2010 parenting 101 2

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Welcome to Clarksville Middle School

Tips for helping your child manage the unique challenges the middle school experience will bring

Middle School Parenting 101Parent Class of 2010

Presented Thursday August 26th 8:30 - 9:30 am at Clarksville

Click or press space bar to advance each slide

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Your (NewYour (Newishish) Role as ) Role as ParentParent

• Now that your child is in middle school, it is Now that your child is in middle school, it is

NOT TIME TO STEP BACKNOT TIME TO STEP BACK and let them and let them

be more independent.be more independent.• Your children are in a Your children are in a new environmentnew environment..• They will have many new and exciting challenges They will have many new and exciting challenges

that that require your supportrequire your support..• They need you to They need you to STEP UPSTEP UP and and help them morehelp them more

so that they can fully adjust to the newness of so that they can fully adjust to the newness of middle school.middle school.

• It is like first grade all over - only they are It is like first grade all over - only they are bigger!bigger!

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Student Drop Off / Pick Student Drop Off / Pick UpUp

• Our parking lot is designed with a special Our parking lot is designed with a special student drop off area. Please use this area for student drop off area. Please use this area for dropping off your children.dropping off your children.

• Please do not attempt to drop off or pick up your Please do not attempt to drop off or pick up your child in the area designated for buses, due to child in the area designated for buses, due to safety considerations.safety considerations.---------------------------------------SOUTH TROTTER

ROAD--------------------------------------

School Bus Only

Drop Off and Pick Up

For You to Drop Off/Pickup

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What Students Need to What Students Need to WearWear

• For “Regular School”-InsideFor “Regular School”-Inside clothes such as jeans and clothes such as jeans and a T-shirt. a T-shirt.

Our school building is air conditioned. Some Our school building is air conditioned. Some students find themselves chilly because they come to students find themselves chilly because they come to school dressed for outside play. Many students find school dressed for outside play. Many students find that long pants or a sweater can help them feel more that long pants or a sweater can help them feel more comfortable, comfortable, especiallyespecially when the weather is warm. when the weather is warm.

• Open-toe footwear such as flip-flops or sandals should Open-toe footwear such as flip-flops or sandals should not be worn on days when students have science not be worn on days when students have science class.class.

• For Recess, which is usually outside - bring a jacket For Recess, which is usually outside - bring a jacket and warm clothes once the weather begins to change.and warm clothes once the weather begins to change.

• For specific questions about what clothes students For specific questions about what clothes students may wear, consult the Howard County Public School may wear, consult the Howard County Public School System Dress Code.System Dress Code.

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What Students Need to What Students Need to Bring for the First Day of Bring for the First Day of

SchoolSchool• One One HEAVY DUTYHEAVY DUTY 3-ring binder 3-ring binder• Dividers for each subject Dividers for each subject (7-9 for first quarter)(7-9 for first quarter)

• Lots of lined notebook paper (3 hole Lots of lined notebook paper (3 hole kind)kind)

• Ample supply of pencils Ample supply of pencils (Five is a good (Five is a good number)number)– The problem with mechanicals: many parts to The problem with mechanicals: many parts to

manage!manage!

• A few pens A few pens (Three is a good number)(Three is a good number)

• Page protectors and/or paper reinforcersPage protectors and/or paper reinforcers

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What Students Need to What Students Need to Bring for the First Day of Bring for the First Day of

SchoolSchool• If they have Physical Education first quarter, they If they have Physical Education first quarter, they

will will

need their Gymnasium Uniform by the end of week need their Gymnasium Uniform by the end of week 1.1.– Students will know if they have gym first quarter because Students will know if they have gym first quarter because

they will receive their schedule on the first day of schoolthey will receive their schedule on the first day of school– Uniforms may be purchased in the gym for $20 Uniforms may be purchased in the gym for $20

immediately following this meetingimmediately following this meeting

• Encourage your child to bring a positive attitude Encourage your child to bring a positive attitude and willingness to ask to for help when they need it. and willingness to ask to for help when they need it.

• Remind them that their teachers are here to help!Remind them that their teachers are here to help!

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What Students DO NOTWhat Students DO NOTNeed to Bring to SchoolNeed to Bring to School

• Other school supplies on 6Other school supplies on 6thth grade shopping list grade shopping list– Teachers will announce when students need supplies such as Teachers will announce when students need supplies such as

journals, colored pencils, protractors, rulers, scissors, etc.journals, colored pencils, protractors, rulers, scissors, etc.

• Large Amounts of Money (over $5)Large Amounts of Money (over $5)– Students often misplace items in 6Students often misplace items in 6thth grade grade

• Skateboards and ScootersSkateboards and Scooters• Sports Equipment (i.e. footballs, etc)Sports Equipment (i.e. footballs, etc)• Electronic devices such as iPods and CD playersElectronic devices such as iPods and CD players• Cell phones are permitted, but Cell phones are permitted, but must be turned must be turned

off and left in a student’s locker during the off and left in a student’s locker during the regular school dayregular school day..

• Gum and CandyGum and Candy• We can not reimburse students for items lost at schoolWe can not reimburse students for items lost at school

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The Middle School The Middle School BinderBinder

• Must be Must be HEAVY DUTYHEAVY DUTY and of the 3 ring variety. and of the 3 ring variety.• Separate sections for each subject (7-9 dividers)Separate sections for each subject (7-9 dividers)• All papers for each subject must be kept togetherAll papers for each subject must be kept together• Many subjects have a specific order for papersMany subjects have a specific order for papers• Parents: Parents: Never take papers out of the binder!Never take papers out of the binder!

– Teachers reorganize binder sections each quarterTeachers reorganize binder sections each quarter– Many teachers keep papers in work portfolios, so do Many teachers keep papers in work portfolios, so do

not throw away your child’s schoolwork until the year’s not throw away your child’s schoolwork until the year’s endend

• Develop your own “binder check” system at homeDevelop your own “binder check” system at home– Help your child organize papers into the correct Help your child organize papers into the correct

subject-subject-specific section of their binder, placing them in order,specific section of their binder, placing them in order,and refilling any needed supplies each week.and refilling any needed supplies each week.

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Your Child’s Assignment Your Child’s Assignment BookBook

• Students will be assisted in highlighting their Students will be assisted in highlighting their assignment book on the first day of each school week to assignment book on the first day of each school week to help them develop organizational skills and learn their help them develop organizational skills and learn their schedule.schedule.

• Each class,Each class, your child will be instructed to write their your child will be instructed to write their homework in the space provided for every subject in homework in the space provided for every subject in the assignment book. the assignment book. If there is no homeworkIf there is no homework for a for a class, they are to write the word class, they are to write the word “None”“None” in the in the corresponding assignment box.corresponding assignment box.

• You can help them learn how to manage their workload You can help them learn how to manage their workload more quickly by asking them to show you their more quickly by asking them to show you their homework assignments and match them to what is homework assignments and match them to what is written in their assignment book. This is a great way to written in their assignment book. This is a great way to check that they have finished all their homework.check that they have finished all their homework.

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Middle School Middle School Homework TipsHomework Tips• Set up a routine that includes a specific and consistent Set up a routine that includes a specific and consistent

time and place free from distractions for your child to time and place free from distractions for your child to complete homework. Next to the T.V. or a sibling is not complete homework. Next to the T.V. or a sibling is not an ideal setting.an ideal setting.

• Help your child learn to do homework on the night it was Help your child learn to do homework on the night it was assigned to avoid the “night before” syndrome.assigned to avoid the “night before” syndrome.

• Check accuracy of recorded homework in your child’s Check accuracy of recorded homework in your child’s assignment book by going to assignment book by going to http://new.schoolnotes.com When finished, place homework inside the binder section When finished, place homework inside the binder section designated for that subject. Leave it there until it is designated for that subject. Leave it there until it is turned in.turned in.

• Never allow your child to leave homework at Never allow your child to leave homework at home.home.

Homework is often used as part of the following day’s Homework is often used as part of the following day’s lesson as a follow-up or assessment activity. Keep lesson as a follow-up or assessment activity. Keep homework in the binder.homework in the binder.

• Discourage your child from calling home when homework Discourage your child from calling home when homework or supplies are forgotten. Students need to build the or supplies are forgotten. Students need to build the skills needed for academic success, part of which is skills needed for academic success, part of which is getting their materials to school on their own.getting their materials to school on their own.

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Using New.schoolnotes.comUsing New.schoolnotes.com Ask your child to write down their teachers’ names.Ask your child to write down their teachers’ names.

All of your child’s teachers’ names will be on their schedule.All of your child’s teachers’ names will be on their schedule. Open your web browser. Type this into the URL bar:Open your web browser. Type this into the URL bar: http://new.schoolnotes.comhttp://new.schoolnotes.com Click Enter or Return to tell the computer to go to the website.Click Enter or Return to tell the computer to go to the website. Bookmark the website as a favorite; you’ll use it often.Bookmark the website as a favorite; you’ll use it often.

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Using New.schoolnotes.comUsing New.schoolnotes.com A listing of schools organizations and teachers will appear.A listing of schools organizations and teachers will appear. Scroll down the list of teachers until you find the teacher whose homework Scroll down the list of teachers until you find the teacher whose homework

assignment you wish to check.assignment you wish to check. Double click on that teachers name.Double click on that teachers name.

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Using New.schoolnotes.comUsing New.schoolnotes.com•You should see something that looks like this:

• Scroll down to read the homework assigned.• Check as many classes as often as you like. You may even select the “Notify me” option to sign up to be notified each time a teacher changes or updates their new.schoolnotes.com webpage.

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Signing Up for Homework Updates:Signing Up for Homework Updates: After clicking on “Notify me” under the teacher’s name on any teacher’s After clicking on “Notify me” under the teacher’s name on any teacher’s

new.schoolnotes.com website page, simply complete this form asking for new.schoolnotes.com website page, simply complete this form asking for your email address, first name, and last name.your email address, first name, and last name.

Check your email regularly to find out about new.schoolnotes.com updates.Check your email regularly to find out about new.schoolnotes.com updates. Be sure to check the same email that you used when registering.Be sure to check the same email that you used when registering.

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Some Scheduling TermsSome Scheduling Terms Alpha - homeroom classAlpha - homeroom class

Students report here first everydayStudents report here first everyday Attendance is done here, papers distributedAttendance is done here, papers distributed

Block – Time period for when class meets.

Comet Time - a 45 minute class period used for band, Comet Time - a 45 minute class period used for band, orchestra, enrichment activities, team building, make-up work, orchestra, enrichment activities, team building, make-up work, and extra help from teachers.and extra help from teachers.

F.A.C.S. - Family and Consumer ScienceF.A.C.S. - Family and Consumer Science You may have formerly known this class as Home EconomicsYou may have formerly known this class as Home Economics

T.H.E. - Technology Helping EducationT.H.E. - Technology Helping Education

World Language Exploratory experience - an 8 day session that introduces students to the strategies for learning world languages.

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The 6The 6thth Grade Schedule Grade Schedule

Students take five academic classes for all Students take five academic classes for all four grading quarters, throughout the four grading quarters, throughout the entire year.entire year. Reading, Math, English, Science, & Social StudiesReading, Math, English, Science, & Social Studies

Students take two related arts classes Students take two related arts classes each grading quartereach grading quarter Phys Ed, Music, Tech Ed, Art, F.A.C.S., T.H.E., etc.Phys Ed, Music, Tech Ed, Art, F.A.C.S., T.H.E., etc.

Students may opt to take Band, Chorus, or Students may opt to take Band, Chorus, or Orchestra during the comet time periodOrchestra during the comet time period

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When will my child get their When will my child get their new middle school new middle school

schedule?schedule? Your child will get their new middle Your child will get their new middle

school schedule in alpha class on the school schedule in alpha class on the first day of school.first day of school.

Your child’s alpha teacher will hand Your child’s alpha teacher will hand them their schedule, explain how it them their schedule, explain how it works, and offer any assistance works, and offer any assistance needed.needed.

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Typical 6Typical 6thth Grade Schedule Grade ScheduleTime

8:20

8:30 – 8:35

8:35 – 10:05

10:05 – 11:40

11:40 – 12:10

12:10 – 1:00

1:00 – 1:40

1:40 - 3:15

3:15

MondayArrive at School

Alpha

A – (Reading)

B – (Math)

Lunch & Recess

C – (Science)

Comet Time

X – (Phys Ed.)

Dismissal

TuesdayArrive at School

Alpha

D – (S. Studies)

E – (English)

Lunch & Recess

A – (Reading)

Comet Time

O – (Art)

Dismissal

WednesdayArrive at School

Alpha

B – (Math)

C – (Science)

Lunch & Recess

D – (S. Studies)

Comet Time

X – (Phys Ed.)

Dismissal

Click Mouse to show schedules for typical days of school

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How Can We Do This to How Can We Do This to Children?Children?

While it is true that our schedule:While it is true that our schedule: Oscillates between different (X and O) related arts classesOscillates between different (X and O) related arts classes Alternates which days of the week each subject is taught, Alternates which days of the week each subject is taught,

ANDAND Rotates which school subjects are taught together each dayRotates which school subjects are taught together each day

It is It is alsoalso true that our schedule true that our schedule allows for:allows for: Decreased time in hallwaysDecreased time in hallways Increased academic time for all subjects taughtIncreased academic time for all subjects taught More related arts classes to be taken by each childMore related arts classes to be taken by each child Larger blocks of uninterrupted learning timeLarger blocks of uninterrupted learning time Worried about your child adjusting?Worried about your child adjusting?

We have found that most sixth grade students are able We have found that most sixth grade students are able to master the schedule in about two weeks, and many to master the schedule in about two weeks, and many are able to learn the schedule as good as or better than are able to learn the schedule as good as or better than their teachers!their teachers!

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First Day of School ScheduleFirst Day of School Schedule In order to allow students to meet all of their teachers and figure out In order to allow students to meet all of their teachers and figure out

how their schedule will work, their schedule for the first day will be:how their schedule will work, their schedule for the first day will be:

Time

8:20

8:30 – 9:35

9:35 – 10:25

10:25 – 11:15

11:15 – 11:50

11:50 – 12:40

12:40– 1:30

1:30 – 2:20

2:20 – 2:48

2:48 - 3:15

3:15

First Day Schedule

Arrive at School, go to locker then report to Alpha.

Alpha – Students will be introduced to their schedule.

A Block (Reading)

B Block (Math)

LUNCH and Recess

C Block (Science)

D Block (Social Studies)

E – Block (English)

X – Related Arts (Phys Ed)

0 – Related Arts (Art)

Dismissal

Note: Class names given in ( ) are examples only.

Your child’s schedule may vary.

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GradingGrading Traditional Academic and Related Arts subjectsTraditional Academic and Related Arts subjects

A (90% or better)A (90% or better) B (80% to 89%)B (80% to 89%) C (70% to 79%)C (70% to 79%) D (60% to 69%)D (60% to 69%) E (59% and below)E (59% and below) Each teacher will send a home an explanation of their Each teacher will send a home an explanation of their

classroom expectations and grading policy that will detail classroom expectations and grading policy that will detail how different kinds of assignments contribute to your how different kinds of assignments contribute to your child’s overall quarter grade.child’s overall quarter grade.

Comet timeComet time S (satisfactory) or N (non-satisfactory) participation-basedS (satisfactory) or N (non-satisfactory) participation-based

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LunchLunch

Lunch for sixth graders is 11:40 – 12:10Lunch for sixth graders is 11:40 – 12:10

School lunches cost $3.00 including milkSchool lunches cost $3.00 including milk

Milk alone costs $0.50Milk alone costs $0.50

Average school snack cost is $0.50 to $1.50Average school snack cost is $0.50 to $1.50

After lunch, students usually go outside for After lunch, students usually go outside for recessrecess

Students choose their own assigned seating Students choose their own assigned seating by the end of the second week of schoolby the end of the second week of school

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LockersLockers

Students may go to their lockersStudents may go to their lockers Before Alpha/HomeroomBefore Alpha/Homeroom Before LunchBefore Lunch After LunchAfter Lunch After Dismissal (before getting on bus)After Dismissal (before getting on bus)

Student backpacks must be Student backpacks must be No Larger No Larger ThanThan 10.5 inches deep and 9.0 inches wide 10.5 inches deep and 9.0 inches wide in order to fit inside their lockerin order to fit inside their locker

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Chaperoning Field TripsChaperoning Field Trips You already know that when students are participating in a You already know that when students are participating in a

school sponsored field trip, they bring home a permission school sponsored field trip, they bring home a permission slip for you to sign.slip for you to sign.

You also probably remember that the bottom portion of the You also probably remember that the bottom portion of the permission slip has a box for you to check if you are able to permission slip has a box for you to check if you are able to volunteer your services for chaperoning.volunteer your services for chaperoning.

While your child was in elementary school, you would have While your child was in elementary school, you would have received a phone call if you had checked that box.received a phone call if you had checked that box.

Now that your child is in middle school, we will only call you Now that your child is in middle school, we will only call you if you have checked that box if you have checked that box andand we require your services we require your services for the field trip. for the field trip. We do not call everyone who checks We do not call everyone who checks the box volunteering as a chaperone.the box volunteering as a chaperone.

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Service LearningService Learning

The purpose of Middle School Service Learning is to provide The purpose of Middle School Service Learning is to provide students with an opportunity to experience and learn about giving students with an opportunity to experience and learn about giving of themselves.of themselves.

This year, our 6th grade will be participating in a program called This year, our 6th grade will be participating in a program called “Food on the 15th.”“Food on the 15th.”

Students will be working over the course of the year to provide food Students will be working over the course of the year to provide food for the elderly and others in need in our area by doing chores and for the elderly and others in need in our area by doing chores and preparing canned goods via alpha class.preparing canned goods via alpha class.

All students are expected to participate on a regular basis All students are expected to participate on a regular basis throughout the entire year to fulfill their Service Learning graduation throughout the entire year to fulfill their Service Learning graduation requirement for graduation. Other opportunities for service learning requirement for graduation. Other opportunities for service learning may also be provided, but “Food on the 15th” will be our focus.may also be provided, but “Food on the 15th” will be our focus.

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Report Cards & Progress Report Cards & Progress ReportsReports

Progress reports are sent home at the midpoint of Progress reports are sent home at the midpoint of each grading quarter.each grading quarter.

Report Cards are sent home at the end of each Report Cards are sent home at the end of each grading quarter.grading quarter.

Each report card or progress report will come to Each report card or progress report will come to you in a white envelope via your child.you in a white envelope via your child.

Write any comments you would like to make on the Write any comments you would like to make on the front portion of the front portion of the white envelopewhite envelope..

Return the white envelope to your child’s alpha Return the white envelope to your child’s alpha teacher via your child the day after you receive it teacher via your child the day after you receive it at home.at home.

You keep the actual progress or grade report.You keep the actual progress or grade report.

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Communicating with School

Calling the School Front office phone number: 410.313.7057 Guidance office phone number: 410.313.7060 Health room phone number: 410.313.5610

Communicating with Teachers Email or phone the front office during the school day Sixth grade teacher planning is the last block of the day,

so the best time to call or email is around two o’clock. All teachers can be emailed using the following format:

[email protected] Example: Mr. John Smith is at: [email protected] If you decide to send an email after school hours, please wait until around 2 pm the following school day for an email reply

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How Can I Know What is Going on at Clarksville Middle School?

Subscribe to the weekly CMS school newsletter at http://www.hcpssnews.com

Check to see what is on the CMS school webpage at http://cms.hcpss.org

Use http://new.schoolnotes.com.to verify the accuracy of your child’s recorded homework.

Look inside your child’s backpack and binder

Look at what is written in the assignment book

Ask your child about what is going on at school

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The CMS Website The website looks like this:

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Using the CMS Website

CMS will often send home important papers with your child to give to you, have you complete, and return

If you find that they have misplaced them or left them at school, you can go here to print out copies as often as you need

You may also use the website to checkout student links, staff links, and get information about the PTA

Currently posted are complete school supply lists for all three grades, including sixth grade.

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Out of School?

Full day absences – Send a note with your child to take to the health room after checking in with their alpha teacher. The health room will provide them will a form to collect all of the work they need to makeup.

Arriving to School late –Bring your child to the front office so that you may sign your child in for the remainder of the day.

Leaving Early – Send a note with your child specifying what time you will pick them up from school. They will take this note to the health room after checking in with their alpha teacher.

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Bus Change for a Day

If you have made arrangements for your child to be supervised by another adult after school, and they must ride a bus other than their assigned bus, send them to school with a note detailing the reason for the change along with a contact phone number. After checking in with their alpha teacher, they should take that note to the front office to be delivered to our Principal.

Otherwise, your child will have to ride their normal assigned bus home.

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Parent Conferences

Purpose is to provide a time and place for a face to face meeting to discuss strategies for student improvement.

If you would like a snapshot update on your child’s progress, many teachers can do this easily via email. Also, by visiting teacherease.com, this will give you your child’s exact grade and percentatge.

You may sign up for a conference by using pickatime.com. This will allow you to sign up for a conference and choose which teachers you would like to see.

Information about pickatime and how to use it to schedule a conference, will be available to you sometime in late October or early November.

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What to do When Your Child Comes Home with a Problem

Validate the problem, verify that their concern is an important one. Tell them you love them, and that you will get involved in order to help.

Avoid negative talk about teachers or other students involved.

Contact the teacher via email or phone the following school day during school hours.

Working together, we will solve the problem.

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Congratulations!Congratulations!

We thank you for your attention and patience. We look forward to working with you and your children.

You have just completed our Parenting 101 course, and are now better prepared to be parents of middle school students.

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Questions?

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End Slideshow