Director's Message
Rhonda Norris | rhonda.norris@aas.ru
Dear Parents,
AAS is mid-way through our fourth week of learning for the 20/21 school year. I have been fortunate to be present each morning for the arrival of students to campus since Hybrid Learning began. We are grateful to have students back on campus. I have been walking through the hallways as students arrive and classes begin. The energy and connection between students and teachers was positive and it was good to see students between the two Huddles coming together “in” the classroom using the new learning technology.
The kinds of learning we are all engaged in at this time is significantly more challenging than when we are in full on-campus learning. These approaches and methods are still evolving and being tested real-time with students around the world. Schools are making decisions based on what is successful for students and extrapolating what we know has worked in the classrooms that has been time-tested. To support these evolving practices, we thank those students, staff, and parents who have provided feedback in the interest of ongoing improvement and we welcome continued feedback from our community. AAS educators are meeting multiple times per week to evaluate feedback and refine their focus on optimizing Hybrid learning experience for students. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our educators (teachers, counselors, and leadership) as partners in supporting your child(ren).
While AAS understands that the environment in Moscow can appear to have minimal restrictions in terms of physical distancing and wearing masks, it is important to highlight that multiple layers of safety measures are mandated or recommended for schools by Russian authorities to minimize the risk of transmission of the virus to school campuses. We encourage all in our community to consider maintaining the international health standards for physical distancing and wearing masks outside of school. The transmission of the virus could impact our ability to have students on campus for hybrid and eventually full on-campus learning. AAS appreciates the collaboration and support of our community so that we can continue to have students on campus.
On campus, AAS continues to balance the physical safety and well-being alongside the academic, social and emotional health with the sustained, quality learning. In these efforts, AAS fundamentally believes that having students on campus is the ideal way to maximize learning. Therefore, the idea of finding solutions that allows students to be on campus is always our starting point. We must then consider what the health authority requirements and recommendations are so that they can be applied to our situation. Finally, we identify ways to mitigate the health risks based on the recommendations of local and worldwide health authorities. If the risk can be mitigated, we move forward with the academic or holistic learning and maximize on-campus learning. If the risk cannot be mitigated, we transition to the learning model that matches the lowest risk level after mitigation. At this time, there continues to be a lack of certainty or clarity to support a transition towards full on-campus learning. AAS will continue to evaluate the current situation and modify our approach as health and educational research evolves.
AAS will continue to adapt as necessary in the best interest of the health and safety of our students, while continuing to strive for sustained and quality learning for students. Our ultimate goal is for all students to return to full on-campus learning when it is advised that it is safe to do so. Our educator teams want nothing more than for each day to be successful and rewarding for your child.
Thank you to our parent partners in learning for your ongoing collaboration.
Warm regards,
Rhonda Norris
Director
Anglo-American School of Moscow
Safety On Campus
Let's make the AAS Campus safe, healthy, and fun for learning!
- Review the CDC guidelines and tips for masks together with your child!
- Make sure your children understand the importance of washing their hands and using hand sanitizers often.
- Ask your children to wear masks outside if they are playing with other students and not able to keep 1.5m social distance.
- Don't forget to check your child's temperature each morning.
- And please sign the Daily Passes each day so your child can access the campus safely and quickly.
ES Express
ES Principal Jeff.Hinton@aas.ru
ES Associate Principal Julie.Villers@aas.ru
ES Associate Principal Eric.Burnett@aas.ru
Dear ES Families,
Welcome to the second week of Hybrid Learning. We are thrilled that children are able to be on campus to learn. Students have adopted social distancing protocols and mask wearing with ease. A Pre-kindergarten student even reminded adults that they needed to ensure a 1.5 meter distance. Thank you for continuing to fill in the Daily Health Pass and for working with us at arrival and pick up to ensure a smooth transition of students.
Room Parents
We are very fortunate at AAS to have an active and supportive PTO that enhances our learning experiences for students. One PTO role that directly works with classrooms are the PTO Room Parents. These parents ensure that classroom parties and other special events run smoothly. We are thankful that parents offer their time to create learning extensions for classes. Each class needs at least two Room Parents. We ask you to please consider volunteering for these positions as it is a great way for you to make a direct positive impact on your child’s classroom. Please click here to volunteer. Thank you very much.
Virtual Learning Worlds
ES teachers are finding new ways to engage students during Hybrid Learning. Below is an example of a virtual and interactive world created by our ES Arts teacher, Ms. Arnold.
Goal Setting Conferences
Goal Setting Conferences are scheduled for Thursday, September 24 and Friday, September 25. These conferences will be held through Webex, so a parent can attend even if they are not in the same location as their child.
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What is a Goal Setting Conference
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The student, parents and educator will meet for approximately 20 minutes
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A short conversation about how a student is settling into the school year
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Together, the student, parents and educator will collaborate to identify specific goals (academic, social, organizational etc.) for the student, next steps and needed support/plan for meeting those goals
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Together, the student, parents and educator will collaborate to identify student strengths
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Logistics
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Students should wear their formal school uniform or similar attire in order to support the formal nature of these conferences
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September 24 and 25 are non-instructional days but students are expected to attend their conference with their parents
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An email with instructions on how to sign up for a conference will be sent from the ES Office, please keep an eye out for it
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Parents may send an email to Single Subject and Special Educational Needs (SEN) Educators in order to set up a Webex Meetings with them if they would like to talk about these specific areas around settling in, goals and strengths. Students should attend these meetings.
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Enjoy the rest of your day,
The ES Leadership Team
ES Counselors
What's Up in MS
MS Principal, Christopher Schuster chris.schuster@aas.ru
MS Senior Associate Principal, Karisti Cormier karisti.cormier@aas.ru
MS Associate Principal, Alex Lopez alexander.lopez-barton@aas.ru
Click here to like AAS MS on Facebook!
Community: This week we have been hosting Grade Level Assemblies. Although we can’t gather together in one physical location, it is nice to be able to come together as a grade level community on Webex. Some of the topics we talked about were:
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How to interact in Webex from home
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How to support each other in the classroom
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Ways to manage stress
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Reminders about wearing masks and physical distancing
JumpRope: At the end of this week we will be opening the assessment section of the family portal (for students and parents). Because we have asked teachers to start the year focusing on building relationships and getting to know their students, there will not be as many assessments in the system as there normally are at this time of year. As the quarter progresses, more information will be added to JumpRope.
Hybrid Learning: In our Hybrid Learning pathway, students are expected to attend all of their classes daily. It is vital for students to be fully engaged even when they are not on campus.If you have questions about attendance or participation, please contact karisti.cormier@aas.ru. If your child will not be able to attend their class from home because of illness, please contact the MS Office ms.office@aas.ru so we can make a note for teachers.
MS Parent Coffee: Next Wednesday, September 23, we will host a MS Parent Coffee for all Grade 6-8 parents. During our coffee we will share what Hybrid Learning looks like here at school and what life on campus is like for our MS students. You can join the meeting through this link: MS Parent Coffee - 23 September.
MS Counselor
James Villers| james.villers@aas.ru | Room 2075
During virtual grade level assemblies this week, I shared information with students about stress management skills, breaking these skills down into two parts:
- making healthy life choices that will help them better withstand the effects of stress; and
- calming themselves down in those moments of higher level stress.
You can see the presentation here: Managing Stress. You may need to click on the slide to advance it.
Building resilience is crucial to helping our children successfully handle both short and long-term stressors. A recent article from the American Psychological Association phrases it this way:
“Even without larger traumas, middle school can be an especially difficult time for many children as they struggle to meet extra academic demands and avoid new social pitfalls. They look to teachers and friends as well as to parents to make them feel safe.
Reinforce empathy and help your child keep perspective. If your child falls into the shifting of social groups that form in middle school, help them understand that other children may be feeling just as lonely and confused, and help them to see beyond the current situation.
Talk with your child about your own feelings during times of extraordinary stress. Your children may be old enough to appreciate hearing about your own thoughts and feelings, but also the ways in which you cope. Share how the ways you cope are helpful to you, but also find techniques that may benefit your child.”
If you’re interested in reading the entire article, which includes 10 tips for building resilience in children and teens, you can find it here: Resilience Guide for Parents and Teachers
Thank you for all that you do to support your child’s social-emotional learning. If you have questions about any of the above, or if you wish to discuss your child, please email me.
HS Flash
HS Principal, Christopher Schuster chris.schuster@aas.ru
HS Associate Principal, Matthew Groves matthew.groves@aas.ru
HS Associate Principal, Matthew Groves matthew.groves@aas.ru
HS Associate Principal, Andrew Wiese andrew.wiese@aas.ru
As we complete the first week of hybrid learning, students and faculty are beginning to find their rhythm in this new learning environment. For families that are still engaged in distance learning each day, we continue to refine and revisit our engagement strategies to ensure learning for all of our students.
Grade 11 Parent Coffee: We are pleased to announce our next virtual parent coffee, October 1, at 14:00 for grade 11 parents. The focus of the meeting will be on assessment, we will have a brief presentation followed by an open Q&A for parents. Please stay tuned for additional coffees in the near future.
First Day Pack: For families whose child has come on campus for hybrid learning, please make sure to sign and return the first day packs by Friday September 18.
MAP Testing: At the end of September we will begin MAP testing for all HS students in grades 9 and 10. A schedule and more details will be coming soon. MAP stands for Measure of Academic Progress, and is an external assessment we give to determine not only where a student is in their learning, but also how much they are growing from year to year. We use the results of this test as one of multiple indicators to determine how to best serve our students. Remember this is not a test students should be revising for; the best preparation is a good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast and lunch, and to be confident.
Learning at AAS
It's wonderful to see students actively engage in learning and social interactions on campus. Below are few HS photos from around the school.
IB Office
Sean Sonderman sean.sonderman@aas.ru
Grade 12
Individual Planning Meetings
Mr. Sonderman is meeting with all Grade 12 students individually for the next couple of weeks to discuss Year 2 in the IB, progress on major works such as IAs and the Extended Essay, university plans, and Predicted Grades. The meetings are meant to provide context for the year and to identify weak points that need to be addressed. They are also intended to give each student a range of expectations for the up-coming Predicted Grades that are sent to universities. Meetings will take place via Webex this year. Please discuss the results of your child’s meeting with Mr. Sonderman.
100% of Seniors Uploaded their Extended Essay First Drafts!
The first complete draft of the Grade 12 Extended Essays, the 4,000-word culmination of a major research topic of a student’s choosing, were due Monday night. Happily 100% of the students turned in the draft. This is a critical piece and marks an important turning point in the IB Diploma Program for the students. The Supervisors will return the drafts by October 6 so that students will have time to complete edits and formal presentation components of the papers by the November 4 Final EE deadline. Well done Grade 12s, especially given the context of COVID-19, DL, and hybrid learning. This is a testament to your hard work and perseverance.
Grade 11
Mr. Sonderman met with the Grade 11s in a series of three assemblies over the past few days. The first two assemblies focused on a welcome to the IB Diploma Program. The assemblies dealt with the nuts and bolts of the program as well as the overarching aims of the Learner Profile, Global-mindedness, and Approaches to Learning that anchor the International Baccalaureate. The third assembly addressed resilience and goal setting. Each student was asked to complete a Goal Setting Survey by this Wednesday. Mr. Sonderman will collect the results and sit down with each Grade 11 student individually to complete the process of forming realistic academic goals during September and October. Please discuss the process with your child.
HS Counselors
Bryn Will bryn.will@aas.ru supports students with last names beginning with L-Z
Lauren Zimmerman lauren.zimmerman@aas.ru supports students with last names beginning with A-K
Lauren Zimmerman lauren.zimmerman@aas.ru supports students with last names beginning with A-K
Your HS counselors have been checking in with new students, meeting about university planning and helping students navigate the beginning of this school year.
It is truly amazing how flexible and understanding everyone is as we learn new techniques for communicating, navigate new technologies and find ways to connect without direct contact. We are all learning and growing together so we are truly all in a learning environment these days.
With this is mind, we would like to share an article with you about what we can take out of this pandemic experience, outside of the stress and worries, along with a list of resources to promote gratitude, positive thinking and wellbeing. Adopting one or two of these activities can start a new tradition in your household which will help everyone in your family look for the positive interactions, sights and opportunities that take place each and every day – even amongst chaos
Library News
Librarians: kelsey.hedrick@aas.ru & kris.feller@aas.ru
Please visit Kris and K’s “digital libraries." Click around and enjoy!
What does “curbside library” mean?
- Parents and High School Students can request books for pick up from the AAS library.
- These curbside days will replace our upcoming Saturday open days.
Our next Library Saturday is Saturday, September 19!
How does it work?
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Request some books that you would like on our handy form.
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Wait for the “You’ve Got Books” email.
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Come to school on the days we have indicated in the emails.
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Drive to school (or walk, or taxi, or bus) with your badge to come to the Main Gate.
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Give your name to the librarians and pick up what you’ve requested.
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Return any books that you’ve finished.
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Enjoy your books at home!
We look forward to helping you out!
Please email library@aas.ru if you have any questions.
Penguin Life
Email: plife@aas.ru
- Penguin Life Fall Season has started and we are so excited and happy to have the students back in sessions, on the courts and playing fields!
- There is no pressure of “trying to make the team” so we have a fun, more social approach to the sessions.
- On behalf of the coaches… We are very happy and excited to have this opportunity to do some extracurricular training, talking, laughing, chatting and all around fun, with our students. Thank you!!
- If your child is attending on campus but hasn't signed up for the after school program yet, there is still time to do that.
- Note that participation places are limited and some programs no longer have places available.
- Where places are available, new participants are welcome to join.
- Registration instructions and guidelines were published in AAS newsletter from September 9, 2020.
Penguin Athletics
Adjustments to Waiting Lists
- We have been able to add almost all the students on the waiting list to the team rosters.
- Adjustments have been made to accommodate space in the change rooms and on the courts/fields with coaching staff.
- For information about the season visit the Penguin Life MS or HS Athletics webpages
Instruments Rental
- If your child needs to rent instrument for music classes or for the after school Activity, you may now request for the instrument rental online at https://plife.aas.ru/login
- Every request will be processed by the respective music teacher. Once the rental request gets approved, parents will receive payment invoice by email.
- A copy of the invoice will also be available in your Plife registration system account.
If any questions please contact us at plife@aas.ru
Health Office
Email: health.office@aas.ru
- Flu Vaccine
- AAS orders a limited number of flu vaccines to help protect our community.
- Please fill out our Flu Vaccination Survey by end of this week if you plan on getting a flu vaccine from the AAS Health Office.
- Immunization Records
- The AAS Health Office is still awaiting a number of student immunization records. Please submit these ASAP.
- Daily Passes
- A reminder that Daily Passes need to be signed by a parent or guardian every day.
MAP Testing
MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) is a standardized test that the Anglo-American School of Moscow (AAS) uses as one point of learning data for students in Grades 2-10. MAP is an adaptive test, which creates a unique test for each student based on their responses. AAS usually administers the MAP test twice a year, in the Fall and Spring.
For Fall of 2020, MAP testing will be administered in person during the school day for Huddle A and B students attending AAS from September 28-October 16. For those students who are not in Moscow, in Moscow but not coming to campus, and those in quarantine, AAS will offer a Distance MAP test.
This Distance MAP test is offered to students in Grade 2-10. The Distance MAP test will be taken by the students in their home; however, the student will need a proctor, which can be a parent in this situation. Since we know that many students who are eligible for the Distance MAP are located in different parts of the world, we will be working with families to set up testing times that work for their time zone.
In order to express your interest in your child(ren) taking the Distance MAP test, please fill out this FORM. We will provide a few Distance MAP Information Sessions, and we will share a Distance MAP Proctor Guide. We will also provide live assistance during the Distance MAP testing times.
Kind regards,
Kirsten Welbes
AAS Parent-Teacher Organization
email us at: pto@aas.ru
MESSAGE FROM THE PTO Elementary School VP
Ines Cremers | es.pto@aas.ru
Dear AAS Community,
Three weeks into the school year and the PTO has had quite a start! While this year may be different from any other year, we are continuing to follow our goal to do everything in our reach to focus on YOU, the AAS community. We’ve been welcoming new families, and organizing new and creative events such as “PTO Shop & Welcome Tent Event”, PTO Connect, and our first Webex Community Coffee.
Below you’ll find more information about the different events and activities, PTO Shop and Volunteers.
Let’s continue with a smile on our face and keep in mind: “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much”.
Have a great week.
Yours,
Ines
APPRECIATION WEEK
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As a token of appreciation, AAS faculty and staff received gifts from the PTO as a big welcome to the start of this extraordinary school year.
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Thank you Vitali and Katya for helping us with the logistics.
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As we got a lot of “Thank you emails from AAS Staff”, the gifts were very much appreciated :-)
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In the coming weeks also a token of appreciation will go out to AAS Support Staff.
ES CLASS PARENT Sign up
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Calling on YOU to become an ES Class Parent!
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Please email Ines Cremers at pto.es@aas.ru with any questions.
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Thank you for volunteering!
PTO VACANCIES FOR 2020/21 (Application window is now closed)
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Thank you to all the parents who have expressed interest in joining the PTO Executive committee (Secretary and VP Internal affairs) and sent in their statements of interest.
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All statements of interest will be published in the next Newsletter on September 23.
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Our candidates will have a chance to introduce themselves at the next Community Coffee on October 13.
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If you have any queries about the process, please send an email to pto@aas.ru
PTO SHOP
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Have you visited our PTO Shop Tent event last week?
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Have you met Pauline, Rebecca and Elsbeth or Ines, Naree and Elena, our wonderful VOLUNTEERS who organised our Tent event?
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We are so happy to have met so many of you and share access to AAS uniform and spirit wear.
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A BIG THANK YOU to our volunteers for dedicating their time and effort for the benefit of our community!
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If, by any chance, you couldn’t make it, or you want to order additional spirit or uniform items, please send an email to PTO.Shop@aas.ru.
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The Shop volunteers will help you with order forms, fill your order and get it to you as soon as possible.
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If you want to look at the full collection of Spirit Wear Hoodies, they are on display at VV39 at Pokrovsky Hills, which is open Monday-Friday from 12 - 3PM.
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Please note that you should submit your order via email as VV39 is not staffed by Shop volunteers.
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PTO shop is entirely run by parents, volunteers, if you are interested to help please let us know PTO.shop@aas.ru
ON THE GO WITH PTO
PTO CONNECT - South Field Parking, September 29/30, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
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Have you already signed up for our casual get together?
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If not, do it quickly at pto@aas.ru
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We will have a small surprise for all of you who signed up!
CULTURAL TRIP - Zamoskvorechye walk, October 5, at 10am
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What was it like to be a tourist in Moscow in the 17th century? Can you imagine gardens with pineapples in Moscow? Or people boating along the flooded streets?
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The tiny streets of Zamoskvorechye, which can be translated as the area beyond the Moskva river, hide lots of historical secrets and architectural masterpieces. The streets hide chambers and churches of the 17th century, mansions of rich merchants and industry owners of the 19th century, the famous Tretiakov gallery, and footprints of the early Soviet period.
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During our tour, we will read the memoirs of the medieval tourists, learn how the first Russian businessmen built their wealth, and even see the church, which was saved from a fire by Napoleon.
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Tour duration: about 2 hours
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Tour cost: 1000 RUB per person paid directly to the guide
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Meeting time: 10 am
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Meeting point: TBA
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Sign up deadline: 2nd of October at pto@aas.ru
AAS MUG COMPETITION
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We are so excited to see you participating in our AAS Mug Competition!
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It is easy, think of our school and what it means to you
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Submit to: pto@aas.ru
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Deadline: October 10
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Reward: Set of mugs with your design
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Check out more in our Facebook Promo Post!
See some of our previously-submitted designs below.
