What Do We Need Our New Schools To Do?

Hi Inner Circle Member:

We are in the middle of wonderful fall weather. Though we may not have set any sunshine records for our summer in Vancouver, our autumn has been sunny and warm. My family and I are taking advantage of the weather and heading down to one of the beaches in Vancouver’s English Bay. If you have never been to Vancouver, it is a fantastic setting -- surrounded by our North Shore mountains, sailboats, Tai Kwando and volley-ballers, wind and kite surfers, and international freighters anchored lazily at the foot of the mountains. I have always bragged that Vancouver is one of the few places where you can ski, golf, and sail all in the same day. I hope you have a great weekend with those close to you.

Today I am going to reflect on some of the critical elements in education reform that are emerging in new schools.

Enjoy the eNewsletter,

Doug Halladay
President and Founder
Halladay Education Group Inc.

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

P.S. Do not hesitate to send me your questions. They are a great starting point for the eNewsletter.

================================

In This Issue

================================

1. In The News

2. Services You Can Use

3. What Do We Need Our New Schools To Do?

4. Products You Should Take A Closer Look At

5. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

==================================
1. In The News
==================================

As bullies go online, schools crack down - But critics say rules limit free speech

When students arrived this year for the start of school in Arlington, Texas, they were given a one-page contract to sign. They would not send harassing e-mails to other students. They would not send offensive digital pictures, download video footage or hack into another student's e-mail account. They would not instant-message at all.

As bullies go online, schools crack down - But critics say rules limit free speech

When students arrived this year for the start of school in Arlington, Texas, they were given a one-page contract to sign. They would not send harassing e-mails to other students. They would not send offensive digital pictures, download video footage or hack into another student's e-mail account. They would not instant-message at all. - By Kirsten Scharnberg / Tribune national correspondent - September 14, 2007

To read more click on the following:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-cyberbullyingsep14,1,3035863.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

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2. Services You Can Use

==================================

Do you want your private school or nonprofit to be more successful in board governance, to effectively develop your own strategic plan, or start your own school? If so, our services can help. Please email us at info@halladayeducationgroup.com or call us at 604-868-0002 to find out more about how we can help you with:

1. Starting A School
2. Strategic Planning
3. Board Governance Workshops & Evaluations
4. Head of School Searches & Evaluations
5. Coaching for Board Chairs and Heads of School
6. Institutional Assessments
7. International Student Marketing/Recruiting
8. International Education Reform Projects
9. Curriculum Development & Project Management

Get all the details here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/services.php

==================================
3. What Do We Need Our New Schools To Do?
==================================

As you may guess, I am approached by a lot of people who are not satisfied with today’s education system and feel that there is a better way of helping students learn. That was one of the reasons I was attracted to the private education system myself; you have a stronger hand in effecting change that has an immediate impact on student learning and achievement.

Clients that approach me want help in focusing their vision of educational reform and make it happen. They want to change (reform) the way the education system exists today for their children or community and put a plan together that realizes their vision (the future) and enables teachers and students to learn more effectively.

I have always made it a practice to follow trends in new school projects and education reform programs to see what has spurred them on, what they hope to achieve, and the results.

These include localized projects such as Philadelphia’s “School of the Future,” Pitt Meadow’s Greybrook Academy, or at a national level, Sanford Weil’s National Academy Foundation. With all of these schools, they provided new models of instruction. Some of the elements that they have in common include:

1). Alternate Approaches to Instruction and Assessment:

They build flexible learning models to encourage learners to share their understanding in multiple formats. Traditionally a school’s yardstick for achievement was measured by classroom hours or completion of courses. Instead of focusing on the clock, they focus on HOW students are spending their time. Students today are more adaptive than ever. Kids can figure out new technology without manuals or any How-To Dummy Books (really, do you ever see them use one?). My own kids use a new software program without flinching. Today’s Web 2.0 generation wants personalization. They can create your own Face Book account, their own Google homepage, or even a ring tone on their cell. They expect information to be immediate, personalized, and usable, but they want to show what they know in their own way. They need flexibility to allow them to learn and demonstrate their level of expertise, and to create their own instructional agenda and assessment.

2). PERSONAL LEVELS OF Academic EXCELLENCE

These schools increase relevancy without decreasing academic excellence and challenge students to achieve at their personal level of excellence. They recognize that students can do more.

3). Transformation of the teacher to an instructional team

The traditional school has the teacher as an instructional storage tower or silo. If the teacher is absent or they move to another school, the level of instruction is directly impacted. The new schools recognize that subjects and instruction are done collaboratively, just like in today’s workforce.

4). 21^st Century learning tools and resources

The new schools move away from students acquiring static information with 20^th Century tools, but rather support the attainment of digital materials and access to technology for both the teacher and student. These tools become critical elements of the student’s learning environment.

5). Access to knowledge

These schools recognize that they can supplement content expertise with instruction and experiences from industry experts. They use technology to allow instructional experts into the classroom.

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4. Products You Should Take A Closer Look At
================================

Do you want effective tools that can help you start or lead your school on non-profit? These two product categories can help.

(A). "Strategic Planning Toolkit: 10 Steps to Success!!" (#1 BEST SELLER)

Learn How To Develop Your Own Strategic Plan Like The Pro's With This Easy To Follow, Step-By-Step, All-In-One Strategic Planning Toolkit. Get all the details here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/stratgic_planning_toolkit.php

(B). "Inner Circle Webinar Series -- Secrets of Starting A School From The Trenches” (#2 BEST SELLER)

Are you still struggling with starting your own for- or non-profit K-12 School, College, University, or Institute? You're not alone. I share with you how to start a school from the viewpoint of those who have been in the trenches and understand how to put a school together efficiently, and cost effectively. These include:

1. “Independent School Formation: The Critical First Steps"

2. “9 Secrets To Starting A US Charter School”

3. “8 Golden Rules of Starting a Junior School”

4. “Starting a Successful Private Senior School from the Ground Up”

5. “10 Steps To A Winning Strategic Plan”

6. “The Whole Enchilada - All 5 Webinars at 40% Off”

Get all the details here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/webinaroverview.php

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5. Inner Circle Thought of the Week
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FIRST GRADERS

A first grade school teacher in Virginia had 25 students in her class. She presented each child in her classroom the first half of a well-known proverb and asked the child to come up with the remainder of the proverb. It's hard to believe these were actually done by first graders. Their insight may surprise you. While reading, keep in mind that these are first graders, 6-year-olds.

1. Don't change horses ................................................until they stop running.
2. Strike while the..........................................................bug is close.
3. It's always darkest before......................................... Daylight Saving Time.
4. Never underestimate the power of........................... termites.
5. You can lead a horse to water but.................... ........how?
6. Don't bite the hand that.............................................looks dirty.
7. No news is.................................................................impossible.
8. A miss is as good as a............................................. Mr.
9. You can't teach an old dog new................................ math.
10. If you lie down with dogs, you'll.............................. stink in the morning.

Smile and enjoy the day.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

To your success,

Douglas Halladay

President and Founder
Halladay Education Group Inc.

4316 Arthur Drive, Ladner, BC, Canada, V4K 2W8
P: 604.868.0002 / F: 868.472.8737 / Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.com

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

P.S. Do not forget to check out our secure Online Store for ways to invest in improving or starting your own school or non-profit. Here is the link:

--> http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/products.php

=======================================================

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Hi Inner Circle Member:

How has your week been?

Last weekend I was down at my cabin lazily lounging around the backyard, with our kids and friends. You know the type: friends around, barbeque, golfing, a few beers, swimming down at the beach, and good laughs.

I love those kinds of week-ends.

And then, we all have to get back into the routine.

This brings me on to my point. Many of you generously sent me your questions about how to start, operate, and lead your school and/or non-profit more effectively. I’m going to answer a few of your questions in today’s eZine.

Enjoy today’s eZine,

Doug Halladay

President and Founder
Halladay Education Group Inc.

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

================================

In This Issue

================================

1. Services You Can Use

2. Products You Will Want To Invest In

3. Questions From Inner Circle Members

4. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

==================================

1. Services You Can Use

==================================

Do you want your private-independent school or non- or for-profit to operate more efficiently, do you want your board to govern effectively, to develop your own strategic plan, or start your own school? If so, my services should be able help your organization. Please email us at info@halladayeducationgroup.com or call us at 604-868-0002 to find out more about how I can help you with:

• Starting A School
• Strategic Planning
• Board Governance Workshops & Evaluations
• Head of School Searches & Evaluations
• Coaching for Board Chairs and Heads of School
• Institutional Assessments
• International Student Marketing/Recruiting
• International Education Reform Projects

Get all the details here: http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/services.php

================================

2. Products You Will Want To Invest In

================================

Do you want straight shooting information products that can help you start or lead your school on non-profit more effectively? These two product categories can help.

(A). "Strategic Planning Toolkit: 10 Steps to Success!!" (#1 BEST SELLER)

Learn How To Develop Your Own Strategic Plan Like The Pro's With This Easy To Follow, Step-By-Step, All-In-One Strategic Planning Toolkit. Get all the details here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/stratgic_planning_toolkit.php

(B). "Inner Circle Webinar Series -- Secrets of Starting A School From The Trenches” (#2 BEST SELLER)

Are you still struggling with starting your own for- or non-profit K-12 School, College, University, or Institute? You're not alone. I share with you how to start a school from the viewpoint of those who have been in the trenches and understand how to put a school together efficiently, and cost effectively. These include:

1. “Independent School Formation: The Critical First Steps"
2. “9 Secrets To Starting A US Charter School”
3. “8 Golden Rules of Starting a Junior School”
4. “Starting a Successful Private Senior School from the Ground Up”
5. “10 Steps To A Winning Strategic Plan”
6. “The Whole Enchilada - All 5 Webinars at 40% Off”
   

Get all the details here: http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/webinaroverview.php

==================================

3. Questions From Inner Circle Members

==================================

QUESTION #1. My children are gifted learners whose learning styles are not being met by the school they attend. We know other parents who are in the same situation. What do we need to do to start a private school? – DM, Detroit, Michigan

Whew, that is a big question, but one I am asked daily. Parents out there know when their child is happy in school, feel challenged, and are learning to their own personal level of excellence. When it is not happening, everybody in the house knows it. Every private school you see today whose mission serves a specific sector of the learning community (e.g., dyslexia, gifted, prep, arts, single gender, ESL), usually started from very humble beginnings. But they all started with a group of dedicated founders who zealously believed in their vision of a school where their son or daughter could thrive.

Here are my time-tested rules for starting a school:

RULE 1: CLEAR VISION. Create your vision and mission statement, core values, and educational philosophy for your school. This will drive your decision making and be your lighthouse. Identify the kind of school your market needs and will support, as well as what you want as parents. Ask parents and community leaders for their opinions. If possible, perform a feasibility study to support the process of identifying demand and market.

RULE 2: STEERING COMMITTEE & GOVERNANCE SYSTEM. Form a small working committee of capable peers to do the initial work, including parents and highly regarded stakeholders with financial, legal, leadership, and building experience. It's critical to ensure that each member is on the same page in reference to the vision, publicly and privately. Eventually these same members will likely become your board, so follow effective board governance process. Utilize the strategic plan you'll develop later to set up supporting committees.

RULE 3: INCORPORATION & TAX EXEMPTION. File incorporation/society papers with appropriate Province or State agency. The lawyer on your Steering Committee will deal with this. Establishing incorporation will limit liability in the case of lawsuits, create a stable image, extend the life of the school beyond the founders, and provide an insurable entity. A 3rd party lawyer should be consulted. Submit as early in the process your tax exemption application with appropriate authorities to obtain your non-profit status. You can then begin to solicit tax deductible donations.

RULE 4: STRATEGIC PLAN. Develop your strategic plan at the start, culminating in the later development of the business, financial, and marketing plans. This will be your blue print of how the school is going to start and operate over the next 5 years. Don't try to do everything in the first 5 years unless you have been fortunate enough to find a donor to fund the entire project. This is your chance to lay out, step-by-step, the process for the development of the school. You'll determine the enrollment and financial projections, prioritize staffing, programs, facilities, in a methodical, measurable way. You'll also keep your Steering Committee on track and focused.

RULE 5: BUDGET-FINANCIAL PLAN. Develop your formation and 5 year budget based on the goals of the Strategic Plan. The financial person on your Steering Committee should take responsibility for this. As always project your assumptions conservatively. You should also map out the school's accounting procedures: record keeping, check signing, disbursements, petty cash, bank accounts, record keeping, reconciling bank accounts, and audit committee.

RULE 6: FUNDRAISE. You need to plan your fundraising campaign carefully. Resist the urge to jump in. Develop your capital campaign and case statement methodically and then implement systematically. Let your Development Committee lead this. They say that you should raise at least 50% of the funds before you even announce the campaign. Your strategic plan is important at this stage as it provides potential donors concrete evidence of your vision and where the donor can fit it, and your financial priorities.

RULE 7: LOCATION & FACILITIES. Find your interim/permanent school facility and either purchase or rent/lease, or develop your building plans if you're building your own facility from scratch. The Building Committee will lead this assignment. Check requirements of building zoning, class size, fire - building codes, and teacher-student ratios, etc. You should also take into account your mission-vision-philosophy and the learning resources. Rental space for the classroom can be obtained from unused schools, churches, park buildings, community centers, apartment complexes, and estates. When renting, consider the availability of additional space for expansion, and obtaining a lease with at least one year's notice for cancellation, with opportunity for alteration of the building and some protection against major capital expenses and a long-term arrangement with specified rent levels.

RULE 8: STAFFING. Through a search process defined by a detailed position profile based on your mission-vision, select your Head of School and other senior staff. Conduct your search as widely as possible (don't just hire someone you know). Write job descriptions, personal files, benefits, and pay scales for your staff and faculty and administration. Your Head will drive the enrollment campaign and marketing, and the initial decisions for resources and staffing. When hiring staff, make sure they understand the mission and how much work it takes to start a school. It's invaluable to attract great faculty; in the end it's the staff that'll make or break the school. To attract great staff you need to ensure that you have a competitive compensation package.

RULE 9: MARKETING AND RECRUITING. You'll need to market for students, that's your lifeblood. Members of the Marketing Committee and Head need to develop a Marketing-Enrollment Plan to promote the school. This includes: public meetings, newspaper ads - inserts, mail drops, radio, community TV, and coffee sessions. You'll need to you're your message based on your mission-vision. You'll need to design your own brochure, communication materials, web site, and set up a mailing list to keep interested parents and donors in touch with progress. Open your school office and phones, and have the Head of School begin admissions interviews and tours.

RULE 10: INFRASTRUCTURE. Your Head of School and senior staff will put together the critical internal elements of a successful school: insurance, educational and extra-curricular programs, uniforms, timetable, handbooks, contracts, student management systems, reporting, policy, traditions, etc. Do not leave the important things until the last minute. Set your structure on day 1.

Now it's opening day. Welcome your new parents and students and begin your traditions. Start off with a something memorable, bringing in dignitaries, or having a family BBQ. Start to set up memberships in national, provincial, and state private school associations.

If you would like more information about STARTING A SCHOOL, call me at 1-604-868-0002 or email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com

Or get more details here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/school_ser_form.php

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4. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

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REASONS FOR NEVER SAYING “NEVER” ==> FORECASTS…

"Man will never reach the moon regardless of all future scientific advances." -- Dr. Lee DeForest, (Father of Radio & Grandfather of Television)

"There is no likelihood man can ever tap the power of the atom." -- Robert Millikan, Nobel Prize in Physics, 1923

"Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons." -- Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949

"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." -- Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943

"I have traveled the length and breadth of this country and talked with the best people, and I can assure you that data processing is a fad that won't last out the year." -- The editor in charge of business books for Prentice Hall, 1957

"But what is it good for?" -- Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division of IBM, 1968, commenting on the microchip

"640K ought to be enough for anybody." -- Bill Gates, 1981

"This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us," --
Western Union internal memo, 1876.

"The wireless music box has no imaginable commercial value. Who would pay for a message sent to nobody in particular?" -- David Sarnoff's associates in response to his urgings for investment in the radio in the 1920s.

"The concept is interesting and well-formed, but in order to earn better than a 'C,' the idea must be feasible," -- A Yale University management professor in response to Fred Smith's paper proposing reliable overnight delivery service. (Smith went on to found Federal Express Corp.)

"I'm just glad it'll be Clark Gable who's falling on his face and not Gary Cooper," -- Gary Cooper on his decision not to take the leading role in "Gone With The Wind."

"We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out," -- Decca Recording Co. rejecting the Beatles, 1962.

"Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau." - - Irving Fisher, Professor of Economics , Yale University - 1929.

"Everything that can be invented has been invented," -- Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, US Office of Patents, 1899

"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." -- Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977

Smile and enjoy your day.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

To your success,

Douglas Halladay

President and Founder
Halladay Education Group Inc.

4316 Arthur Drive, Ladner, BC, Canada, V4K 2W8

P: 604.868.0002 / F: 868.472.8737 / Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.com

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

Visit our Inner Circle Blog at http://halladayeducationgroupinnercircle.blogspot.com/

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

P.S. Do not forget to check out our secure Online Store for ways to invest in improving or starting your own school or non-profit. Here is the link:

--> http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/products.php

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Hi Inner Circle Member:

Well, we are almost ready to relax and enjoy our summer (is July really almost over?). My daughter has 1 more show left in her musical theatre production. The theme is Golda takes over from Teve in Fiddler on the Roof because he broke his leg skate boarding. Hey, I believed it.

We are entertaining friends out from England, so we are hoping to share with them weather that is different from what is happening back in Britain (I saw flooding in Oxford). I may even pull my Ping golf clubs out and imperil the rest of the golfing community by playing a few rounds.

I hope your summer has been warm, lazy, and fun.

Enjoy today’s eZine,

Doug Halladay
President Halladay Education Group Inc.
www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

================================
In This Issue
================================

1. Services You Can Use

2. Products You Will Want To Have

3. Developing Policy Manuals

4. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

==================================
Services You Can Use
==================================

Do you want your private school or nonprofit to be more successful in board governance, to effectively develop your own strategic plan, or start your own school?

If so, our services can help.

Please email us at info@halladayeducationgroup.com or call us at 604-868-0002 to find out more about how we can help you with:

• Starting A School
• Strategic Planning
• Board Governance Workshops & Evaluations
• Head of School Searches & Evaluations
• Coaching for Board Chairs and Heads of School
• Institutional Assessments
• International Student Marketing/Recruiting
• International Education Reform Projects

Get all the details here: http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/services.php

================================
2. Products You Will Want To Have
================================

(A). "Strategic Planning Toolkit: 10 Steps to Success!!" (#1 BEST SELLER)

Learn How To Develop Your Own Strategic Plan Like The Pro's With This Easy To Follow, Step-By-Step, All-In-One Strategic Planning Toolkit. Get all the details here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/stratgic_planning_toolkit.php

(B). "Inner Circle Webinar Series -- Secrets of Starting A School From The Trenches” (#2 BEST SELLER)

Are you still struggling with starting your own for- or non-profit K-12 School, College, University, or Institute? You're not alone. I share with you how to start a school from the viewpoint of those who have been in the trenches and understand how to put a school together efficiently, and cost effectively. These include:

1. “Independent School Formation: The Critical First Steps"
2. “9 Secrets To Starting A US Charter School”
3. “8 Golden Rules of Starting a Junior School”
4. “Starting a Successful Private Senior School from the Ground Up”
5. “10 Steps To A Winning Strategic Plan”
6. “The Whole Enchilada - All 5 Webinars at 40% Off”
   

Get all the details here: http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/webinaroverview.php

==================================
3. Developing Policy Manuals
==================================

WHY HAVE POLICY MANUALS?

I am amazed when I work with existing schools that have little or no policy manuals. That too goes for new schools. What happens is whenever a situation or crisis arises (and it’s a crisis when there are no consistent rules), a new decision is made. Do you have any idea how frustrating that would be for a parent, student, or staff member? The inconsistency would drive them crazy AND away from your school (think re-enrollment!).

Some people think that a policy manual for staff, students, parents, and even board members creates too much bureaucracy. However, the opposite happens. You create consistency and efficiency in your operations and management, and build an environment where people understand their roles and responsibilities and focus on the mission of the school…teaching young people.

Today we find ourselves in a sophisticated and complex society. The school community is expecting more and more of schools. Policies and guidelines are needed if school leaders are to deal with their responsibilities efficiently and meet the challenges of parent demand, tighter budgets, and added programs.

A well designed policy handbook gives the school’s CEO the protection necessary to handle challenges encountered daily. It provides immediate answers to handle personnel, student expectations, finances, employee benefits, and parent and board behaviour. It provides the administrator with a framework for rules (policies) within which to function. It gives him or her immediate control and strengthens his or her position as the leader, rather than causing him or her to delay decisions until the board meets. It also helps as a guide to discretionary action, and allows him or her to use discretion with individual cases. It ensures that All individuals are treated fairly.

THE BOARD HAS 4 FUNCTIONS

An important principal to remember is that the board establishes policy and the administration carries it out. I know of some schools that have run into problems because the roles of the board and administration were not firmly understood by both parties. Boards DO NOT manage schools. On the other hand, administration should not establish policy, since they are an employee of the board, and their role is to carry out policy. Truth be told, the board has 4 main functions:

1). Hire the CEO;
2). Approve and monitor the budget;
3). Develop and implement the mission and strategic plan;
4). Establish school policy.

WHAT IS POLICY?

A policy is a course of method of action adopted by the board to guide present and future decisions. A policy has the full authority of the board behind it. To break a policy is to commit insubordination. Policy is company law, and it communicates to staff, students, parents, and the trustees what the board expects. Policies should always be written down; anything else would be open to interpretation and misunderstanding. It is always wise to have a lawyer look over all your policy manuals to make sure that they are within the law.

HOW TO WRITE POLICY

Effective policies and regulations need to be clear-cut and clear. They need to express the board’s decisions about what should be done (policy) and the administrator’s directions as to how, by whom, when, and where they will be done (regulations).

The language should be precise but not legalistic (can you imagine that in a student handbook!). They policies should be easy to read to be understood by the audience. All your handbooks should be consistent in style and format. It would be helpful if one person were given responsibility for writing all of the policy (probably the chief administrator).

You need to establish a priority to determine which handbook to work on first: student, staff, parent, alumni, boarding, and/or board of governors. If you are a new school, you should develop a staff handbook first, then students, parents, and board (normally you can imbed these in your bylaws or constitution).

It is also important to keep your policy manuals accurate and current. This means someone needs to regularly maintain them. Hence, you need a regular procedure for updating manuals.

One of the best methods in developing policy manuals for a new school is to have the board and staff work together, in a creative manner, with neither feeling threatened by the other. You then have a lawyer familiar with school and/or employment laws examine it. It would also be helpful to have other sample policy manuals from other schools to work with. You may not agree with everything they say, but they will serve as a springboard for ideas. One final note is to ensure that all your policies are consistent with your school’s mission, vision, values, and philosophy. You want build on your mission, not tear it down.


I have developed a professional portfolio of templates for the following handbooks, which I can tailor to your school’s needs, including manuals for:

• parents
• students
• staff
• residence
• alumna/e
• trustee and goverors

If you would like more information about DEVELOPING POLICY MANUALS, call me at 1-604-868-0002 or email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com

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4. Inner Circle Thought of the Week
================================

INSTRUCTIONAL SIGNAGE

Hi-rise under Construction:
TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE THE STREET BELOW

In a Laundromat:
AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT

In a London department store:
BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS
In an office:
WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN

In an office:
AFTER TEA BREAK STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD

Outside a secondhand shop:
WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN?

Notice in health food shop window:
CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS

Spotted in a safari park:(I sure hope so)
ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR

Seen during a conference:
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR

Notice in a farmer's field:
THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES.

Message on a leaflet:
IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET LESSONS

On a repair shop door:
WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING. (PLEASE KNOCK HARD ON THE DOOR - THE BELL DOESN'T WORK

Smile and enjoy your day.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
To your success,

Douglas Halladay
President and Founder

4316 Arthur Drive, Ladner, BC, Canada, V4K 2W8
P: 604.868.0002 / F: 868.472.8737 / Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.com www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

P.S. Do not forget to check out our secure Online Store for ways to invest in improving or starting your own school or non-profit. Here is the link: --> http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/products.php

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Hi Inner Circle Member:

Happy July. It is finally summer in Vancouver, BC. After a soggy June (yes, all we talk about is the weather here!), someone has finally flipped the switch and turned on the summer weather (and temperatures). Today, our temperatures are hitting 27 degrees Celsius (for those of us over 40 or living in the USA that is 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit).

We have our kids in a few activities (musical theatre and robotics; not combined!!) in July, though we will be off to our Point Roberts, Washington, cabin for August. Last weekend we had ALL our young cousins at the house…I’m still cleaning up! This weekend we are heading over the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island to visit with our friends we made when I was Head of Queen Margaret School. It is a beautiful valley with wineries, organic crops, beaches, secret swimming holes, and drifting miles (oh, kilometers) down the Cowichan River on a hot day. I hope your summer plans are enfolding as you had planned.

Many of you have sent emails thanking or condemning me for my eZine section, “Inner Circle Thought of the Week.” Talk about hitting both ends of the market. For those of you that have met me, you’ll know that a sense of humour is a part of the way I approach work and my personal life. I think that you can never take life too serious, and you need to sometimes take a step back and catch your breath and see life from the glass half-full. Hence, the addition of humour in my correspondence to you. I think you’ll like today’s simple home remedies.

Two effective services you should consider before you start school up again this fall:

1). 1-Day Board Governance Retreat to unite your board and fine-turn their performance. To find out more, cut-and-paste or click here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/online_assessments.php

2). Strategic Planning to bring your school together. To find out more, cut-and-paste or click here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/strategic.php

Enjoy today’s eZine,

Doug Halladay

President

Halladay Education Group Inc.

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

NOTE: If you want to see this eZine in a more eye-catching format, you can read it and the past issues at my BLOG at:

--> http://www.HalladayEducationGroupInnerCircle.blogspot.com

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In This Issue

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1. Services You Can Use

2. Products You Will Want To Have

3. Strategic Planning Workbook - Looking At The Mission Statement

4. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

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1. Services You Can Use

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Do you want your private school or nonprofit to be more successful in board governance, to effectively develop your own strategic plan, or start your own school? If so, our services can help. Please email us at info@halladayeducationgroup.com or call us at 604-868-0002 to find out more about how we can help you with:

- Starting A School

- Strategic Planning

- Board Governance Workshops and Evaluations

- Head of School Searches

- Coaching for Board Chairs and Heads of School

- Institutional Assessments

- International Student Marketing/Recruiting

- International Education Development Projects

To find out more click and/or cut-and-paste click here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/services.php

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2. Products You Will Want To Have

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(A). "Strategic Planning Toolkit: 10 Steps to Success!!" (#1 BEST SELLER)

Learn How To Develop Your Own Strategic Plan Like The Pro's With This Easy To Follow, Step-By-Step, All-In-One Strategic Planning Toolkit. To find out more, cut-and-paste or click here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/stratgic_planning_toolkit.php

(B). "Inner Circle Webinar Series -- Secrets of Starting Your Own School” (#2 BEST SELLER)

Are you still struggling with starting your own for- or non-profit K-12 School, College, University, or Institute? You're not alone. I share with you how to start a school from the viewpoint of those who have been in the trenches and understand how to put a school together efficiently, and cost effectively. These include:

1. “Independent School Formation: The Critical First Steps"

2. “9 Secrets To Starting A US Charter School”

3. “8 Golden Rules of Starting a Junior School”

4. “Starting a Successful Private Senior School from the Ground Up”

5. “10 Steps To A Winning Strategic Plan”

6. “The Whole Enchilada - All 5 Webinars at 40% Off”

To find out more, cut-and-paste or click here:

http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/webinaroverview.php

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3. Strategic Planning Workbook - Looking At The Mission Statement

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Today, I am taking a section from my Strategic Planning Workbook, which is part of my Strategic Planning Toolkit ©. Strategic planning encompasses innumerable facets of effective leadership. Principals and Head’s of School who involves strategic planning in his or her administrative setting will incorporate these three dimensions:

1. Analyzing the present and anticipating the future;

2. Establishing a vision, mission and goals based on “what is” and “what should be”;

3. Establishing specific objectives and actions.

In my research at San Diego State University, it has been found that school leaders fail in planning due to “bad process’ rather than any inadequacies in the plans themselves. The skills involved in developing the plans are of little consequence. Thus, if the leader is not effectively prepared in developing a cohesive, organized plan, the leader, will also not be prepared to implement the plan.

I maintain that plans are not forecasts or predictions of what will be or should be. They are agendas for action. The plan will be incomplete until it calls for specific persons to begin doing specific things, with specific timetables. The school leader is the “specific person” who will initiate the implementation of the objectives of the strategic plan. The plans are of no value if they are not put into action.

MISSION STATEMENT: a brief, comprehensive statement of purpose of an agency, program or subprogram.

The mission statement is an important tool in focusing your organization’s efforts. The mission is part of the organization’s identity, is all encompassing and rarely changes, and is the ultimate rationale for the existence of the organization. When writing a mission statement, consideration should be given to these questions:

Who are we?

What do we do?

For whom we do it?

Why do we do it?

How do we do it?

Mission Statement Criteria. It should reflect the distinctive competencies of the organization:

- It should be brief

- It should be simply worded and easily understood

- It should not be so universal that it could have been written for any school

- It should be clear statement about what, who, and how the organization serves

- It should have a primary focus on a single strategic thrust (vision)

In Worksheet No. 8 we look at your mission statement. A mission statement should clarify the organization’s purpose and indicate why it is doing what it does. In other words, it should answer the question, “Ultimately, what are we here to do? You will need to answer the following questions:

1. What is your current mission? What does it say about who you are, what your purpose is, what business you are in, who you serve, and how you serve them?

2. To complete the process, you should clarify three questions within the organization:

A. WHAT function does the organization perform (need)?

B. WHO does the organization primarily perform for?

C. HOW does the organization plan to go about its business?

3. In general, what are the basic needs you exist to fill? Or, what are the basic problems you exist to address?

4. What is your role in filling these needs or addressing these problems? How does it differ from the roles of other organizations? (Remember, don’t be a so safe in you description that you could use your statement with another school).

5. In general, what do you want to do to recognize or anticipate and respond to these needs or problems?

6. How should you respond to your key stakeholders?

7. What is our philosophy, and what are your core values?

8. Is your current mission dated, and if so, how?

9. What changes in the mission would you propose?

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MISSION STATEMENT LITMUS TEST

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Take a look over the checklist below and indicate if your mission statement meets the criteria of the litmus test.

Checklist

1. Does it clearly state what business you are in?

2. Is it broad enough that all staff in the organization can see how they contribute?

3. Can the mission survive changes in administration?

4. Is the rationale for the organization’s existence clear?

5. Does it articulate the ultimate outcomes you want?

6. Will it make sense to average citizens if they see it on your office wall?

7. Does it answer who we are, what and for whom we do what we do, and why it’s important?

8. Is it obvious why we spend money on such an effort?

9. Will you be embarrassed if you see it on the front page of the newspaper?

How did you score? A good mission statement should hit at least 7 out of 9. If you did not fair so well, then you should seriously review your mission statement at your board’s next annual retreat. Remember, it is the mission that drives the organization.

If you would like more information about STRATEGIC PLANNING, call me at 1-604-868-0002 or email me at info@halladayeducationgroup.com , or go to:
--> http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/strategic.php

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4. Inner Circle Thought of the Week

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AMAZINGLY SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES

1. If you are choking on an ice cube, don't panic. Simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat and presto, the blockage will be almost instantly removed.

2. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop.

3. You can avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat just by using the sink.

4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use an egg timer.

5. A mouse trap placed on top of your alarm clock will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives. Then you will be afraid to cough.

7. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer. You will forget all about the toothache.

8. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them. (Personally, I think this should be number one.)

9. Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are:
In life, you only need two tools - WD-40 and Duct Tape.
If it doesn't move but should, use the WD-40.
If it should not move and does, use the duct tape.

Smile and enjoy your day.

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To your success,

Douglas Halladay

President and Founder

4316 Arthur Drive, Ladner, BC, Canada, V4K 2W8

P: 604.868.0002/F: 868.472.8737/Email: info@halladayeducationgroup.com

www.HalladayEducationGroup.com

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P.S. Do not forget to check out our Online Store for ways to invest in improving or starting your own school. Check it out here:

--> http://www.halladayeducationgroup.com/products/products.php