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Message from Mrs. Kunze
This edition of the Raider Rap will be for next week and the week of December 2nd. Please enjoy the Thanksgiving break with your family. We hope everyone has a wonderful & safe holiday!
PJ and Hat Day
Tuesday, November 26 will be PJ and Hat Day. Students and staff may wear PJs for $1 and/or a hat for $1. Money collected will help fund our Angel Tree gifts: gifts for children in our community.
Congratulations to Lexi Smith, Emma Geiger, Sarah Kroehler, Amanda Higley and Dede Victor who won the Battle of the Books competition. Way to go Raiders!!!!
Dreams Come True Fundraiser
The Dreams Come True members are selling coupon books for $20 and they contain over $1000 in savings!!! AND you get your money back immediately with $20 in Winn Dixie Coupons. The books will be sold from November 18-December 2nd. The Coupon Book can be purchased from any Dreams Come True Club Member or teacher sponsor (Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Bower, Ms. Buning, Mrs. Sekora, Ms. Sweatt, Mrs. VanWinkle or Mrs. Black at skeckblack@aol.com. All profits will help sponsor a dream for a local child battling a life-threatening illness.
Monday, Dec. 2nd : Dreams Come True Meeting (2:00-3:00)-Enjoy the City Orders Due today!
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PTSO Information
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PTSO Meeting!
The next PTSO Meeting will be on Friday, December 6, 2013 @ 9:15 am. We'd love to have you join us fro some fun and planning!
Click here to view the PTSO September 6, 2013
Meeting Minutes
Want to Stay in the Know?
Besides the Raider Rap (which you absolutely MUST read!) PTSO has three other ways to keep you informed of upcoming dates and big plans.
*Sign up for the PTSO newsletter
http://facebook.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=366f61a268e3580c9f689c964&id=b373be5c3e
Click here to check out the PTSO webpage on the school website!
Membership
Raider Bucks will be sent home this week to all students whose families joined PTSO!
Magazine Sales
It is not too late to order magazine subscriptions: you can still purchase Magazines and gifts online at
GASCHOOLSTORE.COM
Online Store ID: 2529543
Any orders placed will benefit SPMS PTSO. Thank you for your support!
If you have any questions please contact Mary Panariello at mary.panariello@hrblock.com
Box Top, Campbell Soup & Tyson News
The first contest is coming up! We are keeping track of the totals so keep cutting those labels. Submission for the first contest concludes 12/13/2013. First prize is a gift certificate! Also, each student who brings in 50 valid labels will receive one Raider Buck. Please be sure to check the expiration dates on each label. Place your labels in a zip lock bag or an envelope with the student's name, grade and homeroom teacher's name listed.
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Volunteer Information
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More Volunteers Needed for Ms. Lime
Ms. Lime is in need of a few volunteers to help with data input. Please see her email above to set up times.
Holiday Gift Shop Ready for Volunteers
A SignUp Genius request went out on Tuesday asking for volunteers to help with the Holiday Gift Shop. And the response has been great. The only day that help is needed is the last day. There will not be much to pack up for the students generally buy everything!! Those who like to set up for garage sales should take the set up times. The last day includes packing the unsold merchandise up for storage. Go to www.signupgenius.com, click "Find a Signup" and enter casperc@stjohns.k12.fl.us. Sign up as much as you can!. Also, want to donate items? Sure you can. Please send any new or very gently used items to the front office. Thanks in advance for your support!
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Guidance News
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Guidance Counselors
Barbara Seaton-6th grade and 7th graders with last names beginning with A-J.
Tanya Moseley- 7th graders, last name ending in K-Z and the entire 8th grade.
Moseley's Food for Thought
Please encourage your student to check HAC once a week. If they always check on a certain day, then it will become a habit ("part of my homework for Mondays is to check HAC"). It is so important for students to see THEIR grades and know how they are doing in their courses. It allows them to take ownership for their work (or lack of). HAC will show them missing assignments and more importantly any poor summative grades that they need to re-do. Summatives (tests) are worth 80% of their class grade! So a low summative really hurts their overall average. If a student scores a 70% or below on a summative, they can request a retake from the teacher. The teacher will have them do some work to make sure they understand the benchmark, and then the student can retake that part of the summative and earn up to 75%.
Seaton's Corner
Camp Healing Powers is an overnight camp experience (Friday night - Sunday morning) where children have the opportunity to meet with other campers who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Time together helps them realize that what they are feeling is a normal part of grief - and that they are not alone. Activities are designed so they can explore and express their emotions, and develop coping skills to help them navigate through the grief journey. The camp is open for children between the ages of 7 and 17, and if the death has occurred at least 3 months prior to the camp date (but no longer than two years). Pre-camp assessments are required and conducted by Community Hospice bereavement counselors who meet with you and your child prior to camp to gain an understanding of your child's perception of the loss and its effect on all areas of his/her life. The next camp will run February 5-7, 2014. For more information, on Camp Healing Powers, please call 407-7001.
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SAC News
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School Advisory Council
Switzerland Point Middle School
Next Meeting: Wednesday, December 20, 2013
Room #725
As always, this is a public meeting and all are welcome to attend.
Click here to view the minutes from the September meeting.
Click here to view the minutes from the October meeting.
Click here to view the minutes from the November meeting.
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From the Nurse
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Licensed Practical Nurse
547-8628
beccarj@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Emergency Procedure- Reunification Policy
I want to remind everyone of our reunification process in case of school- wide emergency. If you would come to a Parent-Child Reunion Center (both onsite or offsite) you need to have your ID with you. NO student will be released to anyone unless they are on the student's emergency card. If you were new to our area and now have met someone that you would like to add to your student's emergency card, please put it in writing, have your student bring it to the front office and we will staple it to their emergency card. Our current population is 1269 students and we will not be able to take phone calls during a school wide emergency authorizing people other than who you have indicated on your emergency card to pick your child up.
Focus on Health
Click here to view Focus on Health, Middle and High School Newsletter 2013 regarding Nutrition and Physical Activity.
Current 6th grade parents!
It is not too early to start preparing for your child's 7th grade immunization requirement. As soon as they have their 11th birthday they can get their Tdap shot. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call me. This school year we had 108 students that did not have their Tdap two weeks before school was to start! Please don't wait till the last minute! This shot must be documented on a Florida Certification of Immunization.
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Raider Band News
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Our Raider Band program at SPMS is growing so fast!!! We have over 400 students placed in 5 different bands (beginning, Jazz, Concert, Symphonic and Wind). We definitely need your help to make this band program the best ever. So, please support your Raider Band program:
Bozard Oil Change Vouchers for $20 each
SPMS BBA is partnering with Bozard Ford and is offering $20 vouchers for FREE OIL CHANGE, VACUUM & CAR WASH in support of our Band Boosters. This is a great deal!!!! All makes/models are welcome (diesel & European models may cost extra)!!!! Please contact Débora McCarty at rdmccart10@comcast.net if you would like to purchase a voucher and support our Raider Band. Vouchers are good through 12/31/2013.
Click here to view flyer.
2014 PLAYERS - Get tickets NOW!
Our band has the unique opportunity to sell a specially-created discounted Good Any One Day Grounds ticket for $45 (regularly priced Daily Grounds tickets are $58 and day-specific)
- Chip In tickets are valid for any one day of the 2014 THE PLAYERS
- Good Any One Day Grounds tickets are not available for purchase by the general public after December 31, 2013
- Promotion period for Chip in for Youth tickets is October 28, 2013 through April 18, 2014
- $25 from each ticket sold will be donated back to our organization
You can purchase tickets online through the Chip in for Youth website: www.chipinforyouth.com
Use our special code: SPMS
Or you can send this FLYER with your check written to SPMS BBA and we will send you your tickets with your student.
Click here to view flyer.
Raider Band Tumbler for $10 each
Our special Raider Band Tumbler is available to all parents at Swiss Point. A great gift for any occasion! Contact Débora McCarty at rdmccarty10@comcast.net
Click here to view the SPMS Band Tumbler Flyer
Thank you for supporting the SPMS Raider Band program!
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Daily Rotation & Events
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Week of November 25th
Monday, November 25th- Black Day
Road Raiders, 2 mile Race at FCMS, 3:30pm
Musical Informational Meeting, 2-3pm, Drama Room
Tuesday, November 26th - White Day- 2:00 dismissal
Schedule
7:40 - 8:20am (39mins) Silver 2
8:25 - 9:04am (39mins) Black 2
9:09 - 9:48am (39mins) Silver 3
9:53 - 10:32am (39mins) Black 3
10:37 - 12:29am Silver 4
A Lunch
10:37 - 11:07 Lunch
11:09 - 12:29 Class (80mins)
B Lunch
10:37 - 11:18 Class (41mins)
11:20 - 11:50 Lunch
11:52 - 12:29 Class (37mins)
C Lunch
10:37 - 11:57 Class (80mins)
11:59 - 12:29 Lunch
12:34 - 1:13pm (39mins) Black 4
1:18 - 2:00pm (42mins) Period 5 (Skinny)
Wednesday, November 27th
No School Thanksgiving Holiday
Thursday, November 28th
No School Thanksgiving Holiday
Friday, November 29th
No School Thanksgiving Holiday
Week of December 2nd
Monday, December 2nd- Silver Day
Classes Resume
Science Fair, Library & MPR
Spanish Club Meeting, 2-3pm, Ms. White's room
Dreams Come True Meeting, 2:00-3:00, Enjoy the City Orders Due Today!
Sign up/Script Handout, during school day, Drama Room
Tuesday, December 3rd- Black Day
Science Fair, Library & MPR
Road Raiders, 2-3:30
Sign up/Script Handout, during school day, Drama Room
Wednesday, December 4th- Silver Day- Early Release
Science Fair, Library & MPR
Sign up/Script Handout, during school day, Drama Room
Thursday, December 5th- Black Day
Science Fair, Library & MPR
Road Raiders, 2-3:30
Sign up/Script Handout, during school day, Drama Room
Science Fair Open House, 6:30-8:00 pm, Library & MPR
PTSO Training, 6-8 pm, Media Center
Friday, December 6th- Silver Day
Science Fair, Library & Media Center
PTSO Meeting, 8:30-11:30, Backhalf of MPR
Sign up/Script Handout, during school day, Drama Room
Saturday, December 5th
Winterguard, 12-5:00pm, Raider Roost
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Policy Reminders
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Access to the building
We have been informed by the district that ALL parents that plan on entering the building during the day before or after school ,even if students are not in the building, need to be cleared. We are asking that EVERY parent or guardian that might be on campus for a conference, IEP meeting, 504 meeting or for anything else, PLEASE click on the link below to register for access.
Click here to go to the School Access Form
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Athletics
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The Boys Varsity team lost a tough game to Fruit Cove on Tuesday and will play Pacetti Bay (at Pacetti Bay Middle School) Friday at 4pm.
The Boys Varsity Development team lost a hard fought game to Landrum Varsity Development. They play Friday at 4pm against Fruit Cove Varsity Development at the Plantation Turf Fields.
SJMSAA Golf
The golf team ended their season at the finals at The Slammer and The Squire. The team of Jackson Crandall, Elliot Beddard, and Brandon Good won the fall golf tournament with an impressive 37. Tryouts for the spring season will be held in February.
SPMS Road Raiders
There will be a 2-mile race at Fruit Cove on Monday, November 25th. The race will begin around 4-4:15pm. Please be at Fruit Cove by 3:30pm. There will be NO Road Raiders practice next week, due to Thanksgiving!
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Ms. P at
piscite@stjohns.k12.fl.us if you have any questions or concerns.
SPMS Winterguard
SPMS Winterguard continues practicing on Wednesday from 1-5:30.
Competition Schedule
Jan 18 - Premier (site still TBA)
Feb 22 - Lyman HS (Longwood FL)
Mar 1 - University HS (Orange City, FL)
Mar 8 - Freedom HS (Orlando, FL)
Mar 15 - Cypress Creek HS (Orlando,FL)
Mar 22 - Fletcher HS (Neptune Beach, FL)
Mar 28/29 - Championships (Daytona bch, FL)
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Student Corner
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National Junior Honor Society .
The Induction Ceremony, for new members, will be held on Dec. 12, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. All NJHS members met with Mrs. Rizzuto Friday during lunch and were given a letter explaining the Induction Ceremony, for both new and old members, and other requirements and responsibilities of NJHS members.
Winter Workshops Sponsored by BTHS Dance Team
Bartram Trail Dance Team will be hosting their annual Winter Workshop for those in K-7th from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. and the Audition Prep Clinic for those in 8th - 12th grades from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2013 in the BTHS dance studio and auditorium. Registration is at the door and the cost is $15 for the Workshop and $20 for the BTDT Audition Prep Class. The flyer and waiver form can be found on the BTHS website under the Athletics Dance page, or by emailing Coach Lindell at bartramdance2004@gmail.com
Parents enjoy an evening out while your children participate in this event with current and former members of the Nationally ranked BTHS Dance Team!
Semester Exams
We just started 2nd quarter, but semester exams will be here before you know it. PLEASE mark the following dates on your calendar. It is very important that students are present for semester exams, which count as 20% of their semester grade.
Monday, Dec. 16th - white day - attend all classes
Tuesday, Dec. 17th - Exams in Silver 2 & Black 2
Wednesday, Dec. 18th - Exams in Silver 3 & Black 4
Thursday, Dec. 19th - Exams in Black 3 & Silver 4
Friday, Dec. 20th - Exam in Skinny & any make-ups
***************Winter Break***********************
Monday, Jan. 6th - Planning Day - grades are due
Tuesday, Jan 7th - Students return - 3rd qtr starts
Semester exams will NOT be administered early, so it is EXTREMELY important that students are present during this testing week. During exams, we only report to the classes that are testing for the day, so on Tuesday the 17th students will ONLY go to Silver 2 & Black 2 for an extended period of time. On Friday, Dec. 20th after the skinny exam, students will be in homeroom until dismissal at 1pm.
How are Semester Grades Calculated?
Semester grades are calculated using the district formula of
(Qtr 1 grade x 40%) + (Qtr 2 grade x 40%) + (Semester Exam x 20%) = semester grade
This is how all semester grades in the district are calculated.
Family Volunteer Day Beach Clean Up
Families with children 5 and older or individuals age 13 and older are invited to help. Supplies will be provided. Meet at Micklers Landing, 1109 Ponte Vedra Blvd. Saturday, November 23 from 8:00-10:00 am. Sign up under Family Volunteer Day at HandsOnJacksonville.org or contact Mary Howard thhcpa@comcast.net
for more information. Click here to view flyer.
Dream of Going to College? We Can Help!
The St. Johns County Education Foundation is now accepting applications for its Take Stock in Children Program Scholarship Program.
To be considered for inclusion in the program, a potential student must meet the following parameters:
Current 7th or 8th grade student attending a public St. Johns County School; and Student is attending school on a local campus to ensure contracted mentoring requirement is accommodated; and Eligible for free or reduced lunch program, even if student does not participate; and
Student maintains a minimum grade point average of 2.5, with grades in all classes of a C or better.
Applications may be secured through the school's guidance office or by contacting Marci Poston, Program Coordinator at 547-7121 or postonm@stjohns.k12.fl Application submission deadline is 5 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2013.
Homeless Project
Let's rally together and help the homeless in our county!! We are collecting gift cards for the homeless shelters to help the homeless be able to make holiday purchases, have a meal, or a cup of coffee. Whatever the amount of your gift card you donate is sufficient and appreciated! Gift cards will be turned in to Ms. Roberts in the front office. Ms. Roberts will coordinate the giving of the cards with our homeless liaison at the school board. All cards need to be turned in to the front office by December 13th.
Student to Student Contest
The Student to Student Organization: A Military Child Education Coalition Initiative, is having a contest: What 6 words describe your family best. Click here to view flyer. Entries need to be submitted no later then November 22, 2013.
Tutoring Club
Swiss Point MS will be working with The Tutoring Club to offer after school tutoring through The Tutoring Club but at Swiss Point after school two days a week.
Remember of check Edmodo for homework assignments.
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Student's Corner- Just for 8th Graders
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Washington DC Trip- MEETING NOTICE
All Three Buses are FULL!!!
There are NO Empty Seats at this time.
Due to the Thanksgiving Holidays, the final payment for DC is due on Tuesday, November 26th. SPMS is closed from Wednesday, November 27th - Friday, November 29th.
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Lunch Menu
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Week of November 25th
Monday - Homestyle Mac & Cheese, BBQ Chicken Max Snax, Steamed Broccoli Florets, Steamed Green Beans, Applesauce,Variety of Milk
Tuesday - Mini Corn Dogs, Mini Cheese Ravioli, Sweet Peas, Corn, Mixed Fruit, Garlic Breadstick, Ketchup, Mustard,Variety of Milk
Wednesday - No School
Thursday - No School- Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday - No School
Week of December 2nd
Monday- Chicken Quesadilla Max, Max Cheese Sticks, Marinara Dipping Sauce, Steamed Broccoli Florets, Mandarin Oranges, Taco Sauce, Variety of Milk
Tuesday- Crunchy Beef Tacos, Cheese or Pepperoni Calzonettes, Marinara Dipping Sauce, Corn, Mixed Fruit, Taco Sauce, Variety of Milk
Wednesday- Chicken Nuggets, Fajita Chicken Salad, Cherry Tomato and Celery Dippers with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Baked Beans, Fresh Apple Slices, White Wheat Roll, dipping Sauce Dunk Cup, Variety of Milk
Thursday- Beef and Bean Chili with Cheese, Fajita Chicken Wrap, Spinach & Romaine Salad with LF Dressing Dunk Cup, Sweet Peas, Garlic Breadstick, Taco Sauce and Variety of Milk
Friday- BBQ Chicken, Giorgio Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza, Steamed Carrots, Steamed Green Beans, Choice of 100% Juice, White Wheat Roll, Variety of Milk
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From the District
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This new section will contain information coming from the St. Johns County School Board. Visit their website at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us
Superintendent's Weekly Review- 11/21/2013
The Superintendent's Weekly Review for this week is now posted at [ http://blogs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/supt/ ]http://blogs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/supt/. The newsletter can also be found on the home page of the St. Johns County School District website at
http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us
Legislative Update
The St. Johns County Legislative Update for this week is posted at http://blogs.stjohns.k12.fl.us/legupdates/2013/11/08/legislative-update-week-of-november-4/
St. Johns County Education Foundation
Click here to view the News Flash for November/December form the St. Johns County Education Foundation. Articles include information regarding Take Stock in Children, fundraising and the annual Teacher of the Year celebration.
Teen Defensive Driving
The St. Johns County School District is pleased to announce its partnership with the St. Johns County Tax Collectors Office to offer the Teen Defensive Driving course at all high schools in the district. This 28-hour program focuses on teaching students to be a defensive driver with knowledge of the laws that relate to the operation of a motor vehicle and safe driving procedures. The "behind the wheel" training includes braking, backing, parking and lateral control movements. Once a student can safely control a motor vehicle, 20 additional hours will be spent with other students driving on a variety of roadways, including I-95, with a certified instructor.
The reduced cost of the Teen Defensive Driving Program is $200 with a 10 percent discount for students who acquired their Learner Permit through their high school's course. Scholarships are also available for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch programs.
For schedule information or to register, go to
www.sjctax.us/DriverEducation.aspx or contacdt Ricky McIntryre at rmcintyre@sjctax.us or 904-209-2298
The District May Be Able to Help
Are you living in a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground; on the street; in abandoned buildings; or living with friends or relatives to to an economic hardship, are you a teenager and living independently or with someone other than a parent or legal guardian; then you may be eligible to receive services provided under the McKinney-Vento Act. Contact your school Computer Operator or your local Homeless Liaison-Mr. Chris Stone @ 547-7589 for more details. You may also visit: http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/depts/student/homeless/
Parents as Partners
Click here to view the Parents as Partners, the St. Johns County School District ESE Department Newsletter. It contains detailed information regarding events, contact information and more.
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Creeks Girls Lacrosse
Registration (ages K - 8th grade) Registration - Cost$160.
New Player Clinic (ages K- 8th grade) Mark your calendar for our final clinic on Sunday, December 1st, at Durbin Crossing Park with players from Jacksonville University Women's Lacrosse team - free and open to all ages. Returning players are welcome too!!
For additional information and registration visit www.creekslax.com or contact creeksgirlslax@gmail.com
You can help children in your community by Fostering or Mentoring a local teen.
An orientation and question-and-answer class will be held at 6:30pm on January 6, 2014, at the Health and Human Services building (1955 US1 South, 32086). Come or call to see if you have the skills required to make a positive impact on a child's life. For more information please call, 904-209-6131, or visit www.sjcfl.us/fip .
KidzArt Presents: Friday Night Teen Art Workshops!
Join us for our new TeenzArt workshops at River of Life United Methodist Church 2600 Race Track Road! Our art enriched "workouts" are packed full of challenging design projects and fun surprises intended to motivate students at this age level, and to push their creative potential to the max! Painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, and more! Workshops are from 6:30-8:00pm and are $20-$22 depending on the project scheduled. View our schedule online and view samples of our planned projects! First class is Friday, September 20th. Register for classes online at /www.simpson.kidzart.com or call (904) 287-8603
Santa Suits on the Loose
The Second Annual Santa Suits on the Loose 5K is a walk/jog/run benefiting St. Augustine Youth Services, a local therapeutic home for boys. The race will be held on December 14, 2013 starting at the St. Augustine Beach Pier Park at 8am. Registration begins at 6:30am. Entry fee is $35 per person. Sign up early to receive a Santa Suit, guaranteed to the first 300 adult registrants. Children will receive a Santa-inspired T-shirt. For more information or to register online, visit www.racesmith.com or email santasuitsontheloose@gmail.com for any questions.
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