3.5 Tips On Avoiding Yearbook Adviser Turnover

1.  Say "Thanks" - So many administrators forget to thank their staff Adviser. Sports teams get so much of the glory, but it's the Yearbook team that documents that big game and preserves it forever.

2.  Give them a voice - The single most common issue I hear from staff Advisers is the inability of the school to adapt to changing needs.  If your Adviser wants to try social networking to drum up sales let them. They will invest the time and it may be a fantastic experience for the students.

3. Give them fewer on-calls - Yearbooks often take a lot of extra time.  Layout, proofing etc. Giving your staff Adviser fewer on calls helps them create the book with fewer errors, less stress and rewards them for all the extra time they put in. Let's face it do you really want to try and find a new staff adviser next year?

3.5. Take a peek inside the Yearbook room. When was the last time you stopped in? When the Principal shows an interest in the students, a unique layout or amazing photo the Adviser feels special and can you image how the students will feel?

Life is good. Yearbooks are amazing and you are appreciated.

The Office of Matt & Mary Sloan
Representing Herff Jones Inc.

Success starts 15 minutes before the bell and here's why.  Have you ever dropped off your kids or driven by a school fifteen minutes before the first bell? How many cars are in the lot? Answer: hardly any. I asked my son why the Principal's car is always the first one in the lot. His answer was "because he's the Principal". Wrong. Successful people start the day early and helping our kids get to school early sets the tone for the day, week and indeed the year. Recently I had a conversation with a seasoned Principal. She told me of the struggles to teach time management and how important it is to start the day early. Her concerns, unfortunately, are not always shared by parents. Schools and companies like ours have anti-bully programs, anti-drug and drinking and driving programs. All important for sure, but lets all share a message to start early and prepare for success. This, in my opinion, is one of the most important messages we can convey to our students. Life is good, Yearbooks are great and you are appreciated.

Matt Sloan
The Office of Matt and Mary Sloan