BIS is renovating their theatre. If you have expertise in this area please contact Mr. Barone. TBarone@bsd.k12.ca.us.
Thanks
jeriann
– Written by coachezwife
Dedicated to Empowering and Informing the Burlingame Community
Posted in Schools
461 responses to “Burlingame Intermediate School”
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I’m a student at BIS. I believe that there are unfortunately some real problems at BIS. Students need to be encouraged to learn, not berated for failure to meet unreasonable expectations. While the parents and teachers are arguing with each other, the students aren’t getting much of an education. We all need to be on the same side. Note to administrators: a reduction in the amount of homework wouldn’t be bad. Perhaps, this blog needs a little humor.
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grettings from the soviet rebluic of bis-REVLOUTION COMRADES!!!!REVLOUTION AND RETRUBUTION!!!!!!!!
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I used to be a student at BIS, my brother is now a student at BIS. I’ve learned that things have changed a great deal since my class. To me there seems to be some problems with the administration. Instead of accusing certain teachers for something that seems wrong to a certain number of parents, I think these complaints should be made to the administration. Ultimately, the administration are in control of the staff they hire and should be responsible for their hires. For everybody to happy, the parents, teachers, administration, and the students have to work together. Instead, I am shocked to see so many childish comments coming from certain parents. What is the point in trying to belittle these kids trying to speak up about something and make fun of the way they talk? What rights do you have to justify what kind of people could be blogging here? To me what some of these adults have said here seem utterly ridiculous and unfitting for people who consider themselves adults.
Ms. Dewolfe has been one of the best teachers that I have ever had. You parents that are mad about some of the things she does to teach is ridiculous. I can’t believe that anybody would make such a big deal out of making people do push-ups! That’s just ludicrous. But I guess for those of you that are saying this don’t really see why I would say that because you are educating your children to grow up to be ridiculous people like you.
To me, this new principle seems very spontaneous. I have heard about the changes of lunches being sold there from something cheap and enjoyable to food the kids don’t like and parents that aren’t wiiling to pay for. And the Chinese classes? I totally agree with previous post about how neither Mills nor BHS offer mandarin courses.
For these problems to be solved, parents have to work together with teachers and administration and ultimately provide the best environment for the kids to study in. For those of you parents that are being so negative and childish, BACK OFF, you don’t realize how stupid you are being. -
By the way jen, you need to stop being a child. You seem like a lonely housewife that just can’t wait to stir up things to lighten up your life.
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I appreciate your first comment, BIS student, but your second one is not very kind.
One adage I was reminded of a few weeks ago – “our children turn out fine despite how hard we parents try and …. (fill in the blank) them up”.
I have had parents complain that their elementary students are “too old” to color and parents complain that their children should not have to “clean up” after them in the school yard. I hope their children turned out fine.
And no I am not bashing parents – its a hard job as is being a teacher … a very hard job!
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Dear Former BIS student, I don’t really know much about your former school district or its problems, but reading some of the remarks, particularly the earlier ones, is not very encouraging. There needs to be very strong leadership to solve them and to give parents confidence in the district, again. Ranting at parents who are trying to improve the situation isn’t helpful. They probably recognize deficits that kids at that age cannot judge.
By the way, you have a lot to learn; rudeness is not acceptable in any generation.
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Fiona, are parents complaining about students picking up trash as punishment? Your sentence confused me.
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No not as punishment but as good citizens. When my children were in elementary school the students had to pick up after them when they had finished eating their lunch. Most students were incredibly respectful of this amazing concept!
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In defense of Jen:
I disagree with her often. I understand she has a beautiful vision of what Burlingame should look like and represent. I wish her dream could be a reality it would be quite a nice place to live. Unfortunately, economically most of it is not attainable, however, some of her vision is and she actually works towards achieving it. I don’t think anyone in this town cares about trees quite like Jennifer Pfaff.
Her intentions are good, her generalizations can be sweeping, but deep down she is trying hard and WORKS towards making stuff happen.
So props to Jen and anyone else trying to make this town a better place. Just remember, none of our visions alone become the reality, but with cooperation many small changes can happen to make this a better place.
Name calling and putting people down is no way to express your opinion.
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Why, thanks Fred! And I agree with you on this one.
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I think this is hilarious! Parents and kids fighting. So great and the fact that the adults are responding. You guys are straight comedy. GET A LIFE. Get off the Voice and get on the stairmaster, you booty needs some attention. Losers.
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AMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN BROTHA LOL!
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In case all you parents wanted to know, I had that “fairytale” teacher in 7th grade and did perfectly fine in 8th grade. And you guys think that the “sexual predator” teacher is a whack job, but he’s actually really cool. Oh and by the way, I believe that so called teacher was found innocent, so maybe you all should tell your little girls that they shouldn’t try and start drama like they see on the OC or Laguna Beach.
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Comment removed. Terms of Use violation Admin
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Regarding some of the earlier comments on the Mandarin classes offered at BIS….I recall seeing a letter that came home with my child that asked parents to rank which classes they felt would be the most desirable to be offered at BIS. Even though my child ultimately opted for Spanish, I remember checking Mandarin as one of my choices (and I am a native-born Caucasion/American). For those of you who think the decision by our administration to offer Mandarin instruction was not a good one, I wonder if you are aware that knowing Mandarin is one of the best ways for our future generations to keep up with the times in this global economy. Please educate yourselves! I applaud the BIS administration and it’s parents for it’s progressive thinking and taking into consideration the community’s wishes.
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Yes, but this was the second (2006) attempt to foist this into the BIS curriculum. The rest is BS!
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I have read the above complaints, compliments,personal agendas and the like and firmly beileve in the following Rx for all the ills and malcontents:
1.) Parents do some self-improvement reading.
Try to understand that your children will learn more from your positive input that all
the real/imagined dramas you have allowed
yourself to be drawn in to. (if this
does not work, get into therapy asap)2. Students: Volunteer, do some extra work
around the house, participate
in improving your families
life. Don’t start fires, put
them out. Be part of the
solution and not the problem.
Stop complaining and start
explaining all for the good.Hey, try it, it certaily beats this internet
slam book! Talking = Resolution
This anonymous stuff is a therapist dream…understand the difference, your kids future is at stake.
And good luck to you for we are all in this TOGETHER.This life is very short and if you learn this now instead of later you will be just one step closer to a good productive life!
Support your teachers, ask yourself how you can make your time @ BMS a great experience.
Your time is NOW and you will never have it again so go for it and pass on the good news. -
this is retarded- i have posted my opinions before on here because i am fed up with every single one of you guys complaining. Complaining isn’t going to make anything better. This of it this way.
(supposedly)Lets say you are a teacher ok? and you worked for a really great school with great teachers/staff, after school activites, and a great environment to be in. So there is a site about the schools theatre renovations and for people to post their opinions about the renovation, but people talk about something totally different, sure there are a couple of comments that says bis theatre but that is like 3 out of 219 comments. People are talking about how the school your working at is a bad school, parent’s kids are’nt learning well, teachers are horrible (you know… all the bs) so there a lot of children that go to BIS that are pissed .
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Now does that sound like a good story?? no it doesn’t . This “story” is really happening and if you consider the teachers/staff etc. feelings at all then don’t comment on this site again.
Its really annoying and im trying to keep my temper down becuase from the comments i posted arn’t so well- mannerd. So i would like for all this to stop please! thats all im asking for ok so deal.-some1 i noo will no its me…….
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Amen to “A person who has been there and understands [Visitor]”. When children see their parents modeling a positive attitude, they are inspired to do their best. Tell them they can do anything, be anything! Ed Bradley passed away today and his hardworking, poor parents were always telling him (when he was a child) that he could be anything. He said, “After awhile, I really believed it..” The rest is history…one of the best and most highly respected journalists of our time.
Let’s all work together and support our teachers at BIS! They work so hard for our children. -
I’ve heard that the Burlingame School District leaders had NO idea of any of the actions reported on this thread were going on at BIS. It was not until the issues were posted on this blog that the district was aware that it had a problem. As reported in minutes of school board meetings, the principal now has 30 days to respond to the complaints. If the response had occured when the complaints were filed, there would not be any reason to post commentary on this blog.
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“same person as above” -you just sound like sky calling the ocean blue.
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Can someone explain – please – how complaints get dealt with – or not – in our school district. Please, please, please this has nothing to do with any particular school but is a general question.
(1) If there is a harrassment issue(student/student or student/teacher) does the law get involved? The superintendent? The school board?
(2) Do principals have to forward all minor/major complaints to the superintendent and/or school board.
(3) And if not, why not?
I am trying to understand why a mere community blog has been a tool to get action on a complaint.
Please explain how this works?
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RCC and KRN:
Again you have no idea what you are talking about. For once, shut the h*** up. You are a bore and have absolutely no clue. Again, get a life and get your stupid facts straight you pathetic excuse of a parent. All you have done was light a fire and prove to the public once again, that Burlingame parents are borderline. Get a clue, again, get off the voice and get back into your life and out of your child’s. Get your facts straight. Slander, parents, this is slander. Look it up!
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The last time I looked, BS, children are still children, and our complete responsibility until they are 18. Don’t criticize these parents for keeping an eye out for their kids. More parents should do that instead of leaving them to fend for themselves by 13 (or worse, treating them like their “buddies.”)
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BS, Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Awayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
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ur messed up. parents should never be kicked out their childrens life. shame on you. u should’nt even be the one telling them that.
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Fiona,
I don’t believe that there is a uniform policy to handle harassment cases. The Supreme Court’s has taken a stand on sexual harassment and liability. The Court held that a school may only be liable if the incident is reported. Therefore, it is logical to assume that schools should investigate and act on ALL reports of harassment or face liability in any suits. Also, police will act on reports by minors of sexual harassment and or contact by teachers.
As far as principals reporting to superintendents… if you were the superintendent would you want to know if there was a report of a teacher engaged in a harassment incident with a student?
School districts cheered and feminists jeered when the Supreme Court held in Gebser v. Lago Vista Independent School District that school officials are not responsible for a teacher’s sexual harassment of a student unless they actually knew of the behavior and purposely looked the other way.
In Gebser, Alida Gebser, a high school student, sued her school district for sexual harassment based upon the illicit actions of her teacher, Frank Waldrup. Waldrup instigated sexual relations with Gebser, coupled with suggestive comments in the classroom, when she was 14 years old and continued this behavior until discovered by the police approximately 1 years later. Gebser had not reported the relationship to school officials, testifying that she was unsure what to do and didn’t want to lose Waldrop as a teacher; however, other parents had complained to the prinicpal about Waldrop’s use of inappropriate comments in class. Gebser’s suit claimed that under Title IX the school district was vicariously liable for Waldrup’s illicit behavior.
In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court held that liability under Title IX does not extend to a school district unless an official “who at a minimum has authority to institute corrective measures on the district’s behalf has actual notice of, and is deliberately indifferent to, the teacher’s misconduct.”
NOW Executive Vice President Kim Gandy noted that “The Court has created a ‘smoking gun’ requirement which places a heavy burden on the student by completely disregarding the emotional and psychological characteristics of sexual harassment. The dynamics of harassment often involve an aggressor who holds a position of power over the target, which is especially intensified in a teacher-student relationship.”
The only hope now for easing this burdensome standard lies within Congress. According to the Court, “Until Congress speaks directly on the subject . . we will not hold a school district liable in damages under Title IX for a teacher’s sexual harassment of a student absent actual notice and deliberate indifference.”
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Hmmm… good that somebody knows their stuff – makes for a refreshing change around here!
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GET A FREAKIN LIFE ALL OF YOU!
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What is wrong with you, AVPOP? It is not mandatory for you to read this blog, not mandatory for you to participate in this blog nor polite to criticize the people who speak up and/or are concerned about their children. An important thing to remember is that we don’t always have to agree with the parents or students or others (and often I don’t especially some of those parents about this issue) and I often wish certain bloggers and certain threads and certain “freakin” issues would go away.
I hope you have a restful Sunday!
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So AVPOP, You think people educating people about sexual harassment need to get a life, you a one sick individual. By the way I’m not a parent, but you really need to lay off the parents who blog here.
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MRS. DEWOFLE ROCKS! IF YOU HAVE HER YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN BUT IF YOU DONT…. YOU ToTAlLy WANT HER FOR AS MANY CLASSES AS POSSIBLE.
ps: does anybody other then me notice that all the parents seem to hate Mrs. Dewolfe but ALL the kids love her. Maybe parents you should think about how your opinion may be COMPLETELY different from your child or maybe you just dont understand what you child is saying. And one more thing, dont believe all those rumors you hear. -
I spoke to the head honcho of our school district in person this weekend. No, I won’t mention the name. Make no mistake, the District School Board takes ANY possible claim of sexual harassment quite seriously. The joke? How can someone be accused of sexual harassment who isn’t in the least bit interested in the sex presumably harassed? You might be able to count the straight male teachers at BIS on part of one hand. Ohh, now instead of being relieved, you’ll bitch about that? See, parents like you are really never happy. We refer to you as happiness chasers in life…please don’t teach your children to be like this, as it is a no win profile. Please let people live their lives, and equally as poignant, let these teachers do the best they can to do their often thankless job of teaching our children. When you stare at the frame too long, you miss seeing the beautiful picture inside!
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fiona- i am perfectly fine with people giving opinions ok? don’t assume everything- you should try getting your facts straight…
RCC- why do you assume everything? huh? first off i didn’t think that “people educating people about sexual harassment need to get a life” smart one! and 2nd of all i have been there ok?!
you are a sick individual for even thinking i thought that!please both of you- get our facts stright becuase you never know whats right an wrong…deal……
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Excuse me, but RCC was refering to me, the person responsible for the sexual harrassment assembly, where we try to inform kids about it so that they can protect themselves from it. Don’t worry about our influence though, we may never come back.
As a BIS alumnus (a person who used to go there)I am disappointed in more ways than one. First and foremost, I am slightly depressed that the disrespect forming in the students. There is always a bad apple, but the BIS population as a whole used to be much more respectful. We knew how to talk to our elders and the proper ways to voice our opinions. Whether this change is the fault of the teachers or the parents, I’m not sure.
I am also disappointed in the reading comprehension of our students. Can anyone help me by telling how our STAR test scores were the past few years? The students don’t seem to know the difference between one complaint about one teacher versus an all out attack on the entire staff, student body, and school. Kids, just because a few parents don’t approve of one technique used by a teacher doesn’t mean that they have a passionate hate deep in their hearts for that person in general. It means that they don’t like that one thing.
And last, but certainly not least, all the students have to sit back and think about why parents are here on this forum. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not because they have nothing better to do, and it’s not because they enjoy picking fights with each other. It’s because we all want the best learning environment possible for you. Those of you who think that things are fine so let it be, it’s sad to see people so young already deciding that mediocre is good enough. You might think things are ok as they are, but they adults here, as well as they older teens like me, are willing to fight for more because we know that things can be better, and we remember what it was like when BIS was excellent instead of just good. You guys think it’s great but you’ve never known better. BIS used to be a mecca of learning in this area, but now it has sunk to dismal levels. Now let’s turn some of this talk into action and make some improvements. -
Well said, ASE.
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I agree with ASC, especially in his/her last statement about how we should take action. I as an 8th grade student would like to take action to help make my school a better place for both the students, teachers, and adults. A few things that I as a student realize should change are the quality of the cafeteria food, the punishments for simple misbehavior, to help the 6th graders from being bullied, to stop the teachers from rambling on (many teachers reiterate the same things for over a week, even when it completely off topic), making the students do his/her homework, and how the teachers treat the students. I would like to take action and I belive by fixing the things above, BIS would become a much better learning environment and I belive the students as well as teachers would enjoy school more. I realized ACE did a great job at writing his/her opinions and I would appreciate it if you (ACE) will write some suggestions as to what the BIS students can do to help make BIS a better place. Thank you.
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Um 6th graders don’t get bullied….
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BIS needs a major improvement. Some teachers may haven’t been that great, but every year that i have been here the school seems to be getting worse and worse. Peoples attitudes begin to change, people begin to not care. I see this as a Cascading Failure. When someone makes a bad decision, this affects its successor and it affects even more people that way. It’s not heading in the right direction.
Certain teachers affect so many people in a very negative way. If they try to learn certain subjects such as math a year after they have had a questionable teacher some students can simply not do it. Math builds on it self, when we have one teacher who doesn’t teach the students what they are supposed to the next year the students will have no clue which direction to head. I experienced this with Algebra this year. I had to get a Tutor to go over almost the entire 7th grade curriculum just to be able to learn the matierial in Algebra.
I think that our school is putting it’s resources in the wrong direction.
Renovating our Theatre instead of putting our resources to get decent teachers it putting us at a disadvantage in life. Ok, we would have a theatre with comfortable seats. Ok, it’s cool and all but i would much rather learn what i was supposed to learn instead of having to be comfortable for the 2 hours a month that we use it … We cannot change the past we can only help create a better future at this school.
I may be leaving next year but i have a sister in the 6th grade. I want her to have a decent education that some students may have missed out on.All in all I hope you parents can get together and do something drastic or else our school may continue to get worse.
—ADH
PS: If you get together could you do something about the lunch =/ I had a piece of plastic in my burger today …
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the new bus rules are full of . dances are full of . we r boycotting. or else, i’m movin to ralston or crocker.
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yeah, dances r never fun anymore. and bus rides arent fun anymore. yeah, y do we have to suffer. how come other students from the last couple of years didnt get these rules. mayb it’s mr barnes. count me in that boycotting. i’m sick of all this b.s.
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heck yess
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So, student, what rules do you find so objectionable? The rule about sitting and acting like a human being on public transportation? Why do you think it’s too much to ask for young adults to sit still for no more than 5 miles? Why do you think it’s ok to wreak havoc on a bus and run up and down the aisle throwing paper and other items out the window? Is that fun? That’s being a bully. That’s the same mentality the terrorist display. They do what they want. I am ashamed of our students. I think it’s crazy that we have to have adults sit on our bus and babysit us. We will be in high school next year and we can’t even take a simple bus ride without supervision? Shame on us. As far as our dances there is no reason we have to practically have sex on the dance floor. We can dance close and dance sexy but there is a limit. I think some of the dancing is crazy myself and I have to admit that I have even danced it. So there I am just as guilty. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t think it’s a little overboard. Parent for generations have been telling their kids to slow it down. That’s their job. Our job is it slow it down a little. A little. NOT BOYCOTT. What is wrong with you guys. BOYCOTT. Give me a break. What else are you going to do in this town. Hang out at the donut shop? Oh wow!! fun. Just go to the dance. Have fun. Don’t get carried away. Don’t make trouble. Quit throwing crap off the bus. Calm yourselves down!
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This page has officially died.
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dude u’re the 245th comment on topic. thats more new people than u’ve met all year. how dead? ushudased this page is sic
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You guys clearly are from your parents, no common sense, no logic, no credibility, just an entire mess of BS comes out of your mouth. I find it so funny that people looking out for the safety of others on a bus for 10 minutes is stupid. You obviously can’t handle your business or you wouldn’t be in this predicament. You have no clue, no experience, nothing. Only some little town called Burlingame where you live in a plasitc bubble just like your parents. And about the dances, contrary to popular belief, noone in their right mind would want to watch some idiotic 12 year old thrusting their mid section into someone’s booty. Newsflash, that is nasty. For others especially adults to see. Get over thinking the world revolves around you, because it doesn’t and if you haven’t noticed, you aren’t educated and knowledgeable enough to even be on this site. Take some dance lesson (seriously, you are nasty) learn how to be a decent human being and running on a school bus and throwing things out, I mean, come on, how dumb can you get? And so if this stupid website actually is dead, go back to what you know, complaining, hitting your parents up for cash, and dressing like an idiot. BIS kids are lame….the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
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go-i-love-barrack-obama right on homes
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madrins good but hello! were not in china
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right on someone 6th graders don’t get bullied, they are bullies so im like just walkin one day you know, chillin and this crowd of 6th graders walks up and starts sayin sh– about my momma and gettin on my nerves so naturally i just respond, hey us 7th and 8th graders arent bullys were just reponding to extreme provocation
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dispatch from occuipied bis, send in thu.n LIBRATION. just kidding but shoudlen’t we focus on more important issues like flooding and student rights instead of arguing about language programs and a new theater
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