2015

Summer Packet
Upper School

Campus Phone Numbers

School Receptionist:
Grades 6-8 Office
Grades 9-12 Office

Tracey Ramos
Barb Cochrane
Sheri Zagata

(803) 807-4000
(803) 807-4200
(803) 807-4141

Summer Office Hours

Monday Thursday:
9 a.m. 3 p.m.
Friday:
9 a.m. 12 noon
Offices will be closed on June 29 July 3, 2015

2015-2016 School Hours

Monday:
9:10 a.m. 3:15 p.m.
Tuesday Friday:
8:10 a.m. 3:15 p.m.
Ben Lippen has late start for all students every Monday. School begins one hour later and ends
at the regular time. This allows the faculty and staff time for professional development.

Table of Contents
Letter from the Principal
Special Interest Activities and Teams
Summer Reading Requirements
Summer Reading Book Club Instructions (Grades 9-12)
Schoology Codes for Summer Reading Book Clubs
Grades 6-8 Supply List
Grades 9-12 Supply List
New Student Orientation/Drop-In
Senior Community Service Hours Guidelines
Nut and Peanut Allergy
Volunteering at Ben Lippen
Intercultural Opportunities
Winterim 2016
Beginning of the Year Calendar
Camp Ben Lippen Permission Form

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Letter from the Principal

Dear Ben Lippen Upper School Families,
It is hard to believe that we are almost at the midpoint of the summer! I hope that the summer
so far has afforded you an opportunity to relax and continue to grow as a family in the Lord.
Things have been busy around here at Ben Lippen with the transition to the Upper School,
moving of offices and classrooms, and people in new positions. With all the change I am
reminded of Jeremiah 29:11, which reads: for I know the plans I have for you, declares the
Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope (ESV). It is our desire
that even with all the transitions taking place we remain firm in the one constant that we are
guaranteed here at Ben Lippen and in life, and that is Jesus Christ as our Savior (Hebrews
13:8). The various changes taking place within Ben Lippen School will provide us the
opportunity to better serve His kingdom in the lives of our students and within the community.
As you begin to make the transition towards the new school year we have provided this packet
to give you some assistance on important things to prepare for, complete, and
understand. Please take the time to read through the information in this packet. We hope
the information is helpful to you.
Students in grades 9-12 need to make sure they fill out, have their parents sign, and return the
Camp Ben Lippen Permission Form at the end of the packet (p.17) by the first day of school.
If you have any questions or feedback please do not hesitate to contact me or anyone in the
grades 6-8 or grades 9-12 offices. Please continue to keep Ben Lippen School and all our
families in your prayers as we go into the second half of the summer and begin preparing for the
new school year.
In Him,

Max Russell, M.Ed.

Upper School Principal

Special Interest Activities and Teams

In addition to numerous athletic teams, there are a number of academic teams and
organizations that interested students may join. All Ben Lippen students are strongly
encouraged to explore their interests, hone their skills, try new experiences, and follow their
passions on a Ben Lippen team or organization each semester.
The groups listed below generally meet outside classroom hours, require a commitment, and
may require students to cover some or all of the financial cost of participating in activities.
Please contact the sponsoring faculty member to express interest or for more information.
Chorale (Vocal Ensemble)
Mr. Chris Essig: Chris.Essig@ BenLippen.com
Highway 215 (Bluegrass Music Group)
Mr. Chris Essig: Chris.Essig@ BenLippen.com
Drama
Mr. Joey Caldwell: Joey.Caldwell@ BenLippen.com
Math Team (Grades 9-12)
Ms. Amy DeLine: Amy.Deline@ BenLippen.com
Model United Nations (Grades 9-12)
Mr. Max Russell: Max.Russell@ BenLippen.com
Prayer Groups and/or Bible Studies (Student Led)
Mr. Justin Ferren: Justin.Ferren@ BenLippen.com
Robotics
Mr. David Rios: David.Rios@ BenLippen.com
Science Team (Grades 9-12)
Mrs. Nan Grover: Nan.Grover@BenLippen.com

For information on a Ben Lippen athletic team or season, please contact Christy Lambert
(Christy.Lambert@BenLippen.com).

Summer Reading Requirements

All Ben Lippen upper school students participate in Summer Reading focused on reading
and interacting with a book that they will enjoy. Directions have been provided to students
but are also included in this packet.
Grades 6-8
Students in grades 6-8 need to read and be ready to discuss the respective book assigned to
your class:
6th graders Once by Morris Gleitzman
7th graders The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
8th graders The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Grades 9-12
Certain advanced placement (AP) courses require summer reading (in addition to Summer
Reading Book Club participation). Courses requiring summer reading are listed below:
AP English Literature & Composition:
If you are planning on taking AP English Literature, in addition to your summer reading
book, you must read the following book this summer (you may skip chapters 16-17):
How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster
AP English Language & Composition:
If you are planning on taking AP English Language, in addition to your summer reading
book, you must choose ONE of the following two spiritual memoirs:
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller
Angry Conversations with God by Susan Isaacs
In addition, within the first two weeks of school you will be required to read ONE of the
following two secular memoirs. I would strongly suggest that you choose one and begin
reading before you are facing the onslaught of schoolwork.
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
Hunger of Memory by Richard Rodriguez

Summer Reading Book Club Instructions

(Grades 9-12)
In the email in which you received these instructions, you should also have received the title of
your assigned book as well as the Schoology code for your book. Be sure to join the course
for your book as soon as possible.
Your grade from summer reading (an average of the grade for your Schoology discussion
response and your in-class essay the first week of school) will count as a Project grade in your
English class next year. The Projects category is worth 20%, so please do not take this lightly.
(If you are not taking an English class at Ben Lippen next year, the grade will be assessed in
another class.)
You will be asked to complete one set of discussion questions. Your responses will be due by
July 31 and will be graded on the following scale:
5 --- Insightful, well-developed response which shows complete understanding
of the material read and uses detailed examples from the book.
4 --- Well-developed response which shows good understanding of the
material read and uses examples from the book.
3 --- Average response which shows that student has read material required,
but doesnt demonstrate a depth of understanding or effort or doesnt include
examples.
2 --- Minimal response which doesnt prove that the student has read the
material.
1 --- Response that, although submitted on-time, is so short or so off topic that
it is not evident that student has read the material.
* Any response which is late will automatically drop down one level for each week late.
Know that NO summer reading responses will be accepted after the first day of school (unless
special conditions have been communicated to you.)

HOW TO COMPLETE SUMMER BOOK CLUB ASSIGNMENTS

IN YOUR SCHOOLOGY ACCOUNT:
1. When you look under Courses you should see the title of your book.
2. Click on Discussions and your response question assignments will show up.
3. Follow your book club leaders instructions in responding to discussions.
4. Once you have clicked on the discussion, simply type your comment in the space provided.
5. Once you have completed your response, simply click Post.
6. You are also required to respond to at least one other post. Once you have posted your
response to the main question, you will be able to see the responses of others who are
reading your same book. Then, before July 31 as well, you must comment thoughtfully on
one other persons response. This must include insight beyond I agree with Tallulahs
opinion. If you do agree with her, you must state why using evidence from the book.

Schoology Codes for Summer Reading Book Clubs

Book Title

*
**
***

Author

Schoology Code

Flatland

Edwin Abbott

BSB8K-R8B9V

The Impossible Knife of Memory *

Laurie Halse Anderson

V4BV3-2KMFD

Enders Game

Orson Scott Card

CDR9R-N3T5D

The Reluctant Assassin

Eoin Colfer

KG9ND-J355G

Matched

Ally Condie

4R6ZM-D4QC9

My Losing Season *

Pat Conroy

SCCSW-JW2WB

Run Baby Run

Nicky Cruz

C7WDK-CV956

Kisses From Katie

Katie J. Davis

2TZWF-X3HQW

Chosen

Ted Dekker

8T2DK-CV956

The Truth About Forever *

Sarah Dessen

3PV96-VJR5P

The Big Over Easy

Jasper Fforde

RNM9H-539F2

Where She Went *

Gayle Forman

SQZ62-SKH8Z

The Racketeer *

John Grisham

KD5S2-FJSH6

The Furies *

Natalie Haynes

DSXJG-XPDDB

Flush ***

Carl Hiassen

JVP3V-NV849

We Were Liars

E. Lockhart

P4N63-38PCN

Killing Kennedy

Bill OReilly

6PMS8-CRV76

Wonder ***

R.J. Palacio

87V4J-7K8F4

The Poe Shadow

Matthew Pearl

FTXBW-Q9GWV

My Sisters Keeper *

Jodi Piccoult

STMZX-VDQBJ

Every Day I Fight

Stuart Scott

GN9QJ-GFKSM

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

Lisa See

RG57D-3B7WG

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Mary Ann Shaffer

3SG2J-5558X

Unwind *

Neil Shusterman

7BVVV-HWW7S

Stargirl **

Jerry Spinelli

BZ38H-GMC5J

First Light

Brock & Brodie Thoene

S3QCP-TQFNC

Recommended for upperclassmen due to various themes; any ninth or tenth grade student choosing one of these books
will need to do so with written parent permission.
Limited to rising ninth grade and ESL students.
Limited to ESL students with a TOEFL Reading score of 12 or above.

Grades 6-8 Supply List

ALL students in grades 6-8 need to have the following items with them for the first day of
school:
Regular wide-lined loose leaf paper for each binder
A pair of headphones/ear buds for use in Technology
PE clothing that adheres to the BLS policy written in grades 9-12 Supply List
One box of Kleenex and one canister of Lysol disinfectant wipes.
Sixth Grade Supply List

Seventh Grade Supply List

Eighth Grade Supply List

General Items:
One pencil pouch
Pencils
Pencil Sharpener
Colored Pencils
Black or blue pens
Red pens (for grading)
English
One 1 three-ring binder
5 dividers.
One three-prong folder
Marble Composition
Notebook (journal)
3x5 note cards - not bound
Post-It Notes (any color)
Math and Science
One 1 three-ring binder
5 dividers.
Protractor (see-thru)
Ruler (in/cm)
Three spiral notebooks
Highlighters
Calculator (TI-30XIIS) labeled with name
History and Bible
One 1 three-ring binder
5 dividers.
Art
One package of Model
Magic
Two 22x28 poster boards

General Items:
Pencils and sharpener
Blue or black pens
Red pens (for grading)
English
One three-prong folder with
pockets (General English
Only)
Two three-prong folders with
pockets (Honors English Only
Two marble composition
journals
Highlighters
One pack of index cards (lined
and white)
Bible
One three-prong folder
One 1 three-ring binder
NIV Bible (hard copy) - 2011 or
newer
General Math/Pre.-Algebra/Alg. 1
One three-ring binder
One package of dividers
ruler, protractor (Pre-Alg. Only)
graph paper (with holes)
calculator: Alg. 1 (TI-84),
Gen Math & Pre-Alg (TI-30XIIS)
1 package of 4 Expo dry-erase
markers
Science
One 1 three-ring binder
Colored pencils and/or
markers
metric ruler
Art
Two 22x28 poster boards
Geography (Not needed until Jan.)
Colored pencils and markers
Glue sticks
3 subject spiral composition
book

General Items:
Pencils and Sharpener
Blue or black pens
Red pens (for grading)
English
One 1 three-ring binder
five dividers
highlighters
3x5 notecards, lined
1 composition notebook
2 folders with pockets
Bible
One 1 three-ring binder
One three-prong folder
NIV Bible (hard copy) 2011 or newer
Science (Not needed until Jan.)
One 1 three-ring binder
metric ruler
Pre.-Algebra/Alg. 1/Alg. II
One three-ring binder
One package of dividers
protractor (Pre-Alg. Only)
graph paper (with holes)
1 package of 4 Expo dryerase markers
calculator:
Pre-Alg (TI-30XIIS)
Alg. I & II (TI-84)
History
One 1 three-ring binder
Colored pencils and
markers
Art
Two 22x28 poster boards

Grades 9-12 Supply List

Please note that some classes may require additional supplies as the year progresses.

All Students Will Need:

Binder (3-ring) with notebook paper (dividers recommended)

Graph paper
Highlighters, Pens (blue, black, and red), Pencils
TI-83 or TI-84 Calculator (teachers have engravers to mark the calculators)
Ear buds

Additional Needs for Specific Courses:

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Algebra 1, Algebra 2: Ruler

Anatomy & Physiology, Biology (CP and Honors): 3-ring binder dedicated to Anatomy &
Physiology, colored pencils (at least 24 count) and a pack of index cards
AP Biology: 3-ring binder dedicated to AP Bio, and the AP Biology Review Book recommended
by the teacher (needed during second semester)
AP Chemistry: 3-ring binder dedicated to AP Chemistry, and the AP Chemistry Review Book
recommended by the teacher (needed during second semester)
AP United States Government and Politics: AP US Government & Politics Review Book
recommended by the teacher (needed first semester)
AP World History: 3-ring binder dedicated to AP World, and the AP World History Review Book
recommended by the teacher (needed during second semester)
ESL (All Listening/Speaking classes and Intermediate Reading): 500 index cards
English Classes (All seminars and levels): 1 composition journal, highlighter, red pen, and
blue/black pens.
English Fundamentals (Honors and CP): 1 looseleaf binder and paper dedicated to English
Fundamentals and 1 composition journal
Geometry: Compass and protractor
Guitar I, II, and III: Heavy duty black 1 3-ring binder dedicated to Guitar. Guys Black dress
pants, black dress shoes, and black collared long sleeve dress shirt. Gals Black dress pants,
black top, black shoes (no heels).
Honors English Seminars: An additional novel may be required by individual teachers; specific
information will be provided in class.
Physical Education: PE clothes do not have to be from Lands End. However, students will be
graded on dress and participation each day. The appropriate attire for the Upper School PE
classes consist of any BLS T-shirt (Friday shirt) and shorts (or shorts with leggings/spandex
under them) that are mid thigh or longer in length. During cooler months, athletic sweatpants,
long sleeve t-shirts, and sweatshirts are appropriate. Shorts or sweatpants may have no wording
other than Ben Lippen logos or small brand marks (ex. Nike Swoosh, Under Armor symbol, etc)
on the front. PE clothes must not have any inappropriate writings, sayings, or pictures. The PE
instructor retains full discretion and regulatory authority in determining appropriateness.

New Student Orientation/Drop-In

On Tuesday, August 11 from 9 - 11 a.m. rising 6th graders and new students in grades 7-8 will
have an opportunity to drop-in and pick up their schedules, tour the campus, meet their
teachers, and drop off their school supplies in the classroom.
On Tuesday, August 11 from 9 - 11 a.m. rising 9th grades and new students in grades 10-12 will
meet with our Student Prefects, receive a tour of the school, and learn more about the programs
and activities of Ben Lippen School.

Senior Community Service Hours Guidelines

All seniors must complete 30 Community Service Hours prior to May 1. Senior community
service hours can be completed in the summer following the junior year or during the senior
year. Thirty community service hours during the senior year or summer following the
junior year are a mandatory graduation requirement for all seniors.
The intent of community service hours are to reach out to the community beyond a students
individual family, investing in the lives of others in a students larger community, school, church,
and/or society. Students are encouraged to serve broadly and creatively in a number of different
venues to use and develop their gifts, talents, and a passion and heart for service.
Participation as a volunteer in a Ben Lippen Fundraising event that wholly benefits financial aid
during the Junior or Senior year qualifies for community service hours. Participation in a
winterim missions trip during the Junior or Senior year also qualifies for senior community
service hours.
Please note that National Honor Society service hours cannot also count for the required 30
Senior Community Service Hours. Additionally, service hours required for athletes cannot be
counted for the 30 required Senior Community Service Hours.
Students are to log their Senior Community Service Hours in Naviance as they complete them
rather than waiting to log them when they are all completed.

Nut and Peanut Allergy

We have students enrolled in the upper school who have severe life-threatening allergies to
peanuts and tree nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts, etc.). This includes
peanut butter, nut oils, nut flavorings, and even products manufactured on shared equipment or
in a peanut/nut environment. For these students, eating, touching and even breathing in the
aroma of these would likely cause an allergic reaction which could be life threatening.
As a result, certain precautionary steps have been taken. There is no open peanut butter
container in the cafeteria, and signs will continue to be posted outside of the classrooms that
these students primarily use. We are also again requesting that you are conscientious in the
selection of food items, snacks and birthday treats which are brought in or sent to school with
your child. If you have any questions, please ask first before sending in the food item. Any
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snacks sent in with your child for after school consumption should be kept in a closed wrapper
or container and eaten away from the upper school classroom area.

Volunteering at Ben Lippen

If you are interested in volunteering at Ben Lippen for this coming school year please find a
copy of the Ben Lippen Volunteer Application on our website under the Parents tab and select
Get Involved. This is the necessary first step toward approval as a Ben Lippen volunteer, a
requirement to serve at the school. An interview, references, and a background check are the
remaining steps in the process.
If you have not already done this, or if it has been three or more years since you have done this,
we encourage you to go ahead and complete the process now (even if you dont yet know how
you might get involved!) before a volunteer opportunity arises that you are interested in. There
are a number of ways to get involved during the year, and whether that opportunity is
chaperoning for a field trip, scooping ice cream during lunch, or hosting an international student
for a weekend meal in your home, the volunteer approval process can slow things down
significantly (adding unnecessary frustration) in the midst of the opportunity.
Applications can be submitted to Tracey Ramos in the main office.

Intercultural Opportunities
Approximately 75% of Ben Lippen upper school (grades 9-12) students are American students,
and about 25% are international students from all over the world. If your family has an interest in
expanding its own cultural horizon by providing a home away from home, an American cultural
experience - even as simple as an evening dinner with your family, opportunities to practice
English, tutoring, and/or offering a helping hand to a Ben Lippen international student, we would
love to partner with you in this way.
Every year Ben Lippen places the majority of its international students in an American homestay
for Thanksgiving Break, Christmas Break, and Spring Break. Ben Lippen families are highly
preferred. Please consider adopting an international student over breaks for an entire year, or
even for the entire time they study at Ben Lippen. A small daily stipend is provided to cover
food, travel, and living costs. In order to host a student overnight, all members of the household
over 18 years of age must have completed the Volunteer Background Check process. Summer
is a wonderful season to complete this process!
Please contact Debbie Austin (Debbie.Austin@BenLippen.com) or Steve Sark
(Steve.Sark@BenLippen.com) in the Boarding Program Office if you are interested in any of the
above opportunities or for more information.

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Winterim 2016 (Grades 9-12)

Ben Lippens Winterim program initiates, builds and deepens relationships while providing a
wide variety of educational enrichment and service learning experiences outside the traditional
classroom setting. Each upper school (grades 9-12) faculty member sponsors a Winterim, and
participation in Winterim is required for all grades 9-12 students. Winterim for the 2015-2016
school year will be January 19-22, 2016, with certain Winterims extending from after school
Friday, January 15 through Saturday, January 23. Sign-ups will begin in early September.
A complete and more detailed list of Winterim opportunities for January 2016 will be published
near the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year, but a preliminary list of probable opportunities
and approximate cost range is below.
$0 - $250
College Tour (Day Trips)
Gather your Blunts and Bows (Archery)
Geocaching
Job Shadowing
Life Size Board Games
Local Service Projects
Money 101
Sweet Sensations
$250 - $900
Disney Leadership Strategies
Down Home Downton Abbey
Give Kids the World (Seniors Only)
Home Economics 101: Cooking (Females only)
Its Snowing! Snowshoe, WV
Manatee Madness (Crystal River, FL)
The Music City Experience (Nashville, TN)
SCUBA Certification
Soccer in Florida
South Carolina Photography
$900 - $3500
American SW Natl Parks, Photography & Star Gazing
Cuba Mission Trip (Baseball Team)
Misin Panam
Ometepe, Nicaragua
Varsity Boys Basketball Team (Team Members Only)
Winter Fun in Ottawa

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Calendar
Please visit www.BenLippen.com and click on Calendar for details and events through the
remainder of the year.
Thursday Tuesday, August 6 11

New Boarding Student Orientation

Monday, August 10

New Parent Dinner

Tuesday, August 11

Student Drop-in for Grade 6 and

New Students in Grades 7 - 8
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Grades 9-12 New Student Social
9 a.m. 11 a.m. in the Gym

Wednesday, August 12

First day of school - Full Day for Upper School

Grades 6-8 Schedule:

(8:10 a.m. 3:15 p.m.)

Grades 9-12 Schedule:

(8:10 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.)

8:10 - 8:50
8:55 - 9:35
9:40 - 10:20
10:25 - 11:05
11:10 - 11:40
11:45 - 12:25
12:30 - 1:10
1:15 - 1:55
2:00 - 2:40
2:45 - 3:15

8:10 - 8:30
8:35 - 9:15
9:20 - 10:00
10:05 - 10:45
10:50 - 11:30
1:30 - 12:20
12:25 - 1:05
1:10 - 1:50
1:55 - 2:35
2:40 - 3:15

Period 1
Period 2
Period 3
Period 4
Assembly (Gym)
Period 5
Lunch
Period 6
Period 7
Homeroom

Assembly
1B
2B
3B
4B
Lunch
1A
2A
3A
4A

Monday, August 17

Camp Ben Lippen (Grades 9-12)

(Complete attached permission slip)
9 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 18

Grades 6-8 Parent Night and Volunteer Fair

Friday, August 21

New Family Tailgate

Tuesday, August 25

HS Parent Night and Volunteer Fair

6 8 p.m. in the Gym

Wednesday, August 27

Upper School (Grades 6-8) Yearbook Picture Day

Tuesday, August 26

Upper School Underclassmen Picture Day

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Calendar (Cont.)
Monday, August 31
Monday Friday, Aug. 31

Grades 6 - 7 Spiritual Life Challenge

Sept. 4

Senior Portraits

Monday, September 7

Labor Day No School

Monday Tuesday, September 14 15

Senior Retreat at Lookup Lodge

Wednesday, September 23

See You at the Pole (SYATP)

Monday Friday, Sept. 28 Oct. 2

Spirit Week

Friday, October 2

HOMECOMING
Day - Dismissal at 12 noon

Monday - Tuesday, October 5 & 6

8th Grade Challenge

Friday, October 9

End of the 1st Quarter

Monday, October 12

No School
Teacher Work Day

Wednesday, October 14

PSAT Testing (Grades 8-11)

Day of School (School-wide)
Fair Day

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Camp Ben Lippen Permission Form

(Grades 9-12)
Monday, August 17, 2015
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Camp Ben Lippen is a one-day retreat for students in grades 9-12 near the beginning of the
2015-2016 school year. Theme and direction for the school year will be established, advising
groups will bond, and students will have opportunities to grow in leadership and community.
Student attendance is expected and required.
My child, ________________________________________ (full name) in grade ______ has my
permission to participate in Camp Ben Lippen on August 17, 2015. I understand my student
may be playing field games and may have opportunities to participate in a variety of athletic and
other activities. I understand that there are inherent risks in all activities and that injuries can
occur. I agree not to hold Ben Lippen School or any of its agents, members, employees, or
affiliate organizations responsible in the event of an accident or injury. I understand that this
form is considered to be a binding contract.
Additionally, in case of an emergency during this event or at another time during the school
year, I have reviewed and updated the Student Medical and Emergency Contact Form in
RenWeb this summer between June 1 and August 1, 2015. [Note: Please click on the Save
tab at the bottom of the RenWeb form even if you do not make any changes in order to record
that you have accessed the form to check for needed changes.]
_________________________________ ____________________________ __________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Parent/Guardian Printed Name
Date
_________________________________ ____________________________ __________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Parent/Guardian Printed Name
Date

PLEASE RETURN THIS PERMISSION SLIP TO THE UPPER SCHOOL OFFICE BY

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2015.

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