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Polk 2016-2017 Schools Dates to Remember

POLK COUNTY 2016-2017 SCHOOL CALENDAR

Calendar-Template

2016

August 15 First day of school
September 5 School Holiday- Labor Day
September 14 EARLY RELEASE DAY
September 19 Student Holiday
October 5 EARLY RELEASE DAY
October 17 Student Holiday
November 11 School Holiday – Veterans’ Day
November 16 EARLY RELEASE DAY
November 21-25 School Holiday – Thanksgiving Break
December 19-January 2 School Holiday – Winter Break

 

2017

January 3 First day back after winter holiday
January 13 Student Holiday
January 16 School Holiday – MLK, Jr. Day
January 25 EARLY RELEASE DAY
February 15 EARLY RELEASE DAY
February 20 School Holiday – Presidents’ Day
March 15 EARLY RELEASE DAY
March 20-24 School Holiday – Spring Break
April 14 Mini Break
May 17 EARLY RELEASE DAY
May 29 School Holiday – Memorial Day
June 2 Last day of school

 
For more information on the school calendar, upcoming events or Polk school information, please visit the Polk County Public Schools website where we obtained this information.
 
 

2016-2017 Assessment Schedule

 

[table]
Date, Assessment, ,
August 15-September 27, FLKRS (Kindergarten)
September 12-23, FSA EOC Algebra 1; Geometry; Algebra 2, NGSSS EOC Biology 1; Civics; U.S. History
November 28-December 15, FSA EOC Algebra 1; Geometry; Algebra 2, NGSSS EOC Biology 1; Civics; U.S. History
February 27-May 12, FSA ELA Writing; Reading; Mathematics
April 17-May 12, FSA EOC Algebra 1; Geometry; Algebra 2
April 17-May 19, NGSSS EOC Biology 1; Civics; U.S. History
May 2, NGSSS Science (5th & 8th)
July 17-21, FSA EOC Algebra 1; Geometry; Algebra 2, NGSSS EOC Biology 1; Civics; U.S. History
[/table]
Click for more Polk County testing information.
 

If you feel that your child needs help preparing for these assessments, please do not hesitate to contact us to set up One-to-One Tutoring.

 

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LRC Students Received 722 Hours of Tutoring in June

In the month of June, Learning Resource Center students received 722 hours of tutoring, bringing the Year-To-Date Total to 14,369 hours(please note that the YTD total starts over in July). New and ongoing students tutored during the month of June equaled 178 students.
 
June 2016 Tutoring
 
Thanks to all of our tutors and students for your time, efforts, and hard work. It’s paying off!
 
If you’re interested in participating in One-to-One Tutoring, please visit LRCPolk.com/programs/one-to-one-tutoring.
 
 
Related Posts:
March 2016 Tutoring Report
December 2015 Tutoring Report
November 2015 Tutoring Report
October 2015 Tutoring Report
September 2015 Tutoring Report
July 2015 Tutoring Report
June 2015 Tutoring Report
May 2015 Tutoring Report

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LRC Programs Sizzle

The Learning Resource Center’s Summer 2016 opened with a bang! Here is just a snapshot of the programs, in addition to LRC’s regular Exceptional Student Education and one-to-one tutoring.
 

Camp READY!

Ten camps located throughout Polk County–Frostproof, Bartow, Ft. Meade, Lake Wales (2), Haines City, Poinciana, North Lakeland, South Lakeland, Winter Haven—offered engaging activities for over 300 students to prepare for Kindergarten. Nine camps were funded by United Way of Central Florida, and one camp was underwritten by a GiveWell Foundation donor.
Camp Ready Winter Haven parent program
 

PEP Summer Camps

Polk County Schools provided Title 1 funds for three weeks of destination camps at PEP Education Center and Inwood Elementary School in Winter Haven. Sixty 1st-5th grade students participated in hands-on science, health, and music experiences which focused on strengthening reading and math skills.
 

LRC Elementary Summer Success

McKeel Academy South was the summer site for 23 elementary students working to increase proficiency in vocabulary, reading comprehension, and basic math concepts.
 

Galindo Tennis Academy

Once again this summer, four international high school tennis athletes supplemented their tennis workouts with English Language and Reading instruction on the FSC campus.
 

Sheriffs’ Girls Villa Summer Programs

Residents of the Villa have access to Study Skills and Test Preparation.
 

Test Prep

Twelve students attended LRC’s ACT and SAT Preparation Course to get ready for their college entrance exams in the upcoming school year. Twenty students enrolled in LRC’s GRE Prep Course hosted by Florida Southern College.
 

Study Skills for Successful Students

Ten students (elementary, middle school and high school students) acquired those skills necessary for academic and real life success.
 

College Reach Out Program (CROP)

Thirty students visited the University of Central Florida at the end of the July to tour the campus and experience a college environment.
 
 

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2016 Back-to-School Bashes, Events and Donation Drives

It’s back-to-school time! Scroll down to find details on the first day of school and the 2016 sales tax holiday as well as local events, health fairs and donation drives.

back to school freepik

Graphic: Freepik.com

Student orientation: Thursday, August 11
First day of school for students: Monday, August 15
 
Tax-free holiday: August 5-7
 

Bashes

Back to School Bash
When: Sunday, July 30, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Wilfred Smith Resource Center, 135 Avenue Y N.E., Winter Haven
What: Polk County Parks & Recreation’s Back to School Bash is a free family event. Families will get to enjoy free school supplies for children kindergarten through the fifth grade (first come, first served). Families will also enjoy music, educational exhibitors, and children activities. This event will help children start the school year off on the right foot.
Contact: 863-298-7898
 
Back to School 2016 Community Bash
When: Saturday, July 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center, 801 Ave. T NE, Winter Haven
What: The “Circle of Love Project” (comprised of local churches, businesses and the City) will provide back to school supplies for Winter Haven area children. Supplies and book bags geared towards grades K – 8, will be distributed to children in need with educational, financial and health vendors on site. Everything will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. An adult and child(ren) must be present to attain a ticket for the free book bag and school supplies. There will also be bounce houses, free food, music and swimming from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. for ages 5 – 17.
Contact: Tory Dewdney, 863-291-5675.
 
Life Church Backpack Outreach
When: Saturday, July 30, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
Where: 581 Berkley Rd. Auburndale, FL 33823
What: Auburndale’s Life Church will hold a giving for over 700 free school backpacks filled with school supplies for needy families.
Contact: Dawn Simmons, 863-967-5433
 
First Friday Downtown Lakeland
When: Friday, August 5, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Lakeland
What: Free, family-friendly entertainment, activities, live music, art receptions, a car show, and the chance to check out a great, locally-owned restaurant or retail establishment. Augusts’ event theme is Back-to-School sponsored in part by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.
Contact:863-510-9723
 
Summer Palooza
When: Saturday, August 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Simpson Park, 1725 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Lakeland
What: To introduce New Beginnings High School to the Lakeland community, the school is hosting Summer Palooza so that families and children will have the necessary resources to go back to school. New Beginnings’ Summer Palooza will provide necessities along with educational guest speakers, a warm meal, and entertainment throughout the day.
Contact:
 
Back to School: Movie at the Pool
When: Saturday, August 13, 8:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: 1100 NE 1st St, Mulberry, FL 33860
What: Enjoy a showing of “Finding Nemo” while swimming in Mulberry’s own Community Pool. Admission is free, however guests must be residents of the City of Mulberry. Children under the age of 15 years must have a valid Pool ID.
Contact:City of Mulberry, 863-425-1125
 
Fifth Annual Community Back to School Family Fun Day
When: Saturday, August 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Where: Westwood Park, 1151 36th Street NW, Winter Haven
What: This free event is aimed at preparing family in the community for the new school year by providing free health screenings, health information, child safety information and more. There will be a backpack giveaway with school supplies for school-age children. There will be also be fun activities and entertainment for kids including games and a petting zoo.
Contact: 863-875-7933 or info@heart2heartcommunity.org
 
Rock the Block Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, August 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: The Lakeland Center: George Jenkins Arena
What: Bring the entire family to this free community event featuring giveaways, free backpacks, free haircuts, a health fair, hot dogs, cotton candy, bounce houses and more.
Contact: Harvest Assembly of God: 863-682-7000. The Lakeland Center: 863-834-8100
 

Just outside of Polk:

 
Whole Foods Market Florida Back to School Lunch Giveaway!
When: Sunday, August 7 & August 14, 12 p.m.
Where: Whole Foods Market
What: Whole Foods Market Back to School Lunch Giveaway- Get a complimentary lunch without any artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives for your child (12 and under) for the first day of school.
Sunday, August 7: Tampa; Sunday, August 14: Orlando
Contact: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/list
 

Health Fairs

Back to School Health Fair
When: July 29-August 6 (see dates & sites below)
Where: Central Florida Health Care: Throughout Polk County
What: A Central Florida Health Care back to school health clinic featuring CFHC school supplies and backpacks also.
Contact: 863-425-6200

Dates, Times & Sites:

  • Friday, July 29, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in Avon Park, 950 CR-17A W
  • Saturday, July 30, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in Lakeland, 1129 N Missouri Ave
  • Saturday, August 6, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in Winter Haven, 201 Magnolia Ave. SW
  • Saturday, August 6, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in Dundee, 1023 Dundee Rd

 
Back To School Health Fair
When: Saturday, August 6, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, 40100 US Highway 27, Davenport
What: Good health is the best back-to-school supply your child can have. So don’t miss our free Back-to-School Health Fair that combines health and safety education with fun for the whole family!

  • Safety presentations by police and EMS
  • Health presentations by local pediatricians and physicians
  • Back-to-school screenings and discounts
  • Fun Zone with free crafts, face painting and activities
  • Free school supplies
  • Teddy Bear Clinic
  • Drawings for tickets to special events, while supplies last

Contact: 866-997-DOCS
 
Back- to-School Shots
Department of Health in Polk clinics

  • Auburndale, 1805 Hobbs Road, 863-965-5400
  • Haines City, 1700 Baker Ave. E., 863-421-3204
  • Lake Wales, 835 W. Central Ave., 863-678-4144
  • Lakeland, 3241 Lakeland Hills Blvd., 863-413-2620

– The Bartow clinic does not provide childhood immunizations.
– Appointments are recommended, although walk-ins are accepted.
– All but the Auburndale clinic are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. At Auburndale, the immunization clinic hours vary by day.
 

Donation Drives

Gator Encounters & Donation Drive
When: Friday, July 29, 10 a.m. & 12 p.m.
Where: Mulberry Phosphate Museum
What: Mulberry Phosphate Museum will host two family-friendly close encounters with Florida’s wildlife and Tim Williams as a way to gain school supply donations. Reserve your place at mulberryphosphatemuseum.org. For admission, please bring two school supply items to donate.
Contact: 863-425-2823
 
Stuff the Bus
Stuff the Bus is Central Florida’s largest back-to-school campaign. In addition to the traditional school supplies that are needed such as pens, pencils, wide rule paper, folders with prongs, crayons, markers, backpacks, glue and erasers, you may also donate copy paper, facial tissue, index cards, highlighters, hand sanitizer, zip lock bags, and pencil boxes.
 
– Bartow: Through Friday, August 19
– Lakeland:Saturday, August 6, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at Walmart (US Hwy 98 N)
– Lakeland: Wednesday, August 10 at Hall Communications
– Winter Haven: Saturday, August 8, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd.)
 
 

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Shop Back-to-School with a Tax-Free Weekend on August 5-7

Shop and save!

The 2016 sales tax holiday will take place over three days beginning on Friday, August 5 at 12:01 a.m. and running through Sunday, August 7 at 11:59 p.m.
 
Different from last year, this year’s tax-free rules apply to clothing, footwear and certain accessories that cost $60 or less per item and school supplies that costs $15 or less per item.
 
Examples of items that will apply to the tax-free holiday are:

Clothing:

  • Bags
  • Belts
  • Hats
  • Hair accessories
  • Jackets
  • Jeans
  • Raincoats
  • Shirts
  • Shorts & skirts
  • Shoes
  • Socks
  • Scarves
  • Swimsuits
  • Ties
  • Uniforms
  • Wallets

Supplies:

  • Backpacks
  • Binders
  • Calculators
  • Folders
  • Markers, crayons & colored pencils
  • Notebook paper
  • Poster board
  • Pens & pencils

 
According to the Florida Department of Revenue, the holiday will NOT apply to the following:

  • Any item of clothing selling for more than $60
  • Any school supply item selling for more than $15
  • Books that are not otherwise exempt
  • Personal computers and computer-related accessories
  • Rentals or leases of any of these items
  • Repairs or alterations of any of these items
  • Sales of clothing or school supplies in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

 
For a complete list of exempt and non-exempt items, please visit dor.myflorida.com.
 
 

Related Posts:

 
Get your back-to-school items during the 10-day tax holiday (2015)
 
 

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Summer Learning Tips for Parents

It has been shown that children can lose up to two months of essential math and reading skills during the summer months. At the Learning Resource Center, we offer quality summer learning opportunities so that students won’t lose the skills he or she worked hard at in school and to help #KeepKidsLearning.
 
If your child isn’t part of one of our summer programs, or even if they are, check out these 10 tips for parents to help keep your child’s mind active while school is out provided by the National Summer Learning Association.
 

10 Summer Learning Tips for Parents

 
Click the image for a larger view.
summer learning tips for parents
 
1. Read. Read. Read.
2. Have fun with numbers.
3.Turn off the TV! Turn off the screens!
4. Make art!
5. Experiment! Do science!
6. Eat smart. Eat healthy.
7. Get outside.
8. Go to a museum — again and again.
9. Read a poem.
10. Go to sleep.
 
 
Which strategies are already part of your child’s summer, and which do you plan to implement?
 

Related Posts:
Summer learning ideas for home
Tips to keep tweens and teens learning this summer
Tips to keep kids active and healthy this summer

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Harrison Student wins LRC’s Mike Grady Award

“Desiree is a wonderful young lady. She works extremely hard, is conscientious, polite, appreciative, smart and goal-oriented.” – Lesley Chambers, Director of Student Services for Harrison School of the Arts
Mike Grady Scholarship Winner
 
Selected by the Mike Grady family, Desiree Carosi is the recipient of LRC’s 2016 Mike Grady Scholarship. In her application essay, Desiree told of her move from Italy to Lakeland two years ago, the recent fire that destroyed her home and possessions (including her beloved piano and music). She also told of her struggle with preparing for the tests, which would open or close the gates to her dream of majoring in music at a respected college. Desiree is a student at Harrison School of the Arts.
 
“Desiree was chosen for her inspiration, passion, and perseverance in continuing to pursue her life’s dream despite obstacles. The judges for the scholarship were impressed with her dedication to her education and her contribution to her school and community.” – Jon Brock, son-in-law of Mr. Grady
 

About the Mike Grady Scholarship

 
LRC was fortunate to have a champion in Mike Grady assuming leadership roles during much of the Learning Resource Center’s existence. When Mike Grady passed away in 2004, he left behind a legacy that has inspired LRC to celebrate his commitment to the community with the “Mike Grady Scholarship”. Each year, one student is selected to receive full tuition for the LRC’s comprehensive 23-hour SAT/ACT Preparation Course. The value of this year’s scholarship is $440.
 
LRC considers applicants who are role models within their high school that have clear secondary education goals when awarding the Mike Grady Scholarship.
 
 

Related Articles:

Menelik Graham Wins LRC Scholarship
 

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Camp READY! Staff is Prepped and Ready to Teach!

Seventy enthusiastic participants who will serve Camp READY! campers congregated at two different sites on Saturday, May 21. Come June and July, these folks will be in positions of camp site director, instructor, counselor or support staff. Camp READY! is LRC’s signature program for beginning or struggling kindergartners geared towards preparing them for success in the classroom.
 
During the two and a half hour training, attendees met with their camp colleagues to get acquainted and to assign roles for the upcoming four-week sessions at ten different sites across Polk County. Breakout workshops provided time and attention for practice with the curriculum for each site’s learning centers—Readiness, Cooking, Movement, and Art. This year will be the inaugural year for incorporation of Nemours’ Bright Start Program, an acclaimed pre-kindergarten language development initiative from the Nemours’ Pediatric Hospitals.
 

Master Teacher Dr. Mary Stowers introduces Nemours’ Bright Start Program to Camp READY! Instructors and Counselors.

Camp READY! instructors practice integrating reading and math readiness skills into the practical application of making pancakes.


Art Facilitator Jacel Jones models the language of art, as well as the proper way to teach children how to hold scissors or a brush.

Art Facilitator Jacel Jones models the language of art, as well as the proper way to teach children how to hold scissors or a brush.


Camp READY! instructors practice integrating reading and math readiness skills into the practical application of making pancakes.

Master Teacher Dr. Mary Stowers introduces Nemours’ Bright Start Program to Camp READY! instructors and counselors.


 

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LRC Rolls Out Summer 2016 Programs for All Grades

The Learning Resource Center is offering summer enrichment programs for the 2016 season for kindergarten through high school grade levels. Scroll down to find the level you’re seeking below.
 
MAKES (1)

Kindergarten


Rising and repeating kindergartners can gain the skills necessary for school at LRC’s
Camp READY! featuring multi-sensory learning experiences in a fun, engaging format at ten locations throughout Polk County. On average, Camp READY! students who attend the full program demonstrate learning gains of seven months in vocabulary development. Camp READY! dates are June 13-July 29, 2016. Each camp will take place Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for four weeks except for Poinciana and Ft. Meade camps, which will take place Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Dates vary by location. The cost is $25 for the entire month.
 

Elementary


Students entering 1st- 5th grade are invited to PEP Summer Camps in Winter Haven. A collaboration between LRC, Polk County Public Schools and the Winter Haven Public Education Partnership, this enrichment program will offer students three week-long camps at the PEP Center or Inwood Elementary. Camps will focus on science, sports and art & music with math and reading components and will take place from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday on June 13-30, 2016. The cost is $25 per week.
 
Students who have completed kindergarten through 5th grade are encouraged to attend Super Summer Success, an enrichment program that helps students maintain their mental momentum through the summer with a fun and active approach to reading, writing and math. Super Summer Success will take place June 20-July 14, 2016 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at South McKeel Academy in Lakeland. The full cost is $395.
 

Middle School


Middle school students may consider Study Habits of Successful Students for motivational strategies and study techniques to become a more effective learner. Lessons will include: Get Motivated, Listen Up and Take Notes, Set Goals to Achieve, Read Actively, Manage Your Time, Become Test-Wise. This study skills course will take place July 11-15 from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the Learning Resource Center in Lakeland. The cost is $145.
 

High School


High school students can “get the competitive edge” with College Success Planning. Students enrolled in this course will learn and practice time-tested, effective, and efficient study strategies, as well as concrete techniques to gain the competitive edge necessary for high school and college. College Success Planning will take place July 11-15 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at the Learning Resource Center in Lakeland. The cost is $145.
 
High School students will benefit from LRC’s ACT and SAT summer test preparation courses. Preparation courses are designed to build confident, successful students, helping them achieve their best possible score through problem-solving strategies tailored towards each test. The ACT Summer Preparation Course will take place July 18-22, 2016 at the Learning Resource Center, while the SAT Summer Preparation Course will take place July 25-29, 2016 at the Learning Resource Center in Lakeland. The cost of each full course is $440.
 

Scholarships & Registration


Scholarships for any of these programs are available to families with a documented financial need. Please do not hesitate to enroll in any of the courses, as many of them are small-group settings and fill up quickly. To register, please click on the program link above or call 863-688-9477.
 
 

Related Posts:

Now Enrolling: Elementary Summer Programs
Get Ready at Camp READY!
Now Enrolling: Camp READY! Summer 2016
 

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Now Enrolling: Elementary Summer Programs

Make sure that your kids are not only busy this summer,
but that they’re busy learning!


Prevent summer learning loss with the Learning Resource Center’s summer programs for all ages over the next two months, including a couple geared towards elementary students.
 
In addition to hosting Camp READY!, a school-readiness program for students entering into kindergarten in the fall, LRC will also hold two elementary camps, Super Summer Success and PEP Summer Camps 2016.
Image: FreePik
 
Students who have just completed any grade between kindergarten-5th this school year are invited to attend Super Summer Success at South McKeel Academy. This summer enrichment course will offer students a fun way to gain important skills in reading and math and a great way to reinforce their skills through interaction and review. The classes will be small and will include hands-on, high-interest activities as well as interactive teaching by certified instructors. Super Summer Success will take place June 20 – July 14, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. (excluding Monday, July 4) at South McKeel Academy, which is located at 2222 Edgewood Drive, South, Lakeland, FL 33803. The cost is $395 for the entire four-week course. Scholarships are available for families with a documented financial need. To enroll your child, please visit lrcpolk.com/programs/super-summer-success or call LRC at 863-688-9477.
 
Students who have completed any grade between kindergarten-4th and will enter 1st-5th grade in the fall, may consider PEP Summer Camps 2016. These camps will offer students math and reading practice in an exciting way that will accompany week-long themes of science, sports and art & music at one of two Winter Haven locations, the PEP Education Center or Inwood Elementary. This program will also include high-interest, hands-on lessons, skill reinforcement and interactive teaching by certified instructors. PEP Summer Camps will take place Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. over the following weeks: June 13-16, June 20-23 and June 27-30 at the PEP Center located at 203 Avenue R NE, Winter Haven, FL, 33881 or Inwood Elementary located at 2200 Avenue G NW, Winter Haven, FL 33880. The cost is $25 per week. Scholarships are also available to families with a documented financial need. To register, please visit lrcpolk.com/programs/pep-summer-camps or call LRC at 863-688-9477.
 
Don’t hesitate to enroll your elementary student in one of these beneficial enrichment programs! Students will be able to learn and grow while still having fun this summer when they attend one of these great programs.
 

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Address:

1628 Florida Ave S.
Lakeland, FL 33803

Phone:

(863) 688-9477

Office Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

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Address:

1628 Florida Ave S.
Lakeland, FL 33803

Phone:

(863) 688-9477

Office Hours:

Monday – Thursday: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

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