4/13/11: 4th Quarter
Here's what we've been doing, and where we're headed before the end of the year:
Math - My math students have been working with varying degrees of success on a scale drawing/blueprint of a dream home or dream bedroom. Final plans are due this week, and we're also working on descriptive write-ups of these plans.
Science - I'm looking forward to having my own class, as well as Mr. Haas' class back after next Wednesday; however, I've also really enjoyed getting to know the students in Mrs. Koenecke's and Mrs. Raab's classes! Speaking of the upcoming end of the switch, my CURRENT science students will have a final test on Wednesday, 4-23 that covers each of the areas we've studied. For more information, visit the "notes and resources" page.
Language - The District Writing Assessment is currently taking place, and next week we wrap up the study of the 8 major parts of speech on Wednesday, 4-23.
Reading - The fourth quarter AR point goal is either 21 or 24 points (depending on previous success). We'll also have a book report due this quarter. It can be presented anytime starting May 1, but May 31 is the last day to get full credit.
Spelling - We're currently on week 26.
As always, I welcome your thoughts, comments and questions. Thanks!
-Mr. L.
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2/20 21: Glad to Be (almost) Back!
Greetings friends and families of Lundstrom-land,
It was a very productive few weeks out of the classroom, but I can't wait to get back and talk about all of the great learning our students have enjoyed with Mrs. Quale and Mr. Haas while I've been gone. I'm also excited to share the things I've been discovering and developing (particularly in the area of project based learning) with the students.
Project based learning is an approach that complements some of the activities and learning experiences I've tried to bring into the classroom for as long as I've been teaching. It is a process that begins with a question relating to one or more areas of the school curriculum. Through a structured process the students and teacher work together to explore the variety of ways we might answer that underlying question.
One of my biggest priorities continues to be encouraging students to problem solve and think critically about the information they come across.
- What is the best way to go about finding the answer to a challenging question?
- Is the information I'm discovering accurate, and does it come from a reputable source?
- Where might I find an expert in this particular area that could assist me in coming to a reasonable and accurate conclusion?
- What is the best way to use my time, and what are short-term goals that I can use to help me with my time management?
- How might technology be incorporated in a way that helps improve the process or presentation of our findings?
I'll have more detailed updates about the subjects and the specifics of what we'll be exploring by the week's end, and I look forward to seeing you at conferences on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday!
-Mr. L.
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11/4: 2nd Quarter, Here We Come!
Most of the students worked very hard to get missing work handed in this week. This helped bring up some grades to become more in-line with the ability levels and understanding that I see in our students. Final 1st quarter grades will be up to date by 8am tomorrow, and I still have a few late items to enter that were handed in this week. Only late or missing work is being entered this week. No NEW assignments have been or will be entered for 1st quarter - they will be entered for 2nd quarter starting next Monday.
HLD Movie Reward: Students that have received 3 or fewer total infraction points during 1st quarter will be eligible for the reward of watching a student-friendly video tomorrow. We will offer at least one G-rated movie as well as several PG movies. All students that wish to view a PG movie at school must have a signed permission slip on hand.
Here is a BRIEF update on what's going on in our studies:
Math: We're cruising through chapter 4, and there will be a quiz on lessons 4-1 through 4-4 on Friday.
Science: Our city planners and engineers are hard at work to design the most attractive city that can withstand hurricane conditions.
Language: Students are crafting a letter to request permission to have snacks during class time at school. Please look for this letter and indicate your "VOTE" early next week.
Reading: We enjoyed reading and discussing the book Sounder. Some students are already working on their 9 AR point requirement for 2nd quarter. Unless situational arrangements are made by students, extra points DO NOT carry over from one quarter to the next.
Spelling: Lesson 8 is due Friday; this will be the first spelling lesson that is posted for 2nd quarter.
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10/19: Breathing Easier and THE FIRST Lundstrom-land Auction for the Year!
Over half of the science tests have been corrected, and I'm impressed! So far, everyone has passed this major test; it is clear that the students took this test seriously and that many put in some extra time preparing; students and parents can breathe a sigh of relief!
Math: The chapter 2 test caused some difficulty in the final lessons. We'll revisit a few ideas, and we're going to skip ahead to chapter 4, then come back to explore select lessons from chapter 3 in the weeks to come.
Science: The environment and our impact on the planet take center stage. We're starting up an Earth Club at GMS, students are completing an energy use survey, and we're beginning a year-long project directed at increasing our awareness about resource consumption (see the "Green" link).
Language: Students will be debating the merits of privileges they would like to have at school, such as time to play computer games, snack time, and an outdoor recess on occasion. To even be considered, the students have to convince the parents (you) and me that this privilege will have benefits to learning - good luck, students.
Reading: We've begun reading Sounder and are working through literature circle jobs as we learn expectations and routines that we will apply to other novels this year when we do future literature circle discussions. Grades for these reading assignments will also double as language grades as they require the students to use correct grammar and communicate clearly.
Our first classroom economy AUCTION will take place this Thursday afternoon during Help Period. In order to participate, students need to have a signed auction permission slip. Please see your student's permission slip (or follow this link) for details. Let the bidding begin!
-Mr. L
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10/19: Update Coming Soon
The website will be updated by this afternoon. Thanks!
-Mr. L.
10/12: Math Grades are Under Construction
Dear Parents and Families,
Due to the recent realigning of Mrs. Raab's and Mr. Lundstrom's math classes, some students grades are not accurate. Please be patient as it may take a few days to update grades and enter points attained with a student's previous teacher. Thanks,
-Mr. L.
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10/11: It's Time for a Test
Science test this Friday (previously scheduled for Thursday, October 15)...more information is available on the Notes and Resources page. This will be one of the final major grades for 1st quarter. Please study notes accordingly.
Students will be given the opportunity to prepare 2 sides of a 3X5 note card to use on the test. They may even earn extra credit for doing so as follows:
Prepare note card(s) for study, but hand them in before taking the test: +3% added to final test grade
Prepare only one side of a 3x5 note card and use it while taking test: +2%
Prepare 2 sides of 3x5 note card(s) and use them while taking test: +1%
Notice that I am encouraging students to find new ways to study, analyze the information that they know well, and use resources to help with challenging ideas and vocabulary. For this reason, just by preparing a note card, a student can guarantee an improved final test score.
Math - We've welcomed some new students into math in Lundstrom-land and bid farewell and good luck to other students who will now have Mrs. Raab for math. We're wrapping up chapter 2 this week and will take the conclusion of the chapter 2 math test on Thursday.
Reading - Sounder by William H. Armstrong is our next book, and as we read it we will introduce Literature Circles in our classroom.
Language - Complete sentences and supporting information are our focus. We'll be working on crafting a convincing letter to request a privilege to enjoy during the day.
Spelling - Chapter 6 is a review of the lessons we've had so far. A list of this week's words can be found here.
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10/4: In the Near Future
First, thanks to all who came in last Thursday to help with out job application writing workshop. Because of your effort, I received the most complete and well done job applications ever! Students have now been hired for their first "jobs."
Typically, I will update this website on Monday afternoon or evening. I will provide additional information for the remaining subjects later, but here's what's happening in MATH and SCIENCE:
MATH – Last week, all students completed their MAPs testing. Based on those results, and how we have gotten to know the skills of our students, we believe it is in the best of interests of each student to make an adjustment to address their individual needs. Mrs. Raab, a fellow 6th grade teacher, and I have discussed the option of shifting students from our classes into one of two groups. We see many benefits for students to have lessons that are focused and appropriately challenging. Because of the wide range of ability levels and math skills, students will be selected to join either my class or Mrs. Raab’s classroom for math: one group will benefit greatly by taking more time to explore math concepts in detail; while students in the second group may be moving through lessons at a faster pace as they demonstrate understanding. This will result in some students who currently have me for math to be taking math with Mrs. Raab for the school year and vice-versa. The rate at which either group moves forward will be adjusted as necessary to ensure that students comprehend the concepts and are appropriately challenged.
SCIENCE - The students in my class have been challenged to design a boat that will float as many pennies as possible before sinking. Please see HERE for details. We're also continuing to work through fresh water and the water cycle. We will be having a major test on fresh water and the properties of water the week of October 11 (tentatively scheduled for Thursday October 14). Students will be given a study guide and we will discuss many strategies for studying.
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9-27: CALLING PARENT VOLUNTEERS, The End of Our First Month, and Progress Reports
If you are interested in helping with a classroom project for students in Mr. Nejedlo's (Mr. Haas) homeroom and my classroom, I'm looking for volunteers who are able to come into the classroom this Thursday afternoon (September 30) from around 1-2pm to work with students on classroom economy job applications and act as potential employers for mock interviews. The only skills required are the ability to provide meaningful feedback about student responses on job applications and ask questions that will prompt more detailed information in application revisions. Please email me if you are interested and/or able to come in. If you would like to help, but are not available this week, fear not - there will be plenty of future opportunities to help!
What happened to September? I still have a few assignments to enter on Skyward, and we're near the midway mark of first quarter. As of Thursday we'll be at the end of our first month of school! Here's a summary of what's going on this week:
Math: We're just beginning chapter 2 decimals (click here for Study Guide and Practice worksheets for chapter 1 & 2), and we just took our final MAP testing for the fall! Depending on the results of the math MAPs test (as well as the effort and ability demonstrated by students so far), students will either continue at the current pace of exploring lessons in detail OR work at a faster, more challenging pace that is appropriate for their ability.
Science: Water and its importance to all life is the topic of study. There MAY (cough) be a "pop quiz" this week on terms introduced in "Water as a Solvent" notes. These notes are not in the textbook, but a link can be found on the Science page of this website.
Language: "What's in a Name" rough draft is due tomorrow. Our first round of applying for jobs begins later this week. We're also working on developing appropriate ideas for writing, and students are to write 1/2 page or more (due Wednesday) of brainstorming or the beginning draft of ideas for an online newsletter that would be of interest to other students and parents.
Reading: We'll continue discussing plot, character, and finish reading Who Moved My Cheese - for Teens (in class).
Spelling: Lesson 4
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9/26: Hi Parents and Families of Lundstrom-land,
I'm looking forward to seeing all of the students after a fantastic week of family togetherness. It's amazing how a baby can change in a few weeks and months time!
Please let me put some minds at ease about Skyward. It has come to my attention that a significant number of assignments are showing up as missing. By default if the "due by" date for an assignment passes, the grades auto-default to missing even if I haven't attempted to enter any grades for that particular assignment.
I will be reviewing and entering assignments and grades from last week and previous weeks tomorrow and Tuesday. All grades should be accurate by Wednesday evening (September 29); until then, please trust your child if he or she is confident that all assignments have been turned in. Sorry for the confusion, and thank you for your patience.
-Mr. L.
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9/20: A Special Guest
Dear Parents and Families of Lundstrom-land,
Please accept my apology for the oversight/short notice of informing you of my absence from school; although I shared this information with students, I neglected to post the dates for parents. For the week of September 20-24th we have a guest teacher in Lundstrom-land. During this week I am spending some time with my family, specifically the newest member of the family, Kennan Lundstrom. I appreciate your understanding. This will be the only full week of consecutive days that I will be off this quarter.
Because of my absence, Skyward grades might not be updated until I return. I will give students every opportunity to locate and turn in work as I enter grades next week, and students are receiving feedback on most daily assignments as we correct and score our work, so there should be no surprises to students. Again, thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me and I will respond as soon as I am able.
Here's a look at the subjects and assignments this week in Lundstrom-land:
Math - Typically we have weekly Friday quizzes. This week we're wrapping up chapter 1, and will have the chapter test on Wednesday.
Science - After an introduction to microscopes last week, we're pausing to look at the importance of water as a resource. Students will be completing notes as we work through chapter 1.
Language - We will start working on an essay about our names. A packet will be coming home with sheets for their "research," expectations and grading rubric.
Reading - We are starting a book titled, Who Moved My Cheese - For Teens. It is a shorter book and will mainly be read and discussed during school.
Spelling - Weekly Friday tests will be held on the week's lesson. This week 4 workbook ages for lesson four will be due.
Additional info:
Thank you, Mrs. Quale, for taking over and helping our students in my absence!
MAP testing continues with Reading and Language tests early this week.
Wednesday is an early release day.
Friday is picture day; please check with your student for a picture order form.
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9/15: Please note, due to a scheduling conflict with MAPs testing, the Functions of a Microscope quiz will be on Friday instead of Thursday. I apologize for any inconvenience.
-Mr. L
9/14: Week 3 Already?
Math - We're cruising through chapter 1, including an intro to algebra, order of operations, and problem solving. Each Friday we have a quiz on the week's lessons; students are welcome to use their MIRW notebooks on the quiz. Everyone is welcome to vote on a new Order of Operations Phrase to replace, "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally."
Science - What are the parts of a microscope? We've got several quizzes and tests to prepare students to use microscopes for exploration and discovery coming up:
- Wednesday (9-15): Parts of a Microscope quiz
- FRIDAY 9-17 (prevously scheduled for Thursday 9-16): Functions of Microscope Parts quiz and Care and Use of Microscopes quizzes
- Friday (9-17): Work with a partner to on proper microscope usage - skills demonstration
Reading - We are currently exploring plot elements and character traits. Students are to take an AR test on Where the Red Fern Grows by September 30th, which can count toward the first quarter AR point requirement. 6 AR (Accelerated Reader) points are due by the end of first quarter. Students are also required to post comments on the classroom website for 2 reading topics: "Favorite Book" (posting due by 9-27) and "Where Red Ferns Grow" (posting due by 9-30).
Language - The 6 traits of writing are our focus for the next 2 weeks. We look at IDEAS and ORGANIZATION to start the process of great writing.
Spelling - Lesson 2 words featuring "unexpected consonants" are the focus this week. 4 pages from the Spelling book are due Friday; also on Friday there will be a test of lesson 2 words and an available re-test for lesson 1. After a few weeks, some students may be accelerated or offered alternate spelling challenges.
MAPs (Measurement of Academic Progress) testing begins this week. Please make sure your learner gets plenty of rest and nutritious food. Results of these tests may help determine the pace and focus of learning in multiple classes.
Keep checking on grades as I will be continuing to enter many grades and assignments over the next 2 days. Students should recognize that they have the power to improve grades by seeking out missing work and inquiring about ways to make up points for poor scores. Encouragement always helps, and I appreciate your assistance with reminding our 6th graders to be self-advocates!
As always, I welcome your thoughts, comments and questions. Thanks!
-Mr. L.
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9/7: Beginning
It was great to meet all of the new residents of Lunstrom-land last week. Thank you to everyone who was able to come in and look around last Tuesday. If you weren't able to make it to our open house on August 31, I hope you'll stop in to check out the learning environment that your student will be experiencing this year. It's amazing when you consider that, on average, students spend more waking hours at school with peers than at home with family throughout the week during the school year. Please take some time to ask your learner how he or she is enjoying the new surroundings.
PLEASE NOTE: For students in my homeroom, I am attempting to set up an email distribution list. If you have an email account registered with GMS, I will be sending out an email to verify that I have your correct email listed. If your email is not registered with our office, please contact me to advise of the best way to contact you.
I have only entered a few grades so far in the past week on Skyward. By the week's end, there should be several more entries posted. Thanks for your patience!
I have informed students that our class will be joined by a guest teacher for several days over the course of this school year as I will be taking some time for both family leave (to enjoy some time with our new family addition, Kennan) and for charter school planning. I will keep you as up to date as possible regarding my scheduled days away from the classroom, and I encourage you to please contact me via email or call me at 757-7159 (ext. 51203) if you have any concerns or questions.
This Week in Classes:
Math - We're exploring problem-solving, order of operations, exponents, and expectations.
Science - The Scientific Method is the focus of study; we'll also begin studying and using microscopes. Our first science quiz will be about the steps of the Scientific Method (on Thursday, September 9).
Language - We look at reasons we write; what makes "great" writing? We're also taking the District Writing Assessment.
Reading - Our first assignment was about plot and story elements; we visited the library for the first time and selected an SSR (silent, sustained reading) book to enjoy. Students are required to always have a narrative book on hand (no magazines or comic books) for reading.
Spelling - Spelling has been integrated into other subjects for the first few days. Requirements and expectations for spelling will be posted shortly.
Thank you for trusting me with your student; we're off to a great start!
-Mr.L.
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11/12: See You Next Week
1st quarter conferences take place next Wendesday and Thursday evening (November 17th and 18th) from 4-7 pm and on Friday from 8am to 12 noon. I look forward to seeing parents and students as we celebrate successes and discuss areas we can improve.
As the year goes on, students will have higher expectations placed on them. I have informed the students that if they are not happy with the score they receive or earn on a test, assignment, or project (for any reason), they must contact me.
It is the student's responsibility to contact me with concerns, arrange make up work, improve low grades, and locate missing assignments, and I was very impressed by the number of students that took initiative and asked me about the opportunity to redo assignments or improve grades last week for the end of the quarter!
However, as the year progresses fewer and fewer "second chances" will be given as I will be encouraging the students to be proactive in making arrangements for unclear or challenging assignments or tests BEFORE they are completed.
Here's what's happening:
Math: We're about halfway through chapter 4: Fractions. This can be a very challenging concept, and I foresee a final fractions test just before Thanksgiving.
Science: Save Our City is a problem-solving and design project requiring students to work together in groups to build a unique, well-planned, and 'hurricane-proof' city. I'll be recruiting parent volunteers to serve on a "city council" that will act as judges for city design.
Reading: We're looking forward to next week and starting our next novel as a class: Wolf Rider by Avi. Because of the suspenseful nature of the plot (which involves a prank phone call about a potential murder and the quest of a 15-year-old to find the truth), I want to give students and parents the heads-up; I will gladly provide alternate titles upon request. This will be my fifth year reading this book with 6th graders. All reading and discussion for this book is done in class, and it is one of the few books I've read where students beg to keep reading at the end of class!
Language: WKCE tests are out of the way for another year! We devoted most of Reading and Language time this week to testing. Now that we're returning to a more regular schedule, we'll be finishing our persuasive snack letter and asking for input on whether or not you would like our students to have snack. We'll also be working on subject/predicate and writing with details.
Spelling: Lesson 10 for the week of 11/22
Thanks for your patience with updating grades and the website. We're in week 3 of 8 weeks of 7th grade boys basketball season. I truly enjoy working with the players and getting to know some of last year's students in a different context, but it sure makes for a hectic schedule!
-Mr. L
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1/17/11: ONLINE GRADES and INTERNATIONAL AUCTION Attendance
As of 10:28 am on Monday, January 17, ALL Skyward grades are accurate and up to date. The end of the quarter is Thursday, so please check with your student to make sure that he or she has turned in all missing work.
Because of several students having a significant number of missing or late assignments, I have taken the action of requiring students to be up-to-date with homework assignments in today's (Monday's) "International Auction." Under normal circumstances, I give ample notice of this type of policy, but made this decision today due to the looming end of the quarter and the need for our first priority of demonstrating student understanding and responsibility. As a result, many students were frustrated and/or disappointed to learn today that they can't join in the auction. We will be having another International Auction later this year. Thanks for your support of this decision.
-Mr. L.
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1/3/11: Happy New Year
It is great to have the students back, learn of all the holiday adventures, and look forward to successful learning yet to come. By student request, I'm opening up a new blog: all parents and students are invited (though NOT required) to share your thoughts.
Deadlines:
The next round of job applications were due Tuesday 1-4 - there will certainly be jobs available after the deadline, but the next round of job hirings will be based on the successfully completed job applications that I received by the end of the school day Tuesday. The high-paying jobs go fast (follow link for current salaries)! Please follow the link to see how applications are considered.
Reading book reports are due next Monday 1-10-11
Science 3D organism models and research (sample - see page 2) are also due next Monday 1-10-11
Extension option: Due to the potential impact of these projects on 2nd quarter grades, students with concerns about meeting next Monday's deadline for any or all of the projects listed above can submit a written request (in formal business letter format) for an extension in exchange for a 5% grade reduction per day (rather than the normal 25% for one day late). I will also allow students to use a "Late Pass" for a ONE DAY extension, but it must be accompanied by a written request (in business letter format).
Here's what's happening in general...
Math: Algebra and chapter 6
Science: Oceans and projects
Language: Detailed writing and imagery
Reading: Book report preparation and 9 AR point requirements
Spelling: Chapter 14 worksheet packet (to supplement the book pages completed before break). We'll have the test on Friday, but students are welcome to have a responsible person at home give the test and sign off on the results if preferred.
Thanks!
-Mr. L.
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12/22: Happy Winter Solstice! Yesterday we received the fewest hours (and minutes) of sunlight for the whole year. Winter is just starting, but as of today the days get longer and more sunshine starts working its way back into the northern hemisphere.
In Science during second semester, the correlation between the angle of the sun's rays and heat energy will be explored in detail. For now, though, we're just beginning to put ideas together for our ocean organism research and preparing to enjoy the holidays.
Oceans and ocean life is currently on our science plate. Students are to make a 3D model of an ocean organism and present information in the form of a written summary (as if it were an informational plaque about their organims). Both of these assignments are due on January 10th.
Right now in Reading, the students are preparing to turn in and present their book report projects (more info can be found here - see book report rubric). Book reports are due between now and January 10. Several students are planning to present before Christmas, but the final deadline for this project is also January 10.
My math students are currently exploring concepts in Algebra. We'll pick up where we left off in chapter 6 (lesson 6-2) at the beginning of the new year.
Lastly, on behalf of myself and my family, I wish all students, parents, and friends of room A203 a happy, safe, and memorable Christmas and New Year! Enjoy some time to play with your kids in the snow, have a hot chocolate, and savor the season. Thank you all for helping to make teaching (and learning) so rewarding and enjoyable! Please don't hesitate to call or contact me with thoughts, concerns, comments or questions. Merry Christmas to all...and to all (an apology for getting so long-winded) a good night!
-Mr. L.
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11/29: In Science, we're preparing to present our "Save Our City" designs to City Council (made up of parent and/or staff volunteers). The students have been working with teams to design and construct a miniature city and will be promoting their city plans live via videoconferencing to another area of school at GMS.
Our city council presentations are scheduled for this Wednesday, December 1st from noon to 1pm for Mr. Nejedlo/Haas's homeroom students and Thursday, December 2nd from noon to 1pm for my homeroom. I'm looking for parent volunteers to serve as City Council members who will video conference with our city planning teams. If you are interested, please let me know at your convenience. Ideally, I'd like to have at least 5-6 parent volunteers for a full hour on Wednesday from noon to1 pm (for Mr. Haas/Nejedlo's class) and Thursday from 12 to 1 pm for my homeroom. A few parents have already expressed interest, and I'm hoping to welcome some more!
I have amassed a large stack of assignments to be entered--I hope to be up to date with grades by Wednesday evening. Here's what we're up to in our subjects:
Math: We're reviewing chapter 4 for our test this week on fractions, percents and ratios.
Science: Save Our City project presentations (see above).
Language: Word choice and voice will be featured in addition to proper sentence and paragraph structure.
Reading: Students will choose from a selection of books to read in literature circle groups; one option is to begin reading Wolf Rider (by the author Avi) aloud in class.
Spelling: Lesson 11
-Mr.L.
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Happy New Year
It's a new school year; I'm happy to welcome a new group of students into Lundstrom-land. Make sure you bring a great attitude and an open mind. LET"S GET READY TO LEARN!
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