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Madrona Family Memo

Our Wildcat Motto: Be Responsible, Be Respectful!

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Madrona FamilyMemoOur Wildcat Motto: Be Responsible, Be Respectful!

Saturday, September 26, 2026

Greetings, Madrona Families.


Here is what’s included in this week’s newsletter:

  • New Staff Spotlight

  • Portrait of a Graduate Spotlights

  • PTSA 2026–27 Reflections Art Contest Theme

  • 2026–27 School Yearbook (Order today!)

  • 10/1 Home Soccer Game: vs. Richardson Middle School (snack bar hosted by the PTSA!)

  • Volleyball: Girls & Boys Team Try-outs Sign-up by 9/30 (student email required)

  • Student & Family Shout-outs

  • ...and much more!

Reminder:

  • No School: This Friday, October 2 (Student-Free/Teacher Professional Development Day)


Wishing everyone a restful weekend! Go Wildcats!


With gratitude,

Sue Key, Ed.D., Proud Principal

Madrona Middle School

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New Madrona Staff Spotlight! New Madrona Staff Spotlight!

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Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Mrs. Collier, who joined Madrona this year as our new Health Services Assistant. You can find her assisting students in our health office each afternoon. Welcome to Madrona, Mrs. Collier!

Madrona PTSA Updates Madrona PTSA Updates

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PTSA Reflections Art Contest Theme: "What My Culture Means to Me"

Madrona PTSA is proud to sponsor Reflections, a national PTA art contest. It's free to enter and open to all grades. Just submit in any of the 6 art categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts. This year's theme is "What My Culture Means to Me" and your art must reflect that theme. Check out the online entry form and guidelines here: https://www.ptsamadrona.org/reflections-art-contest


Online entry form: https://forms.gle/wfC8qYFQMnT1N2CD6

Email: reflections@ptsamadrona.com

Trunk or Treat and Halloween Festival - Friday, October 9

The Trunk or Treat and Halloween Festival is a fun community event for Fern, Hickory and Madrona families and one of Madrona PTSA's biggest annual fundraisers. This event will take place on Friday October 9th. Sign up your business, community group, or family to host a trunk.

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Direction donation/membership

Calling all Madrona families! The PTSA is holding our annual direct donation and membership drive and we need your support! Join the PTSA to benefit from our membership perks and have a voice in our initiatives!


Donate to the PTSA to support our events and programs for students and teachers! Certain donation levels will receive awards, including raffles for first in line entry and 5 minute student early lunch dismissal to Midday Mingle, Dr. Key and Mrs. Schiappa-Gobee's parking spots for Midday Mingle or other Madrona events, and a special fall gift basket!

PTSA THANK YOUS!

Aloha Back To School Dance

We hope the students had a great time at the Aloha Back to School Dance! We would like to express our tremendous appreciation to the parents and community members who created decorations, donated, and/or volunteered for the Aloha Back to School Dance!

Shout outs to:


  • Dulce Villa for chairing the dance and making sure every detail was perfect!
  • Dance committee members: Patricia Mortvedt (prize donations, decor, assisting Dulce behind the scenes, volunteering), Jessica Monte, Bertha Cruz and Carina Gonzalez (creating beautiful dance decorations, volunteering)
  • Set up, event and clean up volunteers: Alicia Poots, Rosemary Hagopian, Lanissa Patterson, Mina Choe, Alexis Oh, Julie Yancy, Hailey Mortvedt, Tess Davidson, Eula Mei Kuba, Diana Limon Orinion, Robert Orinion, Janet Quezada, Latricia White, Jenny Huynh, Sabrina White, Yelli Ramos, Nicole Carlson, Nicole Peraza, Nilza Bertulano, Nayiris Arzola, Amy Brownstone, Chevy Rico, Stacey Wong
  • Xindy Holliday and Stacy Atkinson: our SPED task force liaisons who created a quiet room for students to take a break from the excitement


Fundraiser Donors

A huge thank you for the almost 40 parents or community members who have donated to our Direct Donation fundraiser so far! For those who donated $50 or more, you are eligible for some of our raffle prizes of first in line at Midday Mingle, the principals' parking spaces and a relaxing fall gift basket.

We greatly appreciate everyone who has donated athletic shoes to our Got Sneakers Drive!

8th-Grade Committee Update

There are a few important ways you can support our 8th graders this year:

8th Grade Fundraiser

  • Our 8th grade fundraiser helps support end-of-year celebration activities for our students. You can make a direct donation to 8th Grade Giving and share the link with family and friends who may also be willing to support your 8th grader.
Promotion Packets – Lei & Yard Sign
  • Now is also a great time to purchase your student’s promotion packet, which includes a lei and yard sign to help celebrate their big milestone at the end of the school year. Order yours here Leis & Signs.
Madrona Home Game Concessions and Trunk or Treat
  • We are looking for parent volunteers to help sell and provide concessions at Madrona home games throughout the year and at the October 9 PTSA Trunk or Treat night.
  • Volunteer Sign-Up
  • Concession Supply Donations
Skechers Friendship Walk Team
  • We also have an 8th Grade Skechers Team! When registering, simply select Madrona Middle School and then choose the 8th Grade Team. It's a fun way to support our school and our 8th grade celebration efforts. Register - SKECHERS Friendship Walk

None of this is possible without Madrona PTSA. If you are not already a member, please join. Visit www.MadronaPTSA.org to learn more and purchase your membership.
  • Stay tuned for more information! We are working on some fun fundraising opportunities throughout the year to help support our end-of-year 8th grade celebration activities.
  • Thank you for supporting our students and helping make their final year at Madrona special. Please feel free to reach out to the 8th Grade Committee with any questions at 8thgrade@PTSAmadrona.org.

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Our First Madrona PTSA Hosted Mid Day Mingle is Friday, October 23

Mid-Day Mingle is a special opportunity for families to join their student on campus for lunch!

While RSVPs aren't open just yet, we wanted to share a quick heads-up about security clearance:

  • Raptor System Clearance: All visitors must be entered into our Raptor system before attending. Please stop by the Madrona main office anytime between now and the event with a valid photo ID so we can scan it. Note: This must be done in person (it cannot be done online or over the phone). Getting scanned early will make check-in a breeze on event day!

  • 8th Grade Chick-fil-A Fundraiser: On the day of the event (10:30 AM–1:00 PM), our 8th grade class is hosting a fundraiser at Chick-fil-A (21821 Hawthorne Blvd). Mention Madrona when you grab lunch for you and your student to bring to campus!

✨ More details and the RSVP form will be sent out as we get closer to the event! ✨

Madrona's Portrait of A Graduate Weekly Spotlight Madrona's Portrait of A Graduate Weekly Spotlight

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From creative comic strip storytelling and daily warm-ups to their new one-point perspective landscape project, Mrs. Spotts' Visual Art students are building their art techniques every day!
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Wildcats! Join Madrona's Homework Club!

Calling all students with a growth mindset! Homework Club is a quiet space open to ALL students to complete homework (or) get help from the supervising teacher or peer tutors. Get your homework done before going home!


3:30-4:30 pm - Sign-up for one, two or all three days!

  • Mondays (Room 14 w/Mrs. Bloomfield)
  • Tuesdays (Room 27 w/Mrs. Rokugawa)
  • Wednesdays (Room 6 w/Ms. Wulpern)
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Our Media Arts (Journalism) students are learning Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR) scripting and recording new audio to replace original sound in their video projects. Awesome work demonstrating Communication & Collaboration, Wildcats!
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Shoutout to Student Leadership for bringing so much spirit to campus! Thank you for sharing your service with us by creating cheerful, uplifting seasonal posters for everyone to enjoy.
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Support our Media Arts students who created appealing advertising for their 2026-27 year book! Students are capturing photos of this year's memories and will be starting work on creative layouts. The 2026–27 school yearbook is officially on sale for $45. You can place your order online today at buytheyearbook.com.

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Families! Volunteer To Support Our Crossing Guards Needs (10 mins afterschool)

We are in need of family volunteers to assist students crossing the cross walk at Madrona Ave/El Dorado St for about 10 minutes after school, from 3:16 PM to 3:26 PM. If you can volunteer for 10 minutes on one or more days, please complete this form, our staff will follow up to assist with our volunteer application! Thank you to families who have signed up!

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Please ensure your student keeps their NeeDoh and all gel-filled toys at home.

These items are causing classroom distractions and messes when cut open. Additionally, please be aware of a dangerous trend involving microwaving these toys at home, which can cause severe burns from bursting gel. To maintain a safe, focused environment, any gel toys brought to school will be confiscated.Thank you for partnering with us to keep our Wildcats safe and our school clean.

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Madrona Shout Outs to Students & Families! Madrona Shout Outs to Students & Families!

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  • Shoutout to Mr. Yeh for the treats for the staff -Madrona Front Office
  • Samuel Seeraty - Thank you for taking the initiative to replace a lost library book. Your honesty and responsibility are invaluable traits that will carry you far. ~Mrs. Osejo
  • Shout out to Rocco Freeman and Cole Hellerud for memorizing and reciting poems in ELA. They were wonderful! Bravo! To Kaia Kinzinger for outstanding citizenship. Thank you! To the president of Madrona Art Club, Jett Vu, and to the vice president, Shelby Jackson. Bravo! To Rylan Creamer and Camila Navarro for outstanding Solo Pantomime performances. Bravo! To Anthony Orinion and Jeshua Domingo for outstanding citizenship and participation in ELA. Both students wrote and shared powerful journal entries with the class. Bravo!~Mr.Heussenstamm
  • Miskimen's Super Science Students who scored 100% or higher on their Unit #1 Nature of Science Test: Yovanni Anaya, Carl Baldauf, Beau Benedict, Henry Carlson, Rio Castaneda, Isaac Ha, Andre Hong, Layla Joo, Jacob Kuba, Kaci Kuwada(highest grade in both classes-57 out of 49) Zoey Magsayo, Riley Oshiro, Grace Ramirez, Jett Thury, Joshua Vigil, Mirai Choi, Madeline Frye, Max Gerszewski, Mason Gonsalves, Adelle Hernandez, Mia Ishida, Jaden Javier, Katherine Jung, Lauren Kong, Caleb Kweon, Timothy Lee, Levi Pagnini Zoey Pinkston, Alyssa Richardson, Yvette Sanchez, Dawn Shin, Alicia Tseng, Andrea Villarica, Glen Yi and Ellie Yoo. Congratulations!!. I am so proud of you.
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Girls & Boys Volleyball tryouts are happening soon!

If students are interested in signing up for tryouts, they will need to fill out this Google form by September 30th.


Students must use their TUSD account to fill out the form. In order to try out for the team, students must have a 2.0 GPA and no more than 1 U in citizenship. Progress report grades will be used to determine if qualification for tryouts. Once the google form closes on September 30th, students will be emailed a tryout date and time. Tryouts will begin during the week of October 5th after school in the gym. If students have questions, they will need to contact Girls & Boys Volleyball Coach & Math Teacher, Ms. McGurk (mcgurk.stephanie@tusd.org)

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Madrona Soccer Update! Join us in cheering on our athletes this season!

Madrona Girls & Boys Soccer - Score Update
  • 9/24 - Madrona vs. Jefferson (Away) Madrona Boys 0-1, Girls 1-7. Great sportsmanship on the field despite the tough games, Wildcats!


Next Up:
  • Thursday, October 1 - Richardson Middle School (Home/Boys First 4:15 pm) - Don't forget: Bring cash for the Madrona PTSA Snack Bar! Spam Masubi and Nachos will be served!

  • Thursday, October 8 - @ Magruder Middle School (Away/Girls First 4:15 PM

  • Wednesday, October 14 vs. Central Area Rival Hull Middle School /THS Zamperini Field @ 6:00 PM

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PE Uniforms & Online Ordering - the 3rd round of orders w/end of October delivery.

Madrona branded PE uniforms are optional. For families who would like to purchase PE clothing, the online store is still open! The 3rd round of orders available until mid-October. Once the mid-October deadline closes, items will be fulfilled in 12 day after (end of October/early November).


Note: Students enrolled in a Physical Education class are required to wear a red top (t-shirt or sweatshirt) and black bottoms (shorts or sweat pant), socks, and sneakers for PE. This can be any red t shirt and black shorts/sweat pants that appropriate for physical fitness/exercise that your student already has at home.

Important Dates* Important Dates*

October
  • Thursday, 10/1 - Madrona Soccer vs Richardson (Home, Boys 4:15 pm/Girls 5:15 pm)
  • Friday, 10/2 - No School/Staff Professional Development/Student-Free Day
  • Thursday, 10/8 - Madrona Soccer vs Magruder (Away, Girls 4:15 pm/Boys 5:15 pm)

  • Friday, 10/9 - Trunk or Treat Halloween Festival. Madrona PTSA fundraiser fall festival inviting the Fern and Hickory Elementary and Madrona Middle School communities.

  • Tuesday, 10/13 - PTSA Board Meeting (5:30-6:30 pm/faculty lounge)

  • Wednesday, 10/14, Madrona Soccer vs Central Area Rival Hull MS (Boys First/6:00 pm)

  • Thursday, 1015 - Great Shake Out Drill (10:15 am)

  • Friday, 10/16 - No School/Non-instructional Day

  • Monday, 10/19 - Friday, 10/23 - Madrona School Spirit Week, hosted by Student Leadership! (TBA)

  • Tuesday, 10/20 - Madrona vs Magruder (eSports Game 1)

  • Wednesday, 10/21 - Photo Day Make-ups

  • Friday, 10/23 - End of Quarter 1

    • Midday Mingle Lunch, hosted by Madrona PTSA
  • October 26-Oct 26 - Red Ribbon Celebration Days
  • Thursday, Oct 27 - Madrona vs. Calle (eSports Game 2)

November
  • Tuesday 11/10: Madrona vs. Richardson (eSports Game 4), PTSA Board Mtg (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM)

  • Wednesday 11/11: No School - Veteran's Day

  • Thursday 11/12: Volleyball @home vs Lynn (Girls First 4:15pm)

  • Friday 11/13: TNT Jump Squad Assembly - PTSA Give-Back Event (Blacktop)

  • Tuesday 11/17: Madrona vs. Bert Lynn (eSports Game 5), School Site Council (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM, Zoom)

  • Wednesday 11/18: Fire Drill/Evacuation Period 3 @ 10:45am

  • Thursday 11/19 - Volleyball away vs Casimir (Boys First 4:15 pm)

  • Monday 11/23-Friday 11/27 - Thanksgiving Break/No School


More dates & events to be added during the school year. See TUSD 2026-27 School Calendar

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Torrance HS Classes & THS Late Start Calendar

Madrona students taking classes at Torrance High School must follow the high school bell schedule, including on irregular schedule days. On these days, students returning to Madrona will report directly to their next class depending on when they return or join our designated supervised study hall.


Tuesday is Late Start schedule at Torrance High. The following Tuesdays are not scheduled as late start:

  • 9/29/26 (week of 10/2 Student Free Day)
  • 10/27/26 (College & Career Day)
  • 1/19/27 (week of S1 Finals)
  • 4/27/27 (week of ELA testing)
  • 5/18/27 (week of MATH testing)
  • 6/01/27 (week of Senior Finals)
  • 6/08/27 (week of S2 Finals)

Student & Family Resources Student & Family Resources

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"What Was Homework?" Button on the Madrona Website!

A new addition to the home page of our school website is a "What Was Homework" Button, which links to easy to reference spread sheets.

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i-Ready For Families Report Information

At the start of this school year, students completed the i-Ready assessment in Reading and Math. i-Ready Inform is an adaptive assessment that identifies student strengths and growth areas, helping teachers tailor instruction throughout the year.


To access your student's score report through their Clever login, please view our family guide in your preferred language:English | Spanish | Japanese | Mandarin


For more information about how to read your child’s results, please review this i-Ready Family Center Article: Understanding Your Student's i-Ready Inform Results.

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Health Office Reminder For Rising/Incoming 7th Graders!

Madrona Health Office emailed a reminder to Current 6th-graders / Rising 7th grade parents/guardians regarding their student's required Tdap and 2nd Varicella Immunizations for the 2026-2027 school year. If you received an email, it is important to send the Health Office your student's updated vaccination record now so there are no issues with school entry or schedule delays in the fall.


Please Note: If you did not receive an email from the Health Office, your child is up to date on their immunizations and all set for 7th grade. Any questions, please email madronahealthoffice@tusd.org.

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SaySomething Anonymous Reporting System

TUSD students are encouraged to use the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System offered through the Sandy Hook Promise to keep our schools secure and our students safe.

This life-saving service empowers you, our students, and our community members to anonymously report any concerns, including potential threats, bullying, or individuals who may be at risk of harming themselves or others. There are three ways to make a report:

  • Call the 24/7 crisis hotline counselors at 1-844-5-SayNow (1-844-572-9669)

  • Download the mobile app at Google Play or Apple Store

  • Submit a tip through their secure website

By working together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone.
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TUSD Online Learning Resources (Clever and Schoology)

All TUSD students access the online version of textbooks and educational resources (including textbooks) through the TUSD CLEVER portal


Have your student log in to CLEVER (https://clever.com/in/torrance) using their TUSD email and password to show you all of their online learning tools.

  • Schoology - an online learning management system where teachers post agendas and assignments. Family accounts are sync'd from PowerSchool, and families only if they have made an access account there - Here is our help page for families.
  • iReady - a resource teachers use to support learning in essential Reading and Math domains.
  • and more!
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Local Technology Resources for Students & Families

Options for students without access to computers at home:

  • The Madrona Library - computers are available for student use before school (8:15 am-8:35 am) and during lunch (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Fridays)
  • The Madrona After School Homework Club (3:30-4:30 pm) - Monday (Rm 14), Tuesday (Rm 9) -Wednesday (Rm 6)
  • Madrona ELOP Program (3:30-6:00 pm)
  • City of Torrance - Katy Geissert Library (located on the corner of Torrance Blvd/Madrona Avenue) - Monday, Wednesday: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

TUSD & Community News & Resources TUSD & Community News & Resources

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Calling all K–6 students! The Water Replenishment District (WRD) invites students to showcase their creativity in the 12th Annual Student Art Contest. Winners receive a $75 Amazon Gift Card, a Certificate of Achievement, prizes, and will have their artwork published in the 2027 Water Awareness Calendar!

  • Deadline: Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM

  • How to Enter: Submit online at WRD's Art Submissions page, mail, or drop off your entry at WRD Headquarters in Lakewood.

For full contest rules, flyers, and submission details, visit the WRD Student Art Contest page.

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TUSD DevELOPment Academy

The application for Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) is open. The program provides after-school care, academic support, enrichment activities, and a safe environment for TK- 6th grade students outside of the regular school day.

Space is limited. Priority enrollment is given to students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, foster youth, and students experiencing homelessness.

Families interested in enrolling for the 2026–2027 school year will need to complete an application.

Application Link: https://tusd.arux.app/

For more information, please visit the TUSD ELOP website.

Support Madrona All Year Long! Support Madrona All Year Long!

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Ralphs Community Contribution Program

Sign up for Ralphs/Kroger Community Rewards Community Contribution Program at NO added cost to you. Use Madrona's Organization ID UF902. Click here

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Madrona's Amazon Charitable Donation "Wish" List

Looking for a way to help out our school? We are ALWAYS in need of tissue boxes, reams of paper, and school supplies! Donations are greatly appreciated. Madrona Middle School Wishlist Link

If you purchase items online, please have it delivered to:
Madrona Middle School 21364 Madrona Avenue Torrance, CA 90503 310-533-4562. Thank you! If you have items delivered to your home, please drop off at the front office (or) have your student bring items in.

Direct Donations

can be made payable to “Madrona Middle School” and dropped off to Madrona Staff Assistant Cynthia Chavez. We value your generosity and are committed to honoring your intentions. All contributions will be thoughtfully allocated toward meaningful initiatives, such as instructional resources or ongoing improvements to our campus facilities. Thank you for considering a gift that helps support our students and school community.


A school donation receipt can be provided to acknowledge your generous donation, serving as proof of the donation for tax purposes.

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Thank you, Madrona Families!

Madrona was named South Bay’s BEST Public Middle School for 2026!


Following our FAVORITE spot in 2025 and BEST recognition in 2024, this single-award honor belongs to our entire school family. Thank you for your continued support and for making the Wildcat community extraordinary.

Torrance Unified School District's Portrait of a Graduate (PoG) is a collective vision that articulates the desired outcomes of all K-12 students in Torrance Unified, including competencies and personal qualities that positions them for success in life and career.


At Madrona Middle School, we take pride in preparing your student for the transition to high school and beyond. Our focus on rigorous, relevant, and engaging academics and enriching activities ensures that your student is well-equipped for their next journey. Each week, our weekly newsletter spotlights some of the many activities that reflect our students' growth in competencies aligned to the TUSD Portrait of a Graduate.

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Contact Us! Contact Us!

Follow Us On Social Media & Online to keep up to date on events and activities at our school, please follow us on Instagram or visit our school website.

School Website: https://www.tusd.org/schools/madrona

Address: 21364 Madrona Avenue, Torrance, CA, USA

General Email: madronainfo@tusd.org

Attendance Office: madronaattend@tusd.org

Main Phone #: (310)533-4562

Sue Key, Ed.D.
Proud Principal, Madrona Middle School
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