Now is the time to buckle down and get serious about finances. Experts predict that 2009 will offer little relief to our suffering economy, as no rebound is assumed to happen until 2010—2011 more likely. So, with no easy-to-swallow antidote in sight to aid our sore pockets, it's in our hands to cushion our own accounts.

If you're looking for a health article to add to your newsletter, updating parents on the ongoing controversy surrounding Gardasil could be a perfect topic. Since 2006, Gardasil has been at the center of a controversy. Commercials on TV tell us it's a miracle drug, yet the Internet tells us it comes with risks. Giving our kids a vaccine that protects against cancer would seem to be a "YES!", but knowing all the facts is important before beginning the series of Gardasil vaccines.

Many schools have an "Acceptable Use of the Internet" policy published in their employee handbooks—which we absolutely recommend, for the protection of the school and its employees. However, unless your HR policies are on the cutting edge (and kudos to you if they are!), the "acceptable use" policy probably doesn't mention social networking (like use of MySpace, Facebook, etc., by teachers and administrators). The question arises, "Should we? Is it any of the school's business what employees do on their personal time online?"

According to Workforce Management, reports suggest that many employers are cutting their training and development budgets in response to the recession. At the same time, there are reports of other organizations that are retooling their human resources departments to enhance the skill sets required to succeed under new market realities. These kinds of contradictory responses are familiar. In times of crisis, leadership development is commonly seen as simultaneously crucial to organizational success and also as a luxury that must be sacrificed while the organization focuses on the situation at hand.

While touring your campus, guests may be exposed to elements they're allergic to. Some allergens such as pollens, grasses, and other natural elements, you have very limited, if any, control over. As education, communication, and cooperation are the keys to preventing a serious situation, it's fair to say that protecting your guests can be challenging without the support of your entire staff.

November is National Employee Recognition Month. One of the most important ways you can recognize your faculty and staff members is to provide resources that will aid them during these trying times. (Recognition Professionals International, a site run by a nonprofit group, has a wealth of ideas and resources regarding effective employee recognition efforts.) After layoffs, salary reductions, and the like, employers are looking into ways to offer relief for employees who are still on board and dedicated to seeing their organization through these times.

Some leaders, especially those new to management, struggle to find their management styles—a balance between their professional work identity and their "natural," out-of-work identity. In a struggling economy such as ours, it's common to feel insecure about your work environment. You may be nervous to let your guard down and show your true personality. Of course, there is the argument that maintaining a distinction is good. However, good managers should feel comfortable enough to allow their true selves to shine into their working environments. Remember, allowing yourself to shine through your leadership role lets you be more creative and effective.

Research is showing that in areas hit hardest by the economic downturn, GED classes are on the rise, and filling up fast. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate for 16-to-19-year-olds was 21.5% in April. This is up from 15% a year before. As the unemployment rate continues to grow across all age brackets, adults desperate for any work to alleviate some of their financial burden are beating high school students out of jobs in places such as grocery stores, retail shops, and restaurants.

Financial aid is the most proactive method that schools have to help children attend their schools. For many, though, evaluating financial need is often very difficult—the paperwork, the stress, and trying to match available funds to evident need are just part of the complexities that comprise the typical financial aid decision-making process. However, a proactive, organized approach to financial aid can ease the process significantly. Use these suggestions before your first applications arrive and you'll be ahead of the game.

Summer's incredibly outdoor friendly weather may inspire you to spend some time lounging on a blanket with a picnic basket full of tasty snacks, a good book, and a few of your favorite people. Make some promises to yourself this summer—go light on the chips and sugary treats, and stock up on fresh fruits and veggies. It doesn't matter if you're oceanfront, lakeside, or relaxing in your local park or even your own backyard—reward yourself with the season's fresh treats. (We know you've worked hard all year.)