This episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS features Marshall Singer, co-founder and CFO of Ruvna, an ed tech company focused on community-oriented operations and safety for schools. The discussion centers on school safety, including the evolution of emergency response protocols, the challenges of balancing openness with security, and the importance of trust and transparency in vendor vetting. Marshall emphasizes the need for schools to adopt a holistic approach to safety, integrating technology solutions that work for their specific community and build trust with parents and students. 

Resources

• Ruvna
• Release on CAP Survey, article from National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) (members-only resource)
• What Parents Want in School Communication, article from Edutopia.org
• Gunfire on School Grounds in the United States, resource from Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund
• U.S. Public Education Spending Statistics, report from Education Data Initiative
• Recovering and Moving Forward: Lessons Learned and Recommendations Following the Shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, article from National Policing Institute
• ALICE, An organization that promotes an options-based approach to school safety, empowering individuals to make decisions in emergencies.  
• The I Love You Guys Foundation, A foundation that provides similar training and resources to the Alice Foundation, focusing on options-based response protocols  
• ISTE/EdSerge, A database of ed tech products that have met certain standards, similar to a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.  
• 9ine, An organization that partners with ATLIS to vet ed tech products for cyber and safety standards.  
• The Anxious Generation, A book that has prompted schools to rethink cell phone policies due to concerns about anxiety and mental health among students.

Show Notes

This episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS features Dr. Hansa Bhargava, a pediatrician and expert on youth mental health, discussing the impact of social media and cell phone usage on children. Dr. Bhargava highlights the correlation between increased screen time and mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of open communication and collaboration between parents, schools, and students. She also shares insights from the American Academy of Pediatrics' Center of Excellence on Youth Mental Health and Social Media, advocating for restricted access and digital literacy education. The episode explores practical strategies for mitigating the negative effects of technology while acknowledging the complexities of navigating today's digital world.

Resources

• A Look at State Efforts to Ban Cellphones in Schools and Implications for Youth Mental Health, article from KFF, a non-profit organization following national health issues
• Building Happier Kids: Stress-busting tools for parents, by Hansa Bhargava, MD
• Physicianary, podcast on Healio
• American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
• Emory University
• The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt
• Dr. Bhargava on LinkedIn, X, Instagram

Show Notes

In this episode, Tony Perez shares his journey from theater to technology leadership in independent schools, highlighting his experience transitioning from Haiku Learning to a CTO role. He discusses the importance of relationship-building, listening, and creativity in his remote CTO position, emphasizing how he fosters trust through in-person and virtual meetings. Tony also explores the challenges of remote leadership, such as navigating reporting structures and succession planning, and underscores the value of professional growth through networking and visiting other schools. The episode wraps up with advice on proactive leadership and continuous learning for technology leaders.

Resources

• Good Shepherd Episcopal School
• ATLIS360, comprehensive program to thoroughly evaluate how your school utilizes technology and the effects it has on the school
• I’m Just a Bill, song from Schoolhouse Rock!

Show Notes

In this episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS, Brad Rathgerber, CEO of One Schoolhouse, shares his journey from teaching to leading an innovative online school initiative. He discusses the rapid development of online learning for girls, the critical importance of allowing room for failure, and the impact of AI on education. Brad emphasizes quality in course development, continuous improvement for teachers, and the challenges and opportunities facing independent school leaders today. He also introduces the Association for Academic Leaders, highlighting its focus on professional growth and support for academic leaders across independent schools.

Resources

• One Schoolhouse
• Lisa Damour, PhD; author of Untangled
• Association for Academic Leaders

Show Notes

In this episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS, Pete Russell, CEO of August Schools, discusses with co-hosts the challenges and benefits of integrating technology in independent schools with. The conversation delves into the complexities of managing sensitive data in school support systems, emphasizing the need for secure transparency and the balance between privacy and providing necessary context for student support. Pete offers best practices for IT leaders, stressing the importance of written security processes and understanding the content areas they serve. The conversation also touches on the startup mentality, emphasizing measurable goals and agile practices to manage resources effectively.

Resources

• August Schools
• August Schools blog
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)
• Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA)
• Jira, project management software

Show Notes

Jeff Dayton, Director of Technology at Madeira School, discussed his journey from aerospace engineering to tech leadership, emphasizing the importance of succession planning and the evolving role of tech directors. Madeira offers unique programs like CO curriculum, where students work on Capitol Hill and in various internships. Jeff highlighted the challenges of balancing technology for boarding and day students, including a recent cell phone policy change. He also shared insights on integrating tech into capital projects and the importance of work-life balance. The conversation touched on the need for tech leaders to set boundaries and prioritize personal time.

Resources

• Madeira School
• ATLIS events calendar
• BUILD: Boys using innovation to learn and design
• The Obsolete Tech Director, blog post from Thomas C. Murray
• Balancing work and personal life in the digital age: Enhancing life harmony, article from Medium
• Promoting a Healthy Balance Between Technology Use and Digital Disconnection at Work, article from therapyside.com
• Understanding work-life balance in tech: How to better support parents & parents-to-be, article from Maven Clinic
• New Heights podcast, with Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce

Show Notes

In the latest episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS, Denise Musselwhite shares her journey from leading technology teams in independent schools to founding Tech & Thrive. Denise discusses leadership gaps in technology, particularly for women and people of color, and the importance of building strong, intentional teams. The conversation also explores the value of ATLIS in fostering a supportive community for technology leaders and women in tech. Denise wraps by emphasizing self-care in leadership and her work in executive coaching and leadership development.

Resources

• The T.H.R.I.V.E. Quiz - a quick and short quiz that measures whether you are sinking or thriving based on the 6 principles of the T.H.R.I.V.E. Operating System quiz takers become part of the Tech & Thrive collective and receive helpful e-resources. www.techthrive.me/quiz 
• www.techandthrive.com
• Follow Denise on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/musselwhited/ 
• The Culture Code: The secrets of highly successful groups, book by Daniel Coyle

To order a café con leche at Starbucks, ask for a “flat white”

Show Notes

Bill Stites introduces Alek Duba, in this episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS,  highlighting his pivotal role at Montclair Kimberley Academy and his journey from teaching to tech leadership. Alek shares his experience with the ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) and the importance of building relationships within the independent school tech community. The discussion delves into overcoming challenges in tech implementation, balancing work and personal life, and the role of technology in supporting DEI initiatives. Alek offers valuable advice for aspiring tech leaders, emphasizing the power of collaboration and continuous learning.

Resources

• Three’s Company, Veracross consulting group
• Veracross, student information system
• Montclair Kimberley Academy
• Tech Leadership Roles: Making First Impressions, ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Research and Development Project
• Gender Inclusive Forms and Your School’s Information Systems, blog post from williamstites.net
• Hario "vector 60" V60 coffee filter system

Show Notes

Joe Carver from The Meadows School, and co-hosts, Bill Stites and Hiram Cuevas share their back-to-school experiences, discussing the excitement and challenges of the new academic year. Joe dives into his career journey from a debate coach to Associate Head of School, emphasizing the importance of leadership and vision alignment. The conversation explores technology integration, AI policies, and the challenges of social media in schools. Joe also provides insights on career advancement, mentorship, and transitioning into broader leadership roles in education.

Resources

• The Meadows School
• Ode to CIOs: One Answer to Head of School Shortages, Denise Musselwhite
• Better Learning podcast, episode “Managing the Process of Innovation”
• The Meadow, podcast available on multiple platforms
• ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) (formerly ECATD)
• Nespresso

Vinnie Vrotny of The Kinkaid School discusses the challenges and recognition of technology leaders in schools in the newest episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS. The conversation covers the importance of collaboration, leadership, and mentorship within tech teams, as well as the implementation and ethical use of AI. Vinnie shares his journey and approach to strategic planning, highlighting the evolving roles within his team and his goals for the future. The discussion emphasizes the importance of personal connections, professional growth, and preparing for future leadership in educational technology.

Resources

The Kinkaid School