District Engagement Plan
District Engagement Plan
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​Please read over the updated form closely. Note the new Assurances section allows you to confirm practices that are required but do not need further elaboration. In the response fields, please include links to additional information that can help support your story as you answer the guiding questions. At the bottom of this form, you will find guidance on the required documentation upload for Federal Monitoring for 2022-23.
1: Jointly Developed Expectations and Objectives

Describe how the LEA works with parents and families to develop and review relevant plans, policies, and strategies related to engagement, including establishing expectations and objectives. 

Guiding Questions
  • 1.1: How does the LEA involve parents in the development and review of the District Engagement Plan, the School Improvement/Title I Schoolwide/Title I Targeted Assistance Plan and, if applicable, the Comprehensive Support and Improvement and the Targeted Support and Improvement plans?
              ​          [ESSA § 1116(a)(2); A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(a)]
  • 1.2: What efforts have been made to ensure adequate representation of parents and families of  participating children in the process (Title I families)?
                        [ESSA § 1116(a)(1)]
  • 1.3: How has the Engagement Coordinator and/or Committee worked with the School Improvement/District Support Committees in order to incorporate the Engagement Plan into the Schoolwide Plan?
                        [ESSA § 1116(a)(2)]
  • 1.4: What expectations and measurable objectives has the LEA established for meaningful family and community engagement?
                        [ESSA § 1116(a)(2)]

The administration and staff at the Warren Schools believe that involving families in their child's education is vital for the child to reach his or her potential.

Therefore, the district desires to create a partnership with families to improve the social, emotional, and academic growth of students.

The parent and family engagement plan will promote the involvement of the district school community and provide access to educational resources.

The parent the family engagement plan is in compliance with the legal requirements of Arkansas Act 2003 (6-15Page 1 of 111602:Parent and Family Engagement Plan) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

The plan is also included in the Warren School District's Success Plan enhancing family involvement.

These documents represent joint development with families, students, and school staff. The WSD will make the district parent and family engagement plan available to the families and the local community, also will file with DESE by August 1 [Indistar];

The plan will be posted on the district website by August 1.

The plan will also have a parent-friendly summary/explanation of the PFE plan online and in student handbook.

The school district will:

*Coordinate parent and family engagement activities with those of the other programs such as Head Start program, HIPPY program the Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters, and other state-run preschool programs (Devin McDiarmid, SEACBEC Director, Laci Bratton, Preschool Director.

*Establish parent and family engagement contact person at each Title 1, Part A schools. (Tristan McMahan, WMS; Emily Johnston, Brunson; Terri Callaway, Eastside Elementary. To support the needs of parents and caregivers, we will maintain a parent center with information and materials suggested by parents, guardians and community members.

*Conduct an annual review of the effectiveness of the parent and family engagement policy. (Carla Wardlaw, Central Office)

*Develop district and family engagement committee to create a parent and family engagement policy and to implement parent and family engagement activities as well as disseminate information to the community to promote parent and family engagement in the Title 1, Part A schools (Carla Wardlaw, Warren School District Central Office). The WSD will incorporate the parent and family engagement plan into the schoolwide plan

*Ensure that parents of children with disabilities or limited English proficiency have equal access as other parents including information in a language and form they can understand.

*Involve parents in the process of school review and improvement.

*Develop and disseminate district parent and family engagement policy.

*Conduct an annual meeting in the spring to update the policy for the next year's Title 1 Part A program. (Carla Wardlaw, Central Office) The WSD invite parents to submit to the State the comments from parents who deem the schoolwide plan unsatisfactory

​​2: Building Staff Capacity

Describe how the district will support all its Title I schools in planning and implementing effective engagement practices.

Guiding Questions
  • 2.1: How will the district provide support and technical assistance to all of its Title I schools in planning and implementing effective parent and family engagement practices? This includes
            ○ jointly-developing school engagement plans
            ○ implementing effective parent and family involvement activities
    ​        ○ jointly-developing school-parent compacts
             ​               [ESSA § 1116(a)(2)(B)]
  • 2.2: How does the LEA build staff capacity to work with parents as equal partners? This may include workshops, conferences, trainings, webinars, and online resources that will be used to ensure ALL school staff are aware of:
            ○ the value and utility of contributions of parents
            ○ how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners
            ○ how to implement and coordinate parent programs
            ○ how to build ties between parents and the school
                          [ESSA § 1116(e)(3)]
  • ​2.3: How will the district ensure information related to school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities is provided to parents in a format and in a language that parents can understand (to the extent practicable)?
            ○ How are you ensuring that relevant information is provided in a variety of ways? (For
               example, paper copies made available, as well as social media posts, website links, parent apps,
    ​           etc.?
    ​                      [ESSA § 1116(e)(5)] 

The school will...

1. Conduct ongoing site visits to observe parent and family engagement practices. These activities will be conducted on each campus including parent teacher conferences and various activities sponsored by the Parent Center.(Carla Wardlaw, 870-226-8500)

2. The District parent center will provide materials and training not otherwise available to assist parents in supporting their child's academic achievement free of charge.(Patricia Ellis, (870)226-8500 ext. 247)

3. Enhance the awareness and skills of teachers, pupil service personnel, principals, and staff in reaching out to, communicating with, and working with parents as equal partners. (Tristan McMahan 870-226-2484)

4. Ensure, to the extent possible, that information is sent home in a language and form parents can understand. (Anabel dela Cruz 870-415-7929)

5. Provide information on adult literacy training available in the community.

6. Provide a copy of the school policy at each school for parents to view as well provide a copy to each plan posted to the district website. This will be located at the principal's office at each campus. Translated copies of the district and school plans will be provided on the website and at the district and each campus.

7. Monitor each Title I, Part A school to ensure that each school performs the following tasks:

*Develop parental and family engagement policy.

*Offer flexible meeting times.

*Provide information to parents about the school's program, include parent information guide.

*Develop and use the School-Parent Compact.

*Provide training for parents in working with their child to improve academic achievement, to include training on the phone notification system in order to have real-time access to their child's attendance and achievement. (Carla Wardlaw 870-226-8500)

8. Reinforce parenting skills to support the acquisition of academic skills and their application in real-life situations for parent use.

9. Encourage parents to visit/volunteer at school by assisting staff in developing volunteer opportunities as well as training staff to encourage and build volunteer efforts.

10. Encourage parent participation through innovative scheduling of activities through strategies such as holding meetings at a variety of times, such as morning and evening, in order to maximize the opportunities for parents to participate in school-related activities.

11. Coordinate and integrate parent and family engagement strategies and staff training with the Readiness Coalition Committee.

12. Convene annual school meeting to inform parents of their school's participation in the development of the parent and family engagement policy and their right to be involved.

13. Provide the appropriate professional development for all certified and classified staff members.

14. Provide training for parent and family engagement activities annually for staff, parents and volunteers.

15. Mandatory Parent and Family Engagement staff development will be organized for all employees.

16. Weekly and Monthly communication to the Parents through the district website and calendar.

17. Annual school meetings will convene to inform parents of their school's participation in the development of the Parent and Family Engagement policy and their right to be involved.

18. Signatures will be obtained from parents acknowledging they received a copy of the plan. 

3: Building Parent Capacity

Describe how the LEA supports parents in helping with their student’s academic success.

Guiding Questions
  • 3.1: How does the LEA provide assistance to parents in understanding the following?
            ○ the challenging State academic standards
            ○ State and local academic assessments
            ○ the requirements of Title I, Part A
            ○ how to monitor a child’s progress and work with educators to improve the achievement of
               their children
                      [ESSA § 1116(e)(1)] 
  • 3.2: What types of materials and training does the LEA provide to help parents work with their children to improve achievement? This may include:
            ○ literacy training
            ○ technology training, including education about copyright piracy and safe practices
            ○ resources that describe or assist with the child’s curriculum
            ○ other activities such as workshops, conferences, online resources like tutorials or webinars, and
    ​           any equipment or other materials, including parent resource centers
                     [ESSA § 1116(e)(2); ESSA § 1116(e)(4)]
  • 3.3: In what ways does the LEA conduct outreach to ALL Title I, Part A parents and family members (with particular attention to parents who are economically disadvantaged, are disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background)? 
                     [ESSA § 1116(a)(1)] 

1. Provide information to participating parents in such areas as national, state, and local education goals, including parents' rights as defined in Title I, Part A. Each school facilitator will organize parent groups at each campus who will meet twice a year to encourage partnership between the school, local businesses and parents.(Terri Callaway, 870-226-8534, Emily Johnston, 870-226-2351, Tristan McMahan, 870-226-2484,Katie Davis, 870-226-8501)

2. Assist in the development of parent engagement groups at each school. (Terri Callaway, 870-226-8534, Emily Johnston, 870-226-2351,Tristan McMahan, 870-226-2484, Katie Davis, 870-226-8501)

3. Encourage the formation of partnerships between schools and local businesses that includes roles for parents.

4. Provide resources for parents to learn about child development, child rearing practices, and academic strategies that are designed to help parents become full partners in the education of their child. We will ensure that the resources sent to parents, will be in a language that they can understand.

5. Involve parents through an annual survey to improve school effectiveness. (Terri Callaway, 870-226-8534, Emily Johnston, 870-226-2351, Tristan McMahan, 870-226-2484, Katie Davis, 870-226-8501)

6. Approve reasonable and necessary expenses associated with parent and family engagement activities.

7. Provide any reasonable support for parent and family engagement at the request of participating Title I, Part A schools. (Carla Wardlaw, 870-226-8500)

8. The district will involve parents through an annual survey to improve school effectiveness which will be posted on the WSD website, Notification will go out through the school app and webpages and calendar.

9. Parents and guardians will be able to access Home Access Center (HAC). Teachers are required to update at least once a week. Parents and guardians are able to obtain login information from each school.

10. Provide assistance to parents, as appropriate, in understanding the: challenging State academic standards, and the State and local academic assessments, and the requirements of Title I, Part A

4: Coordination

Describe how the LEA will coordinate with other organizations, businesses, and community partners to provide additional supports, services, and resources to families that encourage and support parents in more fully participating in the education of their children.

Guiding Questions 
  • 4.1: How does the district coordinate and integrate programs and activities with other Federal, State, and local programs? Some examples include:
            ○ public preschool programs such as Head Start
            ○ organizations/activities to help students transition to elementary, middle, high, and
               postsecondary schools or careers
            ○ wraparound services that allow families to send their children to school ready and able to focus
    ​           on learning
                       [ESSA § 1116(e)(4)]

 1. Recruit parents to serve on district ACSIP committee to develop the Title I Application. (Carla Wardlaw, 870226-8500)

2. Recruit parents for a district Parent Advisory Committee.

3. Encourage the formation of partnerships between the district and local businesses that includes roles for parents.

4. Involve parents through an annual survey to improve district effectiveness.  Use the school App, radio, online newspaper, newspaper, flyers, folders, and etc. to communicate with all parties.

6. Each campus will schedule Parent and Family Engagement activities at that campus. Teachers and volunteers will help to organize each activity. Monthly activities such as:

o Accelerated Reader

o Awards Assemblies

o Band Concerts

o Book Fairs

o Booster Clubs

o Career Coach

o Career Speakers

o Choir Concerts

o East

o ESL Night

o Family Night

o High School Partners

o HIPPY Night

o Holiday Activities

o Homecoming

o Literacy, Math and Science Nights

o Movie Nights

o Open House The school will encourage and solicit CBOs and businesses to take appropriate roles in parent/caregiver involvement activities,  including: • Donating food, services, and money for events and meetings • Donating gift cards • Allowing flyers about school activities in community institutions, stores, and circulars • Providing information, well in advance, about summer camps and programs that reinforce classroom learning • Providing CBOs' expertise on education and family engagement, through participation in presentations and workshops, consultation, and other activities, where educationally appropriate and consistent with the school's mission and priorities Establish guidelines for appropriate CBO and business involvement with Dardanelle Intermediate, including:

• Not creating a quid pro quo relationship (such as attaching a condition to a donation that gives a business control or influence over other school decisions) 

• Adopting best practices for avoiding or minimizing commercialization within the school.

• Following security procedures and protection of student and family privacy.

• Requiring that the principal must approve involvement.

• Oversight and review of CBO and business roles.

​5: Evaluation and Reservation

Describe how the LEA evaluates the content and effectiveness of its Engagement Program in improving the academic quality of all schools. Describe how the LEA reserves and uses Title I funds for parent and family engagement programs and activities.
​
Guiding Questions 
  • 5.1: How does the LEA review and approve the Engagement Plan for each school?
            ○ Describe the process used to ensure each school plan is in full compliance with applicable codes.
                       [ADE Rules Governing Parental Involvement Section 4.03]
  • 5.2: What process does the LEA utilize to conduct an evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the Engagement Program?
            ○ Who is responsible?
            ○ When will it be conducted?
            ○ How will parent input be solicited?
            ○ How will it be disseminated?
            ○ Ensure the evaluation of the Engagement Program in Title I schools includes:
                    ■ barriers to greater participation by parents (with particular attention to parents who are
                       economically disadvantaged, are disabled, have limited English proficiency, have
    ​                   limited literacy, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background)
                    ■ the needs of parents and family members to assist with their children’s learning, including
    ​                   engaging with school personnel and teachers
                    ■ strategies to support successful school and family interactions
                                [ESSA § 1116(a)(3)(D)(i-iii); A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(9)]
  • 5.3: How does the LEA use the findings from the evaluation to develop strategies for more effective engagement and to revise, if necessary, parent and family engagement policies in order to improve the academic quality of all schools?
            ○ How will the findings of the evaluation be shared with families and the community?
                       [ESSA § 1116(a)(2)(E)]
  • 5.4: If The LEA is required to set aside funds for parent and family engagement (as part of receiving a Title I, Part A allocation greater than $500,000),
            ○ How is the LEA spending those funds?
            ○ How is the LEA determining the priority of how funds are spent?
            ○ Who is involved in determining that?
                       [ESSA § 1116(a)(3)(A)]
  • 5.5: How does the LEA/school provide opportunities for parents and family members to be involved in providing input into how the funds are used? How will the district share the budget for engagement activities and programs with parents and family members?
                       [ESSA § 1116(a)(3)(B); ESSA § 1116(a)(3)(C); ESSA § 1116(a)(3)(D)(i-v)]

1. Survey parents annually, including questions to identify barriers to parent and family engagement. (Terri Callaway, 870-226-8534, Emily Johnston, 870-226-2351, Tristan McMahan, 870-226-2484,Katie Davis, 870226-8501) Page 4 of 11

2. Provide an opportunity for the parents to assist in the development of the evaluation procedures, including analysis of data collected. (Terri Callaway, 870-226-8534, Emily Johnston, 870-226-2351, Tristan McMahan, 870226-2484, Katie Davis, 870-226-8501)

3. Develop procedures for collecting parent participation documentation through sign-in lists for workshops, meetings, and conferences; schedules; brochures; meeting notes; and other means as appropriate throughout the school year.

4. Use finding from evaluation process to: -Make recommendations to each participating school for parent and family engagement policy revision. -Provide suggestions for designing school improvement policies, as they relate to parent and family engagement. (Carla Wardlaw, 870-226-8500)

5. Develop and disseminate an annual parent activity evaluation report to share with parents, staff and the community. (Terri Callaway, 870-226-8534, Emily Johnston, 870-226-2351, Tristan McMahan, 870-226-2484, Katie Davis, 870-226-8501)

6. The district will ensure the funded activities and strategies are consistent with the districts Parent and Family Engagement Plan.

7. Review and update district plan annually by August 1

8. Title 1 Part A Schools will have a meeting at the beginning of school for planning and then at the end of the year to plan for the next school year this will include parents, counselors, principals, teachers, parent involvement committee members to review the years plan and plan for the future year for all Title 1 Part A Schools.

The Coordinator will reserve at least 1% of district allocation under Title I, Part A, ensuring that a minimum of 90% of that 1% goes to schools, priority given to high-need schools (Does not apply if the district receives less than $500,000)(Carla Wardlaw, 870-226-8500) During the Annual Title One Meeting in September the principals will share with the parents the budget for parent and family engagement activities and programs and offer input. Following the Annual Title One Meeting we will hold our Assessment Night where we will seek their input on which activities and programs would best suit their needs in helping their child be successful. This will be done through a survey that the parents will take at the conclusion of the meeting. For those parents unable to attend the meeting the survey will be included in the packet that will be mailed home to parents. The District will also provide interpreters at parent teacher conferences to break the language barrier.

Assurances
​Please read the following statements closely. By checking these boxes, the LEA understands the legal requirements and will meet them accordingly.
A.1: LEA understands that by August 1st annually, it must review and update accordingly the District Engagement Plan.
        [A.C.A. § 6-15-1704(a)(1-2)]
A.2: LEA understands that the District Engagement Plan should be sent to the State for review in Indistar no later than August 1st. If the plan is returned for revisions, those revisions should be made and the plan sent for an additional review within two weeks.
        [A.C.A. § 6-15-1704(a)]
A.3: LEA understands that the District Engagement Plan must be made available to families and the local community on the district website under State Required Information no later than August 1st; if revisions are necessary, the final accepted copy should take its place once available.
        [A.C.A. § 6-15-1704(a)]
A.4: LEA understands that a parent-friendly summary/explanation of the Engagement Plan should be included in the current student handbook.
        [A.C.A. § 6-15-1704(a); ADE Rules Governing Parental Involvement Section 3.02]
A.5: LEA understands its obligation for ensuring professional development requirements related to parent and family engagement are met and that records are maintained accordingly. (2 hours every 4 years with 2022 being a required year)
        [A.C.A. § 6-15-1703(a); A.C.A. § 6-17-709; Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts July 2020 Standard 4-G.1 Professional Development (D/C)]
A.6: LEA understands its obligation to train all volunteers at least annually and be able to provide proof of that training, if requested.
        [A.C.A. § 6-15-1703(b)]
A.7: LEA understands its obligation to obtain signatures for each parent acknowledging receipt of the District’s Engagement Plan summary/explanation.
        [A.C.A. § 6-15-1704(a)(3)(B)]
A.8: LEA understands its obligation to reserve at least 1 percent of its Title I, Part A allocation for engagement purposes should such total allocation amount to $500,000 or more. Nothing limits LEAs from reserving more than 1 percent of its allocation for engagement purposes.
        [ESSA § 1116(a)(3)(A)]
A.9: LEA understands that all Title I, Part A funded engagement activities and strategies should remain consistent with all information set forth in this parent and family engagement plan.
        [ESSA § 1116(a)(3)(D)]
A.10: LEA understands its obligation to submit to the State any comments from parents who deem the schoolwide plan unsatisfactory. These comments can be sent to ade.engagementmatters@ade.arkansas.gov
        [ESSA § 1116(b)(4)]
A.11: LEA understands its obligation to provide other reasonable support for engagement activities to ensure the effective involvement of parents and to support a partnership among the school involved, parents, and the community to improve student academic achievement.
        [ESSA § 1116(e)(14)]
References
​State
  • Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-1701 et seq. 
  • Arkansas Department of Education Rules Governing Parental Involvement Plans and Family and Community Engagement

Federal
  • Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by Every Student Succeeds Act, 114 P.L. 95, 20 U.S.C. §§ 6312,6318, 6320
District/LEA Name: Warren School District
District Engagement Coordinator’s Name: Carla Wardlaw
Plan Revision/Submission Date: June 23, 2022
District Level Reviewer Name, Title: Carla Wardlaw, Assistant Superintendent
Committee Members, Role
(Select "Repeat" to open more entry fields to add additional team members)
First Name Last Name Role (Teacher, Staff, Parent, Student, or Community Member)
Kerry Pennington Community Leader, Doctor, Board Member, Grandparent
Devin McDiarmid Community Leader, Director SEACBEC, Parent
Farrin Muldrew Community Leader, College Student, Parent
Terri Callaway Counselor, Community Leader/Business Owner, Grandparent
Emily Johnston Counselor, Parent
Heidi Lassiter Community Leader/Business Owner, Media Specialist, Parent
​(Find additional guidance on the DESE Parent and Family Engagement Requirements webpage. For any questions about completing this form or meeting legal compliance, please contact the DESE Engagement Unit at ade.engagementmatters@ade.arkansas.gov or 501-371-8051.)
Required Uploads for 2022-23
​​​Monitoring is the regular and systematic examination of a state’s administration and implementation of a federal education grant, contract, or cooperative agreement. The monitoring process is designed to assess the degree to which program requirements are being fulfilled. Note: the following boxes are just a portion of the full Federal Monitoring tool. The full list of evidences you should maintain can be found here: https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/public-school-accountability/federal-programs
I have read and understand that all evidence requested below must be uploaded in the 2022-2023 Engagement folder in Indistar by October 1, 2022.
The Engagement Plan was developed jointly with parents, agreed upon, and disseminated to parents. ESSA §1116(a)(2)(A) and (b)(1)

Evidence that the LEA involves parents in the development of the Engagement Plan (Provide each of the following two items.)
- One example of a Committee meeting sign-in sheet that clearly identify parents in attendance and minutes from that committee meeting
- One example of other communications such as emails or open-response surveys regarding topics related to the Engagement Plan that verify parent input

[Upload this evidence into Indistar in the 2022-2023 Engagement folder by October 1, 2022.]

(The following information should already be found on the District website.) Evidence of how the Engagement Plan is disseminated to families and the community
- Required: posted to district website by August 1st
- Required: parent-friendly summary as supplement in student handbooks

LEA ensures the Title I school Engagement Plan has been implemented and that each Title I school has carried out requirements to build parent capacity. ESSA §1116 (e)(1-5,14)

Evidence that each Title I school provides assistance to parents in understanding challenging state academic standards, assessments, and how to monitor students' progress (Provide each of the following two items.)
- Title I meeting agenda/minutes/slide deck
- One example of parent/teacher conference documentation showing how teachers work with families on these topics

Evidence that each Title I school provides materials and training to help parents work with their children to improve student achievement. (Provide at least two examples.)
- Photos of parent resource centers or links to digital resource centers
- Resources posted to the website, LMS, social media, etc.
- Recordings or agendas from workshops to address literacy or math strategies
- Tutorials/videos posted on website and/or social media
- Materials sent home to assist parents with curriculum, assessments, or other concepts that assist with student achievement

[Upload above documentation for one Title I school into Indistar in the 2022-2023 Engagement folder by October 1, 2022. LEA should maintain documentation for EACH Title I school at the local level to be available to be uploaded into Indistar at the request of the SEA.]
LEA should use the annual evaluation findings to help improve the Engagement efforts. ESSA §1116 (a)(2)(E)

Evidence the LEA has used the findings from the annual evaluation to design evidence-based strategies for more effective parental engagement and to revise, if necessary, the Engagement policies (Provide at least one example.)
- Survey results with meeting minutes
- Focus group notes/minutes/reports
- Written reports indicating how the LEA will respond to the data

[Upload this evidence into Indistar in the 2022-2023 Engagement folder by October 1, 2022.]
The LEA’s Engagement Plan includes strategies for the inclusion of parents of private school children. ESSA §§1116,1117(a)(1)(B)

LEA must complete the required Affirmations of Consultation with Private Schools form and should have been uploaded to the 2022-2023 Title I folder in Indistar by May 1, 2022.
At the beginning of each school year, the LEA notifies the parents of each student about the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of the student's classroom teachers and paraprofessionals. ESSA §1112(e)(1)(A-B)

LEA must upload a completed Copy of the Annual Parent Notice: Right to Request Teacher Qualifications into Indistar to the 2022-2023 Engagement folder by October 1, 2022 verifying that parents were informed and received timely notification if their student has been assigned to or taught four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet applicable state certification or licensure requirements at the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned.

*Search TransAct ParentNotices for document “TPQ-01” for editable template in 10 languages, if needed.

​DESE Reviewer Responses

Section 1 - Jointly Developed Expectations and Outcomes
Changes Required
Compliance is Met
Comments:
Section 2 - Building Staff Capacity through Training and Technical Assistance
Changes Required
Compliance is Met
​Comments:
​Section 3 - Building Parent Capacity
Changes Required
Compliance is Met
​Comments:
Section 4 - Coordination
Changes Required
Compliance is Met
​Comments:
​Section 5 - Reservation and Evaluation
Changes Required
Compliance is Met
​Comments:
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