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DODD Teachers Chatboard Topics

Referral List codes

by Denise

Aug 26, 2016

I recently viewed a referral list and wondered what the 2 numerical codes meant. Do anyone know?

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haha That should be the required certifications for the position. They should match up to numbers on the DoDDS Teaching Categories page:

Aug 27, 2016

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haha http://www.dodea.edu/Offices/HR/employment/categories/ Sorry. Can't get used to hitting enter now submitting your post instead of starting a new paragraph.

Aug 27, 2016

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Kindergarten Qualifications

by koreatchr

Aug 26, 2016

When DODEA took a look at my kindergarten qualification, they said that I lacked 6 credit hours in Early Childhood. How do I make those hours up--can they be community college or undergraduate hours or do they have to be graduate level hours? Can they be through any school?

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haha They will generally specifically list which hours need to be upper level. If it doesn't say so then usually any college credit will work as long as the course title/description matches what they are looking for and the college is accredited.

Aug 26, 2016

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Moving to Japan! Advice greatly appreciated!

by LaMaestra

Aug 25, 2016

I am working as quickly as I can through the mountain of paperwork required to get there. I sent passport papers in, and should have medical and supporting documents in by Monday. How long will it take to get my travel orders?

Is there somewhere I can find a checklist and sequence of stages? I feel like I am moving in the dark.

...See More

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Insight CONGRADULATIONS!!!!

Aug 29, 2016

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wanderer Have you gotten travel orders yet? When did you send in your fingerprint cards? Trying to figure out mine...

Sep 27, 2016

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The waiting game

by rcoach

Aug 25, 2016

I interviewed for a position and I really hope it went well.(I think it did?) But is it normal to start a position after the school year starts? Now I am just waiting to hear back. How long does one usually wait after an interview if they are offered and if not offered, do we hear a nice, "Sorry, but we chose someone else..."?

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rcoach Oh you all are amazing. Thank you for sharing your experiences. It actually makes me feel so much better knowing that other people have waited and waited and then actually got the offer. I absolutely will keep hope. I appreciate you all! :)

Sep 2, 2016

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NCTECHIE Any chance the ET position is in Sasebo? If so, have you had a follow up interview?

Sep 6, 2016

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Germany: Cost of living

by Monte1541

Aug 22, 2016

My wife is a teacher and trying to get on board DoDEA. I'm moving to Germany for my job: US company supporting the military installations.

I'm trying to get some recent information on living costs in the Wiesbaden, K-town, and Ramstein areas. Could you tell me the average cost for: Water/sewer Heat Electricity

For a home/apartment...See More

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Monte1541 What did he teach at Neusradt?

Thank you for the information.

On 8/22/16, H wrote: > > You can definitely find cheaper housing in an apartment, > or a stand alone house with yard for 1500-1800 euro. > > > n 8/22/16, H wrote: >> How soon are you arriving in Germany? Please look into >> the Internationa...See MoreWhat did he teach at Neusradt?

Thank you for the information.

On 8/22/16, H wrote: > > You can definitely find cheaper housing in an apartment, > or a stand alone house with yard for 1500-1800 euro. > > > n 8/22/16, H wrote: >> How soon are you arriving in Germany? Please look into >> the International School Neusradt. My husband just quit >> with very little notice because he was offered a DOD job >> in Japan, so they should be looking very quickly for a >> Secondary Learning Resource Specialist (aka High School >> Teacher). We really liked the school there and was sad to >> leave. One of the teachers there is married to a military >> worker, so they live halfway between Ktown and Neustadt >> in Bad Durkheim. Good luck. >> >> As far as cost of living. We paid 1075 euro for a good >> size 3 bedroom house with garage (no yard). "Cold rent" >> was like 950 euro the extra (as typical) is for insurance >> and taxes. Then we paid an extra 170 euro a month for >> utilities. >> >> >> My wife is currently teaching High school SPED / English >> in the >>> states. She is looking for an International School or >>> DoDEA position anywhere in Germany. >>> >>> On 8/22/16, H wrote: >>>> What does your wife teach? We just moved that area. We >>>> were teaching at the International School Neustadt, >>>> about an hour away. >>>> >>>> 8/22/16, Monte1541 wrote: >>>>> My wife is a teacher and trying to get on board DoDEA. >>>> I'm >>>>> moving to Germany for my job: US company supporting >>>> the >>>>> military installations. >>>>> >>>>> I'm trying to get some recent information on living >>>>> costs >>>> in >>>>> the Wiesbaden, K-town, and Ramstein areas. Could you >>>> tell >>>>> me the average cost for: Water/sewer Heat Electricity >>>>> >>>>> For a home/apartment that is approximately 1000 sq. >>>> feet? I >>>>> understand it will vary on usage and quality of the >>>>> house. >>>>> >>>>> Also, what are some "hidden" charges which I heard >>>> "nickle >>>>> and dime" people? >>>>> >>>>> Also, any feedback on getting hired as a teacher in >>>>> either DoDEA, International Schools, or elsewhere >>>>> would be appreciated. She has a Bachelor of Education, >>>>> Master of Education Administration, Master of >>>>> Counseling, and has >>>> been >>>>> certified in EAS for all sorts of SPED options, high >>>>> school English, middle school social studies, K-6? >>>>> everything. >>>> She >>>>> is finishing up classes to get certified as a school >>>>> counselor. >>>>> >>>>> I appreciate the information in advance.

Aug 22, 2016

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H Special Ed.

n 8/22/16, Monte1541 wrote: > What did he teach at Neusradt? > > Thank you for the information. > > On 8/22/16, H wrote: >> >> You can definitely find cheaper housing in an apartment, >> or a stand alone house with yard for 1500-1800 euro. >> >> >> n 8/22/16, H wrote: >>...See MoreSpecial Ed.

n 8/22/16, Monte1541 wrote: > What did he teach at Neusradt? > > Thank you for the information. > > On 8/22/16, H wrote: >> >> You can definitely find cheaper housing in an apartment, >> or a stand alone house with yard for 1500-1800 euro. >> >> >> n 8/22/16, H wrote: >>> How soon are you arriving in Germany? Please look into >>> the International School Neusradt. My husband just quit >>> with very little notice because he was offered a DOD job >>> in Japan, so they should be looking very quickly for a >>> Secondary Learning Resource Specialist (aka High School >>> Teacher). We really liked the school there and was sad to >>> leave. One of the teachers there is married to a military >>> worker, so they live halfway between Ktown and Neustadt >>> in Bad Durkheim. Good luck. >>> >>> As far as cost of living. We paid 1075 euro for a good >>> size 3 bedroom house with garage (no yard). "Cold rent" >>> was like 950 euro the extra (as typical) is for insurance >>> and taxes. Then we paid an extra 170 euro a month for >>> utilities. >>> >>> >>> My wife is currently teaching High school SPED / English >>> in the >>>> states. She is looking for an International School or >>>> DoDEA position anywhere in Germany. >>>> >>>> On 8/22/16, H wrote: >>>>> What does your wife teach? We just moved that area. We >>>>> were teaching at the International School Neustadt, >>>>> about an hour away. >>>>> >>>>> 8/22/16, Monte1541 wrote: >>>>>> My wife is a teacher and trying to get on board DoDEA. >>>>> I'm >>>>>> moving to Germany for my job: US company supporting >>>>> the >>>>>> military installations. >>>>>> >>>>>> I'm trying to get some recent information on living >>>>>> costs >>>>> in >>>>>> the Wiesbaden, K-town, and Ramstein areas. Could you >>>>> tell >>>>>> me the average cost for: Water/sewer Heat Electricity >>>>>> >>>>>> For a home/apartment that is approximately 1000 sq. >>>>> feet? I >>>>>> understand it will vary on usage and quality of the >>>>>> house. >>>>>> >>>>>> Also, what are some "hidden" charges which I heard >>>>> "nickle >>>>>> and dime" people? >>>>>> >>>>>> Also, any feedback on getting hired as a teacher in >>>>>> either DoDEA, International Schools, or elsewhere >>>>>> would be appreciated. She has a Bachelor of Education, >>>>>> Master of Education Administration, Master of >>>>>> Counseling, and has >>>>> been >>>>>> certified in EAS for all sorts of SPED options, high >>>>>> school English, middle school social studies, K-6? >>>>>> everything. >>>>> She >>>>>> is finishing up classes to get certified as a school >>>>>> counselor. >>>>>> >>>>>> I appreciate the information in advance.

Aug 22, 2016

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Mattresses in Japan

by H

Aug 21, 2016

Random question, I know, but do they sell King-size mattresses, frames and bedding on base in Japan? I'll be in Yokosuka. It's time to replace mine and I wasn't sure if I should try to do it before I leave the US this week or if it can wait until I get in Japan.

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HelpOthers I am not overseas right now, but last year, we did purchase a bed frame from Amazon. It is the kind that does not need a box-spring. Without the box spring the bed is as high as a normal bed because the frame itself is raised and regular plastic storage boxes with lids fit under the bed. The frame arrived in a fairly small box and was easy to put t...See MoreI am not overseas right now, but last year, we did purchase a bed frame from Amazon. It is the kind that does not need a box-spring. Without the box spring the bed is as high as a normal bed because the frame itself is raised and regular plastic storage boxes with lids fit under the bed. The frame arrived in a fairly small box and was easy to put together. I would think a frame like this would be simple enough to have shipped to an APO address by Amazon.com.

On 8/21/16, haha wrote: > We've never tried anything that big but I do know people > order in any number of things (tires, rugs, etc). If you > really want new though you may want to buy it now and have > it brought in with your shipment so that you are sure that > you are getting exactly what you want. > > On 8/21/16, H wrote: >> Thank you. That is a relief. I didn't need anything else >> to worry about now. Does Amazon ship bed frames to >> FPO/app addresses? >> >> >> 8/21/16, haha wrote: >>> You should be fine with being able to get the mattresses >>> that you want at Yokosuka. They also have a good >>> assortment of frames, furniture etc. >>> >>> If you are not happy with your choice of frames there >>> you could also do what we did which was use a US king >>> size mattress but buy a Japanese bed frame and use it >>> (without a box spring). >>> >>> On 8/21/16, wanderer wrote: >>>> You can get king size mattresses and frames through the >>>> base furniture store. If you don't like the bedding >>>> they >>> have >>>> at the BX, you can order it through Amazon and get it >>>> within a couple of weeks to your APO address. Since I >>>> never ordered furniture in Japan (I just bought small >>>> items that were in stock and on sale) someone else will >>>> have to tell you how long it takes and how well the >>>> Yokosuka furniture store is stocked. >>>> >>>> is /21/16, H wrote: >>>>> Random question, I know, but do they sell King-size >>>>> mattresses, frames and bedding on base in Japan? I'll >>>>> be in Yokosuka. It's time to replace mine and I wasn't >>>>> sure >>> if >>>>> I should try to do it before I leave the US this week >>>>> or >>> if it >>>>> can wait until I get in Japan.

Aug 22, 2016

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TravelingTeacher You can order things from the NEX :) if they don't have it be prepared to take a couple of months. Also shipping to your FPO box has to be less than 75lbs. A lot of furniture from Amazon won't ship here. Not sure if you can find it on Amazon Japan- they will ship anything and bring it to your door.

Aug 22, 2016

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TURKEY

by manny

Aug 20, 2016

Any recent hires to turkey?

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What is a "step" on the pay scale?

by Constancia

Aug 19, 2016

On the salary schedule, increases are listed by "steps". Are those single years?

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wanderer It sure did--and thank you for taking the time to educate me! Unfortunately, it also makes me a less desirable hire because I'm more expensive than a normal civilian, especially with a master's plus. Good luck and THANK YOU for all of the advice you provide we strangers on this board.

On 8/22/16, Mary-Lorraine wrote: > Wanderer, I hope ...See MoreIt sure did--and thank you for taking the time to educate me! Unfortunately, it also makes me a less desirable hire because I'm more expensive than a normal civilian, especially with a master's plus. Good luck and THANK YOU for all of the advice you provide we strangers on this board.

On 8/22/16, Mary-Lorraine wrote: > Wanderer, I hope this answered your question. > > On 8/20/16, Mary-Lorraine wrote: >> DoDDS and DDESS are both DoDEA so your question is a bit >> unclear. Therefore, I will answer for both DoDDS and DDESS >> as examples. I am also assuming that your stateside >> experience was not DoDEA or other federal education >> credited experience and that you were working full-time all >> of the years mentioned: >> >> You would be on step 14 in DoDDS (step 11 for starting with >> 10+ years experience, 5 years DoDEA experience would have >> placed you on steps 11, 12, 13, 14, and 14 while employed, >> so you would start on your third time at step 14 because >> you have to stay on step 14 for 4 years before moving to >> step 15). >> >> You would be on step 10 for DDESS (step 5 for starting with >> more than 5 years experience plus 5 years DoDEA >> experience). >> >> On 8/20/16, wanderer wrote: >>> If you have 5 years DoDEA (Japan) experience and 10+ >> years >>> stateside experience, do you come back into DoDEA with 10 >>> or with 15? >>> >>> On 8/20/16, Mary-Lorraine wrote: >>>> I don't mean to confuse things with the DoDEA America, >>>> Paceific, and Europe, but with the changes in district >>>> namings, they appear to be going to these names rather >>>> than DDESS >>> and >>>> DoDDS. >>>> >>>> Keep in mind that the DoDEA schools in the United States >>>> and >>> in >>>> the US Territories (Puerto Rico and Guam) are considered >>> DDESS >>>> and have DDESS pay schedules- but they have their own, >> so >>> look >>>> for them in the left column of the page. >>>> >>>> DoDEA schools not located in the US or US Territories >> are >>>> considered DoDDS and have DoDDS salary schedules >>> (including >>>> Cuba). Again, check the left column for specific pay >>>> schedules. >>>> >>>> On 8/20/16, Mary-Lorraine wrote: >>>>> The most recent DoDDS salary schedule posted is 2015- >>> 2016, >>>>> because the update for 2016-2017 cannot be determined >>> yet, so >>>>> pay will be based on the 2015-2016 schedule listed >> until >>>>> late spring when changes will be made if needed. >>>>> >>>>> "The pay for DoDDS educators and administrators in the >>>>> Teaching Position (TP) pay plan is based on the pay for >>>>> similar positions in urban school districts in the >>>>> United States of 100,000 or more population. An >>>>> educator's pay is based upon the educational level of >>>>> the employee and the number of years of creditable >>>>> experience." >>>>> >>>>> The DoDDS pay schdule (DoDEA Pacific and Europe) states >>> the >>>>> following at the bottom of the page: "Steps 15, 16, 17, >>>>> and 18 are longevity steps payable upon completion of >>>>> four years service in steps 14, 15, 16, and 17, >>>>> respectively." Therefore, the schedule starts with Step >>>>> 1 (first year of employment and ends with Step 18 (30th >>>>> year of >>> employment). >>>>> If you have more than 30+ years of creditable >>>>> experience, >>> you >>>>> continue on Step 18. >>>>> >>>>> "The pay for DDESS employees who are in the >>> Administratively >>>>> Determined (AD) pay plan is set in accordance with the >>>>> applicable Bargaining Unit Agreement and may vary by >>>>> location. However, administrators and certain support >>>>> positions are not covered by a Bargaining Unit >>>>> Agreement." >>>>> >>>>> The DDESS salary schedule has been authorized based on >>>>> bargaining effective July 25, 2016, for DDESS (DoDA >>> America) >>>>> for the 2016-2017, so no adjustments will be made in >> the >>>>> spring to the schedule. "This salary schedule reflects >> a >>>>> general increase of 3&37;. Spread pay rates in the >> attached >>>>> schedules are based on full-time school year salaries >>>>> earned over 190 days at 8 hours per day and spread over >>>>> 2,088 >>> hours >>>>> (261 days)." >>>>> >>>>> Each step is based on years of experience, with the >>>>> first one being with Step 0 (No experience and first >>>>> year of employment) and hitting a ceiling at Step 29 >> (29 >>>>> years of experience and 30th year of employment). The >>>>> steps >>> increase >>>>> one step per year until Step 29. If you have 30+ years >>>>> of creditable experience, you continue on step 29. >>>>> >>>>> There is a limit to the number of years of non federal >>>>> teaching experience that can be used to determine >>>>> initial step. Step 5 for DDESS (DoDEA America) >>>>> indicating 5 years >>> of >>>>> experience and Step 11 for DoDDS (DoDEA Pacific and >>> Europe) >>>>> indicating 10 years of experience are the highest >>>>> starting steps for DoDEA. Both DDESS and DoDDS are >>>>> considered >>> DoDEA >>>>> and the years of experience will be counted above this >>>>> starting limit if moving from DDESS to DoDDS or >>>>> vise/versa. >>>>> >>>>> However, keep in mind if you started with DoDDS with >> 10+ >>>>> years experience and move to DDESS, your DDESS pay will >>> be >>>>> based on a starting step of 5 plus the years of DoDDS >>>>> experience. >>>>> >>>>> The positive side to that is if you are going from >> DDESS >>>>> to DoDDS and started DDESS on step 5 with 10 or more >>>>> years >>> of >>>>> experience, your DoDDS pay will be based on a starting >>>>> step of 11 plus the DDESS years of experience. >>>>> >>>>> This link explains how DoDDS (DoDEA Pacific and DoDEA >>> Europe) >>>>> differ from DDESS (DoDEA America). It also has the >> links >>>>> to the different salary schedules in the left side bar >>>>> of the page. >>>>> http://www.dodea.edu/Offices/HR/salary/index.cfm >>>>> >>>>> On 8/19/16, haha wrote: >>>>>> Yes, until you get to the steps that require multiple >>>>>> (4) years to progress. I think that starts around step >>>>>> 15. >>>>>> >>>>>> 8/19/16, Constancia wrote: >>>>>>> On the salary schedule, increases are listed by >>>>>>> "steps". >>>>>> Are >>>>>>> those single years?

Aug 22, 2016

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HelpOthers Wanderer, Unlike other school systems, the amount they
would need to pay you does not seem to be part of the
equation when it comes to filling a vacancy. Good luck.

On 8/22/16, wanderer wrote:
> It sure did--and thank you for taking the time to educate
> me! Unfortunately, it also makes me a less desirable hire
> ...See More

Aug 22, 2016

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Timing is everything

by rcoach

Aug 19, 2016

So. I just had the opportunity to interview for a DODEA position. Interview went really well, but obviously there is a waiting game ahead of me. Here is the funny dilemma. Just recently (because I couldn't sit and wait for DODDS), I took a position in another state. Literally we moved here 12 days ago!! I will be happy either way, if I get offered ...See More

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haha How far away did you move?

Generally they will use the address in your EAS as your HoR. You can possibly get them to use your former address if you get it changed right away (provided doing so does not cost the gov't more money). If you are offered a position then you should bring it with the HR person handling your processing.

O...See More

Aug 19, 2016

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HelpOthers Home of Residence is determined based on location upon employment and is difficult to impossible to have changed. The best way to avoid any conflict is to continue using your old address on all documents and have household goods moved from your previous location. This can be an expensive decision.

The home of residence will be used to dete...See MoreHome of Residence is determined based on location upon employment and is difficult to impossible to have changed. The best way to avoid any conflict is to continue using your old address on all documents and have household goods moved from your previous location. This can be an expensive decision.

The home of residence will be used to determine allocations for renewal agreement travel (trip home every 1 or 2 years depending on location when renewing contract for that location). If it is less expensive to travel to where you used to live, they will pay for it, but if it will cost more, you would pay the difference.

State taxes (and in-state tuition rules) will be based on the Home of Residence State.

When you leave DoDDS, allocations for your household goods to be shipped back to your Home of Residence will be made. If the place you would prefer your goods be delivered costs more, you pay the difference and if it costs less, they will only cover the cost of the actual move.

I suggest reviewing the tax and in-state tuition and other regulations of each state before determining whether it is worth the expense of moving yourself back to the state of your previous residence.

On 8/19/16, haha wrote: > How far away did you move? > > Generally they will use the address in your EAS as your > HoR. You can possibly get them to use your former address > if you get it changed right away (provided doing so does > not cost the gov't more money). If you are offered a > position then you should bring it with the HR person > handling your processing. > > One thing to consider is that using the former address as > your HoR would generally mean that your household goods > shipment, travel tickets etc would have to originate from > that location. There may be a way to get the HoR that you > want AND be able to originate your shipment and travel from > where you are now but i would try and get clarification > about the possibilities ASAP if you are offered a position. > > In our case we were teaching overseas at an int'l school > and requested that HR use our permanent US address for our > HoR. That meant that we shipped our belongings (no > furniture) from our overseas location to the new post on > our dime (with some help from our old school), went on > vacation to the US and then traveled from the states to our > new post on our official orders (we also had a small > shipment sent from our HoR to our new location). So, > variations are definitely possible. > > On 8/19/16, rcoach wrote: >> So. I just had the opportunity to interview for a DODEA >> position. Interview went really well, but obviously there > is a >> waiting game ahead of me. Here is the funny dilemma. Just >> recently (because I couldn't sit and wait for DODDS), I > took >> a position in another state. Literally we moved here 12 > days >> ago!! I will be happy either way, if I get offered the > DODDS >> position or we simply stay where we just recently moved. >> However, if it happens and I do get an offer...I would > like to >> have our old location as our HOR. Has anyone had this >> same position and can offer any advice? I know its down > to >> the wire being that DODDS schools start soon. >> Any advice or suggestions or simply opinions are welcome. >> :)

Aug 20, 2016

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Temporary Quarters Subsistence Expense

by DinoRawr

Aug 16, 2016

I just received my orders for Germany. The box for Temporary Quarters Subsistence Expense is marked "NO". Is this correct? Is this the same thing as TSQA? What is the difference between TSQA and the per diem listed?

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haha It is correct. I remember asking the same thing when we got our orders. I forget exactly how they are different but having a No for TQSE does not mean that you will not be eligible for TQSA.

On 8/16/16, DinoRawr wrote: > I just received my orders for Germany. The box for > Temporary Quarters Subsistence Expense is marked > "N...See More

Aug 16, 2016

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wanderer Congrats! Where are you bound?

On 8/16/16, DinoRawr wrote: > I just received my orders for Germany. The box for > Temporary Quarters Subsistence Expense is marked > "NO". Is this correct? Is this the same thing as TSQA? > What is the difference between TSQA and the per diem > listed?

Aug 16, 2016

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