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Andrews Academy's
Official Newsletter
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To view the full newsletter, you may need to click on the words at the top -
"View in browser."
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Tomorrow, Monday, August 26,
at 6:30 PM
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We encourage our families to attend an in-person Parent Meeting at the school to meet the new principal and learn the details about how AA helps your child navigate the school year as well as discussing the many expectations to make the year run safely and smoothly. For those who attended the New Student Orientation meeting recently, you do not need to attend this meeting as it will repeat many of the same details.
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Hodgepodge
Hodgepodge occurred Monday afternoon after a half day of introductory classes. This activity is designed to be a mixer for students to learn each other's names, as well as to have a fun time. Prior to the activities beginning, we all enjoyed an outdoor picnic lunch prepared by PPI (Parents Positively Involved). Thank you so much for organizing this, Mrs. Kimberly Spare and team!
We had a picture and temperature perfect afternoon for group challenges outside. For example, the first class to line up according to age, then height, then birthday etc., as well as many other challenges. Everyone then went into the Academy to play various games in the gymnasium as well as the Commons. At the close of the afternoon, we had the traditional AA family garden of prayer. This year, it was by the Academy sign at the front of the school.
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Thank you, SA (Student Association) officers and sponsors, for planning the event, and to PPI for preparing and serving a great meal. There were a lot of smiles as students enjoyed the afternoon and made new friends. (August 19, 2024)
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Our online textbook store is open. Please follow the instructions for purchasing workbooks and digital content that are automatically placed in your cart, which is required to purchase from them as part of our contract. The bookstore will list all of the textbooks required for each class that the student is registered for (note that some textbooks are optional if there is digital content required).
See the attached PDF for ordering instructions.
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Email Mrs. Gina Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu) with any questions or log in difficulties.
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Week of Prayer
This week, Chapel starts at 8:50 AM, rather than 8:55, due to Week of Prayer.
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Student Association Camp Out
The SA camp out is quickly coming up and will take place from September 6-8, 2024. We are limited to 60 people (including chaperones) for this event. We are breaking it down to the first 15 seniors, 15 juniors, 12 sophomores, and 11 freshmen that turn in their fully signed permission slip and travel policy, as well as the cost for the event of $150. Please turn these items in to the front office by this Tuesday, August 27.
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SA School Picnic/Beach Day
Wednesday, September 4, 8:30 AM - 3:15 PM
Just like a regular school day, attendance is required.
Everyone get excited for our annual beach day! Beach Day will occur Wednesday, September 4, starting at 8:30 AM and ending at 3:15 PM.
Be sure to come to school in appropriate beach day attire and feel free to bring the following:
- towels
- sand toys for our sand castle class contest
- a swimsuit
- sunscreen
- a change of clothes.
However, please make sure that your clothes and swimsuit follow the school guidelines in the Sourcebook (pg. 83).
Food will be provided, but if you have special dietary needs, you may bring your own. Get ready for a fun day bonding with your classmates and a day off of school!
If you are taking a college class during the day, please arrange for transportation with Mr. Sherman on Tuesday. Students are not allowed to drive themselves to beach day or their college class.
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School Vs Senior Flag Football Games
Tuesday, September 10, Girls' Game starting at 5:00 PM, Boys' game immediately follows, at the Academy field.
Mrs. Mills needs a list of teams by Friday, September 6. Sign-up sheets are on the gym door for those that are interested.
The school team must have at least 1 representative from each class on the team. ***MUST be coached by an adult that is verified by Mrs. Mills at all practices.
Teams should also have a uniform shirt with a number on the back of the shirt in order to play. Creating a shirt is a perfect option for the game. Jerseys are not required.
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Please park at either the school parking lot or near Auto Zone. There are no unauthorized vehicles permitted on or near the field for practices or the games.
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Note: Bring your dollars to the game! PPI will be cheering on the sidelines and selling concessions with snacks, baked goods, and beverages.
Parents, please email PPI AAppi@andrews.edu if you can donate time to help with sales or donate baked goods ASAP.
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| Flag Football Rules |
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AU SciFEST
September 19–22, 2024
SciFest is a weekend of STEM activities from Thursday evening to Saturday night at and organized by Andrews University.
High school students are invited to join us for this on-campus STEM experience. Students will design, solve problems, connect with others, and be challenged. This weekend opportunity is recommended for junior and senior high school and homeschool students, although any high school students at any level are welcome. This year's theme is Light. To kick off the experience, students can choose to participate in a 3D printing Workshop, Natural History Museum Tour, or exercising/swimming at the Andreasen Center. On Friday, students will work in small groups to complete STEM lab challenges in areas of Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, and Sustainable Agriculture. A Science and Faith panel discussion of "Creation Care & Technology" will include responses to student questions. Worship with us on Sabbath and experience life on campus. A Saturday night QuizBowl game show culminates the event. Team prizes will be awarded based on percentages (1st place 100-90%, 2nd place 89-80%, 3rd place 79-70%), and scholarships will be given to all students who participate.
If you are interested in being part of SciFest, please fill out the attached application form since only 10 students are allowed to attend from AA. The cost is $90 this year, to be paid by September 12 if you are chosen. Preference will be given to juniors and seniors. The due date for the application is Friday, August 30, to Mr. Wright.
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| More Information |
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School Hours
The typical school day begins at 8:00 AM (with the exception of strings/ orchestra and backpacking), and ends at 3:15 PM. Students may enter the building starting at 7:40 AM using their ID card.
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School Lunch Program
Andrews Academy
2024-2025
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Bon Appetit Management at Andrews University is honored to have the opportunity to provide your child with delicious meals that promote health and wellness. Our chef-driven food is alive with flavor and nutrition, always prepared from scratch. We take the care of your student(s) very seriously and thank you in advance for placing your trust in us.
Meals are sold as a package of 4 weeks of meals (one month). Students may choose which lunches they want to eat and bring a lunch on the other days. When the academic semester has completed, the cost of any unused meals remaining are credited back to the Andrews Academy student (tuition) account.
Important Information for 2024-2025 School Year
For the first month of school (August 19 - September 13, 2024), those parents desiring to purchase school lunches for their enrolled students will need to pay via cash, check, or credit card at the Andrews Academy office or via credit card over the phone for their student's lunch service for the month. Checks (noting that the payment is for lunches and the student's name) may also be put in the dropbox on the pillar by the front door also. Lunch payments may NOT be made on TouchNet.
This is a temporary arrangement, since Andrews University ITS is planning to provide a secure web page where parents of AA students can pay online for any subsequent school lunch charges after the first month of school. Further announcements will be forthcoming.
The reduced meal plan contract and application can be obtained from the school office, or you can reply to this email to request them to be sent to you in an email in case you would like to be considered for this program. Please return the completed forms to Andrews Academy ASAP. Proof of income will be required. Please see the application for details.
Students must present their ID card for meal pickup. Portion sizes are predetermined, and second servings are not provided. All meals now include the house legume and whole grain brown rice. Students are expected to behave appropriately while in the service area. Disciplinary action will be taken by AA as needed.
Your feedback is always welcomed. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
It is our greatest pleasure to serve our youth!
Your School Lunch Team at Bon Appetit
E-mail: ds@andrews.edu
Phone: 269-471-3161
Notes: The menu will be posted in the display case at school as well as towards the end of the E-Sanjo each week.
The Friday boxed lunch must be ordered by putting the student's name and ID number on a sign-up sheet in the office (also passed around during lunch) by Wednesday at 2:00 PM.
This is an optional lunch program. Students are always welcome to bring their lunch or their parent can bring them a lunch, but students are not allowed to have lunch delivered to them by a restaurant/Door Dash.
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| More information |
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Hold Harmless Form
Note that the hold harmless form is required for all students so that they may attend day and overnight trips (e.g. required school days such as beach day, class vespers, ice skating, trips and tours, etc.), and that medical insurance coverage is required for students to participate in off-site activities. You can find it on our Useful Documents web page, and printed copies are available in the main office.
Note that the form may not be digitally signed or sent to us as a picture or file. We need the original, signed form turned in to the office ASAP. This blanket hold harmless agreement can be used for any school activity that is on our calendar.
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AA Uniforms Available from Lands' End
Uniforms can be purchased from Lands’ End, including for PE. Click on the option(s) that you would like, then choose the size (kid or adult). Please be mindful that Andrews Academy is not responsible for your orders.
We understand that uniforms are on back order from Land's End. We do have a limited supply of uniforms for sale at AA (cash or check only) during office hours. We found more used uniforms in storage, so those who don't have uniforms should come tomorrow (Monday) to see if you can find something that fits (first come, first served).
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Please review the Sourcebook (pgs 79-81) for more information regarding uniforms. Only approved logoed uniform wear is allowed. A solid-color, long sleeved undershirt may be worn under the AA short-sleeved polo (no writing should be visible on the undershirt). If a student is wearing an AA logoed jacket, they should also have an AA logoed shirt underneath. Only AA logoed jackets are allowed to be worn in the building.
The PE uniform can only be worn during PE class.
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| AA's Lands' End Store |
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Google Account Security Key Required
PLEASE note that if your child still has their security key from last year, you DO NOT NEED to purchase them a new one.
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If you have not done so already, please purchase the Multi-Factor Authentication Security Key for all AA students. This key is essential for your child to access all Google platforms (AU email, Google Classroom, etc.), as well as secure documents from Andrews University and Andrews Academy. Each student needs their own security key.
Security Key Link
If you have any further questions, feel free to email me.
Forms to check out a school computer for use at home during the school year can be found in the main office. Both a parent and the student's signatures are required.
Thank you for your cooperation,
Caleb Akins, MA
Media Ministry Director
Andrews Academy
akins@andrews.edu
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School Supplies
Teachers will inform students about what supplies are needed for their classes. Please at least bring a pen or pencil, your textbooks, and some paper to write on.
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AU Campus Safety Parking Permit
Academy Vehicle Registration Process
- All vehicles parked on Andrews University property must register their vehicle with the Office of Campus Safety. This must be done online before you plan to park in the AA parking lot or anywhere else on the AU campus. (See instructions below.)
- You will be given a green community registration sticker or an orange staff registration permit if your parent/guardian currently is employed by Andrews and is present at the time of registration. This will go on the driver’s side lower corner of your windshield and should be visible to the on duty patrol officer. This permit will allow you to park in all blue and green lots on campus. No overnight parking is permitted.
- The parking permit will expire on August 31 of the following year, when it will need to be renewed. It may be renewed sooner, starting in early May.
- As a complimentary service, Campus Safety is pleased to offer free jump starts and vehicle lockouts to our guests and students provided they are on University property.
- The Andrews University adopted vehicle policy can be found at the link below.
- If you have further questions, Campus Safety is available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and can be reached at the following number: 269-471-3321.
Walk-through of Online Vehicle Pre-Registration:
(Please read through instructions before you begin)
Step 1: Go to www.vault.andrews.edu and login using AU username and password (a DUO push will be required to enter system). New AA students who have not yet set up their AU username and password will be sent instructions soon.
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Click on “Campus Safety” and enter your AU username/password.
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Click on “Register Vehicles”
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Click on "Re-register" or "Start New Registration"
Step 2: In Permit Type, select the permit type available (NOT Bicycle). The vehicle information boxes will then populate. (If your permit type is not shown, please select what is available, clarify the appropriate type needed with Campus Safety by email or at decal retrieval.) (If decal option is not given for Faculty/Staff, and this is your campus status, please skip step 8)
Step 3: Skip down to the Vehicle section and fill in the Type, Year, Make, & Model of your vehicle. For Color, choose from the menu provided that is closest to your vehicle color.
Step 4: Your VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number) is string of numbers and letters that you should be able to find this on both the insurance and state registration (number must match on both documents.)
Step 5: In the License section, enter the issuing State & License Plate number
Step 6: Click on the Agreement button at the bottom of the webpage. Read through the Vehicle Registration Agreement and then sign using your AU password and then click Submit.
Step 7: Attach all documents requested (must be taken in any .jpeg format. If you are using your mobile device to take the pictures, check format: Settings, Camera, Format - use most compatible option.)
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You must have CURRENT Registration & Insurance and a valid Driver’s License to be issued a permanent parking decal. If document is expired see * below.
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Click “Upload” after each document has been selected
++ Faculty/Staff skip to Step 9 ++
Step 8: There is a $10 annual fee per vehicle for non-faculty/staff parking decals. Select payment method. If you wish to pay cash or in person, do not choose an option. Cash can only be paid at the Financial Aid Cashiers Desk. (Note: Tell cashier payment is for Vehicle Registration and bring receipt to retrieve the decal.)
Step 9: Click “Update.” Please look for emails in your AU email account with further instructions.
Your registration is complete once the permit has been placed on the windshield.
* Place picture of plate in registration attachment slot. Please email safety@andrews.edu with this information after you complete all possible information online. A temporary parking permit will need be issued. Temporary Parking Permits must be placed in vehicle driver’s side dash when parked on campus.
** If you have an appointment to register with state, please bring verification (email, screen capture) along with all other requested documents, and a temporary parking permit will be issued.
Temporary Parking Permits dates must be viewable on driver’s side dash when vehicle is parked on campus.
Call AU Campus Safety at 269-471-3321 if you have any problems or questions.
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| AU Vehicle Policy/Information |
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Tuition
Note that payment #2 is due on or before September 25. If you have not yet paid payment #1, please do so right away. It was due on August 5.
Please contact Ms. Gracie at gaytan@andrews.edu with questions.
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Orientation Assembly
Andrews Academy's new principal, Mr. Ruben Perez-Schulz, introduced himself and shared a little of his life. He then introduced each of the faculty and staff as well as going over a few expectations of the school year. Pastor Lindsey Pratt led in the opening prayer of our orientation assembly. (August 19, 2024)
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Senior Pictures & Ads for Yearbook
Senior pictures are needed for yearbook, class night, and the class composite to be hung in the AA Commons or Library. The yearbook team will need your senior and baby pictures by Friday, October 18, 2024. We encourage you to get your senior picture done during the summer before the busy school year begins. Photographers get busy in the late summer and fall, so you may want to book an appointment early. PLEASE PLAN AHEAD and get your picture done in a timely manner.
You do not have to go to a professional photographer for this picture, but please make sure you follow the picture requirements below. If not, the yearbook team may request that you send an alternative. For yearbook pictures, seniors should be looking at the camera rather than away from it.
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Pictures for the yearbook and senior ads must adhere to the following requirements:
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- In color
- Picture from waist up (not entire body) - yearbook picture
- Portrait/vertical mode (not landscape/horizontal) - yearbook picture
- Attire per AA guidelines—no sleeveless shirts or bare shoulders, no low cut or cropped tops, no jewelry - yearbook AND senior ads
- High-resolution JPEG (at least 4x6, 300 ppi resolution)
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Baby Photos
By the same date (October 18), please submit a baby picture as well. The baby picture will be used by yearbook as well as for senior bulletin board and class night purposes. Please submit a high-resolution JPEG baby picture. If you cannot scan the picture, you may bring the baby picture to the yearbook team, and they will scan it for you.
Also, please plan ahead for senior yearbook ad nights on Monday and Tuesday, October 28 & 29, starting at 5:00 PM. At that time, you and your parents can purchase senior ads for the yearbook (see the messages to seniors in the back of previous yearbooks for examples).
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Chapel Recap
The school year began with worship together as an Academy family. (We worship together each day of the school year.) Music leaders led in a few songs, and Mr. David VanDenburgh shared the worship thought. Our theme for the year is “Called for a Purpose,” and he shared a key simple insight, that because God is, there is a purpose!
On Tuesday, we were blessed with special music by Zola Sibanda, AA senior, who sang Amazing Grace. Pastor Gabriel Johnson, AA religion teacher, led out in an unusual chapel. He shared how we as Christians may learn the facts about Christianity but may not really know who God is. He introduced a four-year chapel plan that by the end of each student’s four years, they will learn about concepts from the entire Bible and really know who God is. For example, one week of chapels will focus on a series of Bible verses, and during the week, we will learn the concepts of these verses. In the future, we will have a guest speaker to talk about these concepts on Mondays, then on Tuesdays, the students will be divided into smaller groups that will be student-led to reexamine these verses that were presented on Monday. We look forward to the intentional year-long and four-year-long series as we really get to know who God is! At the close of chapel, Pastor Johnson invited students to pray with each other, asking for a blessing of the chapels this school year.
We enjoy and celebrate the diversity we have at Andrews Academy. Often, special weeks are set aside to celebrate the diversity of a culture as part of our morning chapel program. Wednesday’s chapel included prayer, a brief discussion of our diversity, and then time for cultures to gather together to help plan for chapels in the future when their culture would be featured.
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On Thursday, Dr. Ellen Noguiera Rodrigues, an educator and servant of Christ, shared information about the “Aspiring Teachers Club.” She invited students interested in developing and sharing their passion to attend regular meetings at AA.
Friday's chapel program were individual class devotions. Pictures were not taken except for the sophomore class, who stepped out of their class devotions the last few minutes to get a class photo.
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| More photos on Facebook |
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Attention Students: If you would like Friday's boxed lunch, those who are signed up for the lunch program must order it each week by Wednesday at 2:00 PM. The sign-up sheet will be at lunch or in the front office.
Parents: To sign your student up for the lunch program or add funds to your student's account, please pay at the Academy main office (cash/check/credit card) until a website is set up in mid-September to load funds online. You may still pay cash or check in the Academy office even when the website is available.
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FACTS or Andrews Email Log In Help
If you need help logging in to FACTS or help with your Andrews email and password, please contact Mrs. Gina Meekma (ginam@andrews.edu) in the main office.
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You can find your schedule, grades, missing assignments, etc. on FACTS.
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Important Attendance Information
- Pre-arranged Absences: Please be sure to fill out a pre-arranged absence card if you know in advance that you will be missing school due to a doctor/dentist/orthodontist appointment, trip, basketball tournament, driver's test, etc. These cards can be found in the main office or online. A parent's signature is required, then the office, and teacher(s) of the class(es) that you will miss.
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Class Schedule Adjustment (CSA) Requests: A CSA is available for students who have a study hall at the beginning or ending of the school day or will be working during a study hall during the school day. A CSA is required for students who leave the Academy to attend classes at Andrews University, who are going to work off campus, or who wish to begin the school day later or leave earlier on a regular basis. The CSA request form must be filled out and signed by everyone indicated on the form before the student stops attending their study hall. Students must adhere to CSA guidelines that are printed on the CSA application. Any violation may cause the CSA to be revoked. I will email students and parents when a CSA is approved.
- Other Absences: Parents, please call the front office (269-471-3138) or email aaattendance@andrews.edu if your student is going to be absent or tardy. These are the preferable methods.
Please provide the reason why your child will not be attending school and how long you think they will be out.
Parents/Guardians are the only authorized individuals who can excuse a student's attendance. When emailing, parents must send correspondence from their email account to maintain the validity of the request. Please include the name of the student.
From the Sourcebook (pg. 83):
Students who miss three (3) consecutive school days due to illness must provide written documentation from a certified medical professional corroborating the necessity of that absence.
For any attendance questions that you would like to ask by email, please direct these questions to aaattendance@andrews.edu.
Thank you!
Ms. Leslie Nieves
Guidance Counselor/Attendance Officer
Andrews Academy
269-471-3453
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School Communications
The E-Sanjo and other communications from the school, including classroom teacher communications, use the email address(es) that you (and your parents) have recorded in FACTS when you registered for Andrews Academy. We will also use students' AU email address. Some have been wondering why they are not receiving their school communications to a certain email. If you wish to have communications sent to a specific email address, please send the change to ginam@andrews.edu. Thank you!
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Mondays - Thursdays:
7:40 AM - 4:30 PM
Fridays: 7:40 AM - 2:30 PM
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Andrews Academy
8833 Garland Ave Berrien Springs, MI 49104
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269-471-3138
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