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Greetings McNair Students and Families,
We are having another fantastic week at McNair Elementary, filled with learning and growth! Our classrooms are buzzing with student engagement, and I encourage you to ask your Mustang about our current schoolwide read-aloud, Wedgie and Gizmo. This shared story has been a wonderful way to foster a sense of community and spark meaningful conversations across all grade levels.
Additionally, we wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to our entire community for your flexibility last week during our water main break. We are especially grateful to McNair Upper for allowing us to share their Kiss and Ride area, and to FCPS Facilities and Fairfax Water for their swift work in getting us back up and running.
Furthermore, we were so excited and proud to welcome the Baldrige National Quality Award assessment team to FCPS and McNair Elementary School for a site visit and leadership interviews this week. This evaluation provides a valuable opportunity to showcase how our Systems Perspective translates into student success, while also allowing us to gain meaningful feedback from external experts as we continue refining our roadmap toward sustained excellence. Unfortunately, due to the inclement weather that greeted our area, our visit was unable to happen, and we are hopeful that it will be rescheduled. Other schools in Region 5 represented in this process include McNair Upper Elementary School, Chantilly High School, and Johnson Middle School.
As we navigate through the week, please be sure to mark your calendars for a couple of friendly reminders:
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PTA Meeting: We look forward to seeing you at our PTA meeting this Wednesday at 6:30pm at McNair Upper Elementary School.
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Kindergarten Registration: Kindergarten Registration is now open! If you have any questions, please contact our main office at 703-793-4800.
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Family Engagement Survey: Please take the Family Engagement Survey before it closes on Friday, March 23: https://bit.ly/FESURVEY2026
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Family Heritage Night: Please sign up to participate in our Family Heritage Night on May 14th! https://forms.gle/qyCrKMGczWjVrFqH6
Thank you for your continued support and for making McNair such a special place to learn and grow. We appreciate your continuous partnership and support in your child's education.
Wishing you a wonderful week, Mustangs!
Together We Grow,
Mrs. Watson, Mrs. Stringer, and Mrs. Royer
Please contact us with any questions!
Principal: Elizabeth Watson, evwatson@fcps.edu
Assistant Principal: Ipsa Stringer, IBStringer@fcps.edu
Assistant Principal: Sara Royer, smroyer@fcps.edu
Click on the links below to navigate to sections of this newsletter.
Save the Date
📌March 18: PTA Meeting at 6:30 PM at McNair Upper ES
📌March 20: Holiday: Eid al-Fitr - No School for Students
📌March 25: 3 hour Early Release for Grades K-2, Dismissal at 12:30pm
📌March 25: Meeting to Plan for McNair's 25 Years of Excellence Event at McNair ES,1:30-2:30pm. (Please email Principal Watson if interested in joining the meeting!)
📌March 30-April 6: Spring Break For Students
📌April 21: April Statewide Election: No School for Students
📌April 22: Family Earth Day Beautification Event at McNair Elementary, 4:30-6:00pm
📌April 29: 3 hour Early Release for Grades K-2, Dismissal at 12:30pm
📌May 14: Family Heritage Night at McNair Elementary, 5:00-6:30pm
📌May 15 - May 22: McNair's Spring Book Fair
📌May 20: 3 hour Early Release for Grades K-2, Dismissal at 12:30pm
📌May 20: Kindergarten Orientation for Class of 2039 at 2:00pm
📌May 20: Family Night at the Book Fair and Storytime with the Principal; 4:30-6:00pm. We hope you can join us!
**Please reference the 2025-2026 School Year FCPS Calendar when making appointments or scheduling family trips. Attendance counts and everyday matters!**
Arrival and Dismissal
Doors open for arrival at 8:35 a.m. The school day begins at 8:45 a.m.
Dismissal begins at 3:30 p.m.
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
As we approach our upcoming break, we want to emphasize how vital your child’s presence is to their success. Every day in the classroom is an opportunity for discovery, and we want to ensure every student finishes this school year strong!
Spring Break Schedule
Please mark your calendars for our upcoming break and the return to instruction:
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Spring Break: Monday, March 30 – Friday, April 3
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Student Holiday: Monday, April 6 (Teacher Workday)
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School Resumes: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
We are eager to welcome your children back to school on Tuesday, April 7. Their attendance is very important; teachers will be teaching and students will be learning right up until the final bell of the year.
Did you know? Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Consistent attendance helps students build confidence, maintain friendships, and stay on track with their lessons.
Let’s finish this school year strong. Visit our website for more attendance resources.
McNair Theme Days
 Help us have some fun with our March Themes!
Thursday 3/19: Spring Colors
McNair College & Career Week
Help us celebrate College & Career week at McNair from March 23rd -March 27th!
3/23: College Color Day: Wear your favorite college gear and colors.
3/24: My Future is SO bright: Wear bright colors.
3/25: I Deam to Succeed: Wear your pajamas
3/26: When I Grow Up: Dress up as your future career
3/27: Celebrate All Schools: Wear the colors of ANY school! College, High School, Middle School, or McNair (Blue and White).
Kindergarten Registration
Is your child heading to kindergarten this fall? Join FCPS staff for Countdown to Kindergarten, a virtual event designed to help families prepare for this exciting transition! The webinar will take place on Friday, March 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
During this webinar, families will learn practical tips and essential information to support their child's smooth and successful start to kindergarten in Fairfax County Public Schools. Register to receive the event link.
Kindergarten Registration
There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment (the student and one caregiver must be present).
Our kindergarten open house is being held on May 20, 2026 to give parents of students entering school in August an opportunity to learn more about kindergarten at our school.
Register your child today! Contact our registrar, Ms. Afkham Hosseini, at 703-793-4800 with any questions.
Please join us for Kindergarten Orientation!
When: Wednesday, Math 20, 2026 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Where: McNair Elementary School
What: Parents are invited to come and meet new friends while engaging in fun activities in a Kindergarten classroom. Future Kindergarten students are invited to come and meet a new friend while engaging in fun activites in a Kindergarten classroom.
Principal Survey Feedback:
A Note From Mrs. Watson
Dear McNair Elementary School Parents/Guardians,
Starting Monday, April 6th, you will receive an email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and provides an opportunity for you to share anonymous feedback on key areas of our school, including:
• Instructional Leadership
• School Climate
• Management (Human Resources and Organizational)
• Communication and Community Relations
• Culturally Responsive and Equitable Leadership
• Professionalism
The survey will be open April 6 – April 19 and will be collected online. When you receive the email from noreply@fcps.edu, please take a few minutes to complete it. A summary of all responses will be shared with both the Region Assistant Superintendent (RAS), Ms. Rebecca Baenig, and the principal, which is myself. Individual names and personally identifiable information will not be shared with principals or the RAS.
Your feedback is important and helps shape the future of our school. Thank you for your time and participation!
All the best,
Elizabeth Watson
Principal
FCPS Title 1 Advisory Committee (TPAC)
General Session Meeting
When: March 17, 2026
Where: Providence ES Cafeteria at 7:00-8:00 pm
Agenda
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7:00 - 7:05 pm: Call to Order, Welcome & Objectives
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7:05 - 7:10 pm: Presentation Introduction & Centering Moment
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7:10 - 7:25 pm: School Spotlight and Student Share: Systems of Support at Providence Elementary School
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7:25 - 8:25 pm: Every Child, Every Level: How Support Works in Our Schools
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8:25 - 8:30 pm: TPAC Nomination Timeline for 2026-27 TPAC
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8:30 pm: Exit Feedback & Closing
Future TPAC Meeting Dates (General Session):
- April 21, 2026 (Holmes MS)
- May 19, 2026 (Justice HS)
 McNair Heritage Night
We are excited to host our McNair Heritage Night, May 14th!
Do you have a food, dance, song, or artifact you'd like to showcase?
The deadline line has been extended to March 25th. Space is limited!
Use this link to sign up today: https://forms.gle/qyCrKMGczWjVrFqH6 and join us in sharing and experiencing diverse cultures.
If you have any questions, email rbarasona@fcps.edu or kfukahori@fcps.edu.”
⏰ Limited Early Release Days for Elementary Schools
Limited early release days for elementary schools will shift to Wednesdays for the 2025-26 school year. Student supervision will be provided for families who require it. Three-hour early release days for our school will take place at 12:30pm on the following dates:
Please contact your child's teacher as soon as possible to inform them of your child's dismissal arrangements on March 25.
Westfield High School International Night
When: March 26, 2026 at 5 pm
Where: Westfield High School
4700 Stonecroft Blvd.
Chantilly, VA 20151
What: 5-6 pm Potluck in the Cafeteria
6-7 pm Fashion Show in the Gym
7-9 pm Performance in the Gym
FCPS Student enter for free, Adults pay $5.
International Food Trucks
Please make sure to vist the food trucks at the Westfield International Night from 5-9 pm on March 26th.
Important Reminder: Seasonal Spare Clothes
As the weather continues to change, please take a moment to check and update the extra set of clothes in your child's backpack. We ask that the spare clothing includes items appropriate for the current temperatures, such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, socks, and underwear. Having a current and complete set of extra clothes is essential for your child's comfort and well-being, especially in the event of spills, accidents, or unexpected changes in the weather. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring all students are prepared!
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Snacks for McNair ES Staff!
We would love your help in keeping our staff lounge and teacher planning space stocked with individually wrapped healthy snack foods, beverages, and a few sweet treats for our awesome school staff as a way to keep them energized as they teach and support our Mustangs. We are completely out of snacks at this time and asking for any donations possible. Please sign-up and dropping off any donations to the main office at McNair ES between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:00 PM. Many thanks for your continuous partnership and support!
Snack sign-up link: Snacks for McNair Elementary Staff
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Crosswalk Safety at McNair ES
We want to emphasize the importance of safety on our school grounds and surrounding areas. One crucial aspect of this is using the designated crosswalks to safely cross Thomas Jefferson Drive.
We understand that it may be inconvenient to walk to the crosswalk, but not doing so puts our students at risk. By modeling responsible behavior and using the crosswalk with the crossing guard or police officer, we can create a safer environment for everyone. Please discuss the importance of crosswalk safety with your child and encourage them to always use the designated paths. Your support and partnership in this matter is greatly appreciated.
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Dr. Reid, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools, has launched the FCPS Family Vision Group. This group brings together parents and caregivers in a meaningful way through sharing diverse perspectives to ensure that FCPS provides the best possible education experience for each and every student. The Family Vision Group also provides another opportunity to put our 2023-2030 Strategic Plan in action through meaningful communication and collaboration with families and caregivers.
By participating, parents/caregivers gain valuable knowledge and connections to become powerful partners in their child's educational journey. The group also facilitates open discussions with Dr. Reid on important topics related to student success. Bi-monthly meetings (August 2024 - May 2025) ensure consistent school representation and foster open communication through Q&A sessions, and feedback opportunities to help participants inform other families at their schools. The FCPS Family Vision Group seeks to recognize and strengthen the positive impact of community engagement on student achievement.
Key responsibilities of the FCPS Family Connection Group Include:
- Regularly attend FCPS Family Vision Group meetings.
- Support the superintendent's outreach efforts to engage families and community members.
- Actively participate in the exchange of information and perspectives.
- Serve as ambassadors to your school community by being an additional bridge to sharing information between families and the superintendent.
- Commit to pursuing the interest of each and every student in Fairfax County Public Schools.
We are still looking for one more family/parent representative to serve on this group to represent the McNair ES community. If you are interested, please reach out to Principal Watson by email at evwatson@fcps.edu or by calling the main office at 703-793-4800.
Thank you so much in advance for your support of this division-wide opportunity for families!
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Register Today With Volunteer FCPS
Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment here at McNair Elementary. All volunteers must:
- Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS.
- Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS.
- Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.
At the Volunteer FCPS site, you can complete a volunteer orientation. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
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PTA Links:
On Facebook, please like & follow to get the latest updates.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567288287981
March PTA Meeting: March 18th at 6:30 PM/McNair Upper ES
Volunteers Needed!
The McNair PTA is looking for volunteers to help make our upcoming school events a success! We would greatly appreciate your support for the following activities:
- 6th Grade Promotion
- Heritage Night May14th
- Movie Night
- And other upcoming PTA events
Volunteers may help with preparing for the event, setup, activities, supervision, cleanup etc. Whether you can help for a short time or throughout an event, every contribution makes a difference and helps create memorable experiences for our students.
We are also looking for volunteers for the Next school year. Please reach out if you are interested in the below positions.
- Competition Leads for next School Year
- PTA Board Member for next School Year
Harris Teeter Together In Education- Fundraiser:
Harris Teeter’s Together In Education program gives schools a chance to earn funds when you link your VIC card and shop Harris Teeter brands. A percentage of your purchase is donated to the school that your VIC card is linked to. There are NO LIMITS to how much a school can earn.
Instruction for Parents:
Option 1: Please use the annual sign up form for the TIE program from Harris Teeter using the following link:
https://tinyurl.com/mcnairharristeeter
Note: You need to re-register every year for this program.
Option 2: You can also sign up in-person at the counter using our school code: 5090
Corporate Donation to the PTA:
Did you know that the McNair Elementary PTA is a 501- 3(c) non profit (EIN 332743954) meaning your deductions are tax deductible!
As the year ends, please consider making a donation to the PTA and checking with your employer to see if they will match your donation.
Family Engagement Survey
FCPS is administering our Family Engagement Survey, which will be open through Monday, March 23. Your feedback is critical in helping us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools.
Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment.
- Communication.
- Student success.
- Advocacy.
- Family and school partnerships.
- Community partnerships.
The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Parents/caregivers will receive a survey link via email from FCPS on March 9. A survey link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will be available at each school. Please stay tuned for more information.
You may take the survey by clicking here: bit.ly/FESURVEY2026
Measles
Fairfax County Health Department Measles Update
Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects 9 out of 10 people who are exposed, if unvaccinated or not immune. It has been in the news lately due to cases in Northern Virginia and among people who have traveled through local airports.
If your spring break or summer plans include traveling abroad or to an area in the United States with high measles activity, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages you to ensure your family is protected. Children 12 months and older should have 1 or 2 doses before traveling. Depending on your specific travel plans, your health care provider may also advise you to vaccinate infants 6 to 11 months old. Read more about these recommendations.
Sleep Awareness Week
The National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Awareness Week is March 8 to 14. The observance highlights the critical link between sleep and health, both physical and mental. Read more about sleep health and sleep strategies you can try at home.
Community Conversations
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on:
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Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School.
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Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School.
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Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
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Monday, April 20, at Westgate Elementary School.
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Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
2026 Special Education Family Conference: Rescheduled
FCPS’ 2026 Special Education Family Conference has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Marshall High School. Updated conference details are now available on the Special Education Family Conference webpage. Please register for the event. If you registered before, please re-register for the new date. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this date change may cause and appreciate your understanding.
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April Statewide Election: No School for Students
There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.
Fairfax County Public Schools will still exceed the required number of instructional hours for students, as set by the Virginia Department of Education.
County Seeking Budget Input
About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. They are currently reviewing the county’s 2027 Fiscal Year Advertised Budget and are considering possible adjustments before the final county budget is adopted in May. Provide the county with feedback on how you would like your tax dollars spent by completing this survey.
Cell Phone Reminder
Phones Off, Learning On
FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students focus, learn, and engage. When students put their phones away, they have more face-to-face interactions with their peers and teachers and more opportunities to develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Please remind your child that:
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Cell phones and personal devices (earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell).
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Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call our front office at 703-793-4800. Visit our cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
Tutoring Resources for Families
Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as tutors. This list is a resource offered by the FRC, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not approved by FCPS and is only meant to be a resource to families.
FCPS also partners with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services, at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.
Summer Learning
Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.
Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
 2026 CTE Summer Enrichment Programs
Tech Adventure Camp: Current Kindergarten - grade 5 students explore Business/Marketing, Family + Consumer Sciences, Health + Medical Sciences, STEAM, and Trades by rotating through daily classes
Visit the Tech Adventure Camp webpage here: bit.ly/FCPS_TAC
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Time - 8:30 am to 2 pm* *Early drop off begins at 7:30 am; after care ends at 5 pm
New to 2026! We’re offering after care!
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Location - Robinson SS
- Transportation from select FCPS schools is provided!
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Cost - $300 per week Back for 2026 programs, we will be offering tuition assistance. More information on our webpages.
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New to 2026! We’re offering a 4th week of our programs!
Different weekly offerings; weekly themes and class offerings can be found on our webpages!
Visit our webpages (linked above) for more information!
For questions, please contact Beth Mehr at bgmehr@fcps.edu
Celebrating Arts in Our Schools
The Council for Art Education (CFAE) administers Youth Art Month. Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs, and promotes art material safety. The program provides a medium for recognizing skills developed through visual arts experiences unlike any other curriculum subjects, including:
- Problem solving
- Creativity
- Observation
- Communication
Please make sure to join us for the Westfield Pyramid Art Show on April 8, 2026 where art by our McNair students will be featured.
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March 30 to April 6: Spring Break / Teacher Workday
🌷Schools and school offices will be closed March 30 to April 3 for spring break.
Monday, April 6, is a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful Spring Break! See the complete school year calendar.
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FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Family Engagement Survey
- Student Honors
- No School on April 21
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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Thank you for your partnership as we gallop together in supporting our Mustangs!
#TogetherWeGrow
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