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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.
Warding Off The Flu
Business and Operations // December 27, 2012
The buzz of the holiday season is concluded for yet another year. The hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, seemingly never ending merriment, and feast preparations have come to a sudden halt. It’s post-holiday crash time!
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A Story of Teaching Excellence
Academic Leadership // December 18, 2012
We ran across this New York Times story of a teacher, a 33-year veteran in a Massachusetts public middle school, who is a portrait of excellence in teaching. Ron Adams, teaches seventh-grade English in a school where half the children qualify for subsidized lunches and many live in housing projects. He dislikes standardized testing, and does not do very much prep for the required exams. Yet, his students fare much better than state averages. Adams teaches social consciousness—his first assignment each year is to write a letter to someone who has the power to fix a problem that upsets each child—to help them learn to take action. He also leads the school’s Save the World Club.
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Ask Michael
Business and Operations // December 18, 2012
Q: I need to let an employee go, and I’m wondering if it is better if I fire her or let her resign. Would it help her with unemployment benefits if I do one instead of the other?
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Teens Would Benefit From Later Morning Start
Academic Leadership // December 18, 2012
How many of us have a teenager who must be dragged out of bed to get to school by 7:30 a.m.? That’s the typical start time for most public high schools; private high schools typically start a bit later, around 8 a.m. Research shows teen body clocks don’t mesh with the school day. However, realigning school start times is a tough sell.
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The Gift of Simplicity
Business and Operations // December 18, 2012
During the holiday season, there is great focus on gift-giving—often accompanied by the adage, “It’s the thought that counts.” Taking this as our theme, we wanted to share a few thoughts about one of the best gifts you can give your school community—the gift of simplicity.
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Good Social Media Policy Protects Your School
Academic Leadership // December 18, 2012
In a recently broadcast episode of Law & Order: UK, a teen accused a man of a crime—it appeared he was a repetitive offender. As she sat in the witness box, the defense attorney challenged her. ”Five minutes minutes after this allegedly happened, you posted it on Facebook. Why did you not call the police?”
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How to Get a ‘Paralyzed’ Board Back on Track
Board of Trustees // December 7, 2012
When a Board’s internal problems keep it from moving forward in its responsibilities to the school, the Board President and Executive Committee must act.
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Due Diligence and Employment Practices Liability
Board of Trustees // December 7, 2012
As a Board member, part of your due diligence includes risk management at your school and making sure you have insurance to cover employment practices liability. While the School Head and Management Team ensure that policies and procedures are in place and implemented, the Board is ultimately responsible for any legal costs that may incur if a case is brought against the school.
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Kids’ Random Acts of Kindness
School Heads // December 5, 2012
December always produces acts of generosity, charity drives, and feel-good stories. The big so far this season that exploded virally is the photo of NYPD Officer Lawrence Primo giving a new pair of boots to a homeless, barefoot man on the street. (Posted to the NYPD Facebook page by the tourist who captured it on her cell phone produced 1.6 million views and 275,000 likes)
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Team Professional Development Adds Value to Lessons Learned
School Heads // December 5, 2012
Professional development, learning opportunities, training—whatever the name, it is designed to keep your school and your school community moving forward. For your administrators, your faculty, and your staff, attending workshops and seminars provides professional and personal growth, the opportunity to network with their private-independent school peers, and hopefully fresh ideas and perspectives that will enrich your students’ experience. And, of course, professional development should help strengthen your school’s viability overall.
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