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Check out Community Corner, a free blog from ISM.
We cover such topics as how to communicate with your constituencies, work with your fellow school leaders, leverage new technology trends, utilize recommended reading and resources, implement new strategies—all to better serve your school's mission.
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See articles for School Heads, Business & Operations, Advancement, Academic Leadership, and Trustees, in addition to Private School News.
The GREAT DREAM: International Day of Happiness
Business and Operations // March 27, 2015
On March 20, 2015, the world celebrated International Day of Happiness by answering the question, “What really makes me happy?” Take a moment to think about that question. Does more than one answer pop into your mind? We’re going to guess that several things danced to the forefront of your thoughts because when you really stop to think about what matters most, your personal recipe for happiness probably isn’t as simple as one ingredient.
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Securing Student Files
Business and Operations // March 27, 2015
Some of the most sensitive files your office manages are your student files. Grades, personal information, and health information pertaining to each of your students must be as secure as your employee files. Yet, unlike your employee files, certain student records also need to be accessed regularly by key faculty and staff.
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Ask ISM's Risk Manager
Business and Operations // March 27, 2015
Q: Our school carries several insurance policies. We’re trying refocus our risk management protocols. Is there one insurance policy that you think is essential?
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The Absolute Worst Interview Questions—And What to Ask Instead
School Heads // March 25, 2015
Any lawyer can tell you which interview questions to avoid due to liability concerns, but some legally permissible questions still make applicants’ teeth grind when asked. Many of these questions seem like smart things to ask, but rarely give you any added insight into the applicant as a future employee. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the top five worst interview questions to ask an applicant—and what you should ask instead.
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Leading the Leaders
School Heads // March 25, 2015
School Heads often find themselves in the position of “leading leaders”—that is, guiding people who are used to having the final say in their areas of expertise. A team of leaders understands the importance of getting things done and hammering out logistics. With them, you pit the best of the best against the problems your school faces. That same team can also devolve into a mosh pit of powerful personalities, all needing the last word. Whether your team becomes a league of private school superheroes or a catfight depends largely on how you frame and guide your leaders.
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Reports To and From the Finance Committee
Board of Trustees // March 24, 2015
Board members are ultimately responsible for the financial stability of the school, and part of their due diligence requires them to develop a strategic financial plan and a complementary budget. Trustees must keep tabs on budgetary issues, to ensure the strategic financial plan is progressing. However, actual budgets may not always jibe with the projected budgets developed by the Finance Committee. For this reason, the Business Office should provide frequent reports to the Finance Committee.
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Loose Lips Sink Ships
Board of Trustees // March 24, 2015
During World War II, there was a poster depicting an enemy agent eavesdropping on a restaurant conversation about U.S. war vessels. The caption? Loose Lips Sink Ships. This phrase can apply to your Board as well.
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20 Free Online Resources for School Administrators
Academic Leadership // March 18, 2015
News aggregate reddit bills itself as the “front page of the Internet,” collecting information and stories for its users to read and respond to. Recently, a member asked the community at large what free services everyone on the Internet should use—and the response was overwhelming. From the original conversation, we’ve gleaned what we think are the top 20 free resources for private-independent school administrators and educators. From full-length college courses to file converters, our list runs the gamut. Take a look and see what can help you better serve your school community.
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Constructive Criticism 101
Academic Leadership // March 18, 2015
In Comprehensive Faculty Development—both our book and our workshop—we talk a lot about approaching professional development from a coaching perspective. It's your role as Division Head to keep the ongoing conversations you conduct with faculty focused, honest, and reaffirming of goals and strategies. These conversations require delivering constructive criticism in a way that brings problems to light while maintaining a positive, productive relationship. It's a tricky balance, but it can be accomplished.
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Cleaning up Your Donor Database
Advancement // March 12, 2015
To cultivate prospective donors, you, as the Development Director, can’t afford to work on instinct and hear-say. You need cold, hard facts, and a donor database gives you the data you need at a click of a finger (well, filter). Still, that database can quickly become outdated and useless without regular and thorough maintenance. This month, while you tidy your office and home for spring cleaning, set aside some time to clean your donor database!
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