around our schools shout outs may 2015, volume 1 alamance …€¦ · balloons, delivering books...

Around Our Schools Shout Outs May 2015, Volume 1 Alamance-Burlington Schools Public Information Office

Shout Out to Cummings High

To celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week, Congressman David Price visited Cummings High to honor the 2014 ABSS Teacher of the Year, Aeron Sizemore! Congressman Price toured the school, visited in a few classrooms and presented Mrs. Sizemore with a United States flag flown over the national Capitol building in her honor! In addition, a U. S. flag flown over the Capitol building was presented to Assistant Principal Julia Johns for Cummings High—also in Mrs. Sizemore’s honor. During the visit, Congressman Price revealed

that his own mother was a teacher. In addition, he talked with Mrs. Sizemore about her experience as a North Carolina Teaching Fellow and emphasized his strong advocacy for that program which will graduate its

final class this spring. While on his visit, the Congressman congratulated Mrs. Hayes on her 50+ years of dedication to the teaching profession.


It was a great visit! Thanks to Mr. Wall for serving as the official paparazzi for the event.

Shout Out to School Nurse Amy Widderich ABSS Lead School Nurse Gaile Bowling

On 4/17 thru 4/19 Amy Widderich, school nurse for Grove Park and Hillcrest elementary schools, participated as a panel member for the National Board for Certification of School Nurses in Denver, Colorado. The panel consisted of 9 certified school nurses from around the country and the Exam Committee Co-Chairs. The nurse came from Washington, Minnesota, Virginia, Illinois, Connecticut, Colorado, Wyoming, and Florida, and North Carolina . It included nurse that served preschool, elementary, middle, high school, private school and charter school populations.

The purpose of this expert panel was to review all of the test items (questions) in our item bank or “item pool”. Some items may be outdated and need to be discarded; others may still be appropriate but require updated references to ensure current evidence of the correct answer. It was a great experience! Thanks for representing ABSS as a national expert!


Shout Out to Newlin Elementary Holly Houghlan, School Counselor

Last month, all of our 5th graders toured CTEC. We were able to go to many different classrooms, where the teachers and students told us about the class and the assignments they had been working on. Students at Newlin were excited about taking class at CTEC in the future. They loved the building and enjoyed learning about

all the opportunities they had to look forward too! Many students were discussing what classes they were interested in taking in high school. This was a wonderful motivator for our students! I would like to thank Gina Bader and Kim Davis for their help in coordinating the tour. We had student tour guides that did a great job taking us around to the various classrooms. It was wonderful and very organized. We hope this becomes an annual field trip for our 5th graders at Newlin!


Shout Out to Andrews Elementary Rod Livingston, Fifth Grade Teacher

On Friday, April 24, the fifth grade students at Andrews Elementary established 20 businesses for their market day! The students learned how to cooperate as co-owners, develop products, market their products, set prices and negotiate. All students were responsible for organizing, developing and establishing their own businesses. They had to rent space and pay appropriate business startup fees. They earned Andrews’ money from their class jobs during the year to setup their businesses and shop. A sample of businesses were: taking photos; hair and nail salon; dance club; beating the master at checkers or cards; bowling; origami and other businesses.


These 2 photos appeared on the front page of the Times-News Region section on Saturday about the event with the headline Learning the Art of the Deal. Photos courtesy of Sam Roberts/Times-News


Shout Out to A-B Middle College Bonnie Roane, Principal

Our A-B Middle College students enjoy being part of ACC's campus! On April 22nd Gabriel Parks, ABMC student participated in ACC's talent show. His talent was piano instrumental.

On April 30th, ABMC students Brianna Riley and Sean Franklin demonstrated skills learned in their Akido class during ACC's Culture Day celebration.


Shout Out to Graham Middle Sixth Grade Lisa Cates

6th ELA students from Graham Middle recently selected at a school Shark Tank competition, went before the ABSS School Board Monday April 27. While there they delivered a knock out presentation asking the board for $500 for school improvements and beautification funds.

What a surprise when a community citizen in the audience, after hearing the presention, generously fulfilled the students’ request!

Our students were beyond excited!


Shout Out to Child Nutrition Staff Appreciation Day Kathy Oakley

It was a sneaky surprise! To celebrat School Lunch Hero Day on Friday, May 1, our central services CN staff was hanging posters, balloons, delivering books titled School Lunch Heroes to all school-based CN staff members. We sneaked in on Thursday after all CN staff members wer gone to decorate their cafeterias in advance of SCHOOL LUNCH HERO Days

May 4-8.

We had loads of fun surprising our co-workers and honoring them for all of the work that they do for children every day!


Shout Out to South Mebane’s Karen Henderly Horace Mann Insurance Congratulations to Karen Henderly! We are so proud to announce that Karen has won an Apple SMARTWATCH from Horace Mann’s SMARTWATCH Giveaway Contest! The contest is running through May 8 in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week at www.HORACEMANN.COM ***WE ARE ENTERING ALL EDUCATORS’ SCHOOL PROJECTS IN HORACE MANN/DONORS CHOOSE CONTEST, WHICH IS ALSO RUNNING THROUGH MAY 8TH! EITHER EMAIL US- [email protected] OR POST YOUR DONORS CHOOSE SCHOOL PROJECT ID# ON WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MIDSTATEEDUCATORS AND OUR OFFICE WILL POST YOUR PROJECTS IN THE HORACE MANN CORPORATE CONTEST FOR EVERYONE THAT SENDS IN THEIR INFORMATION. BEST OF LUCK TO THE NEXT WINNER! CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN KAREN!!!!

Shout Out to Grove Park Elementary Gwen Jeffries, ABSS HRMS Specialist

Shadonna,

I just wanted to say what a great feel good story about Grove Park that aired this week on WGHP Fox 8! I don't know who came up with this concept, but after watching, I thought this would be great for all of our schools. Incorporating the use of technology and

http://www.horacemann.com/


QR Code scanning is fantastic; not to mention learning about the world we live in. (Not sure I am interested in tasting guinea pig pie though) LOL. The students interviewed were so intrigued and informative on what they were learning and I just wanted to give a shout out to let you all know what a great job you are doing!

Here's the link to the story: http://myfox8.com/2014/10/09/local-school-using-qr-codes-for-learning/

The story actually aired in October 2014, so this is a re-run of a great story!

From Shadonna Gunn, principal at GPE: Thanks Gwen! I had no idea they were airing it again! :) We appreciate your kind words. We have added QR codes for parents that are linked to sites that they can use at home as well. We've also developed math and other questions from various subject that are posted now. Also, assignments may have a QR code on the actual sheet for students to scan to get resources for support! We love using them!

Shout Out to Western High NJROTC Gregory Erickson, Senior Naval Science Instructor

Congratulations to the Western Alamance Navy JROTC Academic Team for their 12th place finish at the NJROTC National Brain Brawl Competition held in Daytona Beach, Florida on May 2nd!

24 teams from around the nation competed in the competition, which was held on the Campus of Embry Riddle University. It was the first time that the WAHS NJROTC Academic team had competed in the National Brain Brawl. The Western Alamance Team was the only team to represent Area 6 (North and South Carolina.)

Each round pitted four teams against each other. Each team was made up of four contestants that each had a buzzer. The questions consisted of two types of questions; toss-up questions from the Navy Junior ROTC curriculum or current events, and bonus questions which could be on any subject. The cadets from Western Alamance competed in 6 rounds including the quarter-final and ended up earning a 12th place finish. “I was really pleased with the results. This was our first time competing at the national level, the format was a little different than our other competitions, but we achieved a respectable finish against some really exceptional teams,” stated Western Alamance Cadet Blake Cole.

http://myfox8.com/2014/10/09/local-school-using-qr-codes-for-learning/


Cadets (from left to right) Jonathan Solorzano, Yuuki Butler, Kody Wilkerson, James Brandt and Blake Cole at the Embry Riddle Campus

Congratulations, Warrior Cadets!


Shout Out to Williams High DeShannon Williamson, OCS Job Coach

Students in the Occupational Course of Study at Williams High participated in the annual Bulldogs’ Arts Show/Festival for the first time! Our OCS Program at Williams High School started their School Enterprise this year. The enterprise engages the group of students in producing goods or services for sale to or use by people other than the students involved. The project is an excellent way for our students to learn transferable and soft skills that employers want. School-based enterprises are effective educational tools in helping to prepare students for the transition from school to work. The students named the enterprise "Bulldog Industries." They take pride in making and selling duct tape flower pens, lanyards, cup coasters, and wallets. They look forward to using the profit from the enterprise to take an end-of-the-year fun field trip. If you would like to support Bulldog Industries by purchasing a product, contact Brian Smith/OCS Teacher at [email protected] or Job Coach DeShannon Williamson at [email protected] Thank you for your support!

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Combing art with job skills. That’s the WWHS way!


Shout Out for our Annual ESL Career, College & Resource Fair Lindsey Criss, CTE Special Populations Coordinator

On Wednesday, May 6th, ABSS Career and Technical Education (CTE) hosted the annual ESL Career, College, and Resource Fair.!Approximately 200 ESL students from all high schools were able to learn about different careers, post-secondary options, and community resources available to them. Over 30 vendors were present to provide students with information. Students were able to spend quality time with industry partners in a small environment, providing them with more in depth look into various career options.


Thank you to all the ESL teachers and Career Development Coordinators (CDC) for their help, especially with recruiting students to attend!

Also, thank you to all the vendors who graciously donated their time to our ESL students!


Shout Out to National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day

On Thursday, May 7, more than 10 school sites observed National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day with a balloon launch . Community partners were present to help us raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental health and providing appropriate resources to assist families.

It was a perfect day to watch the environmentally-friendly bright green balloons float off into the sky!


Shout Out to Pleasant Grove Elementary Krista Boyd, ABSS Curriculum Specialist & Grace Cole

Renee Boyd, a 5th grade teacher at Pleasant Grove Elementary, has been honored as the 2015-2016 Elementary Math Teacher of the Year for ABSS! As a teacher for 39 years, Renee has experienced a variety of teaching strategies. One that is the most important to her is to make her classroom "a safe place where students can learn from their mistakes." She believes in the importance of modeling with concrete manipulatives, asking questions which make students think, and meeting with small groups. Renee helps her students to set math goals for themselves and enjoys the "big smiles which cover their faces when they improve or meet their goals."

Renee will be recognized by NCCTM during the state conference in Greensboro this fall as being "one who succeeds in motivating students to excel in mathematics." She will receive a one year membership to NCCTM and her name will appear in the NCCTM journal, the Centroid, as well as online.

We are so proud of Renee!!

She was surprised with the announcement at her school.


Shout Out to Garrett Elementary Kris L’Heureux, Technology Teacher Shout Out for Specialists and Assessments! Last Thursday the Garrett Gators brought their families to an Arts and Assessment night. Families rotated through different learning stations with their students to see what their gators get to do in all their specials. Everyone got to stop in the cafeteria for a session with grade level teachers to understand the upcoming EOGs and other assessments. The evening kicked off with the 5th grade choir and after school strings class performing classic Rock and Roll tunes. We wrapped up the event musically as well, with all the students singing "Happy".

In between, families made works of art and viewed their gators' art samples all over the school. There was an early chance to trade books at the Summer Book Swap table, and learn how Media and Technology teamed up this year to create TPACK projects with the kids. Everyone even got to go to the gym to play hula hoop chicken coops! What a great night!


Shout Out to ABSS Kenan Fellows Melaine Rickard, ABSS STEM Specialist

Congratulations to our newly-named Kenan Fellows! Syeda Smith, Cummings High; Nate Bourne, Broadview Middle and Jordan Hohm, Broadview Middle

NC Teachers Selected for Prestigious Industry-Education Internships

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Kenan Fellows Program ─ a K-12 education initiative at N.C. State University ─ has selected National Teacher Appreciation Day to announce its annual teacher internship awards.

Forty public school teachers from across North Carolina have been selected as 2015-16 Kenan Fellows. Their names were announced during a special event celebrating educators at Vernon Malone College and Career Academy in Raleigh where there are three Kenan Fellows. Gov. Pat McCrory proclaimed this week (May 4-8) as Teacher Appreciation Week in North Carolina.

Beginning in June, the new Kenan Fellows will spend five weeks of their summer learning and gaining experience from local experts in nanotechnology, financial education, renewable energy, genetics research, energy, and other science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines.

“Because of our collaborative partnerships, with K-12 teachers, STEM professionals, philanthropic organizations, universities, museums, businesses, and industries all across the state, the Kenan Fellows Program is realizing its vision to drive innovations in STEM education and inspire future generations of great inventors, leaders, and thinkers,” said Dr. Elaine Franklin, director of the Kenan Fellows Program, which was established in 2000 as an initiative of the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science at N.C. State University.

A core goal of the program is to develop outstanding teacher leaders who serve as advocates for excellence in education. The year-long fellowship begins with the summer internship and culminates with the development and implementation of cutting-edge educational curricula and programs designed by Kenan Fellows. These resources and programs are shared with other educators and used in classrooms, school systems and communities across the state and beyond.

Educators selected for fellowships demonstrate proven leadership or leadership potential and are awarded a $6,000 stipend that includes travel expenses. Kenan Fellows also receive 80 hours of professional


development divided into three professional advancement institutes that focus on leadership skills, community engagement, proven instructional strategies, and education policy. The Biogen Foundation is the premier sponsor of the institutes.

A multi-year Math/Science Partnership grant from the National Science Foundation is giving teachers in Alamance, Buncombe, Durham, Duplin, Pender, Pitt, and Wake counties the opportunity to work with scientists to co-create lessons that involve students in “citizen science.” The initative, known as Students Discover, is in its second year and is led by Rob Dunn, associate professor of Biology at NCSU. Twelve Fellows are also being supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Teachers Program. Those Fellows will learn from researchers working at NCSU’s ASSIST Center, as they develop and employ nanodevices and sensors.

Other program supporters are the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust, GlaxoSmithKline, the Goodnight Educational Foundation, Dr. Brian Strahl of UNC Chapel-Hill, Dr. Fred Gould of N.C. State University, the FREEDM Systems Center, N.C. A&T University, Ply Gem, UL LLC, Underwood Elementary School, SAMSI, NISS, Coastal Federal Credit Union, Bayer CropScience, Richmond Community Foundation, Cotton Incorporated, Duplin County Schools, Wells Fargo Foundation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, and North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives.

Shout Out to Eastern High Artist, Keyston Young Donna Edgell, Art Teacher

Congratulations to Keyston Young, senior at Eastern High! Keyston earned first place in the North Carolina Young American Creative Patriotic Art Awards sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary. His artwork is now entered in national competition!

This won at the local VFW contest and then competed at the State level, where it also won.The National competition is in late June or early July.

My students have been participating in this contest for years, with many going to compete at the state level, but Keyston is the first student to win at that level! He won 3rd place last year. Keyston is a senior at Eastern Alamance High School who will be studying Graphic Design at NC State University next year.


Keyston drew his artwork in colored pencil and explained the symbolism and meaning in a very touching essay. The old man is looking back on his tragic memories of warfare (the right side of the artwork). His face is troubled. On the left is a peaceful, present day scene, with a field and the American flag to show he is proud of his service and his country.

Congratulations and best of luck in national competition, Keyston! We are so proud of you!


Shout Out to Southern High FFA Hunter Safety Keith Jones & Randy Faulkner, Team Coaches

Congratulations to the 2015 Southern Alamance FFA Hunter Safety Skills teams this year! Our competitors had a great season, earning many awards in regional and state level competition in very competitive events.

FFA Archery Regional First Place (pictured at right):

The Southern Alamance High FFA Hunter Safety Archery Team earned first place in the regional North Carolina Wildlife Youth Hunter Safety competition held in March. Team member Clay Bost

earned a perfect score. L to R: Clay Bost, Caleb Smith, Victoria Sharpe, Cody Sharpe and James Testerman. Coaches for the team are Keith Jones and Randy Faulkner.

Pictured at left:

FFA Archery Individual Regional First Place High Individual

Senior Clay Bost, member of the Southern Alamance High FFA Hunter Safety Archery Team, earned First Place High Individual Honors with a perfect score at the regional North Carolina Wildlife Youth Hunter Safety competition held in March. Clay is the son of Todd and Jenni Bost.


FFA Rifle Regional First Place

Pictured at right: The Southern Alamance High FFA Hunter Safety Rifle Team earned first place in the regional North Carolina Wildlife Youth Hunter Safety competition held in March. Team members L to R: Caleb Smith, Clay Bost, James Testerman, Matthew Holt and Jonathan Ervin.

FFA Hunter Skills State 3rd Place

The Southern Alamance High FFA Hunter Safety Hunter Skills Team earned third place among 36 teams in the state championship event held in April. The Hunter Skills competition consists of a written test on hunting and safety skills knowledge, wildlife identification, and an orienteering course utilizing a compass. Team members L to R: Caleb Smith, Clay Bost, James Testerman, Cody Sharpe, Matthew Holt and Brad Thompson.


FFA 2015 Hunter Safety Team

The 2015 Southern Alamance High FFA Hunter Safety Team earned second place team honors in regional competition and sixth place team honors in the North Carolina Wildlife Youth Hunter Safety state championship event. The overall Hunter Safety Team awards include combined scores in all 4 competitive events: archery, rifle, shotgun and hunter skills. Team members L to R: Clay Bost, James Testerman, Caleb Smith, Matthew Holt, Victoria Sharpe, Brad Thompson, Cody Sharpe, Jonathan Ervin, Travis Ingle. Coaches for the team are Keith Jones and Randy Faulkner.


Shout Out to Graham Middle Jill Morphew, Speech/Language Pathologist

Our speech students at Graham Middle School have created something special! We work on speech and communication all year long, so we decided to show off our skills a little. We used our sequencing and direction-following skills (along with plastic, scissors and a LOT of duct tape!) to create a box. Then we used a fan and a lot of "hot air" to blow it up! Just like in the comics, where the words are contained in a "speech bubble," we now have our OWN Speech Bubble! We are decorating it, and we have plans to use it to help us understand how we hear, understand and produce speech, and how we can organize and associate what we learn and talk about.

We also think that it is a great place to play speech games (Blurt? Taboo? Maybe a game that we have created ourselves? We have LOTS of ideas!)


Shout Out to Lisa Thompson, ABSS Curriculum Specialist for Elementary Literacy Dr. Jean Maness

Congratulations to Lisa Thompson! Last night Lisa was named the Distinguished Alumna of the Year for the School of Education at Elon University for her professional work and service to her profession! She was lauded for bringing honor to Elon University and the School of Education as a graduate and for serving as a partner, advocate and investor to Elon University. Presenting the award to Lisa was Dr. Richard MiHans.

Congratulations, Lisa!


Shout Out to Tara Raggett, North Graham Elementary Dr. Mark Dickerson, ABSS HR

Congratulations to the 2015 ABSS Mentor of the Year, Ms. Tara Raggett at North Graham Elementary! Ms. Raggett also serves as the lead mentor at North Graham.

Mentee comments from Kelly Jackson: “Ms. Raggett has been an outstanding mentor this school year. As a first year teacher in a new school, I have been very fortunate to have her guidance and support. She is always willing to do anything she can to help out., whether that means giving advice about how to handle difficult behaviors, offering support to cover classes if something comes up, or anticipating my first-year needs and making sure I am feeling good about what goes on in my classroom. Ms. Raggett takes the time to build a personal connection with her mentees that extends beyond our school lives and provides the humor and comradery that make us feel supported not just as a teacher but as a person.”

Mentee comments from Hannah Demirdogen: “I have felt so much more comfortable as a first year teacher than I thought I ever would, and it is because of my awesome mentor. She supports me, helps me with curriculum, is there any minute of the day when I need her, and has a great relationship with all my students, and that has made a huge difference.”

(photo at right: Hannah Demirdogen with Ms. Raggett)

(photo at left: Principal Nancy Cothren with Ms. Raggett)

Principal Nancy Cothren:

“Ms. Raggett is a vital member of our teaching and learning community. As the lead mentor, she strives to create an environment of trust where beginning teachers are valued for their efforts and professional contributions. She facilitates mentor and new teacher meetings where teachers have a place for honest conversations and collegial support. Many times, new teachers leave these meetings with a positive, "can do" attitude and realize that when things get tough, Ms. Raggett will be there to help in any capacity.”


Shout Out to Southern High FFA National Champion Floriculture Team

The Teacher of the Year Steering Committee from the Alamance County Area Chamber of Commerce asked the national award-winning FFA Floriculture Career Development Event Team to create a centerpiece for the 2015 Teacher of the Year reception at the Alamance Country Club on Wednesday, May 6. See the beautiful results of Southern creativity!

It was truly the “center of attention” and received many compliments!


Shout Out to Kevin Scharen, Graham High 2015 ABSS Teacher of the Year

Congratulations to Kevin Scharen, math teacher from Graham High! Mr. Scharen was selected as the 2015 ABSS Teacher of the Year at the annual Excellence in Education Awards ceremony sponsored by the Alamance County Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, May 6. The event, attended by nearly 200 people, was held at the Alamance Country Club. After the award was announced, Mr. Kelly Shirley from Dick Shirley Automotive, announced that the Teacher of the Year would receive a one year free

lease on a brand new Chevrolet Cruze!

Pictured L to R are: Kelly Shirley and Kevin Scharen

Read the Times-News article about the event:

http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/top-news/graham-high-s-scharen-teacher-of-the-year-1.474699

http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/top-news/graham-high-s-scharen-teacher-of-the-year-1.474699


Shout Out To Our Teachers at Southern High Laura Lynthacum, Data Manager

Southern Alamance Teacher Appreciation Week

Here at SAHS, we really appreciate our teachers and staff!!! All week, teachers were enjoying special surprises, including snacks, breakfast one morning from Bisquitville, bags of candy delivered to classrooms and a luncheon by our own student council and a SAHS Patriot umbrella for each one of

our teachers. Also there were Door Prizes including one gift card for Outback Steak House, 2 gift cards (one hour massage each) from Sheradin Chiropractic of Mebane, one free oil change with t-shirt and hat from Carolina Nissan, meal for 2 courtesy of Cracker Barrel, gift certificate from Heavenly Nails of Graham, two certificates from Salon Posh for shampoo, cut and style donated by Daniella

Murray, 2 plants and a bird feeder donated courtesy of Mr. Anders and his Agriculture Department, one Adirondack chair and a bird house from Mr. Faulkner and his Carpentry Department. We would also like to thank

American National Bank for donating prizes as well.

Most of all, we want to say thanks to our SAHS Patriot Teachers!


Shout Out to Our Classified Employees of the Year

ABSS honored the 2015 Classified Employees of the Year for all 36 school sites on Friday, May 8 with a special luncheon at the Ramada Inn. Our special honorees were joined by their school administrators or designee to enjoy a quiet meal and conversation with adults, then honored with a certificate and gift in appreciation from the district.

Thanks for ALL you do every day to serve our students!


CONGRATULATIONS!

Elementary Schools Classified Employees of the Year 2015 A.O. Dawn Rich A.W. Elizabeth Anne Couch Andrews Nancy Gonzalez BEJ Vanessa Morrow

Eastlawn Patricia Crabtree Elon Kathy Cotton E.M.Holt Emma Cox E.M.Yoder Barbara Hestetune

Garrett Paige Pritchard Grove Park Debbie Francis Haw River Elba Jones Highland Lisa Helms

Hillcrest Linda Dove N. Graham Debbie Wilson Newlin Janis William P. Grove April Foster

S. Graham Betty Jo Brady S. Mebane Joan Rowland Smith Lauren Buchanan Sylvan Denise Teague

Middle Schools Classified Employees of the Year 2015 Broadview Maria Tyndall Graham Khristina Humphrey Hawfields Lori McGilvery Southern Kim Crockford

Turrentine Vicky Hayes Western Teresa Kellam Woodlawn Cindy Hopkins

High Schools Classified Employees of the Year 2015 ABMC Linda Barefoot CTEC Norman Bradshaw Cummings Kathy Beck Eastern Caroline Bradley

Graham Teresa Brannock Southern James Thomas Western Abby Snuffer Williams Sheila Starnes

Ray Street Academy Chandler Simpson

around our schools shout outs may 2015, volume 1 alamance …€¦ · balloons, delivering books...

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