Thomas Jefferson High School

Senior Handbook 2015-2016

(804) 780-60284100 W. Grace St.

RICHMOND, VA 23230TJHS Senior Website: http://2016tjhs.wix.com/tjhs2016

Table of Contents

School Counseling Staff . . …………………………………………………………………...p. 1

A World of Opportunity . ………………………………………………………………....... p. 2

Apprenticeship Option . . . ………………………………………………………………..... p. 2

Employment Option . . …………………………………………………………………….... p. 3

Military Option . . . ………………………………………………………………………….. p. 3

Community College Option …………………………………………………………….......p. 3

College and University Option . ………………………………………………………... . . p. 3

Selecting a College . ……………………………………………………………... . . p. 3

Sources of Information ………………………………………………………….......p. 3

College Visit ……...……………………………..………………………………....... p. 4

Types of Admission ................................................................................................... p. 4

College Admission Testing....................................................................................... p. 5

Completing Your College Applications ..................................................................p. 6

College Application Essay ........................................................................................ p. 7

Submitting Your College Applications .................................................................. p. 7

Financial Aid.............................................................................................................. p. 8

College Planning Checklist ...................................................................................... p. 9

Senior Calendar First Semester ................................................................................................ p. 11

Personal Information Sheet/Recommendation Request Form ........................................p. 12

Class Quotes and Activities ..................................................................................................p. 13

Monticello Yearbook Advertisement Sale......................................................................... p. 14

Diploma Name Sheet ......................................................................................................... p. 16

Installation and Graduation Attire ................................................................................... p. 17

Thomas Jefferson High SchoolSenior Staff

Senior Sponsors:

Ms. Kathryn Mauro

kmauro2@richmond.k12.va.us

Ms. Stephanie Vest

smuller@richmond.k12.va.us

Senior Coordinators:

Ms. Danica Millner- Events dcolema3@richmond.k12.va.us

Mrs. Patty Weir- Financial pweir@richmond.k12.va.us

Senior Principal:

Mr. Marshall Andrews mandrews@richmond.k12.va.us

Director of Guidance:

Mr. Willie Dupree (IB) wdupree@richmond.k12.va.us

Counselors:

Dr. Zeno Hines (A-J) zhines@richmond.k12.va.us

Ms. Latoya Williams (K-Z) lwilliam2@richmond.k12.va.us

Thomas Jefferson High School Hours: 8:00 a.m. — 2:45 p.m.

Phone (804) 780-6028 Fax (804) 780-6295

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A World of Opportunity

After you graduate from Thomas Jefferson High School in June there will be many choices available to you: apprenticeship, direct entry into the work force, military service, career/technical training, 2-year or 4-year college/university or a combination of these. It is important to plan carefully. The Thomas Jefferson High School Senior Handbook is designed to help you in the process of making the choices that will best prepare you to reach your goals and keep you on track for graduation.

We have numerous resources available in the Thomas Jefferson High School Counseling Office. Make plans to visit your school counselor and during the coming year. The Counseling Office is located upstairs above the Administrative Offices and the Career Center is located on the first floor of the building near the Media Center.

Seniors who are unsure about career options will benefit from taking assessments found on the following website: http://www.yourfreecareertest.com/.

Consider the Options. . . Apprenticeship A training program for a skilled occupation. Includes supervised on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Available for numerous occupations including: electrical trades, heating/ air conditioning/refrigeration, automotive technology, carpentry, welding, masonry, cosmetology, metal fabrication and others. For more information you may contact:

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry

Apprenticeship Program North Run Business Park

1570 E. Parham Road

Richmond, VA 23228

You may also visit the Virginia Department of Labor/Industry web site at: www.doli.virginia.gov.

Private Career Schools Offer programs that are short-term, intensive and practical. Hands-on experience with business and technical equipment. For more information contact the Virginia Career College Association at (804) 346-2783 or at www.va-cca.org.

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Employment Ask about training programs for entry-level employees that offer opportunities for advancement.

National job search sites:

www.monster.com www.snagajob.com

Military Training Learn about possible military occupations by taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) given by military teacher. The ASVAB is available free of charge. Parental permission is required. A few recruiters will visit Thomas Jefferson High periodically throughout the year to provide information.

For more information visit: www.todaysmilitary.com

Community College Programs Offer a variety of vocational and technical programs that lead to certificates, diplomas, or associate’s degrees. Offer two-year transfer programs and specialized training for industry. There are open admissions, with remedial and pre-tech courses available. Entrance requirements depend on the program. Visit http://vccs.edu to select and apply for a community college program.

College/University Selecting a College There are more than 3,000 colleges in the United States. There is more than one college that will meet your specific needs and career objectives. Selecting a college is a long process. The process includes research, weighing alternatives, and much thoughtful consideration of many aspects of your life.

A college search and other helpful resource information can also be found on: the College Board web site (www.collegeboard.org) or the ACT web site (www.actstudent.org).

Sources of Information on Colleges The more information you have about colleges and universities the better chance you have of making a good decision. There are many sources of information available to you at Thomas Jefferson High. The following resources are readily available in the School Counseling Office for student and parent use.

Your counselor is available to meet with you and your parents to assist in obtaining information and considering options. Teachers, college students, and alumni are excellent sources of information about colleges.

College representatives will make visits to Thomas Jefferson High to meet with students. Their visits can provide an opportunity to learn about colleges. To take

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advantage of this source of information, listen carefully for announcements of visits and check the School Counseling Office for the dates of scheduled visits and upcoming events.

The College Visit The college visit is a very valuable source of information. Make a visit to each school to which you plan to apply. If at all possible, plan your visit during the academic year so you are on the campus while students are there and classes are in session. To make the most of your visit, you might utilize the following suggestions.

* Take a tour arranged by the admissions office. Find information on the college Website. * Walk around the campus to get a feel for the atmosphere of the campus. * Talk with students to gain information on subjects that are important to you. * Visit a class; and if possible, talk with faculty members. * Plan a visit to the student center, the library, and the book-store. * Have a meal in the cafeteria. * Read the campus newspaper and bulletin boards as means of learning about cultural activities and issues on campus.

Many colleges recommend an interview with someone in the admissions office. This interview may serve not only as a source of information about you for the admissions representative, but also as a source of information about the college for you. For this interview, you might consider the following:

* Contact the admissions office and arrange an appointment.

* Be prompt.

* Dress appropriately.

* Prepare before the interview by checking the Website and making a list of questions.

* Know your SAT/ACT scores, approximate class rank, and your latest grades in the courses you are presently taking. Do not be bashful about your accomplishments!

* Learn the name of your interviewer. When you get home, write a thank you letter.

Remember: You are also interviewing the college. Do you want to hire them to provide your education?

Types of Admission Colleges and universities may use one of the following types of admission:

Rolling Admission: A college using rolling admission does not set a due date for applications. Rather, the admission office reviews an applicant’s folder once it is complete. If the applicant meets the set criteria for admission, the student is offered admission to the college. It is advisable to apply early to schools that use a rolling admission policy.

Regular Admission: A college using regular admission sets a date by which all applications must be filed. After consideration is given to all the applications, decisions are mailed to the applicants.

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Early Decision: Some colleges offer an early decision plan as a means of attracting top students. A student applying for early decision at highly selective schools should have a competitive application and standardized test scores and be certain that the college is their first choice. If a student is accepted under an early decision plan, the student is committed to attend. The early decision plans of colleges vary in their regulations. If considering this type of admission, review the conditions very carefully.

Early Action: Students receive a decision earlier than the standard response date but are not required to enroll or make a deposit prior to May 1. Deferred Admission: Students are permitted to postpone enrollment, usually for one year, after acceptance to the college.

College Admission Testing

The SAT usually taken the first time in the spring of the junior year and again in the fall of the senior year. Most four-year colleges require the SAT as part of the admission process composed of critical reading, mathematics and writing sections scores range from 200 to 800 on each section

Subject Tests: Some schools require subject tests as part of the admissions process these one-hour multiple-choice tests may be used in the admission decision or may be used by the college for placement. Consult the college Website or College Handbook for tests that may be required or recommended. You may not take the SAT and Subject tests on the same day. Be sure you plan your testing schedule wisely so all scores reach the colleges prior to the admissions deadline.

Visit the Website to register and get information about fees ~ www.collegeboard.org

Thomas Jefferson High School’s code for test reporting is 471-905

Test Dates ~ 2015-2016

Registration Deadline Test DateSeptember 3, 2015 October 3, 2015

October 9. 2015 November 7, 2015November 5, 2015 December 5, 2015December 28, 2015 January 23, 2016February 5, 2016 March 5, 2015

April 8, 2016 May 7, 2016May 5, 2016 June 4, 2016

The ACT most colleges and universities accept the ACT instead of or in addition to the SAT in the admissions process. The ACT measures classroom achievement in four broad content areas as well as the ability to reason and apply problem-solving skills. The content areas assessed by the ACT are Reading (Arts/Literature, Social Studies/Sciences), English (Usage/Mechanics, Rhetorical Skills), Mathematics (Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry, Trigonometry) Science Reasoning. Writing (Optional)

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Act Test Dates are as follows:

Registration Deadline Test DateSeptember 18, 2015 October 24, 2015November 6, 2015 December 12, 2015

January 8, 2016 February 6, 2016March 4, 2016 April 9, 2016May 6, 2016 June 11, 2016

Thomas Jefferson High School’s code for test reporting is 471-905

Visit the Website to register and get information about fees ~ www.actstudent.org

Completing Your College Applications Here are a few tips for completing your college applications:

Apply on-line if possible. Save your work to return to it later to review your information. If completing the application on paper, copy the application to practice filling in the required information. Have an adult proofread your application and essay if one is required before you fill in the information on the actual application. Print out your on-line application for proof-reading. Type or neatly write in black ink. Your application makes a statement about you. Take pride in your application; it may affect the admissions decision. Consider how many applications they read – make it easy for them. Confirm that teachers have submitted the recommendation letters required by the college. Write a rough draft of your essay. Make certain you have completely answered the question(s). Proofread your rough draft before entering it on the application form. Remember that your application is incomplete without your high school transcript, standardized test scores and for some colleges the secondary school report and letters of recommendation. Contact the testing agency to have your test scores sent electronically. Watch Your Deadlines!! Remember to keep a copy of the completed application.

The College Application Essay (Personal Statement) When you write your essay . . .

Do write lean! Say as much as you can with as few words as possible.

Do start early! Leave plenty of time to revise, reword, and rewrite.

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Do read the directions carefully. Answer the question as directly as possible; follow word limits exactly. Express yourself as briefly and as clearly as you can.

Do focus on an aspect of yourself that will show your best side. You might have overcome some adversity, worked through a difficult project, or profited from a specific incident. A narrow focus is more interesting than are broad-based generalizations.

Do speak positively. Negatives tend to turn people off.

Do use perfect grammar and punctuation. Ask a teacher to review your work. But . . .

Don’t repeat information given elsewhere on your application. The committee has already seen it – and it looks as though you have nothing better to say.

Don’t write on general, impersonal topics. The college wants to know about you.

Don’t use clichés. Don’t go to extremes: too witty, too opinionated, or too “intellectual.”

Submitting Your College Applications Step 1: Apply

Complete your college applications online and gather any supplemental materials they may require (secondary school report, letters of recommendation, essays, portfolio, etc). Bring these items with you when you complete the request for a transcript.

Step 2: Request a Transcript

Fill out and submit a Transcript Request Form (found in the Counseling Office) for EACH college or scholarship for which you will need a transcript. We require 2 weeks’ notice for transcript preparation during peak times. Requests submitted with less than 2 weeks’ notice may not go out on time. Plan ahead! College Deadline: Submit transcript form & other items to Counseling Office by:

College Application Deadline Submit transcript requestNovember 1 October 15January 1 December 1January 15 December 15February 1 January 15March 1 February 15March 15 March 1

Note: If your specific college deadline is not listed, please remember to submit your application to the counseling department two weeks prior to the due date.

Step 3: Supplemental Materials

Check to see if your college has a Secondary School form that needs to be filled out by your counselor. All schools using the Common Application require this, and many other schools have their own form. You must print these forms & submit them with your transcript request. If you would like your letters of

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recommendation, essays, or paper application sent with your transcript, these must be attached to your Transcript Request Form.

Other Things to Consider:

When asking teachers to write letters of recommendation, be sure to give them sufficient notice (3 weeks!). You may also want to ask teachers for extra signed copies of their letter for you to have on-hand for other applications.

Many colleges now require that your SAT and ACT scores be sent directly from CollegeBoard or ACT. Check your test registrations for this information & contact the test agency if necessary.

Look for e-mail confirmation (if provided on the transcript request form) from the School Counseling Office, which verifies when the transcript and/or other materials were mailed.

Dual Enrollment Students: Request a transcript from Reynolds Community College in order to have your JSRCC college credits transferred to the college you plan to attend in the fall.

Financial Aid Information Financial aid information is available through the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia - SCHEV-www.schev.edu. A representative from GRASP (The Great Aspirations Scholarship Program-www.grasp4virginia.com) will visit Thomas Jefferson High to meet with students and their parents. Make an appointment to meet with the GRASP representative beginning in October. Find a sign-up sheet on the door to the School Counseling Office.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Remember not to submit the information until after January 1st. This must be completed for most types of financial aid awarded to a student by a college. A worksheet is available by late November.

Orders for Graduation Regalia and AccessoriesHerff Jones is the vendor that provides students with class rings, announcements, and cap and gowns. If you need to place an order please visit their website: www.herffjones.com our school Sales representative Chris Hutto 804.598.0971.

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Month by Month Career Path Checklist For The Senior Year

September

Take the career interest survey: http://www.yourfreecareertest.com/. Research colleges that offer majors related to your interests. Research the application process, scholarship and financial aid information from college and university websites to compare admissions criteria, programs, costs, etc. Students are encouraged to apply to at least three schools of varying selectivity to ensure they have several options for admissions. (acceptance certain, acceptance likely, maybe not accepted, but want to go there badly enough to apply) Visit college campuses. Visit the Websites for tour and open house schedules. Check the college handbook for admission test requirements. Register for the ACT or SAT, if you have not already taken the required admissions tests. Check the availability of admissions test prep courses in your school counseling office. Attend information sessions college admissions offices hold at TJHS.

October

Check deadlines for admissions tests and register ASAP if you have not already! Think about teachers, counselors, coaches and others that you may ask to write letters of recommendation. Allow three weeks for this to be done. Complete applications for early decision and early action. Work on your application essays. Submit your senior quote for the yearbook

November

Continue to look for scholarships, read up on financial aid application procedures and talk with your parents about college financing strategies.

December

Take the ASVAB at TJHS see military teacher if interested in entering the military. Look for employment opportunities or apprentice ships. Discuss procedures for completing the FAFSA form with your family and the GRASP representative. Gather information needed to complete the FAFSA. Check deadlines on college applications and complete the process.

January

Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1. Work diligently to keep your grades high! Submit the Diploma Name form by January 15th.

February

Complete all necessary financial aid forms. Keep copies of everything that you send. Continue to search for and follow up on scholarship opportunities.

March

Continue to look for scholarship opportunities. Visit schools to which you have applied either on-line or in person to prioritize your choices.

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April

Admissions letters and financial aid notifications will begin to arrive. Check all letters carefully for reply deadlines. If you are wait-listed by a school, contact the admissions office to emphasize your interest in the school. If you are not admitted to colleges of your choice, see your counselor to explore options.

May - June

Send thank-you notes to teachers and other mentors who wrote recommendation letters for you as well as groups from whom you have been awarded scholarships. Have your final transcript sent to the college of your choice. Notify the financial aid office of any scholarships that you have been awarded. Locate and obtain a copy of your immunization record.

Check out these Websites for helpful information now and later!

www.collegeboard.orgRegister for the SAT, search for college matches, test prep help

www.actstudent.orgRegister for the ACT, get help studying for the assessment

www.hanovercareers.orgPart time & full time jobs, apprenticeships

www.kudernavigator.comCollege, career, financial aid information

www.CareersAndColleges.comLots of articles to help you plan for life after high school

www.schev.eduCollege and financial aid Information

www.fafsa.ed.govInformation and application for federal financial aid

www.fastweb.comA Free scholarship search site

www.doli.virginia.govInformation on apprenticeships

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Yearly Schedule of Events Class of 2016 Schedule of Events

September 2015 September    M Tu W Th F Sa Su 09/03/15 (Thu) Senior Breakfast Event  1 2 3 4 5 6 09/07/15 (Mon) Labor Day Holiday7 8 9 10 11 12 13 09/12/15 (Sat) ACT Testing Testing

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 09/17/15 (Thu) Herff Jones Ring and Announcement Orders Graduation21 22 23 24 25 26 27 09/18/15 (Fri) Herff Jones Ring and Announcement Orders Graduation28 29 30         09/21/15 (Mon) First installment of Senior Dues due Deadline

             

October 2015 October    M Tu W Th F Sa Su 10/02/15 (Fri) Homecoming Event      1 2 3 4 10/03/15 (Sat) Homecoming Dance / (SAT TESTING) Testing5 6 7 8 9 10 11 10/06/15 (Tue) Senior Yearbook Picture (Tux and Drape) Yearbook

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10/07/15 (Wed) Senior Yearbook Picture (Tux and Drape) Yearbook19 20 21 22 23 24 25 10/08/15 (Thu) 1st Interim Event26 27 28 29 30 31   10/09/15 (Fri) Make-up date for Herff Jones Orders Graduation

09/25/15 (Fri) Senior Installation 9:00 am Event              10/14/15 (Wed) Make-up date for Senior Yearbook Pictures Yearbook

10/24/15 (Sat) Second Installment of Senior Dues due Deadline10/24/15 (Sat) ACT Testing Testing10/26/15 (Mon) 1st Nine Week Benchmark Testing10/19-10/30/15 SOL Writing Test Testing

November 2015 November    M Tu W Th F Sa Su 11/01/15 (Sun) Daylight Saving (move clocks back 1 hour) Holiday            1 11/03/15 (Tue) RPS Professional Dev. No School Holiday2 3 4 5 6 7 8 11/07/15 (Sat) SAT Testing Testing9 10 11 12 13 14 15 11/10/15 (Tue) End of Marking Period Event

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 11/11/15 (Wed) Early Dismissal Holiday23 24 25 26 27 28 29 11/17/15 (Tue) Report Cards Event30             11/18/15 (Wed) Parent Teacher Conf. No School Holiday

11/24/15 (Tue) Third Installment of Senior Dues due Deadline11/25/15 (Wed) Thanksgiving Break Testing11/16/11/24 SOL 2nd Attempt Writing Testing

December 2015 December    M Tu W Th F Sa Su 12/05/15 (Sat) SAT Testing Testing  1 2 3 4 5 6 12/12/15 (Sat) ACT Testing Testing7 8 9 10 11 12 13 12/18/15 (Fri) 2nd Interim Event

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12/21-1/1 Winter Break Holiday21 22 23 24 25 26 27 12/1-12/18 SOL Non-Writing Testing28 29 30 31                   

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Thomas Jefferson High SchoolPersonal Information Sheet/Recommendation

Request FormName: ______________________________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ Home Phone___________________________________

This recommendation is for :___ College Admission ____ Scholarship ____ Employment

GPA: _____________ Class rank: _____________ Recommendation Due Date: _______________

Name of scholarship or place of employment_____________________________________________

Schools you are interested in attending __________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

Planned field of study or training _______________________________________________________

Career Goals: ________________________________________________________________________

Activities/Sports:______________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

Community Service Activities: _________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

Hobbies, Talents and Interests: _________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

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Honors, Awards & Achievements: ______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

Employment list:_____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________

Class of 2016 Quotes and ActivitiesName: _______________________________________________________________________________

Seniors, please write your quote and any activities, clubs and sports that you participated in during your high school career (in school only). (PLEASE PRINT). Quote must be appropriate!

Quote:

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

Activities:

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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Baby pictures and Quote page are due by October 15. Please write your name on the back of your baby picture.

Monticello Yearbook Advertisement Sale

AD Prices:

Full Price – $125.00

½ Page- $75.00

¼ Page- $50.00

1/8 Page- $25.00

Patron Line (40 Characters or Less) – $5.00 for each name

Ads can be designed by the purchaser or by the Monticello Yearbook staff.

When you turn in an advertisement, please include the following:

What the ad will say Any photos that are to be placed on the page (preferably on a CD) The cost of the ad in CASH, BUSINESS DRAFTS, or MONEY

ORDERS. NO PERSONAL CHECKS! Please make sure spelling of names are correct and the ad is legible

(If designed by purchaser) Include a business card, if applicable Your name and the name of the person purchasing the ads.

ADVERTISEMENT FORM (COPY IF NECESSARY)

Ad Sold By _____________________________________________________________

Ad Purchaser’s name __________________________________________________

Size of Ad ________________________________________________________________

Number of Photos Enclosed _______ Number of Artwork/ Business Cards _________

Message:____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

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______________________________________________________________________________

_

Total Amount of Money Enclosed _________________________

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CLASS OF 2015 PATRONS’ LIST

$5.00 FOR EACH NAME

Diploma Name SheetSeniors Name as it will appear on the diploma:

First name

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Middle Name

Additional Name

Last name

Suffix

Parent Signature

Student Signature

Date

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GRADUATION AND

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DONT’S

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N o t A p p r o p r i a t e f o r I n s t a l l a t i o n

A p p r o p r i a t e f o r I n s t a l l a t i o n

GRADUATION DO’S

In Black for Installation

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GRADUATION DO’S

DONT’S

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DONT’S