Webinars

Upcoming Webinars

Recent Webinars

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Engage 100 Donors: Manage Multiple Touchpoints

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

For Independent School Advancement and Development Professionals

Britt Ellice

Facilitated by:

• Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE
• Kiana Noble, Marketing Executive, ToucanTech

Featuring:

• Britt Ellice, Development Director, Bishop Stortford's College, an Independent Boarding and Day School for 1,200 Students, Ages 4–18

Data shows that donors who engage with your school in multiple ways stick around longer, and in turn, give more.

Understanding the fundraising activities, messaging, and campaigns that cause people who have given before to continuously give in new and different ways is crucial in creating engaging donor experiences that retain enthusiastic, loyal supporters.

Learn how to create exceptional donor experiences, through campaign pages built with your fundraising goals in mind. See how a system can help keep donors in touch with school news by using one system for all alumni communications, newsletters, online donations, and event management. This session will contain strategies for how to best build and track these relationships.

Participants will learn:

• How to cross-reference affinity with giving propensity 
• How to plan for successful donor journeys

This will be an interactive session with questions and discussion woven throughout.

Presentation Slides | Presentation Recording

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

PowerOptions Introduction for MA and RI Member Schools

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EST

For Massachusetts and Rhode Island
AISNE Member School Business Officers and Heads of School

Meet AISNE's new Cooperative Purchasing Partner

Hosted by:

• Kristin Bedard, Director of Communications & Member Engagement, AISNE

Featuring:

• Leaders from PowerOptions (MA/RI)
• Peers from AISNE Member Schools working with PowerOptions (MA/RI)

AISNE is excited to announce a new cooperative purchasing partner, PowerOptions, the largest nonprofit energy-buying consortium serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

PowerOptions leverages the buying power of more than 450 nonprofits and public entities, including 25+ AISNE member schools, to negotiate advantageous energy arrangements.

Comprehensive offerings include:

• Electricity & Natural Gas Supply
• Solar: Onsite Turn-key Projects, Remote Offtake, Storage
• Sustainability Planning, Energy Efficiency
• Renewable Energy Certificates, Carbon Offsets
• Electric Vehicle Purchasing and Conversion, EV Chargers

PowerOptions understands the energy needs of schools, providing competitive pricing and pre-negotiated contracts with strong customer protections. Participating schools also benefit from a PowerOptions energy consultancy team, steadily available to support all of your school's utility and energy-related questions.

For more than 20 years, nonprofit PowerOptions’ mission is to help participating schools save money on energy needs so schools can invest those savings back in their own missions.

Learn more at our AISNE Webinar, 12 p.m. EST on Tuesday, June 22, or at poweroptions.org/aisne.

Presentation Recording

AISNE Cooperative Purchasing Partners offer opportunities for AISNE member schools to access savings through the power of collective purchasing contracts. AISNE does not receive payment in relation to member schools' participation in these programs.

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Prepare an Effective School Response to Bias and Harassment Complaints 

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

Kai McGintee and Amber Attalla

Facilitated by:

• Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Kai McGintee, Head of Education Investigations Practice, Bernstein Shur
• Amber Attalla, Attorney, Bernstein Shur

In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement and increasing awareness of systemic racism, independent schools are fielding more racial bias and harassment complaints by students and employees. These complaints are difficult and sensitive to manage, and independent schools should be prepared to handle these complaints before one is made. This webinar will cover common issues that arise in the handling of bias complaints drawn from actual case scenarios. The presenters will also equip school administrators with best practices to improve their school’s bias incident response.

In this webinar, the presenters will discuss:

• The overlapping yet distinct concepts of implicit bias, microaggressions, discrimination, harassment, and bullying;
• How to respond to requests for confidentiality/anonymous complaints;
• When a complaint can be resolved informally;
• When a formal investigation is required;
• Selection of an investigator;
• How to address witnesses’ concerns about participation, retaliation, and transparency;
• How to effectively manage an investigation outcome.

This will be an interactive session with questions and discussions woven throughout. 

Presentation Recording | Presentation Slides  | Social Media Report | Additional Resources

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Gender Inclusion Work in Schools: What is Gender and Why Does it Matter?

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

For All Independent School Community Members: Faculty, Staff, and Administrators

Alex Myers

Facilitated by:

• Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Alex Myers, Author, Transgender Advocate

What is gender? What is the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation? What are some of the challenges of accommodating transgender students in our school communities? 

Today, more Americans than ever before know someone who is transgender — a person whose gender identity does not match the one they were assigned at birth. A recent study by the Human Rights Campaign shows that 22 percent of Americans know or work with a transgender person, an uptick from 17 percent in a similar study last year.

This webinar is for all individuals at all schools, regardless of where you feel you are in this work.

In this session attendees will:

• Learn the meaning of gender
• Understand why schools should care about gender with respect to classrooms, facilities, and policies
• Discuss the structures and systems that must be re-examined to achieve gender inclusivity

This was an interactive session with questions and discussions woven throughout.

Presentation Recording | Genderbread Person (Newer Version) | Genderbread Person (Older Version) 

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Fireside Chat with Finalsite's Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist Officer
Optimize Your School's End-to-End Digital Enrollment Capabilities

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EST

A webinar for admissions, marketing, communications, and advancement leaders

left to right: Claire Leheny and Rob DiMartino

Featuring:

• Claire Leheny, Executive Director, AISNE
• Rob DiMartino, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist Officer, Finalsite

The pandemic has attracted new forms of interest in the value of independent school education:

• Through this time, 70% of independent schools have experienced increased or stable enrollments
• 58% of NAIS schools reported an increase in interest during Summer 2020 in comparison to Summer 2019

There's never been a more powerful time to focus inward, to examine the tools, systems, and processes your school uses to raise student and family awareness and foster engagement, while also looking outward, to deepen your team's understanding of the ever-evolving factors which influence enrollment in your school.

Join Claire and Rob as they discuss these trends and how independent schools' people, platforms and processes will continue to evolve as schools consider the best forms of engagement of today's digitally-minded consumers.

Presentation Recording

Monday, May 10, 2021

Navigating Your School's Response to Bias-Based Incidents

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

left to right: Anthony Cruthird, Trina Ingelfinger and Jenni López

Facilitated by:

• Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Anthony Cruthird, Attorney, Sanghavi Law Office, LLC
• Trina Ingelfinger, Attorney, Sanghavi Law Office, LLC
• Jenni López, Attorney, Sanghavi Law Office, LLC

Students are disclosing incidents of racism and bias, putting schools on notice of their grievances. Some schools have also been confronted with allegations of not adequately addressing racism or bias-based incidents affecting their students. 

In this webinar, explore the question of how schools can be effective in addressing reports of racism and bias-based incidents. Through a case study centered discussion, expand your toolkit for managing and adequately responding to such reports. 

Join this webinar to:

• Discuss scenarios in which a school may be put on notice of an incident requiring a response 
• Gain an understanding of the range of responses to bias-based incidents
• Appreciate how a school’s mission and shared values can be a foundation for addressing racism and bias-based incidents

This was an interactive session with questions and discussion woven throughout.

Presentation Slides 

Monday, May 3, 2021

R.E.A.L.® Discussion: Inclusive Pedagogy for Middle and Upper School Classrooms 

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

left to right: Liza Garzonik and Patrick Farmer

Facilitated by:

• Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Liza Garzonik, Founder, R.E.A.L.® Discussion
• Kel Morgan, Director of Partner Success, R.E.A.L.® Discussion
• Patrick Farmer, Grade VI Gradehead, Shady Hill School 

R.E.A.L.® helps all students find their voice within academic discussion. A system for naming the skills we need for real conversation -- and empowering Gen-Z to learn them -- R.E.A.L.® bridges DEI and CBL best practices and gives teachers a method for making class discussion a place for all students to belong, learn and grow.

Join this webinar to learn about R.E.A.L.® Discussion and share your needs and insights on these topics, as educators and administrators.

AISNE is proud to be presenting a three-part AISNE Cohort experience on R.E.A.L.® Discussion: June 21, July 21, and August 17 -- 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. EST each day -- coupled with an online R.E.A.L.® Discussion course program. Learn more and register, here.

Presentation Recording

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Care for Your School Community Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic: Plan, Prepare, and Support a Safe School Experience

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, business leaders, and human resources

Featuring:

• Matthew D. Batastini, Managing Partner, Schwartz Hannum PC
• Mike Klingshirn, MPH, CPH, PMP, Director of Consulting Services, Fusion Cell
• Jennifer Borislow, Principal, Borislow Insurance

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact all aspects of the school experience, many members of our school communities are looking forward to the fall with hopes of returning to “normal.”  People’s willingness and compliance to get the vaccine and follow the recommended safety measures are necessary in this vision.  What can we expect from the fall and what can we do to ensure a safe experience for all members of our school community? What support and scaffolding is essential and necessary for my community?

As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes widely available, spring and summer planning will involve discussions of paths your school may pursue to best support individuals and groups. This webinar will explore these paths and the challenges, obstacles and opportunities schools are facing (directly and indirectly) as a result of COVID-19. 

Our presenters will share insights and offer guidance related to: 

• procedures and policies
• behavioral health needs and opportunities
• physical/space-related considerations  

We will elevate topics that you likely want to consider with your community in order to plan and prepare for a smooth return to school in the fall. 

This discussion will cover:

• The insurance-related benefits available to faculty, staff, and administrators that offer the next level of support in a time where the landscape is shifting
• The physical space related considerations and scientific data our schools should be considering this spring and summer as we work to prepare for the 2021-2022 school year
• The legal considerations related to policies and procedures schools are taking to ensure safety and comfort for all

Attendees will leave with takeaways to help them to:

• Improve campus culture, policies, and messaging
• Have a better understanding of vaccine-related considerations currently top of mind
• Deal with these challenges in ways that consider the various constituency groups while prioritizing the health and safety of all members of the school community.

This session also featured an opportunity for breakout rooms by state and a live Q & A.

For the session recording, and a copy of the webinar slides, email Kathie Duffy at Schwartz Hannum PC.

Monday, April 12, 2021

Legal Considerations Surrounding the COVID-19 Vaccine and Related Hot Topics

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, business leaders, and human resources

Facilitated by:

• Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Matthew D. Batastini, Managing Partner, Schwartz Hannum PC
• Brian B. Garrett, Partner, Schwartz Hannum PC 

You and members of your adult school communities are largely now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.  Our independent schools throughout New England are, therefore, facing critical, and rapidly evolving, issues of how to approach this next phase of the pandemic.  Join us for an updated conversation about best practices for handling COVID-19 vaccinations for employees, students, and other community members.  Matt and Brian will address several critical questions relating to vaccinations at independent schools:

• Whether schools should be mandating employees, students, or vendors to be vaccinated, and the legal considerations for doing so.
• What role should schools take in facilitating vaccinations for community members.
• How documents should be updated to reflect COVID-19 vaccinations, such as employee offer letters, job descriptions and job applications, student enrollment contracts, and student handbooks.
• How to properly respond to, and document, requests for exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Considerations for opening school campuses as vaccine sites.
• Strategies for communicating with key constituencies regarding vaccination.
• Issues to consider related to your summer programs 

Your interests and needs guided the features and content of this webinar.

For the firm's COVID-19 checklist, session recording, and a copy of the webinar slides, email Kathie Duffy at Schwartz Hannum PC.

Thursday, April 8, 2021

Tuition Refund Requests Due to Distance Learning

1:00 - 2:00 p.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, business leaders and human resources.

Facilitated by:

• Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Linda Johnson, Director, Litigation Department and Co-chair of Education Law Group, McLane Middleton
• Susan Schorr, Of Counsel, Litigation Department and Vice Chair, Education Law Practice Group, McLane Middleton
• Jack Strain, Executive Vice President at A.W.G. Dewar, Inc. 

Many independent schools, like colleges and universities, had to shut down campuses and transition their academic operations from classroom to distance learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, many schools were faced with requests for tuition refunds. Some had provisions in their enrollment agreements that addressed situations like a pandemic or other situations which might cause a shutdown of their campus. Unfortunately, others did not. Looking back on the past year, there has also been an outcry and even class actions on the college and university level demanding prorated tuition and other damages.Trends at this higher education level sometimes have a trickle-down effect on elementary and secondary independent schools.  

This webinar, offered by attorneys and a tuition refund insurance professional, will cover the legal and insurance side of these class actions and tuition refund demands as well as steps that schools can take to help mitigate the costly financial exposure to such claims while maintaining good and ongoing relationships with families. 

A few things we do know heading into this session and the spring:

This discussion will cover: 

• What clauses in enrollment agreements can help schools to better deal with tuition refund demands caused by campus closure.
• The current class action climate and early results of the court claims.
• What coverage there is under tuition refund insurance if any. 

Attendees will leave with takeaways to help them to: 

• Improve their enrollment agreements.
• Have a better understanding of how tuition refund insurance works.
• Deal with this difficult issue in a way that helps to maintain a good relationship with families. 

This session featured an opportunity for breakout rooms by state and a live Q & A.

Session Recording | Presentation Slides

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Your Brand is Now More Important Than Ever

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, enrollment, marketing, and fundraising development professionals.

Facilitated by:

• Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

• Roger Sametz, President, Sametz Blackstone Associates

Over the past year, independent schools across New England have had to make significant adjustments to the way they operate, including hybrid learning, strict health protocols, and new ways of interacting on campus.  

If you’re tasked with attracting prospective students, strengthening relationships with parents and alumni, and connecting with donors, you’ve faced the challenges of reduced budgets, online-only events, and new fundraising needs—all of which have required plenty of real-time problem-solving.  

The vast majority of schools have lost opportunities to connect in ways they are used to: giving prospective students personal tours, and meeting with parents, grandparents, and other donors in an “up-close-and personal”way. 

Lacking these face-to-face encounters, and unable to effectively demonstrate your academic, athletic, and social-emotional value, your brand is now more important than ever. While it was always important, your brand is now the carrier of what you promise, your position in the landscape, your value,  and values. It is a main driver for enrollment and fundraising. 

As we put 2020 in the rearview mirror, it’s time to refocus on the core of your communications  toolbox: a resonant, compelling, differentiating visual and verbal brand. Your ability to stand out in  the crowded New England landscape is critical to your success across all endeavors—especially in  uncertain and rapidly changing times.  

Join this session for in-depth case studies and a step-by-step process to:  

• Refine and refresh your brand foundation: what you mean, for whom, and why anyone should  care
• Evolve your messaging and system of brand expression to unambiguously present “you" and your differentiated value
• Make every communication, across media, work harder for you and your colleagues—and save  time and money along the way 

This discussion covered: 

• How to build a “mosaic brand” that cuts through multichannel noise—from desired attributes, to storylines, through to visual expression, and workshops for your team and board 
• How to create a messaging architecture with “tilts” to speak to your different key audiences, and  take advantage of different opportunities
• How the development and implementation of a strong brand helps you bridge “silos” amongst your communicators 

Attendees will leave with templates to help them:

• Craft a table of guiding attributes
• Conceptualize a messaging framework
• Think of brand expression systemically 

This session featured an opportunity for live Q & A.

Presentation Slides | Webinar Recording 

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

More Than Reinventing the Wheel: Develop a Technology Plan for 2021 and Beyond

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, chief financial officers, business officers, technology leaders and senior administrative team members

Facilitated by:

• Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE
• Keith Krass, Director of Marketing, Veracross

Featuring:

• Page Lennig, Director of Technology, Waynflete School
• Catherine Hall, Head of School, Noble and Greenough School
• Christina Lewellen, Executive Director, Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS)

Over the past year, schools across the country made major technology and training investments to ensure learning would continue safely and with minimal disruption. These strategic decisions prompted close partnership and collaboration across all members of your leadership team. They also raised critical questions for the future.

Join this webinar for practical peer examples and ideas to consider to:

• Develop a manageable and sustainable technology budget for 2021-2022 and beyond
• Foster an effective partnership between head of school, chief financial officer, director of technology, and additional team members

This discussion covered:

• New and emerging technology trends likely to impact schools into the future
• Pandemic innovations and applications likely to continue post-pandemic
• Technology-related threats and risks for independent schools to understand and anticipate

Your interests and needs guided the features and content of this webinar.

Presentation Slides | Webinar Recording

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Economic Aid for Independent Schools: CARES Act, PPP, PPP 2.0 and Beyond

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, chief financial officers, business officers, senior administrative team members and board committee chairs

Facilitated by:

• Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Pat Closson, Director, McLane Middleton, Corporate Department Chair
• Bill Enck, Principal, BerryDunn, Employee Benefits Tax Group
• Kim Kramer, Director, McLane Middleton, Corporate Department
• Eric Leuteritz, Pentucket Bank, Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending Team Leader
• Seth Webber, BerryDunn, Principal, Valuation

There are many new opportunities available related to new Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS). On December 27, 2020, the Economic Aid Act was signed into law. The Act includes a new round of Paycheck Protection Loans as well as new guidance on the original Paycheck Protection Plan, expanded stimulus benefits originally issued under the CARES Act, and more.

Come learn how your school community can benefit from these changing rules and programs.

Join this webinar to:

• Get the latest updates on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans
• Learn how the CARES Act and PPP1 and PPP2 will affect the 2020 and 2021 tax years, respectively
• Understand how the changes to the Employee Retention Tax Credit impact eligibility for the credit in 2020 and 2021
• Hear about how paid sick and extended family leave credits have been extended for 2021
• Learn about PPP Expense and Deductibility best practices
• Discuss the 25% “drop in gross receipts” issue when applying for PPP2
• Interpret plans and preparations to consider if you decide to apply and accept

This session was informed by questions submitted by registrants in advance.

Presentation Slides | Webinar Recording 

Thursday, January 21, 2021

COVID-19: Vaccine Policy and Procedure Considerations

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, senior administrative team members, health and communications leaders

Facilitated by:

• Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Matthew D. Batastini, Managing Partner, Schwartz Hannum PC
• Brian B. Garrett, Partner, Schwartz Hannum PC 

New England states have begun to indicate K-12 educators will be prioritized to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. 

Join this webinar to be informed about the latest key legal considerations as your school enters this new ground.

Topics explored will include: 

• Steps your school can and should consider taking to facilitate vaccinations for your community members
• Updating documents such as employee offer letters and handbooks, and student enrollment contracts and handbooks, to reflect your school’s COVID-19 vaccination policies
• Considerations related to mandating vaccines for employees, students and vendors
• Strategies for communicating about vaccinations with key constituencies 

For the firm's COVID-19 checklist and a copy of the webinar slides, email Kathie Duffy at Schwartz Hannum PC.

Thursday, January 14, 2021

COVID-19: Where We Are Now and Where We Are Going

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, senior administrative team members, health and communications leaders

Facilitated by:

• Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

• Dr. Ingrid Katz, Associate Faculty Director at the Harvard Global Health Institute and Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School

COVID-19 vaccines are here, presenting independent schools with new sets of challenges.

Dr. Ingrid Katz joins us to share information about current conditions and projections for what’s to come.

This webinar will include Q&A and discussion focused on how to communicate transparently with your school community as information surrounding the disease and vaccines continues to evolve.

Join this webinar to gain:

• The latest facts about COVID-19 vaccines and distribution plans
• A general sense of related timelines, including when we can anticipate being able to take masks off
• An appreciation of the inequities that exist when it comes to vaccine accessibility
• An understanding of what these dynamics mean for your school, and recommendations for ways to support your community through clear and effective communications

Presentation Slides | COVID-19 Resources | Webinar Recording! 

Friday, December 18, 2020

The COVID-19 Vaccine is Here: Practical Recommendations for Independent Schools

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, senior administrative team members and health directors actively involved in encouraging and coordinating vaccine compliance

Facilitated by:

• Claire Leheny, Executive Director, AISNE

Featuring:

• Susan Schorr, Esq., Vice-Chair, Education Law Practice Group, McLane Middleton
• Laura McKelligott Kahl, Esq., Litigation Department, McLane Middleton

COVID vaccines are here and now you need to determine whether to mandate or strongly recommend your faculty, staff and students be inoculated.

Learn more about which approaches will promote campus health and safety, and when and how schools need to accommodate resistance from community members to receiving their shot in the arm.

Together, we focused on:

• What New England governors are saying about prioritizing teachers and other education community members for immunization
• How to analyze the pros and cons of mandating school community members be vaccinated versus strongly recommending inoculation
• Drafting tips for faculty/staff offer letters and contracts, and enrollment agreements
• How to accommodate legitimate exemptions to vaccinations
• Where things stand with younger children and vaccination

Presentation Slides | Guide | Webinar Recording

Friday, November 13, 2020

Changes in COVID Testing Protocols for Higher Ed: What They Mean for Your Boarding Program

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school and senior administrative team members actively involved in reopening planning

Facilitated by:

• Claire Leheny, Executive Director, AISNE

Featuring:

• Mike Klingshirn, MPH, CPH, PMP, Director of Consulting Services, Fusion Cell
• Matt Morrissey, Chief Operating Officer, Fusion Cell

Last week the Massachusetts Higher Education COVID-19 Control Plan was revised to include more detailed testing protocols for students residing on campus. Most notably, the plan outlines that “at risk” populations be tested every 2-7 days. These changes take effect January 1, 2021.

Look more closely at these changes. Consider how they are designed for higher ed institutions and how they may relate to your community.

Together, we focused on:

• How the control plan has changed in terms of surveillance testing
• How boarding schools can interpret these changes
• What an integrated and robust testing strategy may look like in the coming year
• Examples of existing and developing testing programs

Presentation Slides | Webinar Recording

Zoom Office Hours: Tips & Resources

September | October | November

These sessions are for any AISNE member school administrator, faculty, staff, or board committee chair seeking help making the most out of the features and functionalities of Zoom.

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Bring your Zoom questions, your wish list, your frustrations! This is a standing webinar during which we'll walk through features including Zoom Breakout Rooms, as well as routines and processes to consider to make your experiences in Zoom most productive and enjoyable, both for you as host, as well as for your attendees. 

These sessions are designed to offer tips, tools and suggestions, informed by the numerous events AISNE has hosted using Zoom since we all went remote in March. Whether you're developing a class, a staff meeting, a parent event or another type of meeting, we're here to help!

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Competitive Athletic Programs in COVID: Finding the Right Approach for Your School

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, athletic directors, and senior administrative team members actively involved in reopening planning

Facilitated by:

• Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Mike Klingshirn, MPH, CPH, PMP, Director of Consulting Services, Fusion Cell
• Matt Morrissey, Chief Operating Officer, Fusion Cell
• Joe Williams, Head of School, New Hampton School
• Greg Schneider, Head of School, Belmont Hill School
  

Athletics play a central role in providing a well-rounded experience for our students and families. Running a competitive sports program during COVID brings new complexity. In this webinar, experts in public health will discuss the current COVID-19 guidance regarding athletic activities and how you can establish a risk mitigation plan that suits your school.

Together, we focused on:

• The latest guidance from state, local, and national authorities regarding athletic activities and COVID-19
• How to evaluate the risks and create a plan that works for students, coaches, and parents
• How to adapt your plans as conditions change or as restrictions tighten or loosen

Presentation Slides | Webinar Recording

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Make Existing Buildings Healthier: Adaptive and Responsive Approaches

8:30 - 9:45 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, chief business and operations officers, facilities directors, and senior administrative team members

Facilitated by:

• Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE
• Dick Webb, Senior Principal, SMRT
• Nick Vaughn, Principal and Educational Practice Lead, SMRT

Featuring:

• Jon Kasper, Principal and Senior Mechanical Engineer, SMRT
• Ben Halleck, Senior Mechanical Engineer, SMRT
• Shawn Johansen, Director of Facilities, Hyde School, Bath, Maine

Your faculty, staff, students and families have returned to school and your campus reopening plan has been activated. You've adapted and responded to the ever changing landscape of this pandemic.

Engage with our panel to:

• Understand how existing systems can be adapted to help reduce the need to create new ones
• Be advised of changes that support healthier buildings and community spaces
• Learn from key adaptive and responsive approaches

Participants will be entered to win a free consultation session. Two SMRT team members will consult with the winning school for a day. Participants will also receive a complimentary Safer and Healthier School Checklist.

Thursday, October 1, 2020

FAQs of PPP Loan Forgiveness

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, chief business officers and senior administrative team members

Facilitated by:

• Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Christine DiMenna, Principal, blumshapiro
• John Toscano, Partner, blumshapiro

Your school has completed all the necessary steps to be approved and granted a PPP loan. You have allocated the funds and had the necessary discussions about how you intend to use the loan. Now you need some additional information about PPP loan forgiveness and an opportunity to pose your questions to some experts.

Engage in this webinar for:

• A rundown of the associated materials including key FAQs
• The differences between the applications: easy form vs. full form
• Tricks and traps to avoid
• Guidance about advanced work you may consider

Webinar Recording

Friday, September 25, 2020

COVID-19, the ADA, and Reasonable Accommodations
Rights and Obligations of Schools, Faculty, Staff and Students

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, chief business and operations officers, facilities directors, human resource leaders, and senior administrative team members

Facilitated by:

• Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Gregory Manousos, Morgan, Brown & Joy

The pandemic and the reopening of school has led to many questions about the rights and responsibilities of schools, faculty, staff and students with respect to working on campus vs. remotely, making modifications to physical spaces to promote safety, and the implications of remote learning.

This session will provide an overview of:

• Legal rights for reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state laws
• Recent related guidance from state and federal authorities
• Practical advice for avoiding legal pitfalls while operating safely and productively

Presentation Slides | Webinar Recording 

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Build Equitable Online Teaching Practice Capacity within Your Faculty

10:00 - 11:30 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, senior academic administrative team members and curriculum leaders

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring: Marshall Thomas, PhD, Founder and Lead Faculty, Enact Academy

As you prepare for a new school year in uncertain times, consider how to build institutional capacity in online and blended teaching.

This session focused on:

• online teaching practices that support all learners
• practices that benefit learners on the margins

Using the framework of the Hallmarks of Great Online Learning, we delved into research-backed practices known to improve outcomes and engagement in online and blended learning modalities.

Presentation Slides | Webinar Recording

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Contact Tracing
Understand how it works, create a plan for your school

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, chief business officers, health center leadership and other leadership involved in school testing and tracing efforts

Facilitated by: Claire Leheny, Executive Director, AISNE

Featuring:

• Louis Gutiérrez, Executive Director, Massachusetts Health Connector
• Jana Ferguson, Assistant Commissioner, MA Department of Public Health
  
• Kevin Cranston, Director, Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, MA Department of Public Health
• Sara Staats, Program Management Office, Community Tracing Collaborative

If you're preparing to reopen for in-person learning in September, you're likely working to plan for how you'll work closely with your local health board to help identify and monitor positive COVID-19 cases and contacts.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), in partnership with the Community Tracing Collaborative (CTC), has developed a menu of options for how schools and local health boards may partner to address the range of needs and capabilities of schools in these areas, while also ensuring the consistent deployment of critical public health protocols.

As part of their work, this team is also considering the particular needs of boarding schools.

Join this webinar to hear from Louis, Jana and fellow collaborators from the MA Department of Public Health and the Community Tracing Collaborative. 

Massachusetts Community Tracing Collaborative

• Overview
• How Community Tracing Works

Presentation Slides | Webinar Recording

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Build Community Connection During These Times of Distancing
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

A webinar for administrators and educators

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Serena Wilkie Gifford, Head, Tower School
• Liz Buchan, Head of Lower School (PK-5), Tower School
• Ryan Buckley, Head of Upper School (6-8), Tower School
• Christine McCarthy, Fifth Grade Teacher, Tower School
  

The pandemic took us all by surprise. Every independent school was faced with accomplishing an urgent shift to online forms of engagement.

Join Serena and members of the Tower School’s Distance Learning Team (DLT) to hear how they’ve built and strengthened community during these times of physical distancing and remote learning.

Together, we focused on:

• Making the most of current resources
• Ways to streamline communications and bolster engagement
• Examples of the power of highly effective collaborations
• Ideas for building community while not physically together in the same space

 Webinar Recording

Monday, August 3, 2020

A Conversation Among Colleagues: Progress and Key Considerations as You Scenario Plan to Reopen Campus
3:00 - 4:15 p.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school and senior administrative team members actively involved in reopening planning

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

In partnership with:

• Erika Eitland, Research Analyst, Perkins & Will
• Brooke Trivas, Principal, K-12 Education, Perkins & Will

State education and national public health department guidance have you and your team planning for a variety of reopening scenarios and operating models, for this fall and beyond.

Come together with your peers and leaders from global design practice Perkins and Will to share your progress, your key considerations, and your biggest outstanding items. As with most shared leadership challenges, this is an opportunity to gain strength and vision from your peers as you share experiences and help each other leapfrog obstacles.

This webinar will include breakout room discussions by school types and roles within your school.

Prompting questions to consider in advance of our time together:

• What will be recommended and what will be required within your school's reopening plan?
• Which team members are positioned to enforce the plans your school devises?
• What are the three main reopening priorities for your school and in what order?

Webinar Recording | Presentation Slides

Monday, August 3, 2020

Leverage Your Community Relationships in Preparation for Reopening School
Is there a doctor in the house?

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school and senior administrative team leaders

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Brendan Largay, Head, Belmont Day School
• Deborah Brissenden, Assistant Head of School and Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Belmont Day School
• Dr. Ingrid Katz, infectious diseases-trained physician, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Associate Faculty Director, The Harvard Global Health Institute, and current parent, Belmont Day School

Join Brendan, Deborah and Ingrid as they share their experiences collaborating to bring together their expertise to best serve the needs of their community. They will share structures and processes they’ve implemented to inform their decision making in preparation for reopening campus and returning to in-person learning.

Together, we focused on:

• Tips for making the most of key expertise within your school community
• Navigating the continual flow of infectious disease updates and safety guidelines specific to reopening school during COVID-19
• The powerful outcomes that result from leading your school with empathy and an open ear to the needs and concerns of all constituents within your community
• Opportunities available to you, as a leader, to spread responsibilities and ownership, through delegation and partnerships

Webinar Recording | Presentation Slides | Path to Zero & Schools: Achieving Pandemic Resilient Teaching and Learning Spaces

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Newest COVID-19 Legal Updates for Independent School Leaders
2:00 - 3:15 p.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, financial, operations and human resource leaders

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Sara Goldsmith Schwartz, Founder and President, Schwartz Hannum PC
• Matthew Batastini, Managing Partner, Schwartz Hannum PC

Sara and Matt will share the most recent legal updates with respect to the COVID-19 climate. Following 45 minutes of updates from Sara and Matt, there will be a 30-minute question and answer session, during which Sara and Matt will answer previously-submitted and live questions.

Hot topics are evolving daily—while additional topics may be added, the speakers plan to address the following:

• The shifting landscape of school reopening
• Bracing for government policy shifts and public school opening plans
• Communicating effectively with parents about uncertainty
• Addressing employee concerns about returning to school
• Key compliance documents to implement/update 

For the firm's Coronavirus 2019 checklist and a copy of the webinar slides, email Kathie Duffy at Schwartz Hannum PC

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Reopening this Fall: Understanding DESE Guidelines and Drafting Policies
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, finance, operations and human resource leaders

Facilitated by: Claire Leheny, Executive Director, AISNE

Featuring: Brian Garrett, Partner, Schwartz Hannum PC

Last week, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) issued initial guidelines for re-opening school in the fall. These guidelines raise many questions for independent schools in Massachusetts. For example, to what degree must our schools adhere to those guidelines and what may be open for interpretation and adaptation? Join us for a webinar considering good-practice planning for this fall and advice for balancing clarity with flexibility in developing a re-opening approach that's right for your school.

Our goals for this webinar are to help independent school leaders:

• Understand the impact of DESE’s guidelines on your school
• Inform your process as you build policies and plans for re-opening
• Consider your school's risk exposure in re-opening this fall

Following 30 minutes of perspective from Brian, this webinar will feature a 30-minute question and answer session, covering questions submitted during registration and those submitted live.

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Prepare to Reopen Dining Services During the Pandemic
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, chief financial / operating officers and facilities leaders

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Ray Mulligan, President, FLIK Independent School Dining
• Eileen Coughlin, Regional Vice President, FLIK Independent School Dining
• Danny Coto, Executive Vice President, EHA Consulting Group

As you consider reopening school, anticipations of guidelines and standards frame your planning processes and decision making. If your school offers dining services, thinking about these resources and facilities is a major part of your work.

Join this webinar for strategic and tactical guidance about:

• The new reality for independent school dining services
• Amplifying safety and sanitation procedures, across operations, culinary processes, service areas and technology
• Menu engineering
• Health and safety practices for handling dishes, utensils, beverages and more
• Developing a phased approach to help all community members feel comfortable as you return to school
• Creating a plan that honors the style your school's food service experience
• Communicating new norms to your community

Webinar Recording | Presentation Slides | NPR Article 

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Higher Ed Learnings for Reopening School
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, senior administrative team members and division leaders

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Jeff Stebar, Principal, Higher Education Practice Leader, Perkins & Will
• David Damon, Principal, Higher Education Practice Leader, Perkins & Will

As you consider reopening school, anticipations of guidelines and standards frame your planning processes and decision making. Gain further insights into how the higher ed community is navigating this space, including lessons learned from forums comprised of 100+ institutions.

Join this webinar to learn about:

• Expected health promotion and risk mitigation standards
• Considerations for student residences, large event spaces and mechanical systems
• Ideas for incorporating the student voice
• Examples of best practices which may turn into new policies
• Sample timelines and key focus areas
• A return to school road map

This hour featured a presentation and the opportunity for discussion and Q&A.

Webinar Recording | Presentation Slides | Return To Campus Road Map | Student Insight

Create Boundaries for Yourself While Supporting Parents
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

A webinar for educators and administrators

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Phyllis Fagell, Licensed Clinical Counselor
• Debbie Reber, Parenting Activist, Author, Podcast Host and Speaker
• Catherine Steiner-Adair, Clinical Psychologist, Researcher, Author and Consultant

This spring has been full of unexpected twists and turns for all of us. It has impacted students, families and all members of your school's community. The summer will present its own unique challenges, as parents continue to balance work and childcare during a pandemic.

Join for strategies to:

• Keep parents engaged with each other and your school
• Advise parents about tools and resources for successfully "parenting in place"
• Support yourself and your community reaching September renewed and restored

Webinar Recording | Share Parenting in Place with Parents in Your Community 

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Planning Forward: Early Childhood and Early Elementary School Virtual Teaching Experiences
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

A webinar for educators and administrators

Friday, May 8, 2020

Effectively Care for Yourself and Your School Community While in Crisis Mode
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school and senior administrative team members

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured: Carla Pugliese, Educator, Coach, Facilitator

Taking a holistic approach to care of self and others is especially challenging during a crisis. Join this webinar to be supported in addressing the psychological, physical and emotional strains brought on by the pandemic. Discover ways for navigating the juxtaposition of always-on digital modalities with the isolation of the quarantine. Come away refreshed with tools for improving your personal satisfaction and well-being as a leader of your school.

This webinar included:

• Ways routines can help establish balance and boundaries
• Strategies for small and sustainable self-care measures
• Thoughts about drawing boundaries within a fully digital school

Presentation Slides | One Pager | Routine Reset

On-Demand Self-Care: Stretching

• Quick Stretch with Carla No. 1 - Hands: Here
• Quick Stretch with Carla No. 2 - Neck & Shoulders: Here
• Quick Stretch with Carla No. 3 - Hips & Lower Back: Here

Hiring During this Time and Hiring Trends to Watch
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, financial, operations and human resource leaders, division heads, department heads and all in hiring roles

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featuring:

• Devereaux McClatchey, President, Carney Sandoe & Associates
• Jonathan Ball, Managing Associate, Carney Sandoe & Associates
  

Your school needs to interview and hire virtually for the foreseeable future. Join us for insights into this new hiring landscape.

This webinar explored:

• The key ways hiring has changed
• The state of hiring for day schools and boarding schools
• How schools are successfully engaging with candidates using virtual formats
• How schools are ensuring they're making the right hires

Webinar recording  | Case study Questions

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

The Latest COVID-19 Legal Updates
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, financial, operations and human resource leaders

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured:

• Sara Goldsmith Schwartz, Founder and President, Schwartz Hannum PC
• Matthew Batastini, Managing Partner, Schwartz Hannum PC

Join us for an hour exploring the latest legal implications of COVID-19. The first half of this webinar will be devoted to a presentation of latest updates and the second half will feature discussion and Q&A.

This webinar covered:

• Federal loans, Title IX implications and more
• Opening campus to first responders, construction crews and others
• Enrollment and employment agreement contingencies
• Summer camp options
  
• Exploring school reopening scenarios

Monday, April 27, 2020

Coping with a 'Chronic Crisis': Words, Strategies and Wisdom for Heads of School
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

A webinar exclusively for heads of school

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured: Maria Trozzi, Program Director, Joanna’s Place and Founder of the nationally-renowned Good Grief Program

With nearly thirty years of experience supporting hundreds of school communities through life-changing events, Maria will offer her experience and expertise as you lead your community and navigate in waters unknown to all of us.

Join us for a dynamic hour with Maria, featuring both resources and conversation for best supporting faculty, students, parents, yourself and your peers, today and going forward.

This webinar covered:

• Explore caring for ourselves and our leadership teams
• Practice new forms of leadership vocabulary
• Consider ways for being hopeful and supportive during uncertainty
• Discuss the grief people are experiencing, both about the past and the future
• Look at best practices for mitigating isolation among community members
• Discuss supporting colleagues and community members through the process of death and loss

Resources

• Good Grief: A Memo from Maria Trozzi
• Helping Our Children Cope: Words, Strategies and Wisdom
• “Is it 5 o’clock yet?” Strategies to Fast Track Parenting Survival During Corona Times
• IT’S A LOT..... Maria Trozzi

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Compliance Considerations of Federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, financial and human resource leaders who have applied for a PPP loan

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured: Julie Fay, Partner, Shipman & Goodwin LLP

If your school is pursuing a PPP loan, join this webinar for pointers about the key policies, timelines and compliance requirements to keep front and center.

This webinar explored:

• How the PPP loan differs from other relief funds available under the CARES Act
• What it means to be a recipient of PPP loan federal financial assistance
• Policies, notice requirements and timelines for compliance
• Actions needed to comply with Title IX and Title VI requirements, and other applicable civil rights laws
• Impacts specific to single-sex or religious schools
• Additional practical considerations 

Webinar Recording | Presentation Slides

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

The Benefits and Limitations of Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

A webinar for teachers, division leaders, curriculum directors and more, serving students of all ages

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured: Michael Nachbar, Executive Director, Global Online Academy

Schools have been thrust into an impromptu experiment: challenge educators, students, and families to engage in synchronous and/or asynchronous teaching and learning modalities during a time of crisis.

This webinar covered:

• The features and benefits of various virtual learning formats
• Tips and ideas for increasing comfort levels and positive experiences
• Participant sharing and discussion

Webinar recording part I | Webinar recording part II 

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Redefine Fundraising for Your School
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, advancement / development and financial leaders, board chairs and trustees

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured:

• Bob Weston, Senior Consultant, CCS Fundraising
• Brian Nevins, Principal and Managing Director, CCS Fundraising

Join us for practical approaches to successfully fundraising during times of crisis and uncertainty.

This webinar covered:

• Key lessons from past times of crisis
• Unique implications of our current situation
• Tactics for bolstering your annual fund
• Event strategies: galas, auctions, giving days

Webinar Recording | Presentation Slides 

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Independent Schools on the Brink: A Confidential Webinar for Schools Struggling to Survive the COVID-19 Pandemic
4:00 - 5:30 p.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, leadership teams and board members

Hosted by: Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS)

Featured Panelists:

• Ari Betof, President, Organizational Sustainability Consulting
• John Gulla, President, The Edward E. Ford Foundation
• Jim Hulbert, Partner, The Jane Group
• Kristen Power, Senior Director, Membership and Business Development, The Enrollment Management Association
• Debra Wilson, President, Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS)

Numerous independent schools across the nation entered the COVID-19 global pandemic on thin ice, struggling with issues of viability.

True stewardship involves being honest and forthright about the universe of possible and impossible futures for your school, both as a nonprofit organization and as an educational community.

Join with fellow heads, leadership teams and board members of independent schools across the country to discuss the challenges presented by COVID-19.

Please note: anonymous participation and question asking will be supported during this webinar

Webinar Recording | Presentation Slides 

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Navigating COVID-19 Independent School Financial Stability Challenges
3:00 - 4:30 p.m. EST

A webinar presented in partnership with the Independent Schools Association of Northern New England (ISANNE), for heads of school and financial leaders

Facilitated by:

• Eliza Alexander, Interim Executive Director, ISANNE

Featured:

• Ari Betof, Ed.D., President, Organizational Sustainability Consulting
• Kelsey Vrooman, Founder and CEO, Actionable Institutional Research & Data

Ongoing expense obligations coupled with potential declines in net tuition revenue, philanthropy and auxiliary income demand independent schools think strategically and creatively, aligning resources and laying plans in unprecedented conditions.

This webinar considered:

• The combination of financial factors impacting independent schools and those likely to arise in the weeks and months ahead
• The impact to schools with varying degrees of fiscal stability
• The importance of mission-driven, community-focused, data-informed decision making in response to these uncertain times

Resources:

• Webinar Recording
• Presentation Slides
• Navigating Financial Sustainability During the COVID-19 Pandemic- Tips for Independent School Leaders and Boards of Trustees
• OSC Actionable Financial Sustainability Tips Sheet AISNE ISANNE April 16 2020
• Site Links

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Teaching and Being Part of a School Community During a Time of Crisis
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

A webinar for all members of our school communities

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured:

• Michael Thompson, Ph.D., Consultant, Author and Psychologist
• Robert Evans, Ed.D., Clinical and Organizational Psychologist

Come together with fellow teachers, administrators, staff members and more, along with Michael and Rob, to reflect on what it is to be an educator and a contributor to a school community during COVID-19.

This webinar explored:

• Being a school community member during these uncertain and shifting times
• Balancing home, school, and the new demands of supporting virtual working and virtual learning
• Communicating with parents worried about supporting children's online learning

Webinar Recording

Leading During a Time of Crisis
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for exclusively for heads of school

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured:

• Michael Thompson, Ph.D., Consultant, Author and Psychologist
• Robert Evans, Ed.D., Clinical and Organizational Psychologist

Come together with fellow heads of school, along with Michael and Rob, to reflect on what it is to be a leader during these times, and what it is to be a head of school.

This webinar explored:

• The unique challenges of being a leader during these times
  
• The expectations and demands of being a head of school

Webinar Recording

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

The Latest COVID-19 Legal Updates
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, financial and human resource leaders

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured: Sara Goldsmith Schwartz, Founder and President, Schwartz Hannum PC

Be briefed on the most recent updates and potential impacts for your school. Get recommendations for action items to help protect your school and position it for stability through these times.

This webinar covered:

• Federal Loans, Title IX Implications and More
• Opening Campus to First Responders, Construction Crews and Others
• School Mergers, Closings and More
• Enrollment Agreement Contingencies for the Fall
• Student Medical Leaves of Absence: Policies and Paperwork
• Consent, Recording, Zoom and Other Technology Topics
• Considerations for Summer Camps

For the firm's Coronavirus 2019 checklist and a copy of the webinar slides, email Kathie Duffy at Schwartz Hannum PC

Friday, April 10, 2020

CARES Act: What You Need to Know Now
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, financial and human resource leaders

Hosted by: AISNE and ISANNE

Facilitated by: Claire Leheny, Executive Director, AISNE

Featured:

• Linda Johnson, Director, McLane Middleton
  
• Patrick Closson, Director, McLane Middleton
  
• Adam Hamel, Director, McLane Middleton
  

The CARES Act is a wide-ranging piece of federal legislation, intended to support our economy. While there are potential advantages for independent schools to participate in some of the programs created by this legislation, many schools have pressing questions about what federal assistance might mean in both the short and long term.

This webinar addressed:

• A framework for understanding the key components of the CARES Act
• Expected timelines for rollout and potential developments of this new legislation
• Latest guidance on implications for the receipt of financial funds
• Unemployment and workforce reduction issues
  

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Make the Most of Zoom: Explore Key Features
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

A webinar for everyone interested in leveraging Zoom for virtual meetings, webinars, classes, revisit days and more!

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Virtual meetings and classrooms are our new norm! Our team at AISNE has dug into Zoom as our platform of choice, and I am excited to share what we have learned and hear your tips and tricks as well.

This webinar covered:

• Using Zoom Meeting for classes, faculty meetings, parent discussions, and more
• Functionalities of assigning Co-Hosts
• Benefits of the Chat feature
• Participant management
• Best practices for successfully recording a meeting
• Using the Waiting Room
• When and how to have participants Raise Hands
• The value of Breakout Rooms

Presentation Slides | Resource Links | Webinar Recording

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Fundraising During COVID-19
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, advancement/development and financial leaders, board chairs and trustees

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured: Elizabeth Zeigler, President and CEO, Graham-Pelton

Though the global realities and implications of the COVID-19 virus are unprecedented, non-profits have weathered similar storms by taking decisive action. Elizabeth will share first-hand experience guiding non-profits through turbulent times and answer your most pressing questions.

This covered:

• Expertise developed navigating similar turbulence, most notably the Great Recession of 2008 and September 11
• The revealing industry-wide and Graham-Pelton data gathered about historical economic downturns
• Experiences and successes conducting planning studies and launching campaigns in challenging environments
• Immediate actions you can take to elevate your mission and priorities appropriately

Resources:

• Webinar Recording
• COVID-19 and Philanthropy 
• 7 Fundraising Actions During COVID -19
• Seven Lessons from the Great Recession of 2008 that Apply Today 
• Four Truths for Fundraising During Times of Uncertainty
• Philanthropy Without Fear: Setting Fundraising Facts Straight 
• Stewarding Donors Through Crisis

Monday, April 6, 2020

The Latest Legal COVID-19 Employment Updates
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

A webinar for heads of school, financial and human resource leaders

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured: Matthew Batastini, Managing Partner, Schwartz Hannum PC

Federal and state governments have enacted a number of COVID-19 response measures. Matthew Batastini, employment and education attorney with Schwartz Hannum PC, will review these measures and highlight areas of particular relevancy for independent schools.

This webinar covered:

• The Families First Coronavirus Response Act - Summary And FAQs
• The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, And Economic Security (CARES) Act
• Massachusetts Executive Orders
• Modifications to the Massachusetts Unemployment Insurance Program
• Navigating a Partial or Complete Campus Shutdown
• Telecommuting Best Practices
• Considerations for Furloughs and Layoffs
• Keeping Your Campus Safe for Employees
• Implications of Federal and State Employment Laws: FMLA, FLSA, ADA, OSHA & WARN
• Review of Current Frequently Asked Questions

For the firm's Coronavirus 2019 checklist and a copy of the webinar slides, email Kathie Duffy at Schwartz Hannum PC

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Find Balance: Manage Stress and Anxiety
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured: Lynn Lyons, International Speaker and Psychotherapist

Uncertainty -- and the desire to eliminate it -- is the mainstay of worry and anxiety. Anxiety wants to know everything, have a plan, eliminate risk and feel comfortable. COVID-19 and the shifting landscape are putting us to the test. 

Connect with Lynn Lyons to be reminded of the most effective ways you can care for yourself and others during these times.

This webinar covered:

• Common anxiety pitfalls that show up in times of uncertainty
• The difference between catastrophic language and problem solving
• The balance of emotional reaction and emotional management
• The value of boundaries and self care

Webinar Recording | Managing Stress Handout

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Peer Experience: Developing and Launching a Preschool - Grade 8 Virtual Education Plan
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured: Marie Leary, Head, The Sage School and Team

Hear how The Sage School created a virtual education plan aligned with their school mission and its four core pillars: passion, excellence, respect and collaboration.

This webinar covered the team's approach to:

• Support families during a time of school closure
• Create and nurture a sense of belonging: academic, social and emotional
• Plan, communicate and sustain a completely new way of approaching learning and community

The Sage School team shared their journey as well as their reflections at this point in their work.

Webinar Recording | Presentation Slides

Monday, March 30, 2020

Improve Parent Satisfaction, Retain Families
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured: Maria LaTour Kadison, President and CEO, EdwardsCo

Maria is a trusted partner to senior leadership and trustees in independent boarding and day schools and higher education institutions across the country. She's also a graduate of The Wheeler School in Providence, RI.

This webinar covered strategic guidance to:

• Define what you'd like to learn about parent satisfaction across your school's community
• Design your survey questions and approach
• Prioritize action steps proven to yield the most meaningful results
• Fully leverage what you learn

Webinar Recording | Presentation Slides | Parent Satisfaction Survey

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Virtual Learning: Middle and High School
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured:

• Sarah Pelmas, Head of School and O’Donnell Family Chair, The Winsor School
• Denise Labieniec, Dean of Studies, The Winsor School
• Lisa Stringfellow, English Faculty and Ed Tech Coordinator, The Winsor School
  

Hear Sarah, Denise and Lisa's first-hand experience partnering with faculty members and administration to develop a virtual learning program and schedule that honors their school's mission, celebrates their teachers' educational values, and addresses the needs of their community.

This webinar covered:

• How The Winsor School formed its COVID-19 Crisis Team
• The big, centering questions the team addressed in shifting to virtual learning as part of their school's closure
• The strategic training provided to faculty and staff
• The asynchronous and synchronous learning opportunities available to students within the school's model

Webinar Recording | Word Cloud Activity

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Virtual Learning: Early Childhood and Early Elementary
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured:

• Gina Marcel, Primary Technology Integrator, The School at Columbia University
• Kathryn Kaiser, Primary Division Director, The School at Columbia University

How can you best honor teachers' educational values, support families and maintain active learning for children? Dig into strategies that are platform and resource independent, requiring no specific delivery systems.

This webinar covered:

• How to design, implement and deliver online learning environments for the youngest of children
• Advice for preparing and delivering developmentally appropriate, authentic and engaging experiences
• Asynchronous and synchronous delivery methods Gina and Kathryn have piloted

Webinar Recording | Distance Learning Plan Overview | Sample Communication

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Head of School and Board Partnership: Supporting a Shifting Landscape
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

For heads of school, in partnership with your school's board chair and trustees, by head's invitation

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured: John Littleford, Founder, Littleford & Associates

As head of school, COVID-19 has demanded you refocus and reframe to reflect a new reality. How can you and your board best partner to navigate your school to the other side of this pandemic?

This webinar covered:

• Best practices for how boards support heads of school, generally and in times like these
• How to communicate your needs as head, to help support your school's success and your personal wellbeing
• How to best manage constituent communications and expectations during COVID-19
• The most common challenges and stressors for heads and board chairs in significantly challenging times like these
• Simple signals trustees can send to the community to convey school stability and confidence

Presentation Slides | The Ten Sacred Cows of Financial Management

Monday, March 23, 2020

The Latest COVID-19 Updates for Independent Schools
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EST

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured:

• Sara Goldsmith Schwartz, Founder and President, Schwartz Hannum PC
• Matthew Batastini, Managing Partner, Schwartz Hannum PC

This webinar covered:

• Sharing and obtaining information with your community, including confirmed cases COVID-19
• Reviewing and updating key policies and foundational documents
• Campus closures and related employment considerations, given new federal and state legislation
• Remote learning specifics, including an analysis of legal issues relating to school counseling and online privacy
• Responding to tuition refund requests
• Planning for next steps and potentially reopening

For the firm's Coronavirus 2019 checklist and a copy of the webinar slides, email Kathie Duffy at Schwartz Hannum PC

Your Virtual Revisit Day: Succeeding in a New Format
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured:

• Hans Mundahl, Director Of Professional Development, The Enrollment Management Association
• Metta Dael, Director of International Admission, Northfield Mount Hermon School

Make the case for your school to families unable to visit campus.

This webinar covered:

• A helpful revisit day audit tool
• Tips about affordable online platforms for virtual events
• Guidance about pros and cons to virtual revisit days
• Best practices for ensuring successful experiences
• Strategies for maintaining a strong yield with virtual revisits as part of your portfolio
• Peer experiences and best practices

This webinar featured time for peer discussion and idea sharing.

Presentation Slides | Webinar Recording

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Early Childhood Distance Learning Using Zoom
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured:

• Marisa Chin-Calubaquib, Hollingworth Preschool at Teachers College, Columbia University
• Jennifer Lam, Hollingworth Preschool at Teachers College, Columbia University
• Heather Pinedo-Burns, Hollingworth Preschool at Teachers College, Columbia University

Peer early childhood educators shared how they're supporting virtual learning, using Zoom.

This webinar covered:

• Tips for using Zoom Connections to offer small online sessions to young children throughout the day
• Ideas for expanding virtual learning efforts to meet the many domains of learning attractive to young children

This webinar featured time for peer discussion and idea sharing.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Rethinking Revisit Days: Going Virtual
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured:

• Hans Mundahl, Director Of Professional Development, The Enrollment Management Association
• Metta Dael, Director of International Admission, Northfield Mount Hermon School

Make the case for your school to families unable to visit campus.

This webinar covered:

• A helpful revisit day audit tool
• Tips about affordable online platforms for virtual events
• Guidance about pros and cons to virtual revisit days
• Best practices for ensuring successful experiences
• Strategies for maintaining a strong yield with virtual revisits as part of your portfolio
• Peer experiences and best practices

This webinar featured time for peer discussion and idea sharing.

Presentation Slides

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Interviewing at a Distance: Virtual Admissions Interviews, College Counseling Conversations and Online Hiring Practices
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured: 

• Claire Goldsmith, Executive Director, Malone Schools Online Network
• Adam Lips, Director of College Counseling at the Stanford University Online High School

It's a very busy time in the school year, with admissions and college counseling in full swing, plus the hiring season being upon us.

Best practices were shared for using virtual communication methods to keep your school moving forward in these key areas.

This webinar covered:

• Virtual interviewing how-tos
• Key challenges and benefits to be mindful of when it comes to virtual conversations
• Tips and recommendations geared specifically towards successful online college counseling and hiring conversations

Presentation Slides

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Travel Restrictions, Campus Closures and Other Legal Considerations
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured:

• Sara Goldsmith Schwartz, Founder and President, Schwartz Hannum PC
• Matthew Batastini, Managing Partner, Schwartz Hannum PC

This webinar covered:

• Sharing and obtaining information with your community
• Reviewing and updating key policies, foundational documents and plans
• Preparing for school breaks and school-sponsored trips
• Remote learning considerations
• Planning for next steps
• Anticipating and preparing for challenges that might arise during the remainder of the academic year, such as potential campus closures

For the firm's Coronavirus 2019 checklist and a copy of the webinar slides, email Kathie Duffy at Schwartz Hannum PC

School Preparedness Tips for Reducing Exposure and Stress
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured:

• Dr. Justin Chen, MD, MPH, Executive Director, MGH Center for Cross-Cultural Student Emotional Wellness
• Dr. Todd B. Ellerin, MD, Infectious Disease Specialist, South Shore Health

This webinar covered:

• What Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is, what it means for school communities, and how to explain it to students of varying ages
• Best practices for keeping COVID-19 from spreading within your school: to-dos and not-to-dos
• Strategies for coping with related stress and anxiety

Presentation Slides

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Continuity of Learning
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured: 

• Claire Goldsmith, Executive Director, Malone Schools Online Network
• Ben Taylor, Dean of Instruction, Malone Schools Online Network and Director of Academic Technology, Hopkins School

This webinar covered:

• How the Malone Schools Online Network approaches online learning
• What technology and tools are most helpful in supporting remote learning
• How blended learning works and how it can be helpful to schools for which remote learning has not been a modality up until now
• Current resources and best practices being used by schools

Presentation Slides

Friday, March 6, 2020

Travel and More: Legal Considerations
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST

Facilitated by: Becky Biggs, Director of Professional Development, AISNE

Featured:

• Sara Goldsmith Schwartz, Founder and President, Schwartz Hannum PC
• William E. Hannum III, Partner, Schwartz Hannum PC

Sara and Will, experienced education attorneys, explored the issues raised by Coronavirus 2019 that are impacting independent schools. Prioritizing the immediate actions to consider, they shared strategies for sharing and obtaining information with your community, reviewing and updating the key policies and plans, preparing for school breaks and school-sponsored trips and planning for next steps. Sara and Will also addressed big picture recommendations for anticipating and preparing for challenges that might arise during the remainder of the academic year, such as potential campus closures.

For the firm's Coronavirus 2019 checklist and a copy of the webinar slides, email Kathie Duffy at Schwartz Hannum PC