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OffWithHerHead23
Keep passing the open windows
Member since 10/06 3627 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
I have no clue what board this belongs on, so feel free to move it if necessary.
DS is 13, in 8th grade. He takes German as his language. They got a new teacher this year and she is HORRIBLE. They have learned almost nothing the entire year. She screams at them. She makes them stand next to their desks for the entire class. It's totally crazy, and there have been many, many complaints about her. In January, they got a student teacher. Ds loves the student teacher, and they are finally learning things and preparing for the test at the end of the year. The regular teacher is still there but letting the student teacher do most of the teaching.
In class today, there was an assistant principal who told the kids that the teacher "is no longer working here" and the student teacher is going to be their teacher now. But since a "real" teacher has to be in the room, there's going to be a Spanish teacher sitting in the class, but not teaching. The student teacher will be doing all the teaching, through the end of the year.
This is kind of effed up, right? Or am I overreacting? The first teacher was beyond terrible, and I'm glad she's gone, but I'm also not OK with the district probably getting free labor out of this student teacher... Also the fact that he is just a college student. If he messes up, how will the Spanish teacher know? Not for nothing, but my kid does need to pass his foreign language assessment at the end of the year, and I would like him to do well!
I'm emailing the department chair, but just wanted some good ol' LIF feedback on what seems to be a really screwed up situation.
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Posted 2/7/14 5:03 PM  |
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peanutbutter2
Carpe diem!
Member since 11/10 5287 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
My major question-or one of them, at least-would be about what happens at the end of the year. Colleges end well before high school/middle schools do. Do they have someone else who is going to be coming in?
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| Posted 2/7/14 5:06 PM |
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OffWithHerHead23
Keep passing the open windows
Member since 10/06 3627 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Re: Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
Posted by peanutbutter2
My major question-or one of them, at least-would be about what happens at the end of the year. Colleges end well before high school/middle schools do. Do they have someone else who is going to be coming in?
That's my question too... my guess is that they will hire him as soon as his student teaching hours are over. But that's one of the things I'm going to be asking.
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| Posted 2/7/14 5:08 PM |
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MichLiz213
Life is Good!
Member since 7/07 7979 total posts
Name:
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Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
How long has the student teacher been there? From what it sounds like, they gave the student teacher the job but they haven't received their certification from the state yet. So if they just graduated in December the state may be back logged and they may be waiting for it to come in. Which would necessitate a licensed teacher being in the room with them.
Although I wouldn't put the free labor thing past them....
Message edited 2/7/2014 5:10:17 PM.
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| Posted 2/7/14 5:09 PM |
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OffWithHerHead23
Keep passing the open windows
Member since 10/06 3627 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Re: Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
Posted by MichLiz213
How long has the student teacher been there? From what it sounds like, they gave the student teacher the job but they haven't received their certification from the state yet. So if they just graduated in December the state may be back logged and they may be waiting for it to come in. Which would necessitate a licensed teacher being in the room with them.
Although I wouldn't put the free labor thing past them....
I 100% don't think he graduated yet. DS said that he has an observer from his college coming in later this week.
ETA- the student teacher has been there since mid- January. Not long.
Message edited 2/7/2014 5:14:30 PM.
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| Posted 2/7/14 5:13 PM |
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MrsM84
LIF Adult
Member since 2/13 2352 total posts
Name:
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Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
I am a teacher and it does sound *a little* fishy to me. I completely understand the need to have a licensed teacher in the room while the student-teacher is there, or at least to have this student-teacher be mentored by a fully, licensed teacher. There were plenty of times when I was a student-teacher that my cooperating teacher was not in the room when I was instructing. As for the pay situation, they absolutely cannot financially compensate a student-teacher. Student teaching is unpaid experience (and as a matter of fact, teachers who sign up to take on a student teacher usually get a small stipend from the district for taking time our of their schedule to help the teacher acclimate, plan lessons, develop assessments, etc.) I wonder if after the student-teaching is over, the district will keep them on and give them daily sub-pay. They might be able to milk that until the end of the year. Even if a substitute in the building were to take on a teaching position (i.e. a maternity leave), they get paid as a sub until they teach a certain # of consecutive days in the district, at which point in time they'll get bumped up and paid according to the teacher contract.
Do you plan on investigating this situation? Calling the district? Please update us! I'm curious!
Message edited 2/7/2014 5:21:37 PM.
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| Posted 2/7/14 5:18 PM |
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Sweetlax22
LIF Adult
Member since 5/10 1904 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
I surprised the teacher's union at the school is letting this happen, I also don't see how the college is letting this happen. The only thing I can think of is maybe they are having a hard time finding a certified teach to teach German ?
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| Posted 2/7/14 5:30 PM |
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MichLiz213
Life is Good!
Member since 7/07 7979 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
Posted by OffWithHerHead23
Posted by MichLiz213
How long has the student teacher been there? From what it sounds like, they gave the student teacher the job but they haven't received their certification from the state yet. So if they just graduated in December the state may be back logged and they may be waiting for it to come in. Which would necessitate a licensed teacher being in the room with them.
Although I wouldn't put the free labor thing past them....
I 100% don't think he graduated yet. DS said that he has an observer from his college coming in later this week.
ETA- the student teacher has been there since mid- January. Not long.
Then I'd definitely call.
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| Posted 2/7/14 5:39 PM |
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MrsM84
LIF Adult
Member since 2/13 2352 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
Posted by Sweetlax22
I surprised the teacher's union at the school is letting this happen, I also don't see how the college is letting this happen. The only thing I can think of is maybe they are having a hard time finding a certified teach to teach German ?
Well the only reason it really would involve the teacher's union is if there was a teacher in the district certified to teach German/a teacher in the district who was excessed and on the PEL list for callback and the job wasn't offered to them first. Another possibility would be if the other teachers who are sitting in the classroom to supervise are being forced to do so against their will, however, most teacher's at the secondary level have a duty period where the district can tell you what to do. For example, in my district, your duty period is sitting in your subject's study center, proctoring kids who are making up tests and answer the phone/taking messages when parents call. As long as they aren't increasing my teaching responsibilities (which sitting in a classroom supervising another teacher isn't), they can put me anywhere they want. Since the student teacher isn't in the union, the organization wouldn't be able to represent him/her.
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| Posted 2/7/14 5:41 PM |
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kgs11
LIF Adult
Member since 2/07 1424 total posts
Name:
Kim
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Re: Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
When I student taught, a lot of us were asked back to sub per diem before we officially graduated. This was in a top rated school district in nassau. Maybe they're paying him to sub? I don't think you need to be a certified teacher to do that by Ny state law although it is obvious preferred.
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| Posted 2/7/14 5:43 PM |
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OffWithHerHead23
Keep passing the open windows
Member since 10/06 3627 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Re: Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
Posted by MrsM84
I am a teacher and it does sound *a little* fishy to me. I completely understand the need to have a licensed teacher in the room while the student-teacher is there, or at least to have this student-teacher be mentored by a fully, licensed teacher. There were plenty of times when I was a student-teacher that my cooperating teacher was not in the room when I was instructing. As for the pay situation, they absolutely cannot financially compensate a student-teacher. Student teaching is unpaid experience (and as a matter of fact, teachers who sign up to take on a student teacher usually get a small stipend from the district for taking time our of their schedule to help the teacher acclimate, plan lessons, develop assessments, etc.) I wonder if after the student-teaching is over, the district will keep them on and give them daily sub-pay. They might be able to milk that until the end of the year. Even if a substitute in the building were to take on a teaching position (i.e. a maternity leave), they get paid as a sub until they teach a certain # of consecutive days in the district, at which point in time they'll get bumped up and paid according to the teacher contract.
Do you plan on investigating this situation? Calling the district? Please update us! I'm curious!
Yes, I'm writing an email to the department chair basically inquiring as to what the eff is going on.
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| Posted 2/7/14 5:44 PM |
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RMA9728
LIF Adolescent
Member since 1/08 863 total posts
Name:
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Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
Most student teachers toward the middle to end of their student teaching will take over full time in classes and being responsible for routines. That being said, they probably did the right thing by removing the other teacher (she may not necessarily be fired, it's harder then you think, maybe just moved to another class's or school) and is now looking for a replacement. I think the school is taking the proper protocol, but they need time to search, interview and hire an appropriate placement. Just because a "Spanish" teacher is in the class with her, doesn't mean this teacher only teaches Soanish. I know many language teachers teach multiple languages, but may prefer to teach one over the other (teachers fill out a preference sheet at the end of the year to list their preferences. Although I don't think their is a reason yet to get upset, I do think as a parent you absolutely have the right to call and find out what will be happening about a replacement teacher. Did the school send hone an official letter, if they did not, that would be my first complaint. Schools should alert parents officially when there are any major changes to their child's classroom. Good luck!
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| Posted 2/7/14 5:45 PM |
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RMA9728
LIF Adolescent
Member since 1/08 863 total posts
Name:
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Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
Double post
Message edited 2/7/2014 5:46:25 PM.
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| Posted 2/7/14 5:45 PM |
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ttcc
LIF Toddler
Member since 7/09 453 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
Although it is a bit weird I don't think that it is such a bad thing.
1. A first year teacher is not so different from a student teacher. IMO You learn more from actually teaching than in any of your classes (undergrad or grad).
2. If the kids are learning and like this teacher, why bring someone else. Especially since they will be scrambling to find a replacement and may end up with someone as bad or worse than the original teacher.
3. I'm going to guess the pool of certified German teachers is small, so who knows if they will find one quickly. Or maybe this is the plan while they are looking.
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| Posted 2/7/14 5:51 PM |
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OffWithHerHead23
Keep passing the open windows
Member since 10/06 3627 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Re: Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
Posted by Sweetlax22
I surprised the teacher's union at the school is letting this happen, I also don't see how the college is letting this happen. The only thing I can think of is maybe they are having a hard time finding a certified teach to teach German ?
Yes, they are having a hard time finding someone.
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| Posted 2/7/14 5:53 PM |
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Xelindrya
Mommy's little YouTube Star!
Member since 8/05 14470 total posts
Name:
Veronica
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Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
As long as my child is learning I am not sure I'd be that upset. The alternative of that horrid teacher makes this sound ideal. I would think that the student teacher is getting good experience and is probably more energetic about the topic. Now if the comes home saying class was a bore or off the book or similar Id have an issue, just like I would with any other teacher.
Maybe I'm missing something.
I taught French 1 while I was in French 2 with my teacher sitting in the room grading. It wasn't always, true, but it was specific, on course and days or weeks on end from time to time. I was her top student. I spoke and read French fluently (not anymore LOL) so it made sense. Plus I got to finish out my 2yr language requirement (all students had to have two years of a language to graduate) without messing up my class schedule. I had only one open slot and there was no French 2 class - only one teacher. So she let me take French 2 while she taught French 1 and then about mid year I took over.
I think I'd be ok with this arrangement as long as my child was learning. But that's just me.
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| Posted 2/7/14 5:54 PM |
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Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
It's possible this student teacher was assigned to be with the teacher who was fired. He needs to student teach to get certified so he's not free labor at this point.
I wouldn't be concerned. This person must be an improvement over the mean teacher. The student teaching supervisor will also have to come in multiple times, mine did when I student taught, so if he's doing badly the supervisor will intervene.
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| Posted 2/7/14 6:00 PM |
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DiamondGirl
You are my I love you
Member since 7/09 18802 total posts
Name:
DiamondMama
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Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
Is this a private school? If so I think they do whatever the heck they want lol
If it is a public school I am not sure they can legally do this--I mean maybe they can she they technically have a foreign language teacher in the room but it seems very odd.
Call the superintendent if you are concerned and see what they. It seems very odd though I will say if the student teacher is doing a good job I am sure your child will learn just fine.
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| Posted 2/7/14 6:16 PM |
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evrythng4areason
And then there were 4
Member since 1/10 5224 total posts
Name:
Kayla
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Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
If the student teacher has only been there since January they're probably not done with their student teaching anyways..and would have to finish, regardless of the other teacher being fired. I believe they could have any certified teacher in the room with a student teacher. When I did mine, my cooperating teacher did nothing other than observe me-I did all of the planning/teaching/grading.
As for staying on until the end of the year, it's actually not that uncommon.
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| Posted 2/7/14 6:41 PM |
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mattsgirl1013
LIF Adolescent
Member since 11/13 683 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
Posted by DiamondGirl
Is this a private school? If so I think they do whatever the heck they want lol
If it is a public school I am not sure they can legally do this--I mean maybe they can she they technically have a foreign language teacher in the room but it seems very odd.
Call the superintendent if you are concerned and see what they. It seems very odd though I will say if the student teacher is doing a good job I am sure your child will learn just fine.
To be honest, I saw this situation in the public district I used to work in on a few occasions. At least this school has a certified teacher in the classroom. Hopefully like a PP said, this teacher also speaks German but has a preference for Spanish.
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| Posted 2/7/14 7:16 PM |
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Jacksmommy
My love muffin!
Member since 1/07 5819 total posts
Name:
Liz
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Re: Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
Posted by mattsgirl1013
Posted by DiamondGirl
Is this a private school? If so I think they do whatever the heck they want lol
If it is a public school I am not sure they can legally do this--I mean maybe they can she they technically have a foreign language teacher in the room but it seems very odd.
Call the superintendent if you are concerned and see what they. It seems very odd though I will say if the student teacher is doing a good job I am sure your child will learn just fine.
To be honest, I saw this situation in the public district I used to work in on a few occasions. At least this school has a certified teacher in the classroom. Hopefully like a PP said, this teacher also speaks German but has a preference for Spanish.
Teachers can legally teach out of their subject area for a specific period of time if a school is having trouble finding a replacement (public at least). I know many people who teach in the city that teach outside their subject area.
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| Posted 2/7/14 7:51 PM |
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DiamondGirl
You are my I love you
Member since 7/09 18802 total posts
Name:
DiamondMama
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Re: Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
Posted by Jacksmommy
Posted by mattsgirl1013
Posted by DiamondGirl
Is this a private school? If so I think they do whatever the heck they want lol
If it is a public school I am not sure they can legally do this--I mean maybe they can she they technically have a foreign language teacher in the room but it seems very odd.
Call the superintendent if you are concerned and see what they. It seems very odd though I will say if the student teacher is doing a good job I am sure your child will learn just fine.
To be honest, I saw this situation in the public district I used to work in on a few occasions. At least this school has a certified teacher in the classroom. Hopefully like a PP said, this teacher also speaks German but has a preference for Spanish.
Teachers can legally teach out of their subject area for a specific period of time if a school is having trouble finding a replacement (public at least). I know many people who teach in the city that teach outside their subject area.
Yes but the other teacher is not teaching, although I suppose that since she is supervising they are technically allowed to do this....
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| Posted 2/7/14 9:06 PM |
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BigB
C & J are 10!
Member since 6/05 5914 total posts
Name:
Stacey
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Re: Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
A student teacher cannot sub and do their student teaching at the same time. However, I have seen a similar situation at my school and we did just that. There was a licensed teacher in the room but the ST did the work.
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| Posted 2/7/14 10:15 PM |
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mattsgirl1013
LIF Adolescent
Member since 11/13 683 total posts
Name:
Jessica
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Re: Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
Posted by Jacksmommy
Posted by mattsgirl1013
Posted by DiamondGirl
Is this a private school? If so I think they do whatever the heck they want lol
If it is a public school I am not sure they can legally do this--I mean maybe they can she they technically have a foreign language teacher in the room but it seems very odd.
Call the superintendent if you are concerned and see what they. It seems very odd though I will say if the student teacher is doing a good job I am sure your child will learn just fine.
To be honest, I saw this situation in the public district I used to work in on a few occasions. At least this school has a certified teacher in the classroom. Hopefully like a PP said, this teacher also speaks German but has a preference for Spanish.
Teachers can legally teach out of their subject area for a specific period of time if a school is having trouble finding a replacement (public at least). I know many people who teach in the city that teach outside their subject area.
What I meant was I saw them hire student teachers to teach a class (no certified teacher in the classroom) while they were student teaching.
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| Posted 2/8/14 8:19 AM |
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Sweetlax22
LIF Adult
Member since 5/10 1904 total posts
Name:
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Re: Teachers, is this messed up or is it just me???
Posted by OffWithHerHead23
Posted by Sweetlax22
I surprised the teacher's union at the school is letting this happen, I also don't see how the college is letting this happen. The only thing I can think of is maybe they are having a hard time finding a certified teach to teach German ?
Yes, they are having a hard time finding someone.
So then it sounds like they just put another foreign language teacher who had room in their schedule in the class officially since they could not find another German teacher . It just works out that there happens to be a German student teacher. As long as this student teacher does half-way decent sounds like the job is hers as soon she graduates. Like others have said, maybe the supervising teacher does have some knowledge of German even though her main focus is Spanish.
The alternative may just be a merry-go-round of substitute teachers since they can't find anyone else.
Message edited 2/8/2014 9:30:02 AM.
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| Posted 2/8/14 8:28 AM |
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