Shake Off the Winter Blues
By Susan Kimmel, Director of the Purchasing Consortium
As the vibrant colors of spring begin to bloom, it's that time of the year again - time for spring cleaning! And for independent schools, this annual tradition goes beyond just dusting shelves and airing out classrooms. It's about rejuvenating spaces, refreshing minds, and preparing for the final stretch of the academic year. Let's delve into why spring cleaning is crucial for independent schools and how the MISBO consortium partners can help you complete your spring checklists.
Classrooms and Supplies
As your school dives into their annual spring cleaning frenzy, don’t stop at just dusting off textbooks and rearranging desks. Let’s take a look at not only your classroom, but your supplies and curriculum as that old sweater hiding in the back of the closet—sure, it was cozy once, but just maybe it’s time for an upgrade. Maybe it’s time to sweep away the cobwebs and make room for some new innovative and fresh ideas. So, roll up your sleeves and give those classrooms and lesson plans a makeover that'll make Marie Kondo proud.
Spring into Creative Action with FREE lessons from Blick Art Materials, using old and new materials from your classroom. Be sure to use code QD20MIS during checkout, and request your FREE catalog at dickblick.com/customer-service/catalogs/
Create Learning Zones with DEMCO: Create distinct classroom zones to address learning challenges
At Demco, our mission is to help educators maximize the potential of their learning environments. Our approach to creating effective, engaging spaces includes thoughtful planning from our expert team of interior designers. With a focus on educational spaces, our team leverages years of experience designing classrooms, libraries, common areas, and more to integrate educational pedagogy and innovate solutions.
Is your PE Program Going for Gold? Upgrade your program with Hiveclass
When was the last time you reflected on the quality of your school's PE Curriculum and Resources? Use this checklist to reflect on if now is the time to consider new ideas, resources, and strategies to make your PE Programs the Gold Standard! Incorporating contemporary practices and methodologies into the PE curriculum is critical in the face of the evolving educational needs of the 21st Century Learner. These innovative strategies aim to increase student engagement, foster a comprehensive understanding of health and well-being concepts, and promote enduring healthy habits.
Spring Technology Refresh
This one is for the brave IT wizards who navigate through the chaos of cables and lost passwords in the pursuit of keeping your school’s classrooms and offices on the cutting edge of geek chic! Our MISBO consortium partners are here to help you maintain that rockstar status with students, staff, and faculty at your school!
Revamp your school’s communications with TeleData Select:
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, effective communication is crucial for business success. Unified communication solutions revolutionize business communication, enhancing collaboration, productivity, and scalability.
Find an efficient way to ensure safety and security in your environment with ProLogic ITS
Look no further than the HALO Smart Sensor. With the ability to detect vape, THC, chemicals, gas, aggression, calls for help, and gunshots, as well as monitor air quality and alert you of vandalism and trespassing in real-time, this sensor is a must-have for any space. Keep your environment safe and clean with this smart vape sensor that can monitor areas where cameras cannot be implemented, such as locker rooms and restrooms.
Be Rewarded for Sharing Your Opinion: Take the Technology Preferences Survey for Staples Technology!
Experience a view beyond your imagination with the massive 44.5" HP curved monitor! Uniquely designed to deliver expansive immersion and flexibility, the HP E45c DQHD Curved Monitor augments what’s possible, so there's nothing between you and your best...Answer a few questions about your technology preferences to be entered to WIN YOUR OWN HP curved monitor!
De-clutter & organize your IT closet with Evergreen Electronics
Did you know Evergreen Electronics buys back hardware? If you are planning a tech upgrade this spring or summer, and need a partner to assist with your decommissioned computers, we can help!
As spring approaches, it’s the perfect time to not only de-clutter your workspace but also consider how to responsibly dispose of electronic waste or e-waste. Evergreen Electronics Inc. is here to help your company both tidy up and upgrade its technology while being environmentally conscious.
Mental and Emotional Health
Spring Mental Health Checklist: Tips for a Fresh Start with CorpCare
As winter begins to loosen, and the first signs of spring emerge, there is a palpable sense of renewal in the air. Spring is not just a season of blooming flowers and warmer weather; it also brings with it a unique opportunity to focus on your well-being, including your mental health. Many people choose New Year’s Day to begin their wellness journey; however, springtime has many benefits that promote longevity when sticking to your wellness goals. The longer days, increased sunlight, and the vibrant colors of nature can have a profound impact on our mood and overall mental state. This article will explore ways to make the most of this rejuvenating season. By following this spring mental health checklist, you can cultivate a positive mindset and embrace the season of renewal with a sense of vitality and optimism.
Campus-wide Facilities
Reinforce your facilities with NGS Films and Graphics
NGS Films and Graphics is proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking protective film that redefines safety and security standards: 3M S2400. Designed specifically to stretch, not tear, this isn’t just another protective film – it’s the future of glazing security for building resilience.
Stay classy and recycle glass with Georgia Natural Gas
Starting now through the end of March 2024, we’re calling on all Georgia middle and high school students to recycle glass with the chance to win a cash prize!
Consortium hot topics
IS IT WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE…OR IS IT TAYLOR SWIFT?
William Shakespeare is arguably the best-known figure in world literature, but can your students distinguish his words from Taylor Swift’s lyrics? Consider launching your Shakespeare unit with this engaging Taylor Swift-themed classroom activity. Present your class with verses from both prolific writers. Challenge each student to vote on whether the lines below were written by Shakespeare or Taylor Swift.
3 STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE EDTECH &
IT STAFFING ON A BUDGET
In the 2023 Hot Issues Survey published by NAIS, 100% of respondents reported that "finding and retaining staff as workplace expectations shift" is a top challenge. Though this is a challenge across the organization for schools, the costs are particularly high in the technology space. Technology investments ballooned during the pandemic. The opportunity loss costs of not properly supporting these investments are extraordinary. Finding, retaining, and paying for quality IT and Academic Tech staff has never been harder, especially for smaller schools.
Susan Kimmel
Director of the Purchasing Consortium
susankimmel@misbo.com
404.920.8844
Susan curates the MISBO Purchasing Consortium by maintaining and enhancing current partner relationships and pursuing new partnerships based on the needs of our members. Susan educates on and informs members of the benefits of utilizing the MISBO Purchasing Consortium. She facilitates communications with partners concerning contracts and product offerings and assists in providing optimal partner exposure. Susan has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, an MBA with an emphasis in MIS, and a certificate in Social Media Marketing. In her spare time, Susan is a mom to 4 grown kids, Gigi to four, a personal growth junkie, crochet hobbyist, travel enthusiast, dog lover ... cat tolerator, DIY wanna-be, outdoorsy-ish, and an occasional binge watcher.
MISBO is here to help you find great products and services at great prices! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions, need help finding a partner to fill your needs, have recommendations, or just want to talk about purchasing!
You can reach her at the number and e-mail above, or set up a Zoom call with her here: