We all know the telltale signs of the winter holiday season: the leaves change, daylight hours are short and the sun sets hours earlier, and holiday music returns for another year of cheer. But with all the festive fun comes stress, seasonal depression, and unhealthy activities.

Forward-thinking school leaders recognize the importance of community. They understand positive change is only possible when faculty and staff feel they’re valued and are working toward a common mission. However, building that community is easier said than done.

From online learning to digital fundraising, school leaders are accustomed to integrating technology into their organizations. As operations and services continue to develop, digital marketing will expand its reach.

Currently there is a lot of focus on ways to deal with mental health among students. Resources for students are more widely available. But what about educators—the people who are often the first line of defense against student mental health crises?

Job loss and economic uncertainty in the early months of the pandemic left the future of private-independent schools in flux. A survey conducted by the CATO Institute in early 2020 showed a decline in enrollments in 50% of schools. For many schools, fears of school closings and shrinking class sizes weren’t conjecture, they were reality.

Not all schools are able to have a licensed child psychologist or social worker on campus ready to help students in a crisis, guide them through a difficult period, or simply listen. Even if your school does, it’s highly likely your licensed child psychologist or social worker is overwhelmed with the increased number of mental health cases.

What’s a topic parents of tweens and teens avoid, and teachers dread? Here’s a hint: It's not “the talk.”

When most development leaders think of an endowment, large universities with robust development departments come to mind. This may be true, but endowments are not reserved solely for universities.

Generation Alpha—children born in or after 2010—is projected to be 2 billion strong by the year 2025, the largest generation in history. This new generation of students is proving a combination of their predecessors, while also necessitating updates to systems, processes, and engagement strategies.

Director Dr. Polly Parker tells prospective students, “We want your experience at Escuela Americana to last a lifetime. You will build friendships and connections with teachers that last for your whole life. We want you to be able to connect purposefully with everyone in the community, and we want you to create whatever you want, follow your passions, and explore the world.”