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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?
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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.
Laughter Is at the Heart of All Effective Meetings
Business and Operations // December 10, 2009
How many meetings do you sit in on, or host, where the material is dry and driven by facts and policies? Ever look around and see all the nodding heads and droopy eyes? The truth is, most people tune out after a few minutes if the material isn't interactive and somewhat motivating.
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Employers Shedding Retiree Medical Coverage
Business and Operations // December 10, 2009
Health coverage is huge right now. What some organizations offer and/or don't offer can be selling points for potential employees. And although typically one of the first elements cut from organizational budgets in economic slumps are benefits, consider taking another look at what your school is offering. Does it attract the "right" people to match your culture and mission?
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Easier Financial Aid Application Process + Happier Parents = One Happy Admission Office!
Advancement // December 10, 2009
This article is also seen in the monthly ISM Update for Business Offices It is no secret that financial aid applications have been at an all-time high this year. Even some parents who don't necessarily need financial aid have been applying. There's nothing to lose in trying, right? They're right—there's not. But, it does create more paperwork and a need for more manpower in your business and admission offices. If you're finding the extra applications and requests for financial aid are starting to take a toll on your nerves (and everyone else in your office), first take a deep breath, and then look into some of the software programs available on the market—especially if you're using software now that's causing you headaches.
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Resources You'll Want at Your Fingertips This Year
Business and Operations // December 10, 2009
ISM understands that in many schools the Business Manager also takes on Human Resource Manager duties (in addition to any number of other hats!). With this in mind, we wanted to start off the new school year on the right foot and supply you with some great HR Web sites you can browse for updates, information, and news in between our monthly e-letters.
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COBRA-Related Compliance Issues
Business and Operations // December 10, 2009
Most employers offering health care are facing new COBRA provisions that are part of the $787 billion stimulus plan. For most employers, the deadline for compliance was March 1.
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Five Lessons We Should All Take Away From the Recession
Business and Operations // December 10, 2009
The following is based on an article by Liz Pulliam Weston. Parts have been taken directly from her recent posting on MSN, "5 Life Lessons From the Recession". The past year has without a doubt been challenging. We've seen ups and downs, and unfortunately still have some way to go before we start to feel honest relief. But just as the Great Depression shaped our grandparents and parents, this recession lends some valuable lessons for all of us as well.
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Swine Flu Still Beating Up the Northeast—Expected to Hit the Rest of the Country Again This Fall
Advancement // December 10, 2009
Although the warmer weather has slowed down the spread of the swine flu, experts are saying it'll be back in the fall with a vengeance. Read the Forbes.com article with latest statistics here. For those living in the Northeast, you're going to continue to feel the threat over the summer, extending into the fall, and perhaps growing in intensity as the cooler weather moves in. New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and other New England states continue to see new cases and deaths in spite of warmer temps.
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October Is Squirrel Awareness Month …
Business and Operations // December 10, 2009
… lucky little critters have their own month! (Don't worry, we haven't lost our minds. We just needed a light lead into President Obama's delivery earlier this month.) October is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and National Depression Education & Awareness Month. In honor of it being National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and in response to President Obama's speech, ISM would like to share with you how this relates to private-independent schools.
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If Men Can't Wear Skirts, Women Shouldn't Wear Ties
Business and Operations // December 10, 2009
Ahhh, summertime. Nicer weather encourages us to break out our t-shirts and shorts, spend more time outside, and to let our hair down, so to speak. What this can mean for your dress code, however, is—disaster. Letting your hair down can mean different things to different people. Tattoos and piercings may be revealed, skirts can get shorter, flip-flops may start flip-flopping down the halls, and shirts can grow tighter, thinner, and less concealing. How you deal with summer's inspired wardrobe is a delicate matter.
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Swine Flu Info For Welcome Packages
Advancement // December 10, 2009
Are you looking for the perfect welcome-package stuffers for parent night? You might want to take the lead from some north Atlantic colleges and include sanitizers, pain relievers, hot water bottles, and thermal pjs along with your informational pieces. The swine flu is predicted to make another appearance this fall as temperatures cool down. If it's anything like last spring's occurrence, you'll want to have your students prepared.
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