Here are a few ideas to consider.
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Add Bling
Advancement // May 21, 2013
In a Webinar delivered to the team at Network for Good, technology guru Guy Kawasaki outlined his top ten social media tips for nonprofits. One of them is “add bling.” Huh? No, we are not talking about diamond-studded accessories here. We are talking visuals. Guy says add them—or a video—to every post.
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Green Corner: Holistic Allergy Treatments
Business and Operations // May 21, 2013
Allergy season is well underway. As trees and flowers wake up to greet longer days, so are allergy symptoms for nearly 35 millions Americans. It’s a beautiful time of year—but for sufferers, it’s misery. Sniffles, sneezes, watery eyes, itchy throat, constant drowsiness, headaches, and sinus pressure are just some of the reasons for long lines at the pharmacy counter. Here are some natural remedies to help ease seasonal symptoms—and hopefully reduce your wait at the pharmacy and strain on your wallet.
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Facebook: Likes vs. Shares
Advancement // May 21, 2013
Facebook has created a whole new lingo (and has turned nouns into verbs). You can “friend” and “unfriend” someone or, in a less drastic move, simply “hide” their posts from your wall. You are constantly asked to “like” or “share” posts. If you are using social media as part of your school’s development efforts, you are likely to ask your Facebook “fans” to do one of those things too. It’s a call to action, an engagement tactic.
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Indicators of School Crime and Safety
Board of Trustees // May 13, 2013
Creating a “safe haven” for the students at your school is a major Board concern, and making sure all the protocols and policies for school safety are in place is a must.
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And Now for Something Completely Different…
School Heads // May 7, 2013
Students at Bellingham Christian School (WA) got exciting news on May 1— a Sun Day! No school due to nice weather! The school did not have to shutter for any snow days this year, and School Head Bob Sampson said he wanted to re-create how excited the kids get on snow days. So he started a teaser campaign about a possible day off earlier in the week.
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What Do You Know About Financial Reporting?
School Heads // May 7, 2013
As School Head, you likely have a Business Manager to handle your financial reports. Still, you are the Board's only employee, and it is your responsibility, with your Business Manager’s support, to keep the Board informed of the school’s financial footing. You will also be part of the Board’s strategic financial planning process, and you need to be prepared for that responsibility. You must be able to report financials accurately to your constituents.
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Risks That Keep You Up at Night
Business and Operations // May 2, 2013
Schools, like all organizations, are at risk of lawsuits and claims—even when all protocols are followed and proper insurance is carried. In a recent edition of Net Assets, the article Risk, Claims, And What Keeps You Up At Night (NBOA members can access the entire issue in the membership area of the NBOA site), mentioned that assaults, athletic injuries, slips and falls, and employment discrimination claims are both the most common and most costly risks that private schools face.
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Planning Against Violent Acts
Business and Operations // May 1, 2013
There has been a great deal of violence in the news this year. The Sandy Hook Elementary shootings and the Boston bombings shook us on a national level. Within our local communities, tragedies such as teacher sex scandals, vicious bullying, and drug/gang wars have made headlines. For students, rationalizing these acts can be a struggle. (Read Suggestions for Handling Tragic Events.) For adults—especially educators and administrators—making sense of these events and establishing risk management protocols can be frustrating—and emotionally exhausting.
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