Highlands Elementary SchoolMs. Laura Magruder, Principal
We had an amazing return to school! Our students and staff were so happy to return to school and to see each other. This year, our theme is finding joy through community, collaboration, and consistency. I am happy to say that we have achieved that in our first three days of school!
Meet our MTSS Team!
We would also like to welcome Mrs. Vicari to the Highlands Team. Mrs. Vicari has been a member of the Highlands Substitute Staff for several years, and we are excited to have her on our MTSS team as our newest Intervention Specialist.
Curriculum Night
Curriculum Night is this Thursday, August 27, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Curriculum Night is a great way to meet your child(ren's) teachers and learn about the work they will be doing this year. A detailed schedule of presentations and locations will be sent out this weekend via Email Assistant.
Picture Day - Thursday, August 27
Picture Day is Thursday, August 27. The order form and QR code for ordering pictures are enclosed. Remind your student(s) that the best thing to wear is a smile!
Student Safety:
Student safety is our top priority! Here are a couple of reminders for student safety related to drop-off and pick-up:
- At dismissal, students are not to go to the playground unless they have an adult with them.
- All students should be in their line-up areas by 8:10 AM. Students being dropped off from the car line are NOT allowed to go to the playgrounds.
- During pick-up, if your child is not sure where their ride is, please let them know to look for the nearest dismissal supervisor; we are there to help.
- Please contact the office and coordinate with the family of all friends or neighbor children that you are giving a ride to. This eliminates any confusion or miscommunication during the pick-up process.
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During drop-off and dismissal, our walkways and line-up areas are very crowded. To help prevent accidents, we expect all students and family members to walk their bikes and scooters until they are off school grounds. Thank you for your partnership in keeping all students safe.
- As a reminder, LaGrange Highlands School District 106 and all related school grounds are no-smoking and no-vaping sites. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Shelter in Place Drill:
On Tuesday, August 25, we will conduct a routine shelter-in-place drill during the morning. This is only a practice exercise to ensure our students and staff know how to respond safely in an emergency situation.
Upcoming Events:
- August 24 - August 28: Aimsweb Benchmark Testing Window for Math and Reading
- August 25: Shelter-in-Place Drill
- August 27:
- Picture Day
- Curriculum Night - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- August 31 - September 4: iReady Mathematics Testing Window
- September 4: Late Start @ 9:05 AM
Golf Outing Hole Sponsor
Highlands Elementary SchoolMs. Laura Magruder, Principal
Mid-summer update! We are just over five weeks away from the start of the 2026 - 2027 school year! We look forward to seeing all of our students on Wednesday, August 19!
We have had a busy summer! Our summer school program just completed its third week, and the students are enjoying both their academic courses and their enrichment camps. Yesterday, we were treated to a performance from our Rookie and Youth Cheer Camps led by Ms. Smith and supported by our Middle School Cheer Squad.
Speaking of great work, our Buildings & Grounds and Technology teams have been working hard to get the building ready. We are very appreciative of all their hard work in ensuring the building is ready to go and in tip-top shape for our students’ return in August.
Welcome Dr. Cagle!
Summer Staffing Changes:
This summer has been a busy one at the elementary school.
Mrs. Gina Walsh has resigned from her position as a 2nd-grade teacher to join our MTSS team, filling Dr. Becky Cagle’s position as Reading Specialist.
Mrs. Kristen O’Brien will be moving up to the 2nd grade to fill Gina Walsh’s teaching position.
Mrs. Bailey, our Inclusion Facilitator, has retired and will be relocating to her native Tennessee.
Ms. Ariel Rodriguez, our 2nd Grade Special Education Co-Teacher, has taken a position at River Valley Elementary in Lamont, which is closer to her home.
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With change comes new opportunity, and we have hired new teaching staff that we are confident will continue to uphold the Highlands traditions of excellence in education and care for our students.
We would like to welcome:
Katherine “Katie” Ricca-Theoharopoulos, who will be our Inclusion Facilitator. Katie comes to us from Evergreen Park District 124, where she was a Middle School Special Education teacher.
We are still in the process of hiring a replacement for Ms. Rodriguez and our 1st Grade opening. We are excited to have met many candidates who love elementary teaching and learning. We will announce our new Highlands staff members when they are approved.
Upcoming Events:
- 07/17: D106 Used Technology Sale - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- 07/23: Last day of Highlands Summer School
- 07/30: Kindergarten and New Family Orientation @ 6:00 PM in the MPR
- 08/07: Welcome Back Communication sent out
- 08/11: Class lists and schedule posted
- 08/18: Highlands Elementary Meet & Greet
- 2:15 - 2:45 Family Names A - L
- 2:45 - 3:15 Family Names M - Z
- 08/19: First Day of School
Highlands Elementary SchoolMs. Laura Magruder, Principal
We had an amazing last week of school! Our Field Day was absolutely wonderful. I want to thank all our family volunteers for helping to make it a perfect day. We couldn't have this event without you.
Also, our 4th-Grade Awards Assembly, End-of-Trimester Recognition Assembly, and 4th-Grade Clap-out were perfect. Thank you to all of our 4th-Grade families who came out to help us celebrate and who cheered on our 4th graders as they did their final walk around the elementary school.
Of course, we wrapped up the year with our annual slideshow and singing of "Summer's in the Air," which always brings such joy, watching all 500+ of our students sing in unison about the joys of summer.
I hope everyone has a wonderful summer break and that it finds you making new memories with friends and families, finding lots of time to rest and relax, and enjoying the warm weather.
We look forward to seeing you all in August!
Field Day Fun!
We had the best time at Field Day. Our students had a great day participating in various activities, including Cross Country Colors, Hula Hoop Flip Toss, Tug of War, Boxes and Bags, and more!
I want to extend special thank yous to the following individuals and groups:
- Mr. Bray and Mr. Muys for all of their organization and planning for Field Day.
- Kim Regan and the PTC for sponsoring our Tie-Dye t-shirt activity
- Ms. Berstein and Mrs. Gillen for bringing forth the Tie-Dye t-shirt idea. The unity was wonderful.
- All of our parent volunteers who ran our stations and supported us in so many ways. This event would not take place without you. Thank you!
4th Grade Character Bob Barnes Award......
The Bob Barnes Award is presented to two students of the year in honor of Mr. Bob Barnes, a 4th-grade teacher at Highlands for over 30 years. He consistently instilled positive character traits in all his students and had a profoundly positive impact on everyone whose lives he touched. The 4th-grade teachers selected the recipients of this award based on their exemplary academic and character achievements. The students who receive the Bob Barnes Award consistently demonstrate these strong qualities and go above and beyond.
Congratulations to our Bob Barnes recipients….
Madelyn S. and Grant C.
Our 4th Grade President's Award Recipients......
President’s Award of Academic Excellence
Students receiving the President’s Award of Academic Excellence have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement. The Criteria include a grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for all of 3rd grade and the first 2 trimesters of 4th grade, and a 90th percentile or higher on two of the last four nationally normed Measures of Academic Progress and iReady Assessments (in 3rd and 4th grade).
Our 4th Grade Hornet Awards.......
This award is designed to recognize students who excel in our five areas: Perseverance, Growth, Kindness, Respect, and Work Ethic. We are so very proud of our students who have achieved this award for the first time in our school's history.
Our SCOTY Award Recipient.....
The West40 School Citizen of the Year (SCOTY) Award recognizes students across western Cook County, Illinois, who serve as exemplary models of good citizenship, character, and kindness.
Our West 40 SCOTY recipient is Olivia R.
Touch a Truck!
Upcoming Events.......
June 16: School Board Meeting at 7:00 PM
June 22 - July 26: Highlands Summer School and Summer Enrichment
July 30: Kindergarten Orientation and New Family Orientation @ 6:00 PM in the Multipurpose Room
Highlands Elementary SchoolMs. Laura Magruder, Principal
We had a wonderful and busy week! The students finished up their Aimsweb benchmark testing. This testing helps us understand our students' growth in literacy and math throughout the school year. The data from the assessment also allows us to prepare for our learners when they return in August. Although we are wrapping up this year, our minds are already on how we can meet all learners' needs when they return in August!
Speaking of next year..... our students participated in their Step Up meetings this week. Each of our students in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade had the opportunity to meet their team of teachers for next year. The teachers shared what to expect in the upcoming grade level and answered students' questions.
Our 4th graders also participated in a Step Up to 5th-grade where they received a tour of the middle school, learned about what to expect in 5th grade, and had the opportunity to ask questions.
4th Grade Picnic Fun!
Our 4th-Grade picnic was tons of fun. Our students had a lovely time dining on Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, and DIY ice cream sundaes. They also received a special Highlands drawstring bag as a farewell gift.
The students enjoyed having lunch with their friends and getting extra time to play and run around.
A tremendous thank you to all of our PTC and 4th-Grade volunteers for making this such a special event for our students. They had an amazing time, and I truly enjoyed seeing their excitement and smiles throughout the picnic. It was also wonderful to have the opportunity to connect and chat with so many of you. Thank you for your time, dedication, and support in making this event such a success!
Field Day - Monday, June 1
Here are some things to remember to make it a fun and safe day:
- Students should wear their tie-dye t-shirts that we made at school. It is going to be an amazing way for us to show unity and our Hornet pride!
- Sunscreen should be applied before they come to school
- Any sunscreen sent to school should be easy-to-apply
- All students must have a water bottle
- All students must wear gym shoes
- Hats are recommended
- Shorts and other comfortable pants are great
- No swimsuits
If you are a parent/family volunteer, you should have received all of the information regarding volunteering for the event. If you have not, please let me know.
This Week's Events:
Monday 6/1: Field Day
Tuesday 6/2: Regular Day
Wednesday 6/3:
- Early Release at 11:45 AM
- Year Book Signing
- 4th Grade Awards Assembly
- All School End of Trimester 3 Assembly
- Singing of Summer's In The Air
- 4th Grade Clap-Out
Due to space limitations in the MPR, our last-day events are limited to our students and 4th-grade families. We thank you for understanding.
Calling All library books!
All library books were due this past Wednesday. There are still over 400 books checked out to students across the district. If you could take one last look around the house for any school library books that might still be at home, we would really appreciate it. Thank you for your help!
Come Join us for the Safety Walk!
Upcoming Events
- une 1: Field Day
- June 2: Field Day (Rain Day)
- June 3:
- Last Day of School (11:45 dismissal)
- Yearbook Signing (student-only event)
- 4th Grade Awards Assembly & Clap Out
- End of Trimester 3 Awards Assembly
- June 30: Deadline for PTC School Supply Kit Order Order Here
- July 30: Kindergarten and New Familiy Orientation @ 6:00 PM in the MPR
Highlands Elementary SchoolMs. Laura Magruder, Principal
We had a wonderful last Highlands Family Day. We wished our 4th-grade family members farewell, and each 4th grader received a picture of their family. We also celebrated with freeze pops and time outside playing games and enjoying time with friends.
Highlands Mini-Golf Fun!
We had another successful year of our STEM Mini-Golf Club. Our student participants had a great time, and a HUGE thank you to our parent volunteers. I could not have done this without you. Your weekly commitment and help in bringing the students' ideas to fruition are what make this club and event so special. Also, a special thank you to the D106 Foundation for their support of the club and this opportunity for our students.
Tie-Dye T-Shirts
As a reminder, the Highlands PTC is sponsoring a tie-dye t-shirt activity for our students. Our students will be tie-dying t-shirts on Tuesday, May 26, during the school day. Students will bring home their t-shirts on either Tuesday, May 26, or Wednesday, May 27.
Parents should follow the directions sent home with the t-shirts when washing them. Please remember that if you have more than one Highland student, they MUST be washed separately, as they will be different colors.
The plan is for all students to wear their tie-dye t-shirts on Field Day, which is Monday, June 1. We hope to take a school-wide photo with their shirts.
Thank you to the PTC for sponsoring this activity and to Miss Bernstein and Mrs. Gillen for bringing this great idea forward.
2nd Annual Safety Walk - Come Join Us!
- School Supplies -- Don't forget to pre-order your student's school supplies for the 2026/2027 school year! The deadline for ordering is July 1st. The pre-ordered school supply kits will be sent directly to the school this summer, taking one back-to-school task off your list. Click here for the Elementary School Kits. Please reach out to ptcboard@district106.net
with any questions.
Upcoming Events
- May 25: Memorial Day - No School for students or staff
- May 27: Step Up Meetings (student-only event)
- May 27 - 28: Incoming Kindergarten Screening
- May 29:
- Kindergarten Field Trip to Brookfield Zoo
- 4th Grade Picnic
- June 1: Field Day
- June 2: Field Day (Rain Day)
- June 3:
- Last Day of School (11:45 dismissal)
- Yearbook Signing (student-only event)
- 4th Grade Awards Assembly & Clap Out
- End of Trimester 3 Awards Assembly
Highlands Elementary SchoolMs. Laura Magruder, Principal
We had a wonderful week. Thank you to everyone who came out to our Open House, Art Show, and PTC Ice Cream Social. It was so wonderful to see everyone. This is always one of our favorite events, as it is a great way to celebrate all the work we have done throughout the year and to connect with our teachers, families, neighbors, and friends.
I also want to give a special shout-out to Mrs. Chelmecki for her Fantastic Glow Garden Art Show this year. It was absolutely stunning, and she received so much positive feedback from the event. Thank you, Mrs. Chelmecki, for all of your amazing work and creative thought on this year's art show. Also, a big thank you to the PTC for providing us with our Italian Ice to sweeten this year's event. We appreciate you!
Roller Skating Fun!
We sure love to roller skate in the elementary school! On Sunday, May 3, Mr. Steele and I took Ronan T, Neave T, and friends out roller skating at Fleetwood Roller Rink as their prize from the D106 Casino Night. We had a blast roller skating, hanging with Mickey, and eating fun snacks! Always a great tradition!
D106 Foundation Mini-Golf Event
Please come join us for a great night of mini-golfing. This year, we are making it a free event for families.
Space is limited, so please sign up through the Chedder-Up link below.
4th - 8th Grade Band Concert was a Hit!
The 4th-8th Grade Band performed on Wednesday, May 13, and did an amazing job. It was so wonderful to see how much our Beginning 4th Grade band has grown this year. Also enjoyable were the Jazz Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and the Wind Ensemble. All the songs were so catchy, and listening to the students share their personal introductions to them was the chef's kiss. The students show such wonderful growth under Mrs. Hardesty's direction, and it does not go unnoticed. Bravo!
- Fun Lunch -- Our LAST PTC fun lunch of the year will be next Tuesday, May 19th. Participating Elementary School students will receive Little Joe's hot dogs!
- 4th Grade Picnic -- The PTC will be hosting a special lunch on Friday, May 29th, to celebrate our 4th graders moving up to Middle School! Be on the lookout for a special email with details on this fun, celebratory lunch!
- School Supplies -- As you register your child for the 2026/2027 school year, you will see a link to purchase ES School Supplies. The PTC works with an outside vendor to provide name-brand products at a great all-in-one cost. The pre-ordered school supply kits will be sent directly to the school this summer, taking one back-to-school task off your list. Click here for the Elementary School Kits. Please reach out to ptcboard@district106.net
with any questions.
Upcoming Events
- May 19: PTC Fun Lunch: Little Joe's Hot Dogs
- May 21:
- 2nd Grade Field Trip - Naper Settlement
- D106 Mini-Golf Event 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
- PTC Public Meeting @ 1:30 PM
- Highlands Family Day
- May 22: 1st Grade Field Trip - Brookfield Zoo
- May 25: Memorial Day - No School for students or staff
- May 27: Step Up Meetings (student-only event)
- May 27 - 28: Incoming Kindergarten Screening
- May 29:
- Kindergarten Field Trip to Brookfield Zoo
- 4th Grade Picnic
- June 1: Field Day
- June 2: Field Day (Rain Day)
- June 3:
- Last Day of School (11:45 dismissal)
- 4th Grade Awards Assembly & Clap Out
- End of Trimester 3 Awards Assembly
Highlands Elementary SchoolMs. Laura Magruder, Principal
We had the most wonderful Staff Appreciation Week! Thank you to everyone who reached out to our staff members, dropped off notes of thanks, gifts, and treats. Also, a very special thank you to the PTC for taking such good care of us all week long. Our bellies are as full as our hearts!
We also want to wish all of our Moms, grandmothers, Aunts, and other mother figures out there a wonderful Happy Mother's Day. Thank you for all you do and all the love you give. You make the world a better place!
Superintendent for the Day!
Parker B. had the honor of serving as Superintendent for the Day, which his family won at the D106 Foundation Casino Night. It was a great day of running the school district with Mr. Munch. They spent time going around the District, ensuring that the students in both buildings were learning, checking on staff members, visiting the different departments in the middle school, and checking on all the special classes in the elementary school. They also spent time learning about the building operations, the technology department, and so much more. Parker did a great job running the radios and making sure all of his communications were clear and followed.
4th - 8th Highlands Spring Choral Concert
Wow, the 4th - 8th Spring Choir Concert was absolutely amazing. The 4th - 5th Grade Chorus, 6th - 8th Grade Chorus, and the 7th - 8th Grade Acapella Group were all amazing. It was wonderful to see how much the students have grown throughout the year. Also, just as wonderful were the thank-you speeches the 8th graders gave to Mr. Martinez. All around, it was a wonderful concert and night!
3rd Grade Field Trip to the Field Museum
Our 3rd Grade students have been studying Native Americans in their Amplify CKLA curriculum. As a culminating experience, they went to the Field Museum's Native Truths: Our Voices Our Stories exhibit, where they learned about a variety of Native American tribes and experienced the life of the Pawnee, who are native to this area. It was a great day of learning!
Highlands Open House, Art Show, and PTC Ice Cream Social
We hope you will join us for this wonderful event, one of our favorites of the whole year!
Date: Thursday, May 14
Times:
- Open House: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Art Fair: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- PTC Ice Cream Social: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
D106 Foundation Mini-Golf Event - Thursday, May 21
We hope you will join us for our D106 Foundation Mini-Golf Event on Thursday, May 21.
Event runs from 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Tickets will be available via Chedder UP (coming soon!)
Field Day - Monday, June 1 (Rain Day - Tuesday, June 2)
It's hard to believe the Field Day is one month away. ** We still have 5 volunteer spots available for our 3rd/4th Field Day. Our Field Day schedule is as follows:
- 8:45 AM - 11:15 AM - 3rd and 4th Grade
- 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM - Kdg, 1st and 2nd Grade
If you are interested in volunteering, please click the link below.
- Square 1 Art - If you child illustrated a Square 1 Art sheet, be sure to check out the keepsake options HERE by entering your child's name. You can also use the custom code that came home with your student.
- Ice Cream Day -- Mark your calendars! The next PTC Ice Cream Day is Friday, May 15.
- Ice Cream Social -- Speaking of Ice Cream, we hope you can join us for this year's Ice Cream Social on Thursday, May 14, held during the Open House and Art Fair.
- School Supplies -- As you register your child for the 2026/2027 school year, you will see a link to purchase MS School Supplies. The PTC works with an outside vendor to provide name-brand products at a great all-in-one cost. The pre-ordered school supply kits will be sent directly to the school this summer, taking one back-to-school task off your list. Click here for the Elementary School Kits. Please reach out to ptcboard@district106.net
with any questions.
Friendly Reminder for May 22!
Upcoming Events:
- May 13: 4 - 8th Grade Spring Band Performance 7:00 PM - MSG
- May 14: Open House, Art Show, PTC Ice Cream Social 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- May 15: Late Start @ 9:05 AM
- May 19: PTC Fun Lunch: Little Joe's Hot Dogs
- May 21:
- 2nd Grade Field Trip - Naper Settlement
- D106 Mini-Golf Event 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
- PTC Public Meeting @ 1:30 PM
- Highlands Family Day
- May 22: 1st Grade Field Trip - Brookfield Zoo
- May 25: Memorial Day - No School for students or staff
Highlands Elementary SchoolMs. Laura Magruder, Principal
Wow! This has been an amazing week at the Highlands!
Our Boosterthon Fun Run was a fantastic success! We surpassed our District-wide goal of $67,000, raising $107,000. Way to go, Hornets! As for the Elementary, we surpassed all our goals, which means our Dunk Tank is coming in May!!!!!!! Our students also earned their extra recess, Freeze POP Friday, and Duck Trading Day. The most important thing is that the students had a great time running and enjoying the variety of events related to the Boosterthon!
I want to extend a HUGE thank you to Emily Goss and Erin Fort for all of their coordination and to ALL of our Boostherthon volunteers for helping us along the way and on the big day. Also, thank you to all of our Highlands families for your support of our school, our students, and our community!
Speaking of weeks, next week is Staff Appreciation Week! We are very excited to celebrate our AMAZING Highlands staff and all that they do for our students, families, and each other. Please join us in saying thank you!
A Principal's Day to be Remembered!
Mr. Steele and I are so touched by all the heartfelt greetings, well wishes, gifts, and acknowledgments on Principal's Day. We were spoiled beyond measure by our staff, students, and families, and our hearts are full. Thank you to everyone for thinking of us and making it such a special day. We always consider ourselves so lucky to be a part of the Highlands, and today proved that once again. - With much thanks and gratitude, Ms. Magruder and Mr. Steele!
Orchestra Spring Concert Success!
Last night, the 4th-8th Grade Orchestra held its spring concert. It was a wonderful show that highlighted the growth, skills, and talent of the different orchestra sections, including the 4th Grade Beginning Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Intermediate Orchestra, and Concert Orchestra. They wowed us with tunes such as Frere Jaques, Dragon Dances, Canyon Sunset, Golden from KPop Demon Hunters, and Yee Haw. It is always such a treat to see how much our Highlands orchestral musicians learn and grow under Ms. Majdoubeh's direction. Well done to Ms. Majdoubeh and all of her students!
Highlands Open House, Art Show, and PTC Ice Cream Social!
It is officially May, and we are starting to think about the Highlands Open House, Art Show, and PTC Ice Cream Social! We hope you will join us for this wonderful event, one of our favorites of the whole year!
Date: Thursday, May 14
Times:
- Open House: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Art Fair: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- PTC Ice Cream Social: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Save the Date - Highlands Elementary and D106 Foundation Mini Golf Event - May 21
Our 3rd Annual Mini-Golf Family event is on Thursday, May 21. Specific Details coming out soon. Get out your golf pencils and mark it down on your calendars. We hope to see you there.
Field Day - Monday, June 1 (Rain Day, June 2)
It's hard to believe the Field Day is one month away. We are looking for volunteers to run stations and be floaters for the event. Our Field Day schedule is as follows:
- 8:45 AM - 11:15 AM - 3rd and 4th Grade
- 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM - Kdg, 1st and 2nd Grade
If you are interested in volunteering, please click the link below.
- Fun Lunch -- Mark your calendars! The next PTC Fun Lunch is Tuesday, May 5th. Elementary School students will enjoy pizza from Pisa Pisa.
- School Supplies -- As you register your child for the 2026/2027 school year, you will see a link to purchase MS School Supplies. The PTC works with an outside vendor to provide name-brand products at a great all-in-one cost. The pre-ordered school supply kits will be sent directly to the school this summer, taking one back-to-school task off your list. Click here for the Elementary School Kits. Please reach out to ptcboard@district106.net
with any questions.
Friendly Reminder For May 22!
Friday, May 22, is a regular attendance day due to our inclement weather day on Friday, January 23.
Annual Permanent Art Awards -
Due May 8
Upcoming Events
- May 4 - 8: Staff Appreciation Week. We LOVE our staff!
- May 5: PTC Fun Lunch - Pizza
- May 6:
- National School Nurse Day
- 4 - 8th Grade Spring Choir Performance 7:00 PM - MPR
- May 8: 3rd Grade Field Trip - Field Museum
- May 13: 4 - 8th Grade Spring Band Performance 7:00 PM - MSG
- May 14: Open House, Art Show, PTC Ice Cream Social 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
- May 15: Late Start @ 9:05 AM
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