Specialities
Legal and Risk Management
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Inaugural WAMHI Conference
WAMHI (Wellness and Mental Health Institute) is launching this summer in Boston for independent school educators who are looking to augment their wellness efforts! Together with NAIS, we are creating a space for educators to come together to collaborate, build relationships, and discover wellness strategies to improve their school community. This inaugural event will feature […]
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The Huddle: Healthy Leadership Teams and Board Effectiveness
Tyler Casertano, Head of School at The Haverford School (PA), will share his proven strategies for fostering strong, positive relationships between leadership teams and boards. Drawing from experiences with his morning stand-ups, leadership retreats, and value-driven goal alignment, Tyler has developed a thoughtful framework for enhancing communication and collaboration within his leadership team. These practices […]
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The Huddle: Conducting an Internal Team Assessment
After a decade at The Frederick Gunn School (CT), Sean Brown recently relocated to southeast Florida to become the Chief Advancement Officer at Saint Andrew’s School in July. With 20+ years of fundraising experience at independent schools and universities, Sean has worked in a variety of fundraising shops and witnessed several leadership transitions. In this […]
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Independent School Legal Update – October 28, 2021 – Webinar
On October 28, 2021, McLane Middleton’s Education Law Group will provide a free, virtual legal update for independent schools. As part of the half-day session, attendees will receive practical strategies for managing risk from experienced practitioners who advise numerous independent schools on a daily basis. This program is recommended for Heads of School, Senior Leadership, […]
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New CDC Guidance for K-12 Schools: Update Your COVID-19 Policies and Protocols for Back-to-School
On July 9, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued updated guidance for COVID-19 prevention in K-12 schools. This updated guidance should be carefully considered and integrated into schools’ health and safety policies and protocols as the 2021-2022 school year approaches. The CDC guidance emphasizes that in-person learning is a priority, even […]
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Five Tips for Writing Effective Volunteer Job Descriptions
Once you have published your Guide to Giving and Getting Involved and have identified your school’s volunteer needs, it is time to develop job descriptions for each position. Without job descriptions, you risk matching the wrong person to the job, misusing the volunteer’s time, and having no formal means of giving feedback and celebrating your […]
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How to Adapt Your Enrollment Strategies for Millennial Parents
If marketing to millennials seems to be more difficult, you’re probably right. Not only do millennials have shorter attention spans, but they also have high expectations. Their generation expects your school to supply high-quality academics focusing on well-rounded students, organic lunches free of chemicals and not served on plastic products, comprehensive outdoor education and play, […]
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Boost Engagement and Build Community With Virtual Events
Hosting a community-building event in the wake of COVID-19 may seem like an impossible task, but building community is more important than ever in our current environment. Schoolwide community building helps connect students, parents, teachers, and leaders. These personal connections will foster new school traditions and promote a sense of purpose, inclusiveness, and responsibility. You […]
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Four Steps for a Successful Marketing Communications Audit
Do you know which marketing tactics are working at your school and which ones require your attention? Find the answers with a marketing communications audit. ISM defines marketing communications as how your school develops messages and carries out integrated strategies. Your approach informs the way you promote your school values and nurture constituent relations—their commitment […]
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How to Create a Terrific Case for Support
One of the pillars of an effective fundraising campaign is your school’s Case for Support. The Case for Support communicates with donors and prospects, and begins the process of matching their values and interests with your school’s mission and guiding principles. Here’s how to create a terrific Case for Support. The Case for Support should […]
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Here’s What You Need to Know If You Experienced a Fall Admission Bump
ISM Consultants have worked with many school Admission and Marketing Directors who enjoyed surprising spikes in inquiries and applications during the late 2020 summer months. And, while this may seem like encouraging news, we caution against premature excitement. Keep in mind the bump in enrollment may come from families who are not aligned with your […]
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Six Ways to Use Your “Guide to Giving and Getting Involved” During and After COVID-19
Many schools are engaged in all or partial distance learning. This does not reduce the need for volunteer or philanthropic support. In fact, it is critical to remind parents your school must be sustained through the commitment of time and money from its friends. ISM recommends creating and using a “Guide to Giving and Getting […]