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What are the latest trends impacting private-independent school enrollment? How can you be the most effective in your role as an administrator? How can you help your school meet its mission and best serve your students?
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 Anatomy of a (Great!) Thank-You Letter
Advancement // April 10, 2014
Sometimes, it’s the simplest words that have the biggest impact, and remembering to say “thank you” can be the easiest way to preserve the relationship you've worked so hard to establish with your donor. But what makes a great thank-you letter? What can encourage donors to feel good about the gifts they’ve already made—and inspire them to give again?
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Double Trouble: Dealing With Siblings in Your Applicant Pool
Advancement // April 9, 2014
Alyssa Smith was a diamond in the rough in last year’s applications. You were excited to offer her acceptance, and she and her parents have been a wonderful addition to your private-independent school community. This year, you see “Smith, Michael” on one of your applications, and you open it with pleasure to find … a young man you can’t accept.
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"Have You Decided Yet?"
Advancement // April 9, 2014
In early spring, your Admission Office bustles with news for waiting families and burning questions your staff ask among themselves as they wait for responses as your deadline approaches. How many of your currently-enrolled families will re-enroll? How many of your “yes” letters will come back with a signed contract and a check? What if you don’t hit your enrollment goal? What if you're over enrolled?
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Merit Pay: The Debate Rages On
Private School News // April 2, 2014
Adequate compensation for teachers has long been the subject of debate, in both private-independent and public school spheres. Recently, merit pay has become the focus of renewed compensation efforts, particularly in its implementation. Should pay be based on student performance, or on other factors? Public schools using merit pay based on test scores have seen little success. Private schools, on the other hand, use merit pay for faculty growth and retention purposes.
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Wake Up on the Right Side of the Bed—Start School Later!
Private School News // April 2, 2014
Waking up can be a drag. With all the apps and gadgets available to help late risers roll out of bed on time, clearly rising and greeting the morning remains the greatest pre-coffee hurtle for many. Such dysfunction can carry over to your classrooms, particularly in your homerooms and early courses. Here's an idea to solve the yawns: Delay your start time! Several private-independent schools across the country are experimenting with later start times and seeing positive results.
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Teen Sues Parents for Tuition
Business and Operations // March 27, 2014
Rachel Canning, an 18-year-old senior living in New Jersey, made national headlines when the lawsuit she filed against her parents for tuition costs caught the attention of CNN. Canning is suing her parents for the last semester of her private Catholic school tuition, as well as living expenses, claiming she cannot financially support herself and was forced to leave her home in the fall of 2013.
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Recognizing Heatstroke in Athletic Students
Business and Operations // March 27, 2014
With April just a week away, the start of spring training is promised. Eager students and coaches are ready to put a long winter behind them and get back on the field. But, as temperatures climb and the season extends, certain risks are heightened, such as heatstroke. According to the North Carolina Injury Prevention Research Center, the five-year block from 2005–2009 had more heatstroke deaths than any other five-year period in the past 35 years.
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Q&A With ISM’s Risk Manager
Business and Operations // March 27, 2014
Q: Are there “no-cost” ways to make our facilities safer?
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"Detoxing" Faculty Negativity
School Heads // March 25, 2014
Contract renewal season is here once again! For many of your faculty, it’s a formality. Their classes are vibrant and exciting; their students are engaged and growing; their teaching methods blossom under your school’s dedication to their professional development. You look forward to working with them for years to come. Some teachers, however, have not met your standards for retention. Keep reading for some common attributes and attitudes of toxic faculty and ways to mitigate the damage to your school and students.
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Office "Hacks" for School Heads
School Heads // March 25, 2014
“Life hacks”—or innovations to make your life easier in unexpected and original ways—are inventions of the Information Age. If you’d like some modern tips and tricks to reorganize your cluttered workspace and improve your office efficiency, read on.
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