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Pella Christian High SchoolPella, Iowa

Self-Study and School Improvement Plan usingMeasuring the Mission, Second Edition

Accreditation Site Visit Report

Self-study during 2014-2015 school yearSite Visit: April 6-8, 2015

Pella Christian High School

Accreditation Site Visit ReportMeasuring the Mission, Second Edition

April, 2015

Limitations on the Distribution, Use, and Scope of this Document

This report is considered a privileged document of Pella Christian High School. It is to be used only by Christian Schools International Accreditation as a vehicle to approve accreditation. The distribution of the report and its availability for public consideration beyond that point rests solely in the hands of the Pella Christian High School’s governing body and administration. Neither the chairperson nor the other members of the site visit team are authorized to release any of the information contained in this report without the approval of the governing body and/or administration of Pella Christian High School.

The site visit team’s primary purposes were to verify the assurances for Strand 1 and the rubric values for Strands 2-4 of Measuring the Mission, to analyze the school’s improvement plan, and to work with Pella Christian High School’s staff and board to clarify their goals and identify potential measurable indicators that could be used to help them document school improvement or completion of their goals. To accomplish the work of verifying ratings, the site visit team members read the self-study report, reviewed the evidence provided, and conducted observations and interviews. After verifying ratings, the site visit team concentrated on the review of Pella Christian High School’s school improvement goals. The team read the goals, checked for alignment with the self-study, and reviewed the plan with the school’s improvement team. It was the intent of the site visit team to partner with Pella Christian High School in charting their course of continuous improvement and transformation.

The site visit team’s focus was never on the performance of any individual, whether administrator, teacher, support staff member, board member, volunteer, parent, or student. Any use of this document to evaluate the job performance of any individual is unintended and a misuse of this document.

The members of the site visit team exercised their best professional judgment in drawing the conclusions reported in this document. The entire team is responsible for all parts of this report. The team members are not to be held accountable for any injudicious or unauthorized use of this document.

Christian Schools International Accreditation

Christian Schools International Accreditation | Measuring the Mission, Second EditionSite Visit Report for Pella Christian High School, April 6-8, 2015.

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Pella Christian High School Accreditation Site Visit TeamApril 6-8, 2015

Dana Broers--Teacher at Unity Christian High School in Orange City, IA

Gord De Koekkoek--Teacher at Grand Rapids Christian High School, Grand Rapids, MI

Arlyn Schaap--CSI Regional Accreditation Coordinator

Bob Stouffer--Interim Principal at Oskaloosa Christian School, former Supt. of Des Moines Christian

School, Des Moines, IA

Glenn Vos, Superintendent of De Moines Christian Schools, former Supt. of Holland Christian Schools, Holland, MI

Dan Day, Chair, Development Director of Ada Christian School, Ada, MI


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Accreditation Visiting Team Executive Report Verification of Ratings and Rubric ValuesIt is the visiting team’s assessment that the assurance ratings (Strand 1) and rubric values (Strands 2, 3, and 4) that Pella Christian High School’s improvement team assigned the school are aligned with what we learned from classroom visits, interviews, reading and studying documentation, and exploring data.

Major CommendationsThe visiting team found much for which Pella Christian High School is to be commended. While the full list of commendations is found later in this report, we highlight some important themes in this executive report.

1. Leading with Purpose (Assurances) a. The mission and vision of PCHS are clear and evident.b. There is respect and understanding of administrative and board leadership roles.c. The community’s support of the school through its capital campaign and on-going financial

needs is a testimony to its trust of the school’s leadership.

2. Teaching for Learninga. The teachers at PCHS use the mission statement as the basis for all written and taught

curriculum.b. There are qualified educators in place for academic support.c. Teachers at PCHS provide excellent instruction from a biblical perspective.d. Innovative programs include 1-to-1, the international student program, and Winterim, among

others.

3. Leading for Learninga. Students are well prepared for their post-secondary plans.b. The school has experienced very little staff turnover through the years.c. There is a strong spiritual health among the students and staff in the school.

4. Learning in Communitya. The campus and learning spaces are exemplary and well-maintained.b. Both internal and external communication are timely and effective.c. Classroom environment and climate is structured around biblical truths and principles.d. PCHS is an integral part of the greater Pella area and is highly regarded in the entire

community.


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Important Key IssuesAs the visiting team verified and researched the ratings on the indicators of the self-study that Pella Christian High School assigned to itself, some issues surfaced in relationship to the school meeting the standards of Measuring the Mission. While the full list of key issues is found throughout the report, we highlight some of the important themes in this executive report.

1. Leading with Purpose (Assurances)a. The PCHS board should schedule a regular review of its handbook—including the school

Constitution and By-laws.b. The school has regular reviews of its finances. We encourage a formal audit of all

finances at least once every five years.c. We encourage the school to develop a quality mentor/coaching program to support new

and developing teachers, whether they are new to the profession or new to PCHS.

2. Teaching for Learninga. Complete the curriculum alignment with state and national standards, the school’s mission,

and assessments. b. Create a clearly-defined system of intervention for learning and the roles within that system.c. Enhance the collaborative environment through the professional learning teams.

3. Leading for Learninga. Develop curriculum maps for all courses.b. Provide additional professional development for teachers.c. Prioritize and limit change initiatives.

4. Learning in Communitya. Develop a program to formally manage and encourage parent involvement and volunteerism.b. Develop an alumni/new family assimilation program to encourage and maintain connections to

the school.

School Improvement GoalsThe heart of the visiting team’s work was to analyze the school’s developing school improvement plan, and to work with the school’s improvement team to clarify its goals and explore potential measurable indicators of improvement and success. The visiting team read the goals and checked for alignment with the self-study. Then the visiting team met with the school’s SIT. The SIT explained how they arrived at the goals, how the goals fit into a cycle of continuous improvement, and what they plan for the goals to accomplish. It is the visiting team’s assessment that the goals and objectives were clearly articulated, with strategies and activities to accomplish them being well thought out. Some of our discussion focused on


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potential indicators that could demonstrate and measure progress toward “full implementation.” It is our recommendation that the SIT of Pella Christian High School finalize the SIP and submit it to Christian Schools International Accreditation within two months (month). It will be progress made on this SIP that Pella Christian High School will report to Christian Schools International Accreditation every April 15 through April, 2020.

PART 1: VERIFICATION OF RATINGS

STRAND 1: LEADING WITH PURPOSE (ASSURANCES)

STANDARD 1.1MISSION AND VISION

Verification of compliance with assurancesThe site visit team agrees with the school’s assessment of this standard. There is evidence of a strong commitment to make the school a place where each student is educated and nurtured to serve in God’s world. The mission of Pella Christian High School (PCHS) is found in a variety of places, including the website and various publications for the school community. Beyond the written word, from our meetings with parents and staff, the mission was clearly articulated with evidence as to how PCHS has put it into practice.

CommendationsThe mission and vision of PCHS are clear and evident.

Key Issues1. None

STANDARD 1.2GOVERNANCE

Verification of compliance with assurancesThe site visit team agrees with the school’s assessment of this standard. Related to board governance, the legal requirements for specific mandatory policies are evident in written publications and policy manuals. Also, written documents (policy and job descriptions) delineate the duties of the board and staff to ensure good organization and Christian community.

Commendations1. There is respect for and understanding of administrative and board roles.


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Key Issues1. The PCHS board should schedule a regular review of its handbook—including the school

Constitution and By-laws.2. The site team has observed that the school has not been intentional enough about board

training and development.

STANDARD 1.3FISCAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Verification of compliance with assurancesThe site visit team agrees with the school’s assessment of this standard. Financial record keeping policies and procedures for PCHS are clearly written and followed. These include but are not limited to the following:

1. The school keeps back-up files.2. The protection of confidentiality for tuition payers, donors, and financial aid recipients is

ensured.3. Monthly financial statements are generated for internal use with an annual reporting to the

appropriate constituencies.

Commendations1. The community’s support of the school through its capital campaign and on-going financial

needs is a testimony to its trust of the school’s leadership.2. The school’s ability to hold the cost of education for three years is commendable.3. The school is debt-free a short time after building a beautiful campus.

Key IssuesThe school has regular reviews of its finances. We encourage a formal audit of all finances at least once every five years.

STANDARD 1.4ALL STAFF MEMBERS

Verification of compliance with assurancesWe believe that PCHS has a qualified and highly committed staff. Staff members express their love for Christ and their love for Christian education. About half of the teachers have been on staff at PCHS for more than ten years. Parents affirm that staff members daily model their walk as Christians. Teachers are evaluated according to school policy, their gifts, and experience levels.

Commendations 1. All faculty members are current in their certification.


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Key Issues1. We encourage the school to develop a quality mentor/coaching program to support new and

developing teachers, whether they are new to the profession or new to PCHS.

STANDARD 1.5STUDENT HEALTH AND SAFETY

Verification of compliance with assurancesThe team has verified that PCHS is in compliance with the State of Iowa health requirements. The school also conducts required safety drills. We have also verified that adequate safety procedures are in place and drills are conducted regularly.

Commendations 1. Student safety is a high priority of PCHS. Recent expenditures for security measures are evidence of a strong commitment to student safety.

Key Issues1. None

STRAND 2: TEACHING FOR LEARNING

STANDARD 2.1CURRICULUM

Verification of Rubric ValuesThe accreditation site visit team agrees with PCHS -- that most of the existing curriculum standards are teacher-developed, with some movement toward state and national standards. Curriculum mapping, using CurriculumTrak, is also in its beginning stages.

Commendations1. PCHS has a clear mission statement that is easy to understand and remember by

stakeholders.2. The teachers at PCHS use the mission statement as the basis for written and taught

curriculum.


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3. Differentiation of instruction and faith integration take place throughout PCHS.4. There are qualified educators in place for academic support.5. The Winterim at PCHS is an excellent amplified learning program.

Key Issues1. Curriculum mapping has been done to some extent, but needs to be updated and expanded to

include all curricular areas.2. Curriculum standards are primarily teacher-driven, rather than aligned with state or nationally

recognized standards.3. Curriculum standards need to be aligned with the school mission, providing a consistent basis

for sound, biblical integration across curricular areas.4. A system of intervention for learning and the roles within that system is not clearly defined.5. Leadership and expertise related to Professional Learning Communities and curriculum are

not clearly evident.6. Evidence of faith formation should be intentional in both content delivery and community.

STANDARD 2.2INSTRUCTION

Verification of Rubric ValuesTeacher understanding regarding processes (PLC’s, intervention, and assessment) that facilitate and result in high levels of learning are emerging. The accreditation site visit team agrees that excellent instruction appears consistent throughout the school. A variety of best practice methods were observed during our visit, meeting student needs, which appears to result in mostly attentive and engaged students. As the site visit team visited classrooms in action, we observed collaborative learning and higher order thinking strategies.

Commendations1. Teachers at PCHS provide excellent instruction from a biblical perspective throughout the

school.2. Students generally understand the purposes of their classroom learning activities.3. Teachers work with the Study Skills teacher to provide differentiated instruction according to

demonstrated needs (through referrals or on the basis of test scores).4. Educational support services for students are provided.5. Technology (1:1, classroom projection) and technology support are critical components for

Instruction at PCHS.

Key Issues1. The taught curriculum is primarily teacher-driven, rather than aligned to state or national

standards.2. Teachers do not have adequate collaborative time to improve learning and professional

development.3. The Professional Learning Community process will create a framework for best practices in

instruction and learning at a high level.4. Learning targets should be shared with students on a regular basis in all courses.5. Intentional emphasis on higher order thinking skills should be coupled with the 4 essential PLC

questions.


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STANDARD 2.3 ASSESSMEN

TVerification of Rubric ValuesPCHS gathers sources of evidence to monitor student achievement which provides indications of mission- and college-readiness. Assessments should be aligned with essential learnings (i.e., state/national standards) and the school mission. The accreditation site visit team agrees with PCHS that this ordered progression needs to remain a part of the School Improvement Plan (SIP).

Commendations1. Teachers are creating summative assessments that reflect knowledge, skills, and values.2. There is evidence that students are highly successful on state and national standardized tests.3. In surveys and interviews, parents believe their students are well prepared for college.

Key Issues1. A clear understanding and frequent use of formative assessment is needed.2. The process of alignment of written and taught curriculum with the school mission needs to be

completed with both formative and summative assessments.3. Additional professional training is needed in assisting the teaching staff to create valid, reliable,

and bias-free assessments.

STRAND 3: LEADING FOR LEARNING

STANDARD 3.1INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP

Verification of Rubric ValuesPCHS has a strong history of academic achievement, attributed to school leaders, who have created and sustained a climate for all students to learn and develop their faith.

Commendations1. Students are well prepared for their post-secondary plans.2. Current faculty are qualified in their subject areas.3. Staff members are open to program changes, as observed through the addition of Winterim, 1-

to-1, PLC’s, international students program expansion, etc.4. The school offers courses for students of all abilities -- and support systems to assist students

when they are struggling academically.

Key Issues

1. Curriculum mapping has been started but is not completed. New personnel would struggle to


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know what is required. CurriculumTrak is an underutilized online resource.2. Little if any coordination of curriculum is made between PCHS and the area K-8 Christian

schools.3. Time is not available for teachers to share their expertise and knowledge with other staff.4. Time is not available for teachers to fully develop and sustain curriculum and assessment

initiatives.

STANDARD 3.2TEACHER AS LEADER

Verification of Rubric ValuesPCHS teachers, as well as administrators, are responsible for leadership in the classroom and in the school.

Commendations1. The school has experienced very little turnover of staff from year to year.

Key Issues1. The site team noted a need for additional differentiated professional development

opportunities.

STANDARD 3.3LEARNING FOR LEADING

Verification of Rubric ValuesTeachers are empowered to serve as leaders and shape change in the school. All teachers appear to have a strong content knowledge. Teachers freely express their faith as devoted followers of Jesus Christ, and many, if not most, of the students are drawn to that leading. Communication between the school and the home seems to be generally frequent and positive.

Commendations1. Teachers, administrators, and staff members are mature Christian role models and active

disciplers of students.2. The school makes concerted efforts to ensure that all constituent groups are well-informed

about key initiatives.

Key Issues1. Teachers have expressed periods of “innovation fatigue” over the years. Teachers are

concerned that they will be able to sustain change efforts, as new changes are proposed.2. The departure of the current principal is a critical juncture for the school; the site team

recommends substantial time for collection of input from all stakeholders, regarding the future vision and leadership structure. Consider soliciting guidance from outside sources in analyses of change.


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STRAND 4: LEARNING IN COMMUNITY

STANDARD 4.1NURTURING AND CARING FOR STUDENTS

Verification of Rubric ValuesPCHS provides a comprehensive program that nurtures and cares for the students, staff, and families that are part of the school community. There is a consistent behavior management plan in place which is biblically- aligned, consistent with the mission of the school, and challenges the students in their walk as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Commendations1. The current behavioral management systems have resulted in few discipline problems.2. A Student Assistant Team is in place to identify and refer students who have academic, social, and spiritual needs.3. The school counselor provides services in direct alignment with the school’s mission statement.4. The administrative team enforces the present discipline plan fairly, striving to balance truth and grace in a restorative manner.

Key Issues 1. The Guidance Counselor’s responsibilities are many and varied because of the roles that he fulfills. Can the counselor manage to provide the needed assistance in career exploration, academic advising, spiritual growth with the excellence that has become an expectation at PCHS?2. The site team recommends PCHS consider the addition of a female counselor. 3. The school should identify introverted students and the unmotivated learner who are not academically challenging but who “fly under the radar,” discovering ways to keep them engaged in school. 4. Since most referrals seem to be made through an informal system, a more “formal” referral process should be introduced. 5. Consider opportunities to create smaller groups of students so that both the student and the parent will feel that someone does know each child well, especially if they are not involved in an extracurricular activity.

STANDARD 4.2PRACTICING CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Verification of Rubric Values


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Student interactions naturally reflect the school’s values and beliefs, and are mutually supportive. Rules are few and basic. Infractions are few and handled with integrity.

Commendations1. Student discipline is carried out in a restorative manner and within an environment of mutual

respect.2. Classroom communities are structured around biblical truths and principles.3. Worship experiences are varied and well received.4. The efforts made to manage, grow, and support the International Student Program were

exemplary.

Key Issues1. Consider more intentional ways to encourage students verbally and in writing.2. Create a sense of community with intentionality.3. Create systems for assimilating new students and families into the PCHS “family.”4. Consider ways to make service a response to learning, not a obligation.5. Increase enrollment from both sister schools and area community schools.

STANDARD 4.3CHRIST-HONORING COMMUNITY

Verification of compliance with assurancesThe governing body writes and adheres to clear policies that delineate the role of the governing body and administration, so the school can function in a way that honors Jesus Christ and provides high quality education for students. The governing body and administration complement each other in the leadership of the school.

Commendations 1.There is a high degree of trust between staff and the board -- accomplished through consistent communication and the consistent on-campus presence of the board. 2. The administration and board have a very positive relationship, with a clear understanding of their roles. 3. The entire campus and learning spaces are exemplary and very well maintained. 4. There has been a concerted effort to be strategic in planning for the future of PCHS.

Key Issues1. The board needs to continue to make sure that the future plans of PCHS are developed and

“owned” by a broad range of staff, parents, and supporters -- not just the administration and board of the school.

2. The need to restructure the administrative design of PCHS is critical and timely.

STANDARD 4.4INTERACTION WITH COMMUNITY


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Verification of compliance with assurancesThe evidence of a variety of communication tools, both internally and externally, was verified as was the positive effectiveness of that communication.

Commendations 1. The site team noted very positive responses to communication tools by students, parents, and staff. 2. The PCHS website is kept up to date and has evidence of consistent use. 3. Student and parent surveys have been provided to broaden the sources of input. 4. PCHS is an integral part of the greater Pella area and highly regarded in the entire community.

Key Issues1. Consider creating opportunities to increase the number of parent volunteers at the school.2. Consider developing stronger connections with the broader Pella community and the faith

community.3. Reconnect alumni to the school with intentionality.

PART 2: SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GOALS

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GOAL #1School Improvement Goal:Develop and implement a plan to ensure that Pella Christian High School provides excellent education so that all students can learn at a high level.

Alignment with Report and Site Visit Team FindingsThe accreditation site visit team agrees that this goal is aligned with the self-study and important in striving to accomplish the vision and mission of Pella Christian High School. Developing and implementing this plan will take a collaborative effort between administration and teaching staff that could fit well within the PLC framework that is beginning to be implemented at PCHS. The entire school community will benefit when the administrative team and the faculty are working together collaboratively toward the goal of proving excellent, Christian education for the benefit of all students.


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Measurable Indicators (regular font suggested by school, italics suggested by site visit team)o Implement a consistent process for data collection to evaluate effective instruction and track

student learning.o Implement a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) model that reinforces and celebrates

positive behaviors and also provides a support structure for students with academic and/or motivational (skill vs. will) needs.

o Complete a comprehensive review/overhaul of the curriculum which will include alignment to standards and development of essential learning outcomes, both being placed into a customized CurriculumTrak template.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GOAL #2School Improvement Goal:Develop and implement a long-term, effective professional learning plan.

Alignment with Report and Site Visit Team FindingsThe site team agrees that the Professional Learning Community process is a great framework to accomplish this goal. Professional development should be ongoing and directly linked to all students learning at a high level. It should reflect who we want to become rather than what we have to do. A concise Professional Development Plan must include a variety of relevant experiences from obtaining advanced degrees to serving in education leadership roles, to answering critical questions at the team level. PCHS is encouraged to have a multi-tiered system to evaluate teacher effectiveness and professional development. A multi-tiered system would include administration, peer, and personal goal setting and accountability.

Measurable Indicators (regular font suggested by school, italics suggested by site visit team)o Establish the Professional Learning Community (PLC) model.o Promote a culture of intentional mentoring, professional growth, goal setting, and

accountability.o Provide relevant, differentiated learning opportunities for teachers.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GOAL #3School Improvement Goal:Integrate a Reformed worldview throughout all grades and disciplines.

Alignment with Report and Site Visit Team FindingsAll constituents indicated the importance of maintaining a strong Christ-centered culture and biblical worldview integration as a key distinctive of the school. Teachers must continue to be intentional about modeling, teaching, and discipling as means of nurturing a biblical worldview; accountability is a key element of measuring whether this goal is being accomplished.

Measurable Indicators (regular font suggested by school, italics suggested by site visit team)


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o Establish baseline essential concepts of a Reformed worldview and integrate them into all curriculum maps.

o Evaluate, adapt, and refine horizontal and vertical integration of essential learnings of a Reformed worldview.

o Determine means of assessing student understanding of a Reformed worldview throughout the high school experience.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GOAL #4School Improvement Goal:Develop and implement a new and effective administrative structure.

Alignment with Report and Site Visit Team FindingsThe site visit team affirms this goal. From multiple interviews, we heard about the need for a careful review and development of a more effective administrative structure. One of the themes emerging is the need for the head administrator to be able to focus on teaching for learning. Clerical duties should be removed from the “Head of School” and other administrative positions and delegated to competent assistants. With the need for revisiting and revamping the curriculum, it will be very important for someone to be responsible for the “core business” of the school.

Measurable Indicators (regular font suggested by school, italics suggested by site visit team)o Create an administrative personnel model that aligns with the identified current and future

needs for Pella Christian High School.o Develop a structure of support needed for all staff members to perform their tasks more

effectively to better achieve the mission of Pella Christian High School.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GOAL #5School Improvement Goal:Develop and implement a plan to support the emotional and spiritual needs of all students.

Alignment with Report and Site Visit Team FindingsThe site team affirms this goal. Clearly, all constituents have a concern about the emotional and spiritual wellness of PCHS students.

Measurable Indicators (regular font suggested by school, italics suggested by site visit team)o Create a support structure where a caring adult(s) invests in each student at Pella Christian

High School.


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o Provide meaningful opportunities that nurture self-worth and build community.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT GOAL #6School Improvement Goal:Develop programs for alumni, parents, and constituents that expand and strengthen the Pella Christian High School Community.

Alignment with Report and Site Visit Team FindingsThe site team affirms this goal. The intentional design of these programs will create a stronger sense of community in an environment that already has a very loyal and supportive constituency. This is as much a perception as it is a reality, but it must be addressed with a greater sense of urgency as the demographics of the school will continue to change. The need for these efforts -- done with intentionality -- was expressed in interviews with parents, staff, board members, and students.

Measurable Indicators (regular font suggested by school, italics suggested by site visit team)o Increase enrollment from both the sister schools and the area communities.o Expand upon orientation/assimilation of parents/families, helping to welcome and acclimate

new parents/families to Pella Christian High School.o Develop a sustainable program(s) that keeps alumni and constituents connected to the mission

of Pella Christian High School.

PART 3: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The site visit team unanimously recommends Pella Christian High School to the Christian School International Accreditation Commission for full accreditation.

Dan Day, Site Visit Team Chair


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April 8, 2015


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