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Welcome to Get Your Tech On!  We are excited to offer a lineup of experts to learn from and be inspired by!  

We are so excited to welcome Alice Keeler as our keynote speaker. In addition, we are featuring four of our Digital Tool Vendors and over 17 amazing Jeffco Rock-star Educators, all providing amazing content that will equip and inspire all educators to elevate student engagement and success!

Welcome and Keynote Slide Deck
Type: Jeffco Rockstar clear filter
Saturday, February 22
 

8:00am MST

Welcome Message
Saturday February 22, 2025 8:00am - 8:25am MST
Presenters
avatar for Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza

Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza

Deputy Superintendent, Instructional School Leadership, Jeffco Public Schools
Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza, Ed.D., has served as Deputy Superintendent since February 2022. Dr. Kym brings more than 30 years of experience in K-12 education. Most recently, she served as the superintendent of the Archuleta School District in southwestern Colorado. In addition to her... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 8:00am - 8:25am MST
Auditorium

9:40am MST

AI Unconference
Saturday February 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MST
Believe the best PD comes from colleagues?  Then join this AI Unconference session!  In an UN-conference, you shape the agenda! What's obvious to you is magic to others. Come ready to contribute, collaborate, and create together! Share something neat you've tried (or want to try) with AI in a 5-minute demo, learn from others, and let's inspire and be inspired by each other, for each other! 
Presenters
avatar for Andrew Gitner

Andrew Gitner

Jeffco Ed Tech Specialist, Jeffco Public Schools
Andrew has taught English in Jefferson County Colorado since 2014. After teaching at a charter school for 3 years, Andrew Gitner was extremely insecure when he first got the job at Golden. He was convinced he would be fired at any minute for any reason because, you know, charter drama... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MST
Room W107

9:40am MST

Ain't Nobody Got Time For That
Saturday February 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MST
Ain't Nobody Got Time for That! This session will give teachers various tips & tricks to save them time in the day. Topics discussed will include hot keys, various Google Suite apps (Classroom, Sheets, Docs, Slides), & troubleshooting tech.

Ain't Nobody Got Time For That!
Sample Spreadsheets

This session is also offered from 12:50-1:50
Presenters
avatar for Tiffany LoSasso

Tiffany LoSasso

DTL, Mandalay Middle School
avatar for Cameron Gelak

Cameron Gelak

Instrumental Music Teacher, Mandalay Middle School

Saturday February 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MST
Room W108

9:40am MST

Embracing AI: Practical Tips for Student Engagement and Teacher Efficiency
Saturday February 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MST
Looking to save time, support diverse learners, and bring new life to your lessons? This session will introduce teachers to practical ways to leverage AI for classroom efficiency, student differentiation, and lesson enhancement. Whether you’re new to AI or already exploring its potential, you’ll gain easy-to-implement strategies to simplify planning, personalize instruction, and enrich student engagement. Join us to see how AI can become an invaluable tool in your teaching toolkit!

Session Repeats at 12:50 (Rm 108)
Presenters
avatar for Tanisha Lee

Tanisha Lee

7th Grade ELA, Drake Middle School
Tanisha Lee is a dedicated educator in her eighth year of teaching, now guiding 7th-grade ELA students at Drake Middle School. Originally from Lakewood, Colorado, Tanisha is a proud product of Jeffco, having attended Bear Creek High School. She holds two Master’s degrees—one in... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MST
Room W207

9:40am MST

Figma! Create, Discuss, Collaborate
Saturday February 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MST
🚀 Boost Student Engagement with Figma & FigJam! 🎨📝

Want to spark creativity and collaboration in your classroom? Need to a way to get more students involved in classroom discussions? FigJam’s infinite open space makes brainstorming and discussions fun, interactive, and accessible for all students—including the quiet ones! In this hands-on workshop, you'll see real classroom examples of how Figma and FigJam can supercharge the creative process, and you'll also get to experiment with FigJam yourself! Endlessly customizable and easy to use, experience firsthand how these tools can transform student engagement, and walk away with practical strategies you can use right away!

Let's explore, collaborate, and level up your classroom tech game! 🔥💡
Presenters
avatar for Katie Struk

Katie Struk

Visual Arts Teacher, Bear Creek High School
I'm a visual arts teacher at Bear Creek High School. Originally from Tenessee, I moved to Colorado in 2020. I teach graphic design, ceramics, and 2D arts. I've been an educator for 14 years. Outside of education I also run a small business selling my illustration work at art markets... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MST
Room W103
  Jeffco Rockstar

9:40am MST

Jeffco AI
Saturday February 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MST
This training will provide teachers with the foundational AI competencies and knowledge to effectively and ethically integrate AI tools into their classrooms. The session focuses on the use of AI in Jeffco schools, covering topics such as:
  • AI and Jeffco’s Strategic Plan    
  • Jeffco’s Beliefs about AI    
  • AI and Jeffco’s Academic Honesty Policy    
  • Responsible AI Use











Presenters
avatar for Nolan Lees

Nolan Lees

Ed Tech Coach, Student Technology Services
Saturday February 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MST
Room W111

9:40am MST

Seesaw: Engaging PK-2 Students with Meaningful and Relevant Tasks
Saturday February 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MST
Hi everyone! As 2nd grade teachers, we feel that Seesaw is an incredible platform filled with educational goodies just waiting to be opened by all the amazing young learners and educators out there. It's an adventure that helps connect students, teachers, and families in a fun and motivating way. So get ready to dive into all the awesome tools this platform has to offer and let the learning fun begin! 🌟📚✨
Presenters
avatar for Nicole Atkins

Nicole Atkins

2nd Grade Teacher, Three Creeks K-8
avatar for Liz Ackerman

Liz Ackerman

2nd Grade Teacher, Three Creeks K-8
Saturday February 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MST
Room W208

9:40am MST

Unleash Your Creativity: Getting Started with Adobe Express
Saturday February 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MST
In this session, you’ll learn how to help your students get more out of their learning by designing, creating and presenting powerful visual stories with clarity and ease. You'll explore the world of Generative AI and visual storytelling techniques helps your students develop enhanced digital literacy and communication skills applicable to any industry. Join us for an experience where you’ll leave ready to ignite the imaginations of your students through the combined power of storytelling and technology.
Presenters
avatar for Lisa Maas

Lisa Maas

Ed Tech Coach, Student Technology Services
As a certified Education Technology and Mindfulness coach with over 30 years of experience,  Lisa mentors learners and leaders of all ages empowering them to both embrace creativity and creatively learn!  As a facilitator, coach, speaker, eternal optimist and educator of possibility... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MST
Room W205

10:50am MST

Engage with Indi: Using Robots to Inspire a Love of Learning K-5
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:50am - 11:05am MST
This session is about having fun in your classroom and introduces the functions and benefits of Sphero Indi, a coding robot that operates without a screen. We'll discuss how this bot supports engagement, design thinking, durable skills, and generates STEM-positive identities for K-5 learners. Using Indi to integrate computer science into your core ELA and Math lessons will also be addressed.
Presenters
avatar for Nick Sontag

Nick Sontag

K-5 STEM/CS Coordinator, Curriculum and Instruction
Before earning a Masters Degree in Elementary & Special Education from CU and 16 years as an elementary educator in Jeffco, I studied UX/Interaction Design at the Umea Institute of Design in Umea, Sweden. I'm interested in how to engage and motivate modern students through tangible... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:50am - 11:05am MST
Room W208

10:50am MST

Access, Scaffold and Extend with Ease!
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MST
ALL students greatly benefit from having access to tools that support personalizing their learning experiences. This session will adeptly explore how to effectively develop independent learners, build unwavering student confidence, and wholeheartedly support the advancement of study skills.  We will delve deeply into how Read&Write substantially enhances student engagement by providing personalized literacy tools. It's bold, easily accessible, and designed to empower ALL students.
Presenters
avatar for Liz Gaston

Liz Gaston

TOSA, Ed Tech/Student Technology Services
avatar for Kelsey Thomsen

Kelsey Thomsen

Spec Educ Instructional Coordinator, Special Education Services
My name is Kelsey Thomsen and I am thrilled to be the Special Education Instructional Coordinator here in Jeffco Public Schools. I have over 11 years experience as a Learning Specialist at the elementary level. In August 2012, I started my teaching career in Bailey Colorado. After... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MST
Room W207

10:50am MST

AI with Andrew
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MST
Feeling overwhelmed by the ever growing demands of teaching? Join Andrew, Jeffco's AI-person, wants to help you make teaching a sustainable profession. Learn how AI can do more than just help in the classroom. It can help lessen the emotional weights that educators shoulder. This session will be guided by the interests of the people in the room, and will probably include a bunch of impromptu, live demo's. You'll leave this session a little more hopeful that your best years of teaching can be ahead of you. 
Presenters
avatar for Andrew Gitner

Andrew Gitner

Jeffco Ed Tech Specialist, Jeffco Public Schools
Andrew has taught English in Jefferson County Colorado since 2014. After teaching at a charter school for 3 years, Andrew Gitner was extremely insecure when he first got the job at Golden. He was convinced he would be fired at any minute for any reason because, you know, charter drama... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MST
Room W107
  Jeffco Rockstar

10:50am MST

FigJam Playbook: Engage Students Like Never Before!
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MST
Unlock the potential of student engagement in your classroom with our exciting workshop, "FigJam Playbook: Engage Students Like Never Before!" Dive into the world of FigJam and discover innovative ways to captivate your students through collaborative learning.  Experience firsthand how FigJam works and how it can transform student interactions, making learning interactive, fun, and impactful. You'll engage in hands-on activities and share best practices with fellow educators, all while exploring the countless possibilities FigJam offers to spark creativity and collaboration in your classroom content. You will also be given the link to access educator templates for your class activities. 
Presenters
avatar for Angela Beeson

Angela Beeson

World Language Chinese Teacher, Lakewood High School
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MST
Room W108

10:50am MST

Formative! Work smarter, not harder!
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MST
Learn how I have embraced the program Formative.  The program has totally transformed my classroom and how I teach.  The way I use Formative enligns with all of the district initiatives including academic monitoring in a digital form, exit tickets, and exemplars.  Students like it and I am teaching more efficiently.  It is easy to use and all of my instruction is now data driven easily.  You can even get started and make your first Formative for free!
Presenters
avatar for Johanna Tiwari

Johanna Tiwari

Honors and AP Chemistry Teacher, Green Mountain High School
I have taught science for over 20 years at Green Mountain High School. I am a Formative Champion & Certified Educator. I am also a ck-12 Certified Educator and I have been a Google Certified Educator. Beyond regularly using technology in the classroom for data driven instruction... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MST
Room W103
  Jeffco Rockstar

10:50am MST

The AI Exemplar Advantage
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MST
Discover the exciting possibilities of leveraging generative AI to craft both teacher and student exemplars, provide personalized feedback, and develop effective rubrics with fantastic free tools like Gemini, Brisk, and Curipod! 

Embrace a newfound sense of freedom and efficiency as you uncover how these tools can streamline your workload, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your weekends to the fullest!  
Presenters
avatar for Hannah Hilbert

Hannah Hilbert

Digital-Teacher-Librarian, Hackberry Elementary
My name is Hannah Hilbert. This is my 20th year teaching in Jeffco. I love inspiring students and staff to use technology to enhance learning while collaborating and problem solving.
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MST
Room W205

10:50am MST

These are a few of my favorite things!
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MST
Get ready to be inspired! This fast-paced session will introduce you to a whirlwind of my favorite EdTech tools and resources. We'll cover everything from Google Apps, Chrome Apps and Extensions, Chromebooks, Google Earth, Notebook LM and MORE, with plenty of tips and tricks along the way. You'll leave with a treasure trove of ideas and resources to explore further, guaranteed to add a little sparkle to your teaching toolkit. Prepare to have your mind blown! Slide Deck

Session Repeats at 2:00-3:00

Presenters
avatar for Becky Shorey

Becky Shorey

Student Technology Services Jeffco, Manager of Ed Tech
Becky Shorey is the Manager of the Educational Technology Department for Jeffco Public Schools in Golden, CO with 70,000 students. She leads an exceptional team of 7 Ed Tech TOSAs. Since taking on this role in 2022, she has been at the forefront of integrating technology into education... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MST
Room W111
  Jeffco Rockstar

12:50pm MST

"AI Can Do THAT?!" A NotebookLM Adventure
Saturday February 22, 2025 12:50pm - 1:50pm MST
Buckle up for an AI-powered adventure that will transform your teaching!  In this hands-on, interactive workshop, we'll explore the amazing capabilities of NotebookLM, Google's cutting-edge AI tool designed to supercharge your lessons and streamline your workflow.
Get ready to:
  • Unleash the power of AI: Discover how NotebookLM can help you create personalized learning plans, curate engaging content, analyze student data, and communicate more effectively.
  • Become an AI-savvy educator:  Learn how to use NotebookLM's intuitive features to save time, boost productivity, and enhance your teaching practices.
  • Experience the magic of AI firsthand:  Participate in engaging activities and real-world scenarios to see how NotebookLM can revolutionize your classroom.
  • Leave with practical strategies: Walk away with ready-to-use ideas and resources to implement NotebookLM in your own teaching.
No prior AI experience is required! Just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore the exciting possibilities of AI in education.
Who should attend?
This session is perfect for teachers of all subjects and grade levels who are interested in:
  • Integrating technology into their teaching
  • Personalizing learning for their students
  • Saving time and increasing efficiency
  • Exploring the latest advancements in AI for education


Don't miss out on this opportunity to embark on an AI adventure that will change the way you teach!
Presenters
avatar for Ryan Miller

Ryan Miller

Ed Tech Coach, Student Technology Services
Hi, I'm Ryan Miller, and I've spent the last 18 years trying to convince teenagers that learning can actually be fun (it's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it!). Now, as a first-year resident on the Ed Tech Team, I'm on a quest to discover how technology can help us teachers make... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 12:50pm - 1:50pm MST
Room W107

12:50pm MST

Ain't Nobody Got Time For That
Saturday February 22, 2025 12:50pm - 1:50pm MST
Ain't Nobody Got Time for That! This session will give teachers various tips & tricks to save them time in the day. Topics discussed will include hot keys, various Google Suite apps (Classroom, Sheets, Docs, Slides), & troubleshooting tech.

Ain't Nobody Got Time For That!
Sample Spreadsheets

This session is also offered from 9:40-10:40.
Presenters
avatar for Tiffany LoSasso

Tiffany LoSasso

DTL, Mandalay Middle School
avatar for Cameron Gelak

Cameron Gelak

Instrumental Music Teacher, Mandalay Middle School

Saturday February 22, 2025 12:50pm - 1:50pm MST
Room W103

12:50pm MST

Beyond Boundaries: Integrating Generative AI Across Subjects
Saturday February 22, 2025 12:50pm - 1:50pm MST
Let’s explore the limitless possibilities of Adobe Express and Generative AI in diverse subject areas. From social studies to literature, math, and science, educators will discover how to seamlessly integrate Generative AI into their curriculum to enhance learning outcomes. Through the art of prompt engineering, participants will witness firsthand how Generative AI can elevate student work, deepen language skills, and demonstrate understanding. Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your teaching approach and empower your students for success.
Presenters
avatar for Lisa Maas

Lisa Maas

Ed Tech Coach, Student Technology Services
As a certified Education Technology and Mindfulness coach with over 30 years of experience,  Lisa mentors learners and leaders of all ages empowering them to both embrace creativity and creatively learn!  As a facilitator, coach, speaker, eternal optimist and educator of possibility... Read More →

Saturday February 22, 2025 12:50pm - 1:50pm MST
Room W205

12:50pm MST

Embracing AI: Practical Tips for Student Engagement and Teacher Efficiency
Saturday February 22, 2025 12:50pm - 1:50pm MST
Looking to save time, support diverse learners, and bring new life to your lessons? This session will introduce teachers to practical ways to leverage AI for classroom efficiency, student differentiation, and lesson enhancement. Whether you’re new to AI or already exploring its potential, you’ll gain easy-to-implement strategies to simplify planning, personalize instruction, and enrich student engagement. Join us to see how AI can become an invaluable tool in your teaching toolkit!

This session is also offered at 9:40
Presenters
avatar for Tanisha Lee

Tanisha Lee

7th Grade ELA, Drake Middle School
Tanisha Lee is a dedicated educator in her eighth year of teaching, now guiding 7th-grade ELA students at Drake Middle School. Originally from Lakewood, Colorado, Tanisha is a proud product of Jeffco, having attended Bear Creek High School. She holds two Master’s degrees—one in... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 12:50pm - 1:50pm MST
Room W108

12:50pm MST

Jeffco AI
Saturday February 22, 2025 12:50pm - 1:50pm MST
This training will provide teachers with the foundational AI competencies and knowledge to effectively and ethically integrate AI tools into their classrooms. The session focuses on the use of AI in Jeffco schools, covering topics such as:
  • AI and Jeffco’s Strategic Plan    
  • Jeffco’s Beliefs about AI    
  • AI and Jeffco’s Academic Honesty Policy    
  • Responsible AI Use












Presenters
avatar for Andrew Gitner

Andrew Gitner

Jeffco Ed Tech Specialist, Jeffco Public Schools
Andrew has taught English in Jefferson County Colorado since 2014. After teaching at a charter school for 3 years, Andrew Gitner was extremely insecure when he first got the job at Golden. He was convinced he would be fired at any minute for any reason because, you know, charter drama... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 12:50pm - 1:50pm MST
Room W111

12:50pm MST

Supercharge Your Lesson Planning: Unleashing AI Chrome Add-Ons for Teachers!
Saturday February 22, 2025 12:50pm - 1:50pm MST
Elevate your teaching journey with our exciting workshop, "Empower Your Lesson Planning: Harnessing AI Chrome Add-Ons for Teachers!" Amid the vast array of AI resources at your disposal, which ones resonate most with you for their efficiency and ease of use? Dive into the world of cutting-edge AI-driven Chrome add-ons that promise to revolutionize your workflow, freeing up precious time for what truly counts—your students!

Embark on a thrilling exploration of these transformative add-ons that are bound to become your go-to tools. Discover how seamlessly you can integrate them into your daily routine to streamline lesson planning, boost efficiency, and inject a new level of dynamism into your teaching materials. From simplifying mundane tasks to unlocking your creativity, each add-on comes packed with features designed to enhance your teaching experience.

Engage in hands-on activities and unlock insider tricks on how to fully leverage their capabilities. Transcend the chaos of lesson planning and enroll today to unleash the infinite possibilities of AI in your classroom! Your future self is sure to be filled with gratitude for this game-changing decision!


Presenters
avatar for Angela Beeson

Angela Beeson

World Language Chinese Teacher, Lakewood High School
Saturday February 22, 2025 12:50pm - 1:50pm MST
Room W207

2:00pm MST

Increasing PLC Conversations Around Data
Saturday February 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Presenters
avatar for Leah Strong

Leah Strong

Science Teacher, Green Mountain High School
Session Description:Discover how using Formative as a robust assessment tool has redefined student learning and streamlined grading for one high school science PLC. Now in my 12th year of teaching, I've witnessed the transformative impact of integrating Formative into both formative... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Room W103

2:00pm MST

Problem Based Learning for Student Engagement and Belonging
Saturday February 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Learn more about implementing problem-based learning and connecting content to the real world to empower your students. We will provide a hands-on session to explore the possiblities for engaging all learners, provide examples, scaffolds and resources for creating authentic learning experiences.

presentation
Presenters
avatar for Kim Walter

Kim Walter

DTL, Shelton Elementary
Like most in Colorado I love to be outdoors, hiking, biking, snowboarding, camping and gardening. At school I thrive on working with staff and students to create extraordinary student experiences through problem-based learning. I have a PhD with a research focus on problem-based learning... Read More →
avatar for Jen Kerchner

Jen Kerchner

3rd Grade Teacher, Shelton Elementary School
Saturday February 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Room W208

2:00pm MST

Seesaw: So Easy!
Saturday February 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
An introduction to Seesaw for K-5.  How to import lessons, create a lesson, and use lessons from the library.
Presenters
avatar for Angel Gallegos-Jung

Angel Gallegos-Jung

DTL, Belmar Elementary
SeeSaw pptx
Saturday February 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Room W205
  Jeffco Rockstar

2:00pm MST

Student Engagement Unconference
Saturday February 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
The smartest people in any room at an Ed Tech Conference are all of you!
This "Unconference" session is a crowd-sourced event that relies on the room! Attendees will be asked to share short, quick, and informative ideas, tools, or experiences that will inspire other teachers in the room! You can share something you do in your classroom OR something you learned today that really stuck with you!

Join in the learning!
bit.ly/gyto-unconf
Presenters
avatar for Lori Guyll

Lori Guyll

TOSA, Ed Tech Team
Saturday February 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Room W107

2:00pm MST

These are a few of my favorite things!
Saturday February 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Get ready to be inspired! This fast-paced session will introduce you to a whirlwind of my favorite EdTech tools and resources. We'll cover everything from Google Apps, Chrome Apps and Extensions, Chromebooks, Google Earth, Notebook LM and MORE, with plenty of tips and tricks along the way. You'll leave with a treasure trove of ideas and resources to explore further, guaranteed to add a little sparkle to your teaching toolkit. Prepare to have your mind blown! Slide Deck

This session is also offered at 10:50

Presenters
avatar for Becky Shorey

Becky Shorey

Student Technology Services Jeffco, Manager of Ed Tech
Becky Shorey is the Manager of the Educational Technology Department for Jeffco Public Schools in Golden, CO with 70,000 students. She leads an exceptional team of 7 Ed Tech TOSAs. Since taking on this role in 2022, she has been at the forefront of integrating technology into education... Read More →
Saturday February 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Room W207
  Jeffco Rockstar

2:00pm MST

Unleashing Student Potential: Digital Portfolios in the K-12 Classroom
Saturday February 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Empower your students to showcase their learning and growth with digital portfolios!
In this hands-on workshop, you'll discover the power of digital portfolios in the K-12 classroom. Learn how to:
  • Create dynamic portfolios using Google Slides, Adobe Express, and Google Sites.    
  • Integrate durable skills like communication, leadership, critical thinking, and collaboration.    
  • Inspire student reflection and goal setting.    
  • Transform the way you assess and showcase student learning.
No prior experience necessary! This workshop is designed for educators of all skill levels.
Join us and unlock the potential of digital portfolios!
Presenters
avatar for Nolan Lees

Nolan Lees

Ed Tech Coach, Student Technology Services
Saturday February 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MST
Room W108
 
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