Rethinking the Start of School: How Leaders Can Set the Tone for a Year of Belonging, Clarity, and Calm
School leaders can transform chaotic August openings into community-building opportunities through intentional practices that prioritize belonging before business, clarity before complexity, and calm before chaos. Research shows the first three weeks set the foundation for the entire year—make them count with restorative, relationship-centered approaches.
Relationship Mapping for Student Wellbeing: A Data-Driven Approach for Independent Schools
In a recent podcast episode with Millbrook School’s leadership team, I discovered their groundbreaking approach to relationship mapping for student wellbeing that combines strategic data collection with intentional relationship-building. Their innovative methods offer independent schools a practical roadmap for transforming student support.
Advisory Program Evaluation: Is Your Program Working Before August?
Many schools have advisory programs that exist in schedules but don’t create meaningful connections. This research-based evaluation framework helps administrators assess whether their advisory program is truly working through current indicators, warning signs, and practical assessment strategies for transformative relationships.
Data-Driven Student Wellbeing: How Independent Schools Can Transform Mental Health Support Through Comprehensive Assessment
Independent schools are discovering that systematic wellbeing assessment reveals crucial insights missed by traditional approaches. By surveying the entire community and analyzing which factors most impact mental health, schools can target resources effectively and create measurable improvements in student wellbeing.
The Leadership Reset: 5 Questions Every Independent School Leader Should Ask Before the Year Begins
Effective independent school leadership requires intentional reflection before diving into the new year. These five strategic questions help heads, deans, and division directors clarify their leadership purpose, establish boundaries, prioritize relationships, build support systems, and define success for sustainable, impactful educational leadership.
Student Substance Abuse Prevention: Lessons for School Leaders
In a recent conversation on the Dean’s Roundtable Podcast, substance abuse prevention experts shared crucial insights about emerging trends, effective policies, and student-centered approaches that are transforming how schools address substance use while supporting student wellbeing and community health.
Psychological Safety in Workplace Conversations: Expert Tips
Discover how psychological safety transforms workplace conversations. Learn from conflict expert Ryan Dunlap’s proven techniques for managing difficult discussions, building trust instantly, and creating environments where teams can address challenges without fear of retaliation or judgment.
Summer Program Planning: Risk Management & Best Practices
Summer programs offer incredible opportunities for student growth, but successful planning requires careful attention to risk management, safety protocols, and program balance. Learn essential strategies for creating enriching summer experiences while prioritizing student wellbeing, from comprehensive planning frameworks to effective safety measures that ensure memorable and secure programming.
Teaching Leadership Skills to Students: Beyond Student Council
Teaching Leadership Skills to Students: Beyond Student Council In a recent conversation with Jeremy LaCasse, Assistant Head of School for Student Life at TAFT School in Connecticut, I explored how teaching leadership skills to students creates collaborative learning environments where students develop agency and problem-solving abilities. Leadership isn’t reserved for student council positions or team […]
AI Deepfakes in Independent Schools: Prevention & Response
Recent data shows alarming trends in AI-generated deepfake images affecting students. This conversation with Evan Harris explores how independent schools can develop effective policies, support victims, and implement appropriate disciplinary measures while navigating the complex legal landscape of these incidents.