Schools Don't See The Humor In This Year's Breast Cancer Awareness Message

Advancement // September 14, 2010

The early ‘90s started a fad that has yet to fade—bracelets that make statements. Rubber bands that represent cancer awareness, support for US troops, and even recognition of a loved musical band have for two decades now been a fashion favorite in high schools nationwide. This year, however, some high schools (as well as lower schools) are banning the latest popular bracelet message—“I Love Boobies.” (These bracelets can be found in various stores, and typically sell for about $4.) Keep A Breast Foundation, a California nonprofit group that seeks to increase breast cancer awareness among young teens, is the source of this year’s popular trend. Founder Shaney Jo Darden says the bracelets are meant to spark discussions. Certainly, that part of her mission is complete. However, schools around the country are not finding the message as conversational or humorous as teens (and cancer survivor parents) are finding it. Some schools have outright banned them from being worn to class, and others are asking that the bands be turned inside out while on campus so that message is not distracting to other students.

Read More

September 23 Marks The First Round of Provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)

Business and Operations // September 8, 2010

On September 23, 2010, the first round of health benefit changes required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) begins to take effect. Some of these changes may require notifying employees, while others may require working with your insurance carrier and/or broker to modify plan documents. Here’s a quick look at the primary issues related to the September 23rd changes, which should form the agenda for a detailed discussion with your broker.

Read More

Everyone Can Learn From Millennials' Use of Share Sites

Business and Operations // September 8, 2010

As Internet trends fade in and out of popularity, some of us from older generations struggle to keep up. New icons pop up on our favorite sites every day—share this, send to a friend, retweet, post to Facebook. Although they’re in clear view, it can quickly become overwhelming trying to keep them all straight. And, besides keeping them all clearly organized in our minds, overwhelming is redefined when it comes to participating on all of the sites that matter in conjunction with maintaining our normal workloads. “What is Facebook? Iisn’t that for college kids? Flickr, what in the world does that mean? And this Digg icon, what is that all about?” Sound familiar? These are among the more popular social media sites, so chances are you might have insight to what they’re about. But, when it comes to reddit, meetup, or Slashdot, you might find yourself staring blankly at the screen wondering if this is something worth investigating, or just another trend.

Read More

“Good Night …Sleep Tight … Don’t Let the Bedbugs Bite!”

School Heads // September 3, 2010

Most of us have heard and used that phrase. It’s an "old-age phrase" that actually stems from “back in the day” when bedding laid on top of a mesh of ropes, like a mattress frame. The mesh could be tightened to keep the bed from sagging. We don’t need to worry about our beds being tightened any longer, but as for bedbugs—they’re rearing their ugly heads across the nation and making headlines.

Read More

Small Talk and Tough Conversations—It's All Human (Resources)

School Heads // September 3, 2010

Human Resources. What does that really mean? For many, it means paychecks, benefits, and all those forms you need to fill out and sign when someone is hired. As a Head, what do you really need to know about HR? After all, doesn’t your Business Office handle all that? And, doesn’t “HR” really refer to a lot of “corporate” (or bureaucratic) stuff—things that don’t seem to apply to your school and its culture?

Read More

Talking Summer Program…Wait, Isn’t Summer Over?

School Heads // September 3, 2010

You are just settling in to a new school year and we mention summer? “Are they crazy?” you think. Nope. A summer program is an excellent source of hard income that lets you extend your mission beyond the school year and to a greater number of students. It is a wonderful recruiting conduit as well, introducing your school to potential students, giving them a “taste” of what you offer. But now is the time to get ready for summer 2011, particularly if you are enhancing your program, or adding one. Running a successful summer program is really a year-round task.

Read More

Back-to-School Checklist for Parents Includes Social Media Tips This Year

Private School News // August 25, 2010

For some, the new school year has already begun; for others, it’s right around the corner. Here are some tips you can share with parents about preparing for the new school year safely. Riding a bike to school. Make sure your child knows the traffic laws—it can save his/her life. Also, make sure your child wears the proper safety equipment. If he/she carries a heavy backpack, install a storage bin or rack on the bike to prevent injury.

Read More

Common Sunscreen Ingredient Can Speed Up Skin Cancer (Editorial)

Private School News // August 25, 2010

Every summer, some of the folks from the marketing department here at ISM are invited to attend a SI workshop. I was one of the lucky ones this year. As I sat down with classmates for the welcome dinner, we started our introductions by sharing where we are all from. I was surprised that so many were from California; however, there was a fairly balanced mix of regions, including a woman from Florida who quickly gained all of our attention. As we were sitting down with our first course, she shared with us that the Sunshine State isn’t always cheerful—she had had over 20 skin cancer spots removed over the years. Over the summer, each time I have worked in the garden, took a drive to the beach, or strolled around the little shopping district I live near, I have found myself thinking about her. This month, as I sat down to research and write my health-related article, again I found myself thinking about her. Is there ever enough information available to us to prevent such a cycle of fear and surgery?

Read More

Is Your School Ready for the 1099 Revolution—If There Is One?

Private School News // August 25, 2010

Your Business Office might be like the many that are scrambling to understand what new steps they need to take on reporting on Form 1099—the hidden policy revision tucked into the new Healthcare bill. Hopefully, this article will shed light on what is expected of small businesses—which, also includes private-independent schools.

Read More

Can Schools Help in America’s Fight Against Childhood Obesity?

Private School News // August 25, 2010

Last month, we published an article about how the nation’s goal of reducing the percentage of teen smokers had been missed. In that article , one of the experts mentioned that the new childhood obesity campaign spearheaded by Michelle Obama might have a role to play in the decreased donation numbers for the campaign against teen smokers. Whether that is true or not, the national efforts to attack the epidemic of childhood obesity is well underway. And for good reason. The national percentage of obese children is 17%. In Clark County, Nevada, it’s 22%—the nation’s highest percentage—which is why on June 1, 2010, Michelle Obama was in Las Vegas promoting her “Let’s Move Outside” campaign, a component of her “Let’s Move” campaign to increase physical activity.

Read More