We are finally moving back to the farm next weekend! I've been living with Brady's parents ever since starting school in August besides the weekends. It was an interesting and blessed experience. I have a much better appreciation for farm life and the in-laws. Who else can say that they had to live with their in-laws for almost four months? It's given me some insight on what a farm wife needs to be like. It also gave me a chance to show Brady's parents how much their son means to me. They learned A LOT about my life as a teacher, which is something that is hard for many people to understand. I'm hoping that little detour will help us in the future.
Our house in Vermillion is so close to being complete. The unfinished basement now has everything it needs like doors, paint, shower, vanity, carpet, flooring, etc. Brady needs to finish some minor details like installing the vanity downstairs, transition pieces upstairs and the baseboard trim downstairs. We're hoping to list the house the beginning of next week. I'm so excited to finally live with my husband full time. Now we're moving into a house about a quarter of a mile away from his parents' farm.
Two weeks ago, I had a very difficult couple of days at school. One of my students said some very inappropriate comments toward me, which I had to handle in a very calm manner and deal with them. My reading class was being very difficult one day that I couldn't handle it and had to get some other teachers to help. The next day I was so stressed out that I got sick at school and had to take the rest of the day off. Here's a scenario from the next day: My reading class tends to come in after lunch very rowdy. I started them out in the hall in a single line and reviewed what they should do when they came into the classroom-sit down quietly and start "tracking" with their finger. I let them go in. As soon as one student talked (which only took about five seconds), I told them to start back out in the hall. This took the kids SEVEN TRIES. SEVEN! It also wasted about twenty minutes of our ninety minute class. My kids that listen well got very upset at the loud students. One even said, "Mrs. Folck, this isn't fair to the kids that are listening! Why can't you just keep those other kids after school?" I calmly told them that this lesson was about being responsible as a class community. The best part came next. One student turned to another and said, "CAN YOU PLEASE SHUT UP SO WE CAN FINISH THE LESSON?! I DON'T WANT TO STAY AFTER SCHOOL!" The loud student looked at the first with a sneer. He shrugged his shoulders. Eventually, the class calmed down. Many of them were upset that they had to finish their independent work/check out during recess and after school. This past week was so much better BECAUSE of the previous week. We even got our lessons done early every day. Maybe I'll get this fourth grade class to be more responsible......one day at a time.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Another Rez and Being Hitched
Since I've last posted a ton has happened! Brady and I got married in August. We then started work two days after we got married, meaning we had to drive from Indiana to South Dakota all in one day. This year I teach fourth grade. Let's just say they are not nearly as cute as my kinder kids. I only have 13 kids, which doesn't seem like a lot. But, with the attitude they give it feels like a class of at least twenty. Some days I really enjoy teaching fourth grade because of the content. Other days, I want to have my kinder kids back. It's mostly because of the fact that I miss being a mom to the little ones.
The other reservation I now work on seems a lot different than Pine Ridge. It's very different experience for me not living in a community of volunteers. It makes going out into the reservation community more difficult and time consuming when I actually get a chance. The parents have been very welcoming at least. Right now I live with Brady's parents in Bloomfield, NE during the week days since it's only 45 minutes to school. On the weekends I go to Vermillion, SD to be with Brady while he works on the house. This weekend we finished landscaping the front yard and fixed some of the siding on the back of the house. Tomorrow we are going to fix the railings on the front steps and paint the siding. Brady made a massive list that we've got to do before we can even THINK about listing the house to sell. We're hoping that we can move back to Bloomfield at the end of October even if the house doesn't sell right away.
Recently I got to Skype with two of my neighbors/previous students from Pine Ridge. It was the most wonderful feeling to see them all grown up! They are still the curious, ambitious kids that I once knew. It made me feel so good when my friend Chelsea told me that they were so excited to talk with me :) I'm grateful that my old life is still a part of my weekly life. I talked to the first grade teacher from Red Cloud and planned a Friday to come visit with the kids. I can't wait!! Hopefully they will be a little shocked. I'm guessing that I'll probably get mobbed.
Now, onto being a wife. It's been a bit chaotic since Brady and I only see each other on the weekends. Working on the house takes up a lot of our time together, but I'm so grateful that Brady is an excellent handyman. He makes working on projects way more fun. He's always been so supportive and I just need to remember all this hard work will be worth it as long as we can be together.
The other reservation I now work on seems a lot different than Pine Ridge. It's very different experience for me not living in a community of volunteers. It makes going out into the reservation community more difficult and time consuming when I actually get a chance. The parents have been very welcoming at least. Right now I live with Brady's parents in Bloomfield, NE during the week days since it's only 45 minutes to school. On the weekends I go to Vermillion, SD to be with Brady while he works on the house. This weekend we finished landscaping the front yard and fixed some of the siding on the back of the house. Tomorrow we are going to fix the railings on the front steps and paint the siding. Brady made a massive list that we've got to do before we can even THINK about listing the house to sell. We're hoping that we can move back to Bloomfield at the end of October even if the house doesn't sell right away.
Recently I got to Skype with two of my neighbors/previous students from Pine Ridge. It was the most wonderful feeling to see them all grown up! They are still the curious, ambitious kids that I once knew. It made me feel so good when my friend Chelsea told me that they were so excited to talk with me :) I'm grateful that my old life is still a part of my weekly life. I talked to the first grade teacher from Red Cloud and planned a Friday to come visit with the kids. I can't wait!! Hopefully they will be a little shocked. I'm guessing that I'll probably get mobbed.
Now, onto being a wife. It's been a bit chaotic since Brady and I only see each other on the weekends. Working on the house takes up a lot of our time together, but I'm so grateful that Brady is an excellent handyman. He makes working on projects way more fun. He's always been so supportive and I just need to remember all this hard work will be worth it as long as we can be together.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
What Leaving Looks Like
Ran into some old volunteers this weekend and reminisced about last year. That was good. We talked a lot about how God works in mysterious ways. Many had no idea that their life would be completely different this year, me being one of them.
So, kindergarten graduation was rough. I lost my voice and could barely emit a squeak at all. My Assistant Principal gave my speech for me and that proved to be pretty entertaining for everyone. I will miss these kids so much, even though my life with them this year as emotional and crazy. Teaching this class was probably the most rewarding thing I've ever done in my life.
This week I have whats called Kindergarten Roundup. Basically I do some testing with the kids who are trying to get into our kindergarten class for next year. There are only 20 spots in the class and about 40 kids get tested to get into the spots. It's very intense since this is a private school. This year though it's strange for me, because I won't have these kids next year. It is one of the things about being a volunteer that is extremely difficult-this whole leaving process. I know that I'm leaving but I'm in denial. I backed up some things in my classroom that I plan on taking with me, but it's all so strange. I won't be in the same classroom, let alone the same school. A whole new grade beckons which I am absolutely not prepared for.
Friday I got in a discussion with a fourth grader about why I'm not coming back next year.
Beau-"Oh yeah, you're getting married. Guess that's important. Wait, why can't he move his farm out here?"
Me- "Well, it doesn't quite work that way..."
Beau- *Getting all excited*, "You can teach the new kindergarten class, he can farm here, and I can move up to fifth grade. See! It all works and we can all be happy! I don't want you to be out of our lives Miss Abby, just like my kindergarten teacher and my second grade teacher."
The sad part about this conversation is that he already knows that more volunteer teachers will come in and out of his life. Even worse is the fact that by the time he's a senior, he will have had at least ten volunteer teachers that leave while he attends to this particular school. Although being a volunteer is amazingly wonderful, it also has a rough affect on the students. I'm hoping that after my departure that I'm not "just another volunteer to them". I've started to say my goodbyes to the first through fourth graders and each one gets harder to deal with. Last week, my old class (now first graders) and my current class gave me a set of placements that they had each written messages on and laminated. I absolutely loved this gift because I can actually use it next year!!! Honestly, I've cried alot the last three weeks. I don't want to leave this this beautiful place and these inspiring kids. Everybody keeps telling me that I shouldn't be sad because I have so much to look forward too. Yes, I get that. I have a wonderful man that I get to spend the rest of my life with and a new job that will challenge me in multiple ways. This new life is exciting and I feel so blessed. At the end of the day though, I feel so glad that I've gotten this experience out in Pine Ridge. While I may not be ready to move on, I know that their lives will go on and my students will become older, ready to conquer the world. But, I want to freeze these shots of them in my mind. They are perfect.
So, kindergarten graduation was rough. I lost my voice and could barely emit a squeak at all. My Assistant Principal gave my speech for me and that proved to be pretty entertaining for everyone. I will miss these kids so much, even though my life with them this year as emotional and crazy. Teaching this class was probably the most rewarding thing I've ever done in my life.
This week I have whats called Kindergarten Roundup. Basically I do some testing with the kids who are trying to get into our kindergarten class for next year. There are only 20 spots in the class and about 40 kids get tested to get into the spots. It's very intense since this is a private school. This year though it's strange for me, because I won't have these kids next year. It is one of the things about being a volunteer that is extremely difficult-this whole leaving process. I know that I'm leaving but I'm in denial. I backed up some things in my classroom that I plan on taking with me, but it's all so strange. I won't be in the same classroom, let alone the same school. A whole new grade beckons which I am absolutely not prepared for.
Friday I got in a discussion with a fourth grader about why I'm not coming back next year.
Beau-"Oh yeah, you're getting married. Guess that's important. Wait, why can't he move his farm out here?"
Me- "Well, it doesn't quite work that way..."
Beau- *Getting all excited*, "You can teach the new kindergarten class, he can farm here, and I can move up to fifth grade. See! It all works and we can all be happy! I don't want you to be out of our lives Miss Abby, just like my kindergarten teacher and my second grade teacher."
The sad part about this conversation is that he already knows that more volunteer teachers will come in and out of his life. Even worse is the fact that by the time he's a senior, he will have had at least ten volunteer teachers that leave while he attends to this particular school. Although being a volunteer is amazingly wonderful, it also has a rough affect on the students. I'm hoping that after my departure that I'm not "just another volunteer to them". I've started to say my goodbyes to the first through fourth graders and each one gets harder to deal with. Last week, my old class (now first graders) and my current class gave me a set of placements that they had each written messages on and laminated. I absolutely loved this gift because I can actually use it next year!!! Honestly, I've cried alot the last three weeks. I don't want to leave this this beautiful place and these inspiring kids. Everybody keeps telling me that I shouldn't be sad because I have so much to look forward too. Yes, I get that. I have a wonderful man that I get to spend the rest of my life with and a new job that will challenge me in multiple ways. This new life is exciting and I feel so blessed. At the end of the day though, I feel so glad that I've gotten this experience out in Pine Ridge. While I may not be ready to move on, I know that their lives will go on and my students will become older, ready to conquer the world. But, I want to freeze these shots of them in my mind. They are perfect.
Monday, May 6, 2013
The End of the Kindergarten Saga
My second year of teaching kindergarten is almost done! My kids have come so far. Looking back at previous posts from February and March help me realize how lucky I've been this year. They went from angry and aggressive five year olds to motivated young individuals who will become the future leaders of Pine Ridge. It's stunning to see where they are at now. They really have developed into a team who looks out for one another.
Funny story
We have a giant concrete dinosaur on our playground. A lot of my kids used to climb up on his back by using a hole in his knee. Well, that was repaired, finally and the class was too little to get out without help. I look over to see one student on his hands and knees while another child stepped onto his back to heave himself onto the dinosaur. The child on the ground let four more kids use his back to get on. This was a child that used to throw things around the classroom and hit other kids every day in the beginning of the year. I love that he has blossomed into a compassionate child and who looks out for the younger kids in the class.
In other news besides the classroom
This Friday I had an interview at a school in Santee, SD which is a reservation near where Brady is from. I got a job offer to teach fourth grade there next year! Here was my thought process: " Well, I would rather have gotten the kindergarten position but it's a real salaried job!!! With great health insurance!!!! AHHHHH FOURTH GRADE!" See, here's what makes me nervous. I've only taught kindergarten the last two years and student taught in second grade. Fourth graders are completely different. They are way more independent but the content level is waaaaayyy higher (as it should be). I wouldn't have to tie shoes or deal with kids peeing their pants, but I would have to deal with hormonal children and lots of girl drama. The class only has twelve kids in it which is awesome though! So, overall I'm really excited and super nervous. Brady and I have a crazy amount of life stuff to figure out-when to move back to the farm, finishing his current house, a few wedding things, getting me a car, insurance, etc. Being an adult is scary and expensive by the way. I have so much stuff to figure out! At this point the wedding will be way easier to handle :)
Funny story
We have a giant concrete dinosaur on our playground. A lot of my kids used to climb up on his back by using a hole in his knee. Well, that was repaired, finally and the class was too little to get out without help. I look over to see one student on his hands and knees while another child stepped onto his back to heave himself onto the dinosaur. The child on the ground let four more kids use his back to get on. This was a child that used to throw things around the classroom and hit other kids every day in the beginning of the year. I love that he has blossomed into a compassionate child and who looks out for the younger kids in the class.
In other news besides the classroom
This Friday I had an interview at a school in Santee, SD which is a reservation near where Brady is from. I got a job offer to teach fourth grade there next year! Here was my thought process: " Well, I would rather have gotten the kindergarten position but it's a real salaried job!!! With great health insurance!!!! AHHHHH FOURTH GRADE!" See, here's what makes me nervous. I've only taught kindergarten the last two years and student taught in second grade. Fourth graders are completely different. They are way more independent but the content level is waaaaayyy higher (as it should be). I wouldn't have to tie shoes or deal with kids peeing their pants, but I would have to deal with hormonal children and lots of girl drama. The class only has twelve kids in it which is awesome though! So, overall I'm really excited and super nervous. Brady and I have a crazy amount of life stuff to figure out-when to move back to the farm, finishing his current house, a few wedding things, getting me a car, insurance, etc. Being an adult is scary and expensive by the way. I have so much stuff to figure out! At this point the wedding will be way easier to handle :)
Sunday, March 3, 2013
What Learning Looks Like
Just thinking about the title of this post makes my heart so happy.
This was my Friday: One of my students, RF was having a fantastic day. He used to have a lot of displaced anger that he would take out on the other students and teachers. This child has turned into one of my favorites this year, oddly enough. During station time, he went over to every single child in our class (16 kids) and gave them a hug. Not his usual "I'm going to try and squeeze you to death" hug, but a "I'm a normal, happy go lucky six year old". I watched and my jaw dropped. I started laughing with joy and one of the other kids after seeing my reaction said, "Miss Abby are you crying again," to which I responded with "Nope, I'm really happy." It seriously made my whole week to see a child come from such an angry place to one filled with so much happiness.
Another neat moment of the day happened during my reading station. One of my students, JC, will be retained because she is academically very low compared to the rest of the class. I gave her a worksheet to work on that had four problems on it. Each one had a picture on top and then two words to pick from. Her job was to sound out the word and circle the correct one. She did the whole thing by herself without asking for help!!!! I was so shocked that I probably didn't breathe for that whole minute. She talked to herself like this, "Okay, it's a picture of a bag. B-A-G, bag. Starts with B and ends with G. Next one. It's a picture of a pin, P-I-N, pin. Next one. Goat, G-O-T. Goat. Wait, nothing starts with G, uh huh. Try again. Ram, R-A-M. Got it!" I almost said, "Hell yah!" out loud but luckily I caught myself. Even thinking about this moment makes me smile so big.
Thank goodness for these kids.
This was my Friday: One of my students, RF was having a fantastic day. He used to have a lot of displaced anger that he would take out on the other students and teachers. This child has turned into one of my favorites this year, oddly enough. During station time, he went over to every single child in our class (16 kids) and gave them a hug. Not his usual "I'm going to try and squeeze you to death" hug, but a "I'm a normal, happy go lucky six year old". I watched and my jaw dropped. I started laughing with joy and one of the other kids after seeing my reaction said, "Miss Abby are you crying again," to which I responded with "Nope, I'm really happy." It seriously made my whole week to see a child come from such an angry place to one filled with so much happiness.
Another neat moment of the day happened during my reading station. One of my students, JC, will be retained because she is academically very low compared to the rest of the class. I gave her a worksheet to work on that had four problems on it. Each one had a picture on top and then two words to pick from. Her job was to sound out the word and circle the correct one. She did the whole thing by herself without asking for help!!!! I was so shocked that I probably didn't breathe for that whole minute. She talked to herself like this, "Okay, it's a picture of a bag. B-A-G, bag. Starts with B and ends with G. Next one. It's a picture of a pin, P-I-N, pin. Next one. Goat, G-O-T. Goat. Wait, nothing starts with G, uh huh. Try again. Ram, R-A-M. Got it!" I almost said, "Hell yah!" out loud but luckily I caught myself. Even thinking about this moment makes me smile so big.
Thank goodness for these kids.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Second Year
It has been almost eight months since I've last posted. Way too many days ago.
This year out at Pine Ridge has been very different than last year. I'm a second year teacher, thank God! I have plans to rely on from last year and that has been so beneficial. My class this year has ten boys and seven girls compared to seven boys last year and thirteen girls. More girls=more drama while more boys=more fights/what appear to look like bar brawls almost. I've never witnessed a more active and violent group of five year olds in my life. August through December was a whirlwind of emotions and complete chaos. You never knew what they would do. I've seen students backhand others in the face, children throwing chairs around the classroom,and children hit multiple teachers. Yep, just another day in kindergarten apparently. A few of my students have very difficult home lives. Most have great support at home where they are disciplined and taught respect.
Although,
The beginning of January my students showed me how far they had come. They finally understood that they had to take care of each other as a class. Then, I got a new student from a public school. Any new student at our school comes on a thirty day trial basis. When he came, he started to act out just like his mother said might happen. The last two weeks he has become extremely aggressive and refuses to do transitions, like going to lunch or PE. I have had to physically pick him up several times and move him to different rooms. On Friday, he refused to do another transition. He began throwing things around the classroom. I had my aide take the rest of my class on a bathroom break so that they didn't get hurt. At that I removed the student from the classroom and took him to the office. Once my class got back from the break, they all went back to sit in their carpet squares. Two students got up and starting cleaning up the giant mess which was spread across my entire. Here's the thing-I never asked them to do that. My aide and I sat in complete silence. All the sudden, the other fourteen students got up in unison and cleaned up the mess without a word. I sat in my rocking chair and started to cry. This simple action was a huge milestone for my class and amazingly beautiful to watch. They got what I've been trying to teach them all year long-work as a team and be kind to others. After they finished and sat down one of my little boys said, "Miss Abby we don't want you to cry anymore,". I attempted to explain to them that they were tears of joy and that my little ones were growing up into such responsible kids which made me happy. Even thinking about it now I can feel a smile coming to my face :)
In other news,
I got engaged in November to Brady and couldn't be happier. He is the most consistent, hard working, and loving man that I've ever dated. I feel so blessed to have him in my life and wish I told him that more. We're getting married August 3rd in Valpo, IN where I grew up. When I went home over break, we pretty much planned the whole wedding. We only have a few things left to do like finish decoration plans, deal with the flowers, and send out invitations. People kept telling me it would be stressful, but honestly it hasn't been too bad. Part of it might be because I feel so much more content in my community as a second year and now know how to blend facets of my life together. Truthfully some days it is very difficult to be in a long distance relationship out here. It's mostly because I feel like I'm living two very different lives-being a young volunteer out on the Rez and almost being married. I feel so old!
Another big blessing this year has been the Pourier family. I had one of the kids, Precious, as my student last year and she will be my flower girl at the wedding. I'm extremely close and attached to her family. They are my family out here who I visit at least once a week. Whenever I go to their house it's always crazy, but I absolutely love that about them. One of the three girls will play with my hair after dinner as we watch a movie. They call it "Miss Abby Salon Time" from what I've heard. Precious's grandmother's name is Alice. She is from Santee, a reservation near where Brady lives. In fact, whenever I go to Vermillion, Alice comes with me and I drop her off with her sisters. If you can't tell, I could talk about them forever. They have kept me sane during my difficult and chaotic school year.
During our volunteer retreat this past weekend I thought a lot about the double life that I lead. I've already started to miss Red Cloud even though the school year isn't over. Today my kids and I got into a discussion about Brady coming to visit next week. Here are some favorite quotes:
Jhonna-"So, when Mr. Brady comes, will he bring you your baby?"
Me- "Umm, no. We don't have a baby."
Jhonna-"Are you sure?"
Me- "Yep. I haven't popped one out."
Jhonna- "When you come back next year can you bring it? Please?"
Kingston-"Is Mr. Brady a dog?"
Me- "No. I can't marry a dog."
Kingston- "Oh ya, I forgot. Silly me!"
C Tuff-"When Mr. Brady comes will he hold your hand?"
Me- "I can't hold his hand at school."
C Tuff-"Good. That's my hand. I'll fight him for it."
And that is why I love kindergarten.
This year out at Pine Ridge has been very different than last year. I'm a second year teacher, thank God! I have plans to rely on from last year and that has been so beneficial. My class this year has ten boys and seven girls compared to seven boys last year and thirteen girls. More girls=more drama while more boys=more fights/what appear to look like bar brawls almost. I've never witnessed a more active and violent group of five year olds in my life. August through December was a whirlwind of emotions and complete chaos. You never knew what they would do. I've seen students backhand others in the face, children throwing chairs around the classroom,and children hit multiple teachers. Yep, just another day in kindergarten apparently. A few of my students have very difficult home lives. Most have great support at home where they are disciplined and taught respect.
Although,
The beginning of January my students showed me how far they had come. They finally understood that they had to take care of each other as a class. Then, I got a new student from a public school. Any new student at our school comes on a thirty day trial basis. When he came, he started to act out just like his mother said might happen. The last two weeks he has become extremely aggressive and refuses to do transitions, like going to lunch or PE. I have had to physically pick him up several times and move him to different rooms. On Friday, he refused to do another transition. He began throwing things around the classroom. I had my aide take the rest of my class on a bathroom break so that they didn't get hurt. At that I removed the student from the classroom and took him to the office. Once my class got back from the break, they all went back to sit in their carpet squares. Two students got up and starting cleaning up the giant mess which was spread across my entire. Here's the thing-I never asked them to do that. My aide and I sat in complete silence. All the sudden, the other fourteen students got up in unison and cleaned up the mess without a word. I sat in my rocking chair and started to cry. This simple action was a huge milestone for my class and amazingly beautiful to watch. They got what I've been trying to teach them all year long-work as a team and be kind to others. After they finished and sat down one of my little boys said, "Miss Abby we don't want you to cry anymore,". I attempted to explain to them that they were tears of joy and that my little ones were growing up into such responsible kids which made me happy. Even thinking about it now I can feel a smile coming to my face :)
In other news,
I got engaged in November to Brady and couldn't be happier. He is the most consistent, hard working, and loving man that I've ever dated. I feel so blessed to have him in my life and wish I told him that more. We're getting married August 3rd in Valpo, IN where I grew up. When I went home over break, we pretty much planned the whole wedding. We only have a few things left to do like finish decoration plans, deal with the flowers, and send out invitations. People kept telling me it would be stressful, but honestly it hasn't been too bad. Part of it might be because I feel so much more content in my community as a second year and now know how to blend facets of my life together. Truthfully some days it is very difficult to be in a long distance relationship out here. It's mostly because I feel like I'm living two very different lives-being a young volunteer out on the Rez and almost being married. I feel so old!
Another big blessing this year has been the Pourier family. I had one of the kids, Precious, as my student last year and she will be my flower girl at the wedding. I'm extremely close and attached to her family. They are my family out here who I visit at least once a week. Whenever I go to their house it's always crazy, but I absolutely love that about them. One of the three girls will play with my hair after dinner as we watch a movie. They call it "Miss Abby Salon Time" from what I've heard. Precious's grandmother's name is Alice. She is from Santee, a reservation near where Brady lives. In fact, whenever I go to Vermillion, Alice comes with me and I drop her off with her sisters. If you can't tell, I could talk about them forever. They have kept me sane during my difficult and chaotic school year.
During our volunteer retreat this past weekend I thought a lot about the double life that I lead. I've already started to miss Red Cloud even though the school year isn't over. Today my kids and I got into a discussion about Brady coming to visit next week. Here are some favorite quotes:
Jhonna-"So, when Mr. Brady comes, will he bring you your baby?"
Me- "Umm, no. We don't have a baby."
Jhonna-"Are you sure?"
Me- "Yep. I haven't popped one out."
Jhonna- "When you come back next year can you bring it? Please?"
Kingston-"Is Mr. Brady a dog?"
Me- "No. I can't marry a dog."
Kingston- "Oh ya, I forgot. Silly me!"
C Tuff-"When Mr. Brady comes will he hold your hand?"
Me- "I can't hold his hand at school."
C Tuff-"Good. That's my hand. I'll fight him for it."
And that is why I love kindergarten.
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