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

Some Private-independent Schools Are Rising Above the Recession

Business and Operations // December 10, 2009

If you were to look at the recent headlines for private-independent schools across the country, you might find yourself perplexed, curious, wondering why seemingly every other article contradicts its predecessor. Nationally, cities are reporting different statistical finds—stirring up different projections. However, with report findings of an increased interest in financial aid, it seems that private-independent schools are still being heavily considered and incorporated within family budgets—rising above the recession fears in some regions of the U.S.

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The Battle for Private-Independent Admissions

Advancement // December 10, 2009

Current data-driven findings speculate private-independent schools will rise above this recession as they have in the past. Past statistics show private school enrollment numbers don't change, and most have sustained their enrollment, tuition, and fund-raising levels despite the shaky market and families' financial conerns. Students might not be wearing new athletic uniforms, and campuses may not be expanding their facilities, but most private schools stay strong.

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Ask Michael

Business and Operations // December 10, 2009

Q: How can I encourage obese employees to lose weight, without offending anyone?

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Virtual Students Speak Up

Advancement // December 10, 2009

At the North American Council for Online Learning in October, virtual school students spoke up about what they feel are the biggest rewards of learning from home. And their opinions made the news! eSchool News wrote an article on the responses from attendees. Here is what was reported:

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Ask Michael

Business and Operations // December 10, 2009

Q: Due to the budget cuts, we need to reduce our benefits costs for this year. We know that there are some benefits that employees don't use very often. Is it a good idea to "survey" employees on which benefits plans they would prefer to keep?

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The D.L. on Those Itchy Mites Disrupting Your Classroom

Business and Operations // December 10, 2009

Head lice and scabies are two constant pests for schools and daycares. Because children play in close range of one another, often touching, and are more likely to share clothing and toys, they're more likely to attract these mites.

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What Does Your Body Language Tell Others?

Advancement // December 10, 2009

A recent study in Psychological Science reveals that nonverbal cues can give away a person's socioeconomic status (SES). Just what is SES? It can be determined by several factors such as wealth, occupation, and schools attended, and influences our daily lives in both introverted and extroverted ways. Someone with an upper SES may dine on sushi and gourmet cheeses, be a member of a country club, and/or flaunt the cars they drive. These are the extroverted signs. The introverted signs that were just recently studied, are the nonverbal, body language cues that different SES classes posses.

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Ask Michael

Business and Operations // December 10, 2009

Q: A staff member just came to see me about what she called a "sexual harassment incident." I feel so badly that she was subjected to this—and I want to confront the person who did this to her (i.e., a faculty member). How should I handle this?

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Simplifying Your Financial Aid Process

Business and Operations // December 10, 2009

It is no secret that financial aid applications have been at an all-time high this year. Even some parents who don't necessarily need financial aid have been applying. There's nothing to lose in trying, right? They're right—there's not. But it does create more paperwork and a need for more manpower in your Business and Admission offices. If you're finding the extra applications and requests for financial aid are starting to take a toll on your nerves (and everyone else in your office), first take a deep breath, and then look into some of the software programs available on the market—especially if you're using software now that's causing your headaches. (Dealing with stress? Click here for tips on stress management.)

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