Good afternoon!
Thank you to all the students and families who visited last night's Math Showcase. I hope you had an enjoyable experience and appreciated all the displays. I heard many people voice how amazing the art turned out, and some were surprised when they realized it was our grade 1 students! If you stopped by Rooms 3/4/5 you would have explored measurement, and the learning commons for Mathletics.
Notices
* Your son or daughter should have taken home forms for Mathletics and RazKids. If you require this information, including passwords, please email me at nmcokar@cbe.ab.ca
* Teacher's Pet project. This form is to be returned ASAP.
* May Calendar which has many of the important dates I have listed below
Important Dates:
May 2: Aboriginal Awareness Club
May 4: Fun Lunch
May 4/5: Ms. Cokar is away learning at the University!
May 11: Parent Council Carnival from 6:00 - 8:00
May 12: Teacher's Pet project (see notice sent home). Volunteers required.
May 16: Pillars of Care assembly at 1:00
May 19: No school for students
May 21: Victoria Day - No school
May 24: Spring Concert (KG, Gr 4-6) - doors open at 6:00; concert begins at 6:30
May 25: Spring Concert (Gr 1-3) - doors open at 6:00; concert begins at 6:30
May 29: Sports Day
Have a great weekend!
Ms. Cokar
Friday, April 28, 2017
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
April 26
Good afternoon!
Students should have in their home folders an information sheet on how to log in to Raz Kids. If you have any questions, please let me know. If your son or daughter did not take home their information sheet for Mathletics, pleas let me know and I will send another one home.
The other day students created tear paper art related to our current science topic. As promised, here is the collection of art from Room 5. Ask your son or daughter which one is his or hers, and perhaps they can describe the steps involved, as well as the different parts of the flower/plant.
Students should have in their home folders an information sheet on how to log in to Raz Kids. If you have any questions, please let me know. If your son or daughter did not take home their information sheet for Mathletics, pleas let me know and I will send another one home.
The other day students created tear paper art related to our current science topic. As promised, here is the collection of art from Room 5. Ask your son or daughter which one is his or hers, and perhaps they can describe the steps involved, as well as the different parts of the flower/plant.
REMINDER: Thursday is MATH NIGHT!
Students will share activities recently covered in their classrooms. Students will also be showcasing their math related art projects completed with Jennifer Stables, our artist in residence. You will also be introduced to our Mathletics online math program.
Mavericks will be selling popcorn for $2.00.
Thursday, April 27thst – There are 2 different times available: 5:30pm – 6:30pm OR 6:30pm – 7:30pm
To help manage crowd size, we are asking families to register for ONE time only.
HOW TO REGISTER:
- Go to our school website (www.cbe.ab.ca/b372)
- Click on the my CBE Account link and login (just like conferences)
- Book one of the two time slots
Monday, April 24, 2017
April 24
Good afternoon,
We had a busy day today! After gym and our morning meeting, students had the opportunity to transfer seeds into soil. Before the transfer happened, students used their senses (not all, as I don't think the seeds would taste good) to observe any changes. There was change in size, colour, texture, and some sprouting! It was interesting that some seeds did not change at all. Do you know why? In journals, students wrote a few sentences about their seeds. I liked reading the creative sentences and the seeing the drawings of "before" and "after". The next step was to carefully transfer seeds into soil, and we are excited to see the results!
Here are a few photographs. Please ask your son or daughter about all the steps involved.
Following recess and music, we did a step-by-step guided drawing of a flower and labelled its parts. The second part had to wait until lunch recess was over. This is when we tried "Tear Paper Art". Students were asked to create a flower using paper which they tear. The main rule was not to use a pair of scissors! First, we tore brown paper to make it look like the bumpy line we drew earlier; this was the soil. Second, green paper was torn to represent the stem. Third, seeds were added. Next...well, you will have to wait and see. I am impressed with how the art turned out as students were making their flower unique. Some added roots, veins on the leaves, etc.
Thank you Miss Jen for all your help this morning!
In math we continue to work on measurement using non-standard "tools" to measure length, height, and weight. Speaking of math we invite you to attend our Math Showcase on Thursday, April 27. You will have a choice of two time slots:
5:30 - 6:30 OR 6:30 - 7:30
To help manage crowd size, we are asking families to register for their preferred time. Please register through your "My CBE Account", the same way you would for parent teacher interviews. If you have any questions, please contact the school. Hope to see you there!
Please return library books for Tuesday as our exchange day is Wednesday.
Did you hand in your Scholastic Book order? Fun lunch envelope? Want to buy popcorn from the Mavericks for $2? If you are sending money with your son or daughter, please label with name and flavour of popcorn.
Important Dates:
April 25: Math Potatoes at lunch
April 25: Aboriginal Awareness Club
April 26: Fun Lunch envelopes are due today!
April 27: Math Showcase Evening
May 4: Fun Lunch
May 12: Special Project! I will need three volunteers for the afternoon.
Have a great evening!
Ms. Cokar
We had a busy day today! After gym and our morning meeting, students had the opportunity to transfer seeds into soil. Before the transfer happened, students used their senses (not all, as I don't think the seeds would taste good) to observe any changes. There was change in size, colour, texture, and some sprouting! It was interesting that some seeds did not change at all. Do you know why? In journals, students wrote a few sentences about their seeds. I liked reading the creative sentences and the seeing the drawings of "before" and "after". The next step was to carefully transfer seeds into soil, and we are excited to see the results!
Here are a few photographs. Please ask your son or daughter about all the steps involved.
Following recess and music, we did a step-by-step guided drawing of a flower and labelled its parts. The second part had to wait until lunch recess was over. This is when we tried "Tear Paper Art". Students were asked to create a flower using paper which they tear. The main rule was not to use a pair of scissors! First, we tore brown paper to make it look like the bumpy line we drew earlier; this was the soil. Second, green paper was torn to represent the stem. Third, seeds were added. Next...well, you will have to wait and see. I am impressed with how the art turned out as students were making their flower unique. Some added roots, veins on the leaves, etc.
Thank you Miss Jen for all your help this morning!
5:30 - 6:30 OR 6:30 - 7:30
To help manage crowd size, we are asking families to register for their preferred time. Please register through your "My CBE Account", the same way you would for parent teacher interviews. If you have any questions, please contact the school. Hope to see you there!
Please return library books for Tuesday as our exchange day is Wednesday.
Did you hand in your Scholastic Book order? Fun lunch envelope? Want to buy popcorn from the Mavericks for $2? If you are sending money with your son or daughter, please label with name and flavour of popcorn.
Important Dates:
April 25: Math Potatoes at lunch
April 25: Aboriginal Awareness Club
April 26: Fun Lunch envelopes are due today!
April 27: Math Showcase Evening
May 4: Fun Lunch
May 12: Special Project! I will need three volunteers for the afternoon.
Have a great evening!
Ms. Cokar
Thursday, April 20, 2017
April 20
Good afternoon,
*** Early Dismissal tomorrow! Pillars of Care assembly tomorrow! ***
As scientists we continue to investigate and make predictions about seeds and how they will grow. We used our senses to compare and contrast, and I will admit the seed which has been sitting in water for a week SMELLED! Students noticed their seeds in a glass of water changed overnight; they were a little bigger and a little darker in colour. Some even had started to split. After observing, each seed was transferred into a wet paper napkin and then into a clear bag. These are now hanging on our window to be observed.
Important Dates:
April 21: Pillars of Care Assembly at 8:15
April 21: Early Dismissal - Dismissal at 11:00
April 24: Scholastic Book orders due
April 25: Math Potatoes at lunch
April 25: Aboriginal Awareness Club
April 26: Fun Lunch envelopes returned by this date
April 27: Math Showcase Evening
May 4: Fun Lunch
May 12: Special Project! I will need three volunteers for the afternoon.
Have a fabulous weekend!
Ms. Cokar
*** Early Dismissal tomorrow! Pillars of Care assembly tomorrow! ***
As scientists we continue to investigate and make predictions about seeds and how they will grow. We used our senses to compare and contrast, and I will admit the seed which has been sitting in water for a week SMELLED! Students noticed their seeds in a glass of water changed overnight; they were a little bigger and a little darker in colour. Some even had started to split. After observing, each seed was transferred into a wet paper napkin and then into a clear bag. These are now hanging on our window to be observed.
I had four different kinds of lentils/beans/chickpeas which each student had a chance to use their senses to observe. These have now been transferred into individual glasses of water. Students are going to be observing carefully to note changes.
Scholastic forms were sent home and are due on Monday.
Popcorn is back at Beddington Heights! Mavericks will be selling popcorn Monday, Thursday, and Friday at lunch in Room 14! Mr. Shackelton will be selling them every morning recess, and TUES/WEDS 11:30-11:40am before supervision duty. The Mavericks are fundraising for the school, WE Day, and local women crisis shelters. Flavours include: Caramel, Dill Pickle, Butter, and Jalapeno Jack Cheddar. Each bag is $2.
Popcorn is back at Beddington Heights! Mavericks will be selling popcorn Monday, Thursday, and Friday at lunch in Room 14! Mr. Shackelton will be selling them every morning recess, and TUES/WEDS 11:30-11:40am before supervision duty. The Mavericks are fundraising for the school, WE Day, and local women crisis shelters. Flavours include: Caramel, Dill Pickle, Butter, and Jalapeno Jack Cheddar. Each bag is $2.
Notices:
1. Grade 6 Farewell Bottle Drive - Please bring in your empties this week in the morning or on Saturday between 10am and 2pm.
2. School Parent Counci News - Nominations for new parent council!
3. Mathletics information sheet with username and passwords.
4. School Parent Council News - Collecting gently used books for Calgary Reads Used Book sale.
April 21: Pillars of Care Assembly at 8:15
April 21: Early Dismissal - Dismissal at 11:00
April 24: Scholastic Book orders due
April 25: Math Potatoes at lunch
April 25: Aboriginal Awareness Club
April 26: Fun Lunch envelopes returned by this date
April 27: Math Showcase Evening
May 4: Fun Lunch
May 12: Special Project! I will need three volunteers for the afternoon.
Have a fabulous weekend!
Ms. Cokar
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
April 19
Good afternoon!
Today after library we read an interesting book called Compost Stew. Do you have a compost? Do you know what that word means? Please ask your son or daughter. Many of them remember making their own composts with Ms. Frey a number of months ago. There are certain items that can go into a compost, and many that cannot.
We each now have our own clear plastic cups in which we placed three seeds and then filled with water. Tomorrow we are going to see if there are any changes. We compared the one we already had sitting for the past few days, using our senses. We could see the seed was larger and slightly darker in colour. Students then smelled their seed cup then the "old" one and the consensus was...it stinks!
Students did a great job of reading to self today for 15 minutes, yay!
Today we had a lockdown drill and did a fabulous job, except Ms. Cokar made one mistake. Usually I say "It's okay to make mistakes" but this time it wasn't. As soon as the Calgary Police and our administration came in and said we did a great job with a thumbs up, we went back to work! I was supposed to keep the students in the safe zone, even though we were cleared, until the announcement that the lockdown was over. I talked to the students about the importance of my mistake.
Important Dates:
April 21: Pillars of Care Assembly at 8:15
April 21: Early Dismissal - Dismissal at 11:00
April 25: Math Potatoes at lunch
April 25: Aboriginal Awareness Club
April 26: Fun Lunch envelopes returned by this date
April 27: Math Showcase Evening
May 4: Fun Lunch
May 12: Special Project! I will need three volunteers for the afternoon.
Have a great evening,
Ms. Cokar
Today after library we read an interesting book called Compost Stew. Do you have a compost? Do you know what that word means? Please ask your son or daughter. Many of them remember making their own composts with Ms. Frey a number of months ago. There are certain items that can go into a compost, and many that cannot.
We each now have our own clear plastic cups in which we placed three seeds and then filled with water. Tomorrow we are going to see if there are any changes. We compared the one we already had sitting for the past few days, using our senses. We could see the seed was larger and slightly darker in colour. Students then smelled their seed cup then the "old" one and the consensus was...it stinks!
Students did a great job of reading to self today for 15 minutes, yay!
Today we had a lockdown drill and did a fabulous job, except Ms. Cokar made one mistake. Usually I say "It's okay to make mistakes" but this time it wasn't. As soon as the Calgary Police and our administration came in and said we did a great job with a thumbs up, we went back to work! I was supposed to keep the students in the safe zone, even though we were cleared, until the announcement that the lockdown was over. I talked to the students about the importance of my mistake.
Notices:
1. Grade 6 Farewell Bottle Drive - Please bring in your empties this week in the morning or on Saturday between 10am and 2pm.
2. School Parent Counci News - Nominations for new parent council!
3. Mathletics information sheet with username and passwords.
4. School Parent Council News - Call for volunteers for the Annual Carnival, which may be cancelled if there are not enough volunteers.
5. Are you moving? - Please complete form and return (one per family) ASAP.
6. School Parent Council News - Collecting gently used books for Calgary Reads Used Book sale.
April 21: Pillars of Care Assembly at 8:15
April 21: Early Dismissal - Dismissal at 11:00
April 25: Math Potatoes at lunch
April 25: Aboriginal Awareness Club
April 26: Fun Lunch envelopes returned by this date
April 27: Math Showcase Evening
May 4: Fun Lunch
May 12: Special Project! I will need three volunteers for the afternoon.
Have a great evening,
Ms. Cokar
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
April 18
Good afternoon and welcome back! I hope everyone had a fabulous break.
In Science we are exploring seeds. On Thursday students decided on four ways to grow a seed (in a wet napkin, in a wet napkin inside a baggy, inside a cup filled with water, inside a baggy filled with water). Today we had an opportunity to see what changes, if any, occurred over the long weekend. One of the three did not have any change at all, at least from what our eyes could see. Ask your son or daughter if they know which ones had a change. Today each student received a seed which was glued to a sheet. Predictions were made as to what they think would happen if the seed was placed in water (hint, this was one of the options in which we saw growth). I was proud of my students who were fearless spellers and had creative ideas. Can you imagine if there was a giant beanstalk as a result of our experiments?
In Math, students seem to be more fascinated with weighing things. It is fun to hear them problem solve and figure out how to balance the scale. It is not often you hear, "Well, if I take one T-Rex out and add two worms, it might balance."
Speaking of math, we are very fortunate each student has a membership to Mathletics. This is a fabulous online program. I have given everyone his or her username and password for you to try out at home. Here is the website: http://ca.mathletics.com
Library books are due tomorrow!!!
Important Dates:
April 21: Pillars of Care Assembly at 8:15
April 21: Early Dismissal - Dismissal at 11:00
April 25: Math Potatoes at lunch
April 25: Aboriginal Awareness Club
April 26: Fun Lunch envelopes returned by this date
April 27: Math Showcase Evening
May 4: Fun Lunch
May 12: Special Project! I will need three volunteers for the afternoon.
Have a great evening!
Ms. Cokar
In Science we are exploring seeds. On Thursday students decided on four ways to grow a seed (in a wet napkin, in a wet napkin inside a baggy, inside a cup filled with water, inside a baggy filled with water). Today we had an opportunity to see what changes, if any, occurred over the long weekend. One of the three did not have any change at all, at least from what our eyes could see. Ask your son or daughter if they know which ones had a change. Today each student received a seed which was glued to a sheet. Predictions were made as to what they think would happen if the seed was placed in water (hint, this was one of the options in which we saw growth). I was proud of my students who were fearless spellers and had creative ideas. Can you imagine if there was a giant beanstalk as a result of our experiments?
In Math, students seem to be more fascinated with weighing things. It is fun to hear them problem solve and figure out how to balance the scale. It is not often you hear, "Well, if I take one T-Rex out and add two worms, it might balance."
Speaking of math, we are very fortunate each student has a membership to Mathletics. This is a fabulous online program. I have given everyone his or her username and password for you to try out at home. Here is the website: http://ca.mathletics.com
Library books are due tomorrow!!!
Notices:
1. Mathletics information sheet with username and passwords.
2. School Parent Council News - Call for volunteers for the Annual Carnival, which may be cancelled if there are not enough volunteers.
3. Are you moving? - Please complete form and return (one per family) ASAP.
4. School Parent Council News - Spring fundraising, if you or anyone you know is a gardener.
5. School Parent Council News - Collecting gently used books for Calgary Reads Used Book sale.
April 21: Pillars of Care Assembly at 8:15
April 21: Early Dismissal - Dismissal at 11:00
April 25: Math Potatoes at lunch
April 25: Aboriginal Awareness Club
April 26: Fun Lunch envelopes returned by this date
April 27: Math Showcase Evening
May 4: Fun Lunch
May 12: Special Project! I will need three volunteers for the afternoon.
Have a great evening!
Ms. Cokar
Thursday, April 13, 2017
April 13 - Happy Easter!
Good Afternoon!
Please note there is no school for students tomorrow as it is Good Friday, or on Monday for a non-instruction day.
This morning in gym students engaged in a game of survival dodge ball. Ask them about the rules.
After our morning meeting, students worked independently on finishing their Easter egg and carrot cone baskets, or on a variety of challenging math work. This included counting by 2s, 5s, 10s which were tricky. Do you know how to count by 10s if you start with 2?
In music students practiced a special song they will sing for you at the Spring Concert. Don't ask them what the song is, please! We want it to be a surprise.
Before lunch we explored baby lima beans using our senses. We then talked about what we know about plants and seeds and the plant life cycle. After lunch we thought of ways to experiment and turned ourselves into Seed Scientists. We want to know which way is the best way to grow seeds without soil. Which one do you think? Most students predicted the third and fourth ways. We are excited to see what happens on Tuesday.
1. Seed in wet paper towel.
2. Seed in wet paper towel in a baggy.
3. Seed in a plastic cup full of water.
4. Seed in a baggy full of water.
Do you want to volunteer in our class? Now is a good time to stop by and talk to Mrs. Cumming to get this process started. If you have a security clearance, this means you will be able to volunteer in our school for the next five years!
Important Dates:
April 14: Good Friday - School Closed
April 17: Non-instruction Day - No School for Students
April 18: Math Potatoes at lunch
April 18: Aboriginal Awareness Club notice due today
April 21: Pillars of Care Assembly at 8:15
April 21: Early Dismissal - Dismissal at 11:00
April 25: Aboriginal Awareness Club
April 26: Fun Lunch envelopes returned by this date
April 27: Math Showcase Evening
May 4: Fun Lunch
May 12: Special Project! I will need three volunteers for the afternoon.
I wish your family and you a wonderful and relaxing long weekend, and I will see you on Tuesday!
Ms. Cokar
Please note there is no school for students tomorrow as it is Good Friday, or on Monday for a non-instruction day.
This morning in gym students engaged in a game of survival dodge ball. Ask them about the rules.
After our morning meeting, students worked independently on finishing their Easter egg and carrot cone baskets, or on a variety of challenging math work. This included counting by 2s, 5s, 10s which were tricky. Do you know how to count by 10s if you start with 2?
In music students practiced a special song they will sing for you at the Spring Concert. Don't ask them what the song is, please! We want it to be a surprise.
Before lunch we explored baby lima beans using our senses. We then talked about what we know about plants and seeds and the plant life cycle. After lunch we thought of ways to experiment and turned ourselves into Seed Scientists. We want to know which way is the best way to grow seeds without soil. Which one do you think? Most students predicted the third and fourth ways. We are excited to see what happens on Tuesday.
1. Seed in wet paper towel.
2. Seed in wet paper towel in a baggy.
3. Seed in a plastic cup full of water.
4. Seed in a baggy full of water.
Do you want to volunteer in our class? Now is a good time to stop by and talk to Mrs. Cumming to get this process started. If you have a security clearance, this means you will be able to volunteer in our school for the next five years!
Notices:
1. Aboriginal Awareness Club - Grade 1 students interested in our First Nations cultures are asked to return this notice by Tuesday, April 18. Sorry for the short notice! Club begins April 25.
2. School Parent Council News - Call for volunteers for the Annual Carnival, which may be cancelled if there are not enough volunteers.
3. Are you moving? - Please complete form and return (one per family) ASAP.
4. School Parent Council News - Spring fundraising, if you or anyone you know is a gardener.
5. School Parent Council News - Collecting gently used books for Calgary Reads Used Book sale.
April 14: Good Friday - School Closed
April 17: Non-instruction Day - No School for Students
April 18: Math Potatoes at lunch
April 18: Aboriginal Awareness Club notice due today
April 21: Pillars of Care Assembly at 8:15
April 21: Early Dismissal - Dismissal at 11:00
April 25: Aboriginal Awareness Club
April 26: Fun Lunch envelopes returned by this date
April 27: Math Showcase Evening
May 4: Fun Lunch
May 12: Special Project! I will need three volunteers for the afternoon.
I wish your family and you a wonderful and relaxing long weekend, and I will see you on Tuesday!
Ms. Cokar
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
April 12
Good afternoon!
Room 5 had an amazing day of learning today.
I love activities which pull together subjects. Students worked on Easter eggs today which is not only an Art activity, but Science and Math. Social Studies was to be included however I couldn't find the video on the history of the Easter egg to show (but will as soon as I can find the link!).
On Monday we had boiled eggs in the staff room and today they were ready to be painted. After looking at some photographs of coloured and patterned Easter eggs, students felt ready to decorate their own. With the help of our amazing volunteers, Ms. Connie and Ms. Jen, students created some egg-cellent works of art. Each egg was unique, especially as some decided to keep as is, while others chose to spray with water.
To keep the eggs safe, we had already made a "basket" in the shape of a carrot. I tried repeatedly to make my carrot and it took me at least 10 times before I finally got it. I think it is important for students to see teachers sometimes need help, too. That reminds me of a comment a student made today: "How could you not know that?" which was asked out of honest curiosity and the belief that teachers know all! I love my students!
In the afternoon we went on our Community Walk with Rooms 3 and 4. Thank you for Ms. Amanda (Ally's mum), Ms. Jen, (Max's mum), and Ms. Li (Ethan's mum) for being my room volunteers. I feel we did a great job of staying with our group and looking out for each other as we walked from the school to Safeway. While walking, students noted patterns and shapes as they were very observant. We also saw some important community members including a mail carrier, bus driver, and even paramedics in an ambulance!
We were fortunate to tour all of Safeway. We saw the floral department, learned about organic fruits and vegetables, chatted with the butcher, smelled the bakery (too hot to go in where they actually bake), got a little chilled in the dairy room, and so much more! Everyone received a grab bag, and some of us tasted Starbucks! Thank you so much, Safeway...for the cookie, too!
Have a fabulous evening!
Ms. Cokar
Room 5 had an amazing day of learning today.
I love activities which pull together subjects. Students worked on Easter eggs today which is not only an Art activity, but Science and Math. Social Studies was to be included however I couldn't find the video on the history of the Easter egg to show (but will as soon as I can find the link!).
On Monday we had boiled eggs in the staff room and today they were ready to be painted. After looking at some photographs of coloured and patterned Easter eggs, students felt ready to decorate their own. With the help of our amazing volunteers, Ms. Connie and Ms. Jen, students created some egg-cellent works of art. Each egg was unique, especially as some decided to keep as is, while others chose to spray with water.
To keep the eggs safe, we had already made a "basket" in the shape of a carrot. I tried repeatedly to make my carrot and it took me at least 10 times before I finally got it. I think it is important for students to see teachers sometimes need help, too. That reminds me of a comment a student made today: "How could you not know that?" which was asked out of honest curiosity and the belief that teachers know all! I love my students!
 |
| Ms. Cokar is not going to give up making a carrot in the shape of a cone! |
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| A pattern! |
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| I thought this was a cylinder but was corrected because of the number of sides. What is this 3D shape called??? |
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| A circle with triangles. |
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| Two almost triangles make a rectangle! |
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| Our Community mail carrier! |
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| A 3D Oval? |
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| A cylinder... |
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| Cylinders |
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| A bus in our community. |
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| Paramedics in an ambulance. |
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| Do you recycle? |
Ms. Cokar
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