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See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.

ISM Summer Reading Recommendations

Private School News // May 31, 2011

Have you given any thought to what books you’re going to dive into this summer? We’ve come across a few you might want to add to your wish list.

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How Schools Are Helping Tornado Victims

Private School News // May 31, 2011

On May 22, Joplin, Missouri, was hit by a devastating tornado. The F5 tornado tore through the community leaving houses, schools, and businesses in piles of rubble. A week later, efforts to rebuild are well underway, and schools, both private and public, are a major part of the efforts.

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Improving Your Facility With Living Roofs

Business and Operations // May 31, 2011

If you’ve been looking to expand your school, or update your facilities, you may have heard about living roofs. Some states are requiring new construction to incorporate efficient roofing and building design to help reduce the demand of natural resources for heating and cooling. (Maryland is one example of a state that is mandating new building design to be green.)  But, even in states that haven’t changed their requirements, there is still a movement happening within American schools.

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Social Media Disasters: Costs, Dangers, and Quagmires

Private School News // May 31, 2011

As with any business practice, using social media has its benefits as well as its dangers. Your first line of defense against the unspeakable (insert your numerous employee-related concerns here) is to have an updated social media policy in your employee handbook—and to ensure that everyone has received a copy, AND read it. However, even with clear expectations and guidelines, staff and faculty members can engage in online behavior that can cause concern. Since social media is still a relatively new phenomenon, legal principles and court decisions are still evolving. Here are three recent cases of note.

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Keeping Parents Informed on Facebook

Business and Operations // May 31, 2011

As a Business Manager, your first concerns may have little to do with your school’s social media efforts. You’re more concerned with your school’s budget, employee benefits, facility upgrades, the database, and the millions of other projects your Head has passed down to your office. However, if you’re part of your school’s Risk Management team, then you might want to take another look at social media platforms as a way to keep parents, students, and even faculty and staff connected.

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Smart Phone Apps for Teachers and Students

Private School News // May 31, 2011

Does your cell phone play a major role in your daily routine? Have you become as dependent on its apps to keep connected while on the go as you have your computer while you’re in the office? Here are some apps that are dedicated to making the lives of educators a little easier:

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Green Corner

Business and Operations // May 31, 2011

No Child Left Inside ®—Planning Low-Impact Day Vacations Memorial Day marked the unofficial start of summer. Pools, parks, and beaches that were closed for the winter season all opened their gates and welcomed the flood of eager tourists. For many families, it was a weekend packed with outdoor events.

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Stay Inside, Get Outside, Safely!

Academic Leadership // May 25, 2011

As Division Head, you need to keep children safe and healthy while getting a stellar education at your facility. Inspiring your faculty to support the children to grow and learn is a top priority, so keeping your students safe while having fun is a never-ending lesson.

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Avatars—Making Their Way to the Classroom?

Academic Leadership // May 25, 2011

As a Division Head, focusing your faculty on the students and their learning is one of the most important roles you have. New ways of teaching can be auditioned, but how to know if they will work?

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Identifying and Controlling Water Activities Risk

Business and Operations // May 24, 2011

Memorial Day is right around the corner. I&Ps less than a week away! Besides having an extra day away from the office, Memorial Day also marks the opening of most community pools, and the start of most summer league swim teams. Anytime there is more than an inch of water involved in an activity, there are risks to be aware of.

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