Volume 7/Issue 23 Assumption Life January 21, 2026
Our Mission
We are Assumption Catholic School, a ministry of the Church of the Assumption. As a diverse community, we excel in academics and model Christ where each individual is safe, nurtured, respected, and treasured.
Together we pray
A Prayer for Social Justice
Lord Jesus, help us to see with your eyes, to hear with your ears, and to love with your heart. Help us to recognize the dignity of every person, especially those who are poor and vulnerable. Inspire us to work for justice and peace in our world, that we may be your hands and feet in the service of others.
Amen.
-The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
Together we can
Silent Signals
Parents often talk too much. A silent signal could speak louder than words.
1) Smile and point to the shoes that need to be picked up.
2) Decide with your child on signals that would work better than words during a conflict or as a reminder of manners.
3) When you feel upset, try putting your hand on your heart to signal,
"I love you." You'll both feel better.
Virtue of the month
Kindness
Definition of Kindness: Expressing genuine concern about the well-being of others; anticipating their needs.
Saintly Spotlight
St. Martin de Porres
Martin grew up very poor in Peru in the sixteenth century. He became a brother in the Dominican monastery. He took care of animals as well as the cooking and manual labor. Everyone in the city loved him because of his kindness, especially to the poor. He saved novices from getting in trouble and took care of the sick and the poor.
Dates: 1579 - 1639
Feast: Nov. 3
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Make it easier to keep track of school news and events!
Click here: https://www.assumptionschool-sl.org/app
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PTG Social
1/22/2026, 7 PM – 8 PM
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Auction Donations Deadline
1/23/2026
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Parish Family Crab Feed
1/24/2026
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8th Gr. Presentation to the Parish
1/25/2026, 10 AM – 11:30 AM
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Open House
1/25/2026, 12 PM – 2 PM
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CSW Drop Everything & Read
1/26/2026
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Lifelong Learners Higher Education Free Dress
1/26/2026
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Active Christian Faith Family Activity
1/27/2026
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CSW Community Service
1/28/2026
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Socially Responsible Citizens
1/28/2026
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2:00 PM Dismissal
1/28/2026
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CSW Oratorical Fest
1/29/2026
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Effective Communicators
1/29/2026
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2026/27 School Year Application Deadline
1/30/2026
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Community Helpers Day
1/30/2026
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1/25 Mass Free Dress
1/30/2026
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6th Grade to Caritas Thru February 6th
2/2/2026
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New Kindergarten Testing By Appointment All Week
2/2/2026
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School Board
2/3/2026, 6:30 PM – 8 PM
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2:00 PM Dismissal
2/4/2026
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Wear Full School Uniform - Mass
2/4/2026
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6th Gr. Returns From Caritas
2/6/2026
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1st Child Registration Due
2/6/2026
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Diocese Science Faire
2/7/2026
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1sr Gr. Sponsored Mass
2/8/2026, 10 AM – 11 AM
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Parish Sacramental Parent/Child Session
2/8/2026, 11 AM – 12 PM
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STAR Testing Trimester 2 Begins
2/9/2026
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TK Meet & Greets Sessions by Appointment Begin
2/9/2026
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2:00 PM Dismissal
2/11/2026
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75th Anniversary Kickoff
2/11/2026
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New Student Testing Grades 1 - 8
2/11/2026, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
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Foundation Meeting
2/11/2026, 7:15 PM – 8:15 PM
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Pink & Red Free Dress
2/13/2026
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PTG Coffee Social at Morning Assmbly
2/13/2026, 8 AM – 9 AM
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St. Valentine's Day
2/14/2026
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President's Day - No School
2/16/2026
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School Holiday - No School
2/17/2026
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Dads Club
2/17/2026, 7 PM – 8 PM
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2:00 PM Dismissal
2/18/2026
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Ash Wednesday Mass - Wear Full School Uniform
2/18/2026
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February Birthdays Free Dress
2/19/2026
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PTG Social
2/19/2026, 7 PM – 8 PM
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Parish Eat, Pray, Give
2/20/2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
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Intent to Return for the 2026-2027 School Year
We hope to have a strong return of our current families for the 2026-2027 school year!
We have a lot of interest in our school and use THIS form to know what spaces we have in all of our grades. Next year, we look forward to improving our boiler and heat to the classrooms to be more efficient and include air conditioning. We will continue to update our technology and curricular resources to include instructional practices that best support students in the 21st century. And we will continue a program where students, families, faculty, and staff thrive.
ALL CURRENT FAMILIES: Complete the following Intent to Return form by January 30, 2026. This form will table about THREE minutes to complete. Thank you!
Friday Parking Lot Closure (8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.)
Please note that due to sewer work, the Fulton Avenue parking lot will be closed on Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The parking lot will be inaccessible during this time.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as this work is completed.
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Dear Friends and Families of Assumption School,
As we prepare for National Catholic Schools Week, which begins this Sunday, January 25, I want to pause and reflect on several meaningful moments we have already shared this week as a community.
Earlier this week, we honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through classroom reflection and discussion, recognizing his legacy and our shared call to justice, dignity, and service.
Today, we gathered for our Social Justice Mass, where our 4th grade students led us beautifully in song, lifting up themes of equality, belonging, and love. Their voices reminded us powerfully of our mission to form socially responsible citizens rooted in faith.
Tomorrow evening, we look forward to our PTG In-Person Education Session hosted by JEDI. Our guest speaker, Ms. Patrice Wakeley, MA, BA, Director of Institutional Equity and Belonging at San Francisco Friends School (and former Director of Equity and Belonging at Bishop O’Dowd High School), will present on cultural awareness education for parents and staff. Her work focuses on fostering belonging for diverse students, developing culturally responsive teaching practices, and creating affirming spaces for all learners. We are grateful to JEDI and the PTG for offering this important opportunity for our community.
National Catholic Schools Week
National Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. It begins this Sunday, January 25, and runs throughout the week. We are excited to celebrate in many ways each day, highlighting the value Catholic education provides to our students and families and its contribution to our church and nation.
I personally invite all our families and friends to join us for our Open House events on Sunday, January 25, and to bring prospective families who may be looking for a place where their children can grow, learn, and belong.
Sunday, January 25, 2026 ALL ARE WELCOME
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Family Mass at 10:00 a.m. in the Church
Current students wear their school uniform for a free dress pass (to be used later) and Parent Hour
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Marnelle Vierra Ducey Scholarships announced at Mass
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Presentation of the Class of 2026
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Prospective Parent Information Meeting – 11:45 a.m.
(Math Lab, Msgr. Lucid Learning Center)
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Open House – begins at 12:00 p.m. Welcome Table in front of the Office
Student-led tours start at noon
Monday, January 26, 2026 – Lifelong Learner Day
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Higher Education Free Dress – wear university/college, high school, or Assumption School gear
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Drop Everything and Read at 11:00 a.m. (students bring a book from home)
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 – Active Christian Day
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Faith Family Activity – We Are Assumption Faith Family Poem
Students will gather in Faith Families to create a shared prayer, with one line from each member, resulting in a beautiful We Are Assumption School poem. Some poems will be posted.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 – Socially Responsible Citizen Day
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Service Around the School and Beyond
Students will participate in in-class service learning projects such as writing letters to seniors, cleaning the campus, making goodie bags for service members, and supporting those in need. More information will be shared by classroom teachers.
Thursday, January 29, 2026 – Effective Communicator Day
Friday, February 2, 2026 – Celebrating Our Community Day
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Community Helpers Guest Speakers, including Critter Quest, County Court Reporters, San Leandro Fire Department, Pallen’s Martial Arts, San Leandro Library, SFO, Alameda County Probation, Royal Ambulance, Assumption Parish, Ballet Folklórico de México, and Vector Control
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Noon Dismissal (Extended Care provided)
What a meaningful stretch of days — honoring justice, deepening understanding, and joyfully celebrating who we are as a Catholic school community. We look forward to sharing it all with you.
Ready to welcome you to Open House,
Lana Rocheford
Principal
Open House Menu of Highlights
Here is a short menu of items we will be showing at our Annual Catholic Schools Week Open House this Sunday, January 25 from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
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TK
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"Guess Who?" Flipbook, Sea Creature Report, "I Have a Dream.."
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K
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Kindergarten's Big Dreams, Peace Tree, Year of the Horse Crafts
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Guess Who, "Content of my Character", Writing Journals, Self Portraits
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Martin Luther King Folders, Peace Alphabet, Native American Tribe Posters, Seven Sacraments
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Heritage Dolls, The Great Backyard Bird Count, Guess the Selfie, Martin's Dream and Our Dream,
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California Mission Projects, Jesse Tree, Writing Folders - Look at how far we've come, MLK "I have a Dream Too"
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Revolutionary War Faire, Timeline of events leading to the Revolutionary War to life after the war; Shay's Rebellion, Annotations for Lion Witch and the Wardrobe
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Gods Creation Stromaties, mounted (6th) Unit tests (Interactive, all grades), Acrostolic TRUST poems (6th), Colonial essay projects and Colonial posters, mounted (8th), Feudal Times Project (7th), and a curriculum station and a secondary display showing history video projects (All grades)
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7
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Care for God's creation original prayers (Religion 7), The Outsiders final project diorama, dramatization (script) & symbolic drawing (Lit 7), Anne Frank's Diary & Holocaust Timeline (Lit 8), YAF original publications (English 7/8)
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Poetry Analysis Projects, Ecumenical Councils videos
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Science
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Animal Adaptations posters (4th), Earth's Atmosphere posters (5th), Photosynthesis posters (5th), Cell City posters (6th), Family Genetics Canva slides (6th), Science Fair boards and printed final papers (7-8th), Evolution posters (8th)
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Art
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Student Art Showcase in the Small Hall: A featured selection of recent projects from all grades.
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Music
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5th Grade Class sings as the choir at the Mass
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Lost and Found Reminder
We want to remind families to help students keep track of their belongings while on campus. Items left on play structures, benches, and outdoor lunch areas are sometimes taken, and while staff and students regularly sweep the campus and bring items to Lost and Found, not everything is always seen.
To help reduce lost items, we ask for your partnership in the following ways:
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Remind students to clear outdoor areas of their belongings after recess and lunch each day.
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Families may help students quickly check benches and outdoor areas after school if needed.
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Please label jackets, lunch boxes, water bottles, and personal items, as labeled items are much more likely to be returned.
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Check Lost and Found regularly. Items are collected daily from classrooms, the gym, extended care, and outdoor areas. They are regularly but not daily brought to the school office.
Our goal is to help students build responsibility while working together as a community to prevent loss. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
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PTG Parenting Education Night and Social 1/22 @7pm
Join us on 1/22/2026 at 7 pm for our PTG Parent Education and Social!
Read More...
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Assumption School Open House 2026
Showcasing Our Community on Sunday, January 25th
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Be a Trojan -- Apply today for 2026-2027 School Year
Hello Trojans and future Trojans. Applications for the 2026-2027 year are available. The Early Bird discount ends January 30. If you have a NEW student interested in applying to Assumption School in grades Jr. K through 8th grade , click here!
Read More...
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Uniform Exchange at Open House
Trade In & Trade Up for the New Year!
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BASIC Fund Applications Now Open for 2026-2027
Secure Tuition Assistance for the Upcoming School Year
Read More...
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Assumption accepts Corporate Matching Gifts!
As we prepare for our upcoming Can-Can Gala & Auction, I want to remind you of a powerful—and often underused—way to amplify your generosity: corporate matching gifts.
Read More...
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You’re Invited: 2026 Can Can Cabaret Auction – February 28
Step back into the joy, laughter, and camaraderie that make Assumption School so special! We invite our entire community—current families, alumni, alumni parents, and parishioners—to join us for our 2026 Can Can Cabaret Auction this February 28 at the Double Tree Hotel in Pleasanton!
Read More...
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Can Can Cabaret Auction Partnership Opportunities
Know a local business who would like to support our school? Share this slidedeck and reach out to our sponsorship chair at [email protected]! (Confirmed sponsorships provide fulfill the Auction parent hour requirement!)
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Auction Donation Deadline EXTENDED!
Can-Can Cabaret 2026 welcomes donations for parents to fulfill their expected Auction $150/Parent Hour commitment!
Read More...
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A Legacy of Faith: Assumption Church & School to Celebrate 75th Anniversary in 2026
Parish and school community invite alumni and friends to a year-long "family reunion" kicking off with a historic homecoming Mass on February 11th.
Read More...
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Assumption Sacraments Program: 2026 Important Dates
Mark Your Calendars for These Special Milestones
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Family Crab Feed 2026
Join Assumption Dad's Club and Assumption CYO for the Family Crab Feed on January 24th, 2026. All proceeds support Assumption CYO sports programs.
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This Weekend's CYO Events - January 23, 24, & 25
Check out this week's CYO sports schedule, with game days/times and locations.
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International Day 2026 is coming!
International Day 2026 is on March 10! There will be live performances, 31 countries to visit, presentations by 7th grade docents, and lots of fun for everyone! All students encouraged to wear their free dress cultural outfits.
Read More...
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✈️ 🛑 FINAL BOARDING CALL: YEARBOOK 🛑 ✈️
🛫 PULLING OUT OF THE GATE: MONDAY, APRIL 13 🛬
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Summer School at St. John
Enrichment and Academics for Incoming TK-8th Grade Students
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She Learns Leadership: Middle School Girls Workshop
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
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Camp Carondelet: Adventure Week 2026
Summer Excursions for Incoming 7th and 8th Grade Girls
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Parent/Student Handbook Corner
ABSENCE
Experience has proven that even children of better-than-average ability find it difficult, if not impossible, to make up work which they have missed because of absence from school. No amount of subsequent personal study can adequately replace the teacher’s explanation and class discussion. Please report absenteeism to the office by 8:30 a.m. by the attendance email explaining the reason for the absence at [email protected]. In the case of a family emergency, one email will suffice if more than one child has been absent. Students who miss school due to extended weekends, off-season family vacations etc., should not expect teachers to produce assignments in advance. These occasions should be rare and should be discussed with the principal and the respective teacher(s) prior to the absence. Parents are reminded that excessive absences may be grounds for academic probation. If a student is absent from school, they may not participate in any school- or parish-sponsored event that day, including CYO sports or attending Jr. High dances in the evening. “Excessive Absence” is being absent from school for six absences per trimester or a total of 18 days per school year. A letter will go home from the principal if absences are excessive. When the student arrives after recess he or she is half-day absent.
Handbook
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SHARE YOUR NEWS!
Have an announcement or event to share? Complete the Assumption Life News Submission Form with your name, email, headline, short summary, story content, publish date, and duration, plus at least one JPG or PNG photo or flyer. The deadline is 5:00 PM Tuesday for Wednesday’s newsletter; please note that news submissions may not be published during school closures and holiday breaks. For questions, contact Mrs. Barbera at [email protected].
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Looking for last week's newsletter? Click here.
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Hey, congrats! You got to the end. Way to go! Fun Fact:
“Dreamt” is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt”.
A big thanks to our faculty and staff, especially Mr. Clement. who sanitized the classrooms during our flu season over the long weekend, for doing our best to keep spaces clean and healthy.
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