January Update

Good Evening everyone,

 

I hope everyone had a relaxing holiday and the students are ready to begin the new year. As many parents are probably aware, I have recently taken over the role as Principal at Riverwood Academy and thus will no longer be teaching courses (for the remainder of this year at least). Therefore, I will not be providing any further updates as my teaching has concluded. I will however be passing along my objectives and plans to the new teacher who will be taking over for me and asking that they keep everyone informed as we move forward.

 

I would like to thank everyone for their support of their child's education over the last several months and look forward to working with everyone in my new role as we move forward.

 

All the best,

 

Tyrone S. Power M.Ed, B.Ed

Principal

Riverwood Academy

Wing's Point, NL, A0G 4T0

(709) 676-2009/2010

(709) 676-2382

 

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All information in this communication, including attachments, is strictly confidential and intended solely for delivery to and authorized use by the addressee(s) identified above. It may contain privileged, confidential, and/or proprietary information entitled to protection and/or exemption from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately. Please take notice that disclosure, reproduction or distribution is unauthorized and may be unlawful.

Mid Year Report (August 2010 - December 2010) and 10 Holiday Ideas for the Family

Good Morning everyone,

As the Holiday Season approaches, I would like to give parents a Mid-Year update report on the programs your child may be enrolled in with me. It has been a hectic 4 months but at present we are well on our way to meeting all our objectives to date.

 

Technology 7

To date students have been engaged in a wide number of activities all designed to enhance their understanding of the Design Process. The first several activities included those that required students to work together and design projects at home while the last several have given them the opportunity to work in groups at school. Overall, the students are performing very well in Technology 7, are enjoying the class and are gaining an extensive background in the Design Process used to develop new ideas.

Students have used graphic organizers, mind-maps, sketches etc to help then lay out their design and demonstrate an understanding of how their project was constructed. Once this was done, hands on activities were used to construct the projects and then they evaluated how successful their projects were done, how well it worked and what can be done in the future to improve it.  Each project took approximately 1 month to complete with some requiring more time than others.

Projects completed to date included:

ü  Using Microsoft Office

ü  Using Microsoft PowerPoint

ü  Using Microsoft Paint

ü  The Design Process (Pre, Design and Post Processes).

ü  Open Design Process (students chose a project they would like to construct and build.)

ü  Iglu and Dome building.

Students were evaluate not on whether their projects worked or performed perfectly, but rather on the thought that went into he design of the project and how they can improve it in the future. However, as they become more proficient in designing projects, their completed projects should reflect this.

Great Job Grade 7's!

 

Technology 9

Much like the grade 7 technology program, the grade 9 program is focused on similar topics but is explored in more detail and more complexity. Students are required to design and develop more complex projects and complete them more efficiently than those in grade 7.

To date students have been engaged in a wide number of activities all designed to enhance their understanding of the Design Process. The first several activities included those that required students to closely examine projects that used technology (i.e. computers ) to present information.  Overall, the students are performing very well in Technology 9, are enjoying the class and are gaining an extensive background in the Design Process used to develop new ideas.

Students have used graphic organizers, mind-maps, sketches etc to help then lay out their design and demonstrate an understanding of how their project was constructed. Once this was done, hands on activities were used to construct the projects and then they evaluated how successful their projects were done, how well it worked and what can be done in the future to improve it.  Each project took approximately 1 month to complete with some requiring more time than others.

Projects completed to date included:

ü  Using Microsoft Office

ü  Using Microsoft PowerPoint (used extensively)

ü  Using Microsoft Paint (used extensively)

ü  The Design Process (Pre, Design and Post Processes).

ü  Open Design Process (students chose a project they would like to construct and build.)

Students were evaluated on the thought that went into the design of the project and how they can improve it in the future. However, as they become more proficient in designing projects, their completed projects should reflect this.

Great Job Grade 9's!

 

Peer Counselling 2101

 The Peer Counselling Class over the last 4 months has been primarily focused on developing an awareness of social issues and appropriate responses to these issues. They have worked on a number of activities with the intent on developing their understanding of social issues and how they can work to improve them. They have also worked on projects that give them a sense and appreciation of the importance of community involvement through volunteer work. The entire course thus far has been comprised of activities based on the overall objectives set out in the beginning of the year.  The majority of activities have taken approximately 1 month to complete and the students have demonstrated a well developed understanding of the need to be better prepared for their place in society.

Activities to date have included:

ü  Visits to the Seniors Complex to work with seniors and engage in community service activities

ü  Development of PowerPoint Projects focusing on the major issues affecting teens today.

ü  Development of a Curriculum Based Jeopardy Game to be distributed to Teachers.

ü  Numerous in class discussions and conversations regarding issues affecting teens today and what skills are necessary to address them.

Students are evaluated based on their understanding of issues within society today and how they can influence and change them. They are also evaluated based upon their participation within the activities described above.

Overall the Peer Counselling class has done an excellent job in closely examining the issues presented in the course and how they can address them as they get older.  

Great Job!

 

Environmental Science 3205

Over the last 4 months, the Environmental Science class has focused on a number of activities designed to develop their understanding of a wide number of environmental issues affecting society today. They have engaged in a number of activities designed to further develop their understanding of these global issues and also in ways we can become better globally aware citizens.  Some of the topics and assignments we have completed over the last 4 months include:

ü  Estimating the Moose Population

ü  Investigating the Species at Risk website and what we can do to prevent animals from making it to the endangered list

ü  Conducting a simulated Moose Survey

ü  Examining how much earth is needed to sustain themselves on the planet and how we can minimize our carbon footprint.

ü  2 tests on work completed.

Overall it has been a successful term for the environmental science class and I am sure it will continue on in the New Year. Good Job!

Read on for some exciting tips on how you can make the most of the Holiday Season with your child.

 

 

Holiday Ideas for the Whole Family

As the Holiday Season approaches, it is an excellent time to get together and enjoy a wide range of activities for you and your family. To ensure your family enjoys the best of the Holiday Season, take a look at 10 ideas to get everyone involved this Holiday Season (most of them include no money!)

1. Take your family (children, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, grandparents) on a family carolling evening.  Dressing everyone warmly and walking around the community to sing carols to other community members is a great way to get your children involved in some spirited Holiday festivities.

2. Have a quiet games night where everyone sits around the fire, kitchen table or the living room and parents and kids get to play a game they may not have played before or one that they all enjoy. This helps bring everyone together over the holidays.

3. For the younger kids, have them help you make a Special Cake, or cookies to have as an after dinner treat that the whole family can enjoy.

4. If you can take the kids on a nature hike to look at the scenes of winter and everything outside the house. This is a great way to connect with them and get in some physical exercise.

 

5, Visit a family member or friend who may be in hospital or a seniors home. To really make the visit extra special, have the kids make cookies or take some treat to them. They would really appreciate this.

6. Make a special Holiday Card for someone special and mail it to them anonymously addressing it as if it came from Santa Claus. The kids will get a great kick out of this activity and so will the receiver of this special card.

7. Volunteer with your kids at a daycare or preschool or at their school to help out someone else. Getting kids involved in volunteer activities at a young age will help them develop the community services skills needed within our community.

8. Take the kids outside to make interesting sculptures in the snow over the holidays.  Kids are very creative and the things they will make will no doubt dazzle and amaze their parents.

9. Have kids buy a small special gift and donate it to a local charity. This helps students understand the importance of giving and how it can make them feel good by doing something special for someone else.

10. Finally enjoy the time you have with your kids over the holidays as they enjoy spending time with you!

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season and a very successful New Year and thank the parents for their continued support over the last 4 months. I look forward to the students returning to school in January.

 

Happy Holidays,

 

Tyrone S. Power M.Ed, B.Ed

Vice-Principal

Riverwood Academy

Wing's Point, NL, A0G 4T0

(709) 676-2009

(709) 676-2382

 

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All information in this communication, including attachments, is strictly confidential and intended solely for delivery to and authorized use by the addressee(s) identified above. It may contain privileged, confidential, and/or proprietary information entitled to protection and/or exemption from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately. Please take notice that disclosure, reproduction or distribution is unauthorized and may be unlawful.

Good morning everyone,

Given that last week was our final reporting period for Term 1, all students were engaged in completing various classwork or assignments needed for that grading period, thus the lack of updates. However, we are currently in the process of moving forward with new material and outlined briefly are the main topics being covered this week and next.

Technology 7: The Design Process

Students have just completed a very successful assignment using the Technology Design Process of Pre-Design, Design and Post-Design (Evaluation). There were a wide range of projects completed and tested including a catapult, trebuchet, water bottle rocket a giant yo-yo, and a volcano. These were all very well designed and as an example of the fine work done byt he students, the water bottle rocket took off to a height of about 25 feet in the air.

Our next project will be the design and building of an Iglu/Dome using only NewsPaper and Masking Tape. This project will take approximately 3 class periods to complete and should be done by December 10th. It will be our final large project before the Christmas Holidays, so I am looking forward to seeing how they are done.

Students will be supplied with their own materials and will work in predetermined groups of 2. All the work will be done in class therefore they will not have homework to complete during this time. However, plese feel free to ask them how their project is going.

Technology 9: The Design Proces

Students in Technology 9 have just completed several projects on PowerPoint Design and we will now begin looking at the Design Process in a hands on manner. The first assignment will have students look at a number of videos detailing the design and construction of a number of various machines and then we will use the design process in our first project. The project has yet to be finalizied but will involve students working in groups of 2 to develop a mecanism to throw an object the furtherst distance and the factors considered to accomplish this task. Groups will be predetermined and there will be no homework during this project as students will be given all the materials before hand and have it completed in class. Again, please talk to our students about their project and encourage them to develop it to the best of their ability.

Peer Counselling 2101

We have just begun a project based on the T.V. Show Jeopardy. This is an exercise to have students develop a learning tool for students in Grades K-12 (various levels) based on particular subjects in school and also some real life scenerios. It is intended to have students develop the game and demonstrate leadership as they present the game to the students.

A Sample category could be bullying and the Answer could be: Telling a teacher helps us stop this from happening. and Students would respond with What is bullying at which time the student would give them an educational fact about bullying such as- Telling an adult is very important if you want to stop bullying as it helps them understand and solve the problem. This will take the majority of the month of December as students develop, revise, and present the project to the classes.

They will also be involved in a Christmas Caroling Activity that will see them go around the community visiting seniors homes and the local hospital singing Christmas Carols and performing short skits for the residents. We hope this will give us the opportunity to continue to build the connection with the community.

Environmental Science 3205:

The final assignment before December Break will see students closely examine the various eco-regions around the province and gather information about each one. Once the information has all been gathered, they will then develop a PowerPoint presentation that can be shared with the class and posted on the schools in-house TV for viewing by other students.

Students are working on this project individually and it is the intent of the project to have students become more environmentally aware of their province, the flora and fauna that exist there, the environmental impact we are having on the eco-regions and ways we can reverese the trend.

As always, parental involvement in your child's education is essential to their overall development and I welcome and encourage parent's to keep in contact with me as we strive to ensure our students are achieving all they are capable of in a safe caring learning environment.

Please feel free to contact me if you require anything further.

Sincerely,

Tyrone S. Power M.Ed, B.Ed
Vice-Principal
Riverwood Academy
Wing's Point, NL, A0G 4T0
(709) 676-2009
(709) 676-2382

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All information in this communication, including attachments, is strictly confidential and intended solely for delivery to and authorized use by the addressee(s) identified above. It may contain privileged, confidential, and/or proprietary information entitled to protection and/or exemption from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately. Please take notice that disclosure, reproduction or distribution is unauthorized and may be unlawful.

Homework Assignments Nov 15-19 2010

Good afternoon everyone,

 

Please see the following information regarding students assignments for this week.

 

Tech 7: Project Design

 

Working in small groups, students are to choose a project to design, and develop and present. There are 3 steps to this design project.

 

1) Students are to research a project to design and build from scratch. There are several questions that students will have to complete and these will be coming home shortly. Students will also be required to draw a rough copy (back, front, top and side views) of how their completed project will look. Once this is done they are then to draw a more detailed, neater copy on Bristol Board that has be be labelled and using color.

Once the drawings have been completed, they are to begin building their project 

 

2) Collect the materials and build the project from scratch. Students are then required to build the project and then bring to class for presentation and demonstration.

 

3) A follow-up report will be completed outlining the problems they encountered and how they can be addressed in the future.

 

Timeline: The timeline for this project is flexible but it is the goal to have it completed by Nov 26th 2010.

 

Tech 9:  Project Design:

 

We have just completed a project on PowerPoint Presentation Development and the next project will examine how electrical currents affect movement in cars, electricity, etc. More details will follow in the next week.

 

Peer Counselling 2101: Teen Issue Jeopardy

 

The Peer Counselling class has just completed a project on Bullying and have completed one visit to the Seniors Complex in the community. The next project will focus on developing a Jeopardy style game that can be used in classrooms to educate young people on issues affecting them as they get older. More information will be coming shortly about this project.

 

 

Environmental Science 3205:

 

Students have just finished a project examining a) the moose population-conservation and a simulated moose hunt etc and a project on the amount of land needed to produce the food they would need based on their current consumption. This project was well done and students enjoyed it.

 

Our next project will focus on Eco-Regions and the dangers posed to these environments.

 

More information will be forthcoming in the near future.

 

Successful Students:

 

Also please find attached (I am hoping this works)  a number of ways for students to be successful in School.

 

As always, if you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Tyrone S. Power M.Ed, B.Ed

Vice-Principal

Riverwood Academy

Wing's Point, NL, A0G 4T0

(709) 676-2009

(709) 676-2382

 

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All information in this communication, including attachments, is strictly confidential and intended solely for delivery to and authorized use by the addressee(s) identified above. It may contain privileged, confidential, and/or proprietary information entitled to protection and/or exemption from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately. Please take notice that disclosure, reproduction or distribution is unauthorized and may be unlawful.

Remembrance Day

Good afternoon everyone,

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe Remembrance Day and hope you take some time to remember the war veterans who have given us the opportunity to live in a safe country.  It is also important to take some time and remember those brave men and women who continue to serve around the world to keep citizens of other countries safe and to those who help keep us safe at home.

Also take some time to thank the special services people in your community, police persons, and fire persons and anyone who risk their lives everyday to keep ours safe.

Here are 10 things you can do to make Remembrance Day an important event with your family.

1. Donate to organizations who support families of soldiers who are wounded or have lost their lives in the line of duty.

2.  Wear your Poppy proudly to show your support for our troops.

3. Visit a war veteran in your community or the family of a veteran and listen to them recount stories of their times in service.  

4. Plan a family reunion or Get Together. It may be as simple and informal as a backyard barbecue.

5. Plan a family picnic. Get kids to help with preparing picnic food. This is also a wonderful way to enjoy the summer season.

6. Throw an informal Grilling or Barbecue party. Throw some burgers on the grill and invite your friends over and enjoy.

7. Observe a moment of silence on November 11^th. You can choose to observe this moment in any way you like. It is the sentiment that counts.

8. Make crafts with a patriotic theme. Make a pretty, beaded Canadian Flag or pin,  poster, sign or something that shows your appreciation to the troops.

9. Talk to your kids about the importance of Remembrance Day. Read to them stories with a patriotic message and encourage them to look up dictionaries and encyclopaedias on the subject.

10. Have kids participate in Remembrance Day ceremonies, parades and other such activities.

 

I wish everyone a safe holiday and look forward to Monday November 15^th when students return to school.

Lest We Forget

 

Tyrone S. Power M.Ed, B.Ed

Vice-Principal

Riverwood Academy

Wing's Point, NL, A0G 4T0

(709) 676-2009

(709) 676-2382

 

Please note that the information contained within this e-mail is confidential and intended only for the person indicated. If this e-mail reaches you in error, please do not forward, print or otherwise retain a copy as the contents are considered confidential and personal. Please disregard and delete the e-mail and attachments.

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All information in this communication, including attachments, is strictly confidential and intended solely for delivery to and authorized use by the addressee(s) identified above. It may contain privileged, confidential, and/or proprietary information entitled to protection and/or exemption from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately. Please take notice that disclosure, reproduction or distribution is unauthorized and may be unlawful.

Subject Update: November 1 - 10th

Good afternoon,

 

The following is an update on where students currently are in terms of assignments and work in my classes. As mentioned in an earlier e-mail most work is done in class with some preparation at home. However at times homework is given and specified, and will be posted accordingly. Also, please be reminded that while students may not have homework explicitly stated nor given, they are encouraged to review any information given in class and to continue researching and exploring concepts discussed. From the period of Nov 1st - Nov 10th the following concepts will be explored in class. 

 

Technology 7: The Design Process

 

Students are currently working on designing a project of their own. They were given the website stormthecastle.com to research relevant projects and encouraged to develop their own. We have discussed the design process in three stages. Pre design (conceptual artwork about their project, the design phase where they develop the project and finally the post design phase where they examine their project and determine what modifications if any can be made to improve it. The following are some important points to consider:

 

Project: To be determined by the student

 

Materials: Students are expected to find and use common materials around the home or use materials available at the school.

 

Assignment requirements:

 

-Work in groups of 1 or 2 (3 students will be permitted if an uneven number is in class)

- Students must have a drawing of their project in the Pre Design Phase (while it is a rough drawing it should ne neat and legible). This may include brainstorming, artwork etc.

- Gather the materials needed for the project either at home or from the school (if available). It is more important to be able to explain the design process rather than have a perfectly developed project. However it is an expectation that students design a project that does work (if applicable).

- Construct the project at school ( however some students can experiment at home with the project.)

- Write a follow up report on their project and outline problems they experienced and how it can be improved upon.

- Presentation to the class

 

Grading: Students will be graded on the following:

 

- Depth of knowledge about the Design Process including how it is done, what it involves and the importance of proper design methods. 

- Pre-phase Design component (drawings/neatness etc)

- The project itself (will be given adequate weight)

- The post design component (the write up at the end explaining how they feel the project went).

 

Conclusion: It is my intent to ensure students have a valuable learning experience with this assignment and look forward to seeing them completed.

 

 

Technology 9: The Design Process

 

At present the Grade 9 Technology Program is examining computerized design through the development of a PowerPoint on a topic unfamiliar to them and now in which they must use research skills to assist them in development. They will use a Pre-Design, Design and Post-Design process to complete the project.  It will allow students to examine how PowerPoint Presentations are developed and what elements are contained within to make it most effective.

 

Pre-Design: Students develop a web through brainstorming outlining the information they require to complete the topic. They then develop on paper answers to questions they have about their topic. They then develop the layout of the presentation on paper on how it will look.

 

Design: They will then develop the project on PowerPoint.

 

Post Design: Examine the project and determine its effectiveness. 

Project: PowerPoint Design on a topic chosen by me.

 

Materials: All materials are being used in school

-Internet resources

-Library Resources

- Paper

 

Assignment Requirements:

- Develop map with ideas, questions and thoughts on project

- Develop Paper design layout of the project

- Project must be 10 slides (at least)

- Develop the PowerPoint Presentation including the following

            -Multiple Transitions of information and slides

            - Appropriate Slide design (use only 1)

            - Have only enough information that will make it effective

            - Use graphics and links to the internet (where possible)

- Presentation to class

 

I hope this will give the students an understanding of the Design Process then using computer applications.

 

 

Peer Counselling 2101:

 

As a continuation of the course, students are engaged in activities that will enable them to make the best decisions they can. WE have just completed a very successful trip to visit the seniors complex and are currently in t he process of planning for further visits.  In addition, students will be taking part in the upcoming activities during National Bullying Week (Nov 15 - 19).  Students will be giving presentations to elementary classes and developing posters to put around the school.

 

 

Environmental Science 3205:

 

At present Students are still involved with examining environmental issues in Newfoundland and Labrador. We are currently examining the following:

 

- Feasibility of Moose Hunting in NL

- Recycling Efforts and their importance to ensuring the environment is preserved

- Taking part in a simulated Moose Hunt around the school.

 

Students will be graded on the numerous components of the assignment. The assignment is being completed mostly in class and in small groups. We will have this lesson completed by Nov 10th, 2010.

 

If you require anything further, please do not hesitate in contacting me.

 

Again thank you for participation in your child's education. Together we can make this year very successful.

   

Have a good one,

 

Tyrone S. Power M.Ed, B.Ed

Vice-Principal

Riverwood Academy

Wing's Point, NL, A0G 4T0

(709) 676-2009

(709) 676-2382

 

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All information in this communication, including attachments, is strictly confidential and intended solely for delivery to and authorized use by the addressee(s) identified above. It may contain privileged, confidential, and/or proprietary information entitled to protection and/or exemption from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately. Please take notice that disclosure, reproduction or distribution is unauthorized and may be unlawful.

Homework Assignments

Good morning everyone,

 

I apologize to all the parents of students enrolled in my class, however being new I am just getting settled. Going Forward, all homework assignments will be posted on this page for parent's and students. I hope everyone will use the page to see what homework is expected of students and to ensure that we can work together to make this year a successful one for our students.

 

There will not be postings each day as there may be days when no homework is posted, however I will endeavour to make general postings about things happening in the course for parent's to view such as upcoming tests, assignments etc.

 

This weeks Homework News and Notes

 

October 26th - 29th 2010

 

Technology 7: The Design Process

 

Students enrolled in Tech 7 this week will be constructing simple projects found using materials at home. Students will be required to:

- design a project at home using materials they find.

-build the project in class on October 26th and be prepared to explain the materials and how they designed the project.

-Examine the project for design flaws and work on improving them.

 

This work will give students the opportunity to examine how the design process works and examine how modifications to projects are done.

 

Technology 9: The Design Process

 

Students in Technology 9 for this week are examining the design process using both Mind Mapping and the use of technology (i.e. PowerPoint to complete a project on a given subject). This will give students the opportunity to explore the initial stages of the design project and work through it to a completed stage.

 

Project Overview:

 

- Using Brainstorming students will develop ideas on a given topic.

- Research the topic using materials from the Library and the Internet (example Planets in the Solar System)

- Put this information into a PowerPoint Project thus utilizing the skills necessary to make a PowerPoint Presentation that an be shared with others. The PowerPoint Presentation will need to include both sounds and pictures.

 

Peer Counselling 2101: Making Positive Decisions. 

 

In this course students will be asked to examine how we can make better choices and decisions as individuals.

 

At present we are looking at ways to better help the seniors in our community. We will be going tot he Riverview Seniors complex to work with the seniors and offer them some activities we will develop to show our appreciation and our dedication to them through our work with them.

 

 

Environmental Science 3205

 

At present the Environmental Science Class is involved in an in-depth study on the Moose Population in Newfoundland and Labrador. This unit will have them examining the following:

 

-Factors influencing the increase of the Moose Population

- Problems associated with an increase in the Moose Population

- How to control the moose population

- A Simulated Moose Population in which students hunt moose throughout the building

- Gun and Hunting Safety Tips

- Map Reading

- Estimation of the Moose Population in a given area

- Feasibility of Hunting Moose

- Cost Analysis of Moose Hunting

 

It is the intent of this lesson to have students understand the need to examine environmental issues closely before making decisions about the use of the environment. Using the moose as an example, this will allow us the opportunity to make general assumptions about other hunting practices as well as how human interaction with the environment impacts it both positively and negatively.

 

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.

 

I will be further updating and adding more detail to lessons as we move forward.

 

Again thank you for participation in your child's education. Together we can make this year very successful.

 

 

Have a good one,

 

Tyrone S. Power M.Ed, B.Ed

Vice-Principal

Riverwood Academy

Wing's Point, NL, A0G 4T0

(709) 676-2009

(709) 676-2382

 

Please note that the information contained within this e-mail is confidential and intended only for the person indicated. If this e-mail reaches you in error, please do not forward, print or otherwise retain a copy as the contents are considered confidential and personal. Please disregard and delete the e-mail and attachments.

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All information in this communication, including attachments, is strictly confidential and intended solely for delivery to and authorized use by the addressee(s) identified above. It may contain privileged, confidential, and/or proprietary information entitled to protection and/or exemption from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately. Please take notice that disclosure, reproduction or distribution is unauthorized and may be unlawful.