001Hey, it's pass to Sarah. Are you ready? All right, we'll get started. If you could please stand for the pledge. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. 3.1 um requests to address the governing board. There are no requests at this time. Moving on to 4.1, strategic plan progress. Good evening, President Actton, members of the board, superintendent, and our community. I am excited to share our yearly update on where we're at with our strategic plan. So, as you know, this is our we've just finished our third year fully in our plan. So, for years one and two, we had incredible incredible results. And I'm happy to say for
002year three, we have again made 100% of all of our action items that we set out in each of the categories uh for the 2425 school year, which is a lot of hard work, a lot of time and dedication, but so worth it. And I'm so proud of our team. Um, couple of things I just want to remind all of our stakeholders, all the people out in the community. You can look at this at any time all through the year, everything is always uh live. We have a live data tracker and at the end of every year, we then go update all of our website on there and we have the um goals at a glance. So, if you want to know the stuff that we're working on this year, you can click on that.
003So, there's easy buttons to click on when you're looking at our tracker. So, you'll see the tracker has been reset for this current school year and then the buttons at the bottom. You can look at our annual reports. All of our annual reports are in there along with all of our goals at a glance for each of the upcoming years. Uh at the end of this past school year, all of the actioners got together to come up with the new action items for the 2526 school year and those were then um rolled out in uh July to all of our staff members uh so that we're all on the same page and ready to get going with this year's action step. Just when you go to the page, we have um some people have seen
004we through a migration of our website. So, the pages look a little different, but all the great information is still there. So, just reminding everybody, all you have to do is click on the pages and it'll pull them up in full PDF documents. So, you can print them, you can read them, you can share them, however uh you would like to view them. They're all easily accessible on our website. Same thing with our uh annual report and how that's formulated. It shows how many of the active steps we met and then it actually prints out all of the pages that shows each action item that when it was completed and it even gives evidence of completion on how and that's super important to us so that our stakeholders know it's not like we just say
005we did it. We tell you how we did it and there's a lot of transparency around that and stuff that we're really proud to show. Another cool thing as you know our promise to our community is that we want to do a super Saturday every other school year. So this coming school year in the spring, we're going to have our next super Saturday. This is an opportunity for all of our stakeholders, staff, parents, students, business partners, community members to come and collaborate with us on what they vision for our school district. Help us plan our next action steps where we're moving forward. That collaboration is key to knowing what we want to do and how they would like us to do it for the community that we serve. So the upcoming uh strategic or super
006Saturday, we will send out social media. It will be in principal newsletters. We will send out remindations to all parents that we have reminds on as well. So when the it gets a little closer, we'll have registration details, times, locations, and all of that great stuff. We just want to give you guys a heads up that is coming in the spring of this year. And then I would be remiss if I did not thank all of the amazing people that made that happen. First of all, to our incredible staff, they worked so incredibly hard to make sure that each one of those action items are met uh throughout the school year. And it is very time consuming, but so well worth it. Also, of course, our amazing governing board. So many of the things that
007you vote on for us, whether it's supplies or people or uh new builds or new things that you're just willing to take a chance on, all of those things that we have to do in order to meet the action items. And then, of course, our incredible community that votes for us for bonds and overrides. That money is what helps us update our technology, improve our buildings, hire people, get people trained, all of those items that are in our action steps. and of course our incredible business partners that have taken on this amazing venture with us in ouries of the southwest valley. So deepest deepest thank yous to all of you because without that we could not create choice craft character and cultivate community. There's a QR code if anybody wants to get to the website
008that way as well. Unless you guys have any questions. Bond project updates. >> Hello Mr. Good evening, President Actton, members of the board, Superintendent East, and our Austria community. Um, in June, we were fortunate to to give you a pretty full briefing on the 40ome projects that were going on districtwide this summer. As the summer is down, we thought it'd be important just to give you a a very brief update on a few of the more high-profile projects to let you know where they're at right now. Um, we're going to start by turning it over to our director of facilities, Miss Mary. >> So, one of the projects we did we're doing right now is cafeteria. For years, we've been working on expanding it to built in 1955. It was only about 7,000 square feet
009for the entire building. Now, The dining space went from about 7,800 ft to 13,000 square feet. The kitchen where the ladies are preparing all the meals for our kids from 3,300 square ft to 7,000 9,000, excuse me. So, it's it's really going to be a marvelous project and it'll be done in December and they're starting to put up the block wall now. You can see some of the pictures what it's going to look like. Pretty amazing. And then the Desert Edge cafeteria, we added about 1,500 square foot interior space. It It was kind of Harkiny looking with the Hearkens tile and kind of like kind look and it's just fabulous. These pictures do not do justice. We've added 1500 square ft interior plus another 4200 square foot of covered patio outside with the shade. So,
010and we've added LED lighting, concrete floors, polished concrete floors. I mean, it's just anybody wants to take a tour, let me know because I'm super proud of it and it's it's just fabulous. So, that's a couple projects. >> So, also at Desert Edge High School is the barn. The barn is done. We're just waiting on the final permission from the fire marshal to occupy the building. And in front of you here, you see the uh the announcement for the ribbon cutting. We hope to see you there on August 28th. Um, this is a capture from security cameras yesterday afternoon at Millennium High School. The stadium concourse, which you've been hearing about for over a year, is finally complete, and we're really excited to see Nicole and G and their team utilizing that space this fall.
011Also, at Millennium, as as you know, you've approved, we're moving forward with a really, really large major campus remodel similar to what we've done at Alria High School. Nicole, her group has been This year during the planning process for all this um we've thought it over and rethought it and planned and replanned and one of the things we were really trying to avoid is having to buy portables or get portables for that campus because that uses up a ton of the money for the project. And through their hard work with the architect and the contractor, we found a way to sequence the construction to where we don't believe we're going to need to use any portables, which is awesome. will save a couple million dollars there. And this project will begin in earnest. You'll see
012buildings torn down by this time next year. Um what you see here is these are drone shots from today at the West Neck project at Alria High School. Um this school is open right Mr. These students are attend they're attending campus over on the campus until this building is complete which should be by about end of the month is what we're hearing. >> Hi, a really quick technology update. We had two main focuses this summer, which was improving our security on the back end to keep our students and staff safe and then also improving our network connectivity. We finished everything we set out to do this summer and are really excited about the feedback we've got in the first two weeks. And so, we're just going to continue to monitor and keep. >> And here
013is the Hilltop School for the Arts. These pictures were taken earlier this week. Uh if anyone's driven by, there's a lot of dirt that's been moved. Concrete is starting to be poured. Earlier this week, we received a permit that allows us to go all the way through pouring the slabs um for buildings, and that will keep us busy for four to five weeks till we need our next permit. So, we'll be pushing hard to get those in place so we can start going vertical here within about a month or so. And that is our quick update. We'll be happy to answer any questions you have though. >> I don't have any questions. Just really great to see everything moving along so well and turning out so beautiful. Thank you. >> Great. Thank you. >> Sarah,
014did you have a question? >> I did really quick. Just you said um Millennium you're going to start the buildings are going to start coming down next summer or next school year. >> So they will be they will be down over the summer next year. >> Okay. >> We were going to try and the preliminary work in the spring will work invisible those buildings will be down by summer. >> Thank you. >> 5.1 first reading of policy updates uh recommended by the tax model policy program. >> Good evening madam president, members of the board. Um this is just here for first reading. So, I'm here to answer any questions you might have. I I apologize. I just noticed and I just sent you all an email hot off the press, but just a little bit
015more information that's not in your packet. So, that's a little bit more information you'll have between now and the next meeting um which includes some additional notes from the staff at the trust as to why these policies are being recommended. Um most of them are recommended just because of changes in the statutes, Arizona statutes that take effect next month. So um with that, I'll answer any questions you might have this evening. As always, you can call me anytime. If you have questions on this, >> good job. One of the least fun things to do go through all that. Well, if there's more details, obviously at second reading, we usually get into a little bit more of the details if you have questions upon second reading because that's when you'll vote to actually adopt the policies.
016>> What I love about first readings, it gives us an opportunity to look through and this is a delightful 79page document with multiple pieces and components, policies, procedures, and such. And as my habit. Um I just have some questions and some comments. Um I think when I do this during first reading, it gives some time to reflect and I know specifically for things that we have questions about, it gives us as board members an opportunity to learn more um leading up to and I and I know our board president will mention that. So, I'm just gonna uh jump in. Um first couple comments and then some questions. Um I do like page seven, the update on the parents bill of rights. So, thank you for making those updates. Policy 1-41A. Um I very much appreciate
017the update. Um in that policy, it's called the parent legal rights and education. involvement and I like the update in the curriculum transparency uh section. So, I really appreciate that. I know our parents will really value that. Um, next one is policy 3-301A. Uh, and it's a procedure related to food services and nutrition. And I did have a chance to go through and look at the recommendations um in accordance with um the USD uh United States Department of Agriculture as well as the Department of Education in our state. And I just kind of had some thoughts just from reflections. Um I think anytime we talk about um creative healthy solutions uh in our cafeterias, our schools um the course of many years as a teacher and administrator in schools, um I was always most concerned
018about seeing students eat and had a chance to go through and review um a certain study related to our healthy choices really having our students, you know, start to have a more healthy lifestyle. The study that I read happened to be a little disappointing because it didn't necessarily provide some substantiation as to our healthy choices really beneficial for our kids to eat and such. And so um the 100% number is kind of hard for me um to have 100% healthy choices. I know for our students and our staff um sometimes that can be limiting. Um and I think in many cases what I observed was um sometimes wheatbased uh pizza crust tend to draw less students to have pizza than would otherwise. I mean that's just one silly example but um so I just wanted
019to bring that up. Um next one moving on to policy 3-401. Um was a term in this section and I'll there's also in one other section uh in this section it wants us to provide safety and emergency management training um but instead of it being related to campus resource officers or police officers um there's a training called Arizona peace officer uh standards and training. So, I know as as a board member, I'd really like to know more about that prior to us adopting a policy that speaks to um what that is. And I don't know, I didn't research it, so appreciate more information. Um um on page 24 uh in the section titled Declaration of Independence uh there's a section that reads uh from the trust policy. It says each student in grades four through
020six shall recite the following passage. I just wondered if this policy might have direct application to our school district, grades 9 through 12. I didn't know if that was something um that we wanted to update related to our grade levels. So, just bring that up as a question. Um the last one that I have a question about, and this is where I'll need your assistance, and I might need um our other cabinet members, too. It's um 5-410 titled intercolastic athletics and since the safety and health of all of our students um is of utmost priority um there's a section titled on page 78 uh automated external defibrillators also known as AEDs and um in this policy in the bold printed area uh one two third line down um I'll just read it to you beginning
021on August 1st 2020 26. If the district provides instruction to students in grades 9 through 12 and sponsors an athletic team or sports program, the district shall provide an automated external defibrillator or AED on each school campus. And this is the key part. And at each school sponsored athletic event. In addition to that, it says including practices, trainings, and competitions. So when I read that, I thought, okay, for fall sports, we have uh football for both girls flag and boys uh tackle. We also have volleyball and we have swim and dive and even some other uh extracurricular activities. So to me, I was thinking financially of okay, for each of these events, do we district. Are we required to have uh one available at flag football for girls, one available at boys varsity football? Uh
022do we have to have one at swim and dive? What are the implications potentially for us as a district? So, I just wanted to bring that up and if somebody can answer those questions, I do know that we have athletic trainers at each of our high schools that are available on an evening and a nightly basis. Um I just know that spread pretty thin. So, I just wondered if there was any fiscal uh challenges with having these >> I'll try to answer if I can. >> Perfect. >> Each of our campuses currently are Madam President, those are my questions. Yeah. >> Okay. So, just um to summarize so that we can get these addressed and then if the these items if we could get that information back to us in a timely manner before the
023next board meeting so that we have any followups. So, I just want to make sure that um you gave some good points, but what you have questions on is 3-401 as far as the term of Arizona Peace Officer Standard and Training. Is that correct? And then um page 24 with the Declaration of Independence. You'd like the wording updated to grades 9 through 12. And then um 5-410 with the Interolastic Athletics. Do you think we need anything on that or is that explanation? I think we're fine. >> Okay, perfect. >> Thank you. >> So, those two things. Thank you so much. >> You're welcome. >> And again, any of you come up with any other questions. It's a lot. >> It's a lot. >> So, have anything. >> Yeah. And maybe when we read through the
024newest email, too, something come up. So, thank you. We appreciate your time. >> All right. 6.1 Consideration of approval of minutes for the July 10th, 2025 regular board meeting. Do I have a motion? >> Be it resolve the governing board approves the July 10th, 2025 regular board meeting as presented. >> Second. >> Silk. Yes. >> Yes. >> Colton. Yes. >> Acting. Yes. >> 7.1. Um, we're moving to action items. Consideration of approval of revisions to the 2025 2026 school year calendar. Hello, Mr. N. >> Yes. President of the board east and all your community. We are proposing a change to our 2526 school calendar in order to move our graduation date from Saturday the 16th to Thursday the 14th. This would allow us to change venues to Desert Diamond which is the venue we used
025last year which overwhelmingly from parents, from students, from the community um as well as our staff was a much better venue for our graduates and for our families. Uh that is the latest date that they have uh within that range in May in order for us to have graduation. Um and it is a minimal adjustment because it is only two days earlier than our previous graduation. So I would entertain any questions that you may have. Um, in going forward in future years, will we be trying to get a weekend day back and just if we're going to keep that venue only because I know we have a lot of families that travel and that requires Wednesday, Thursday, Friday off work, you know, so I'm just curious, will we be able to try to work back
026to a weekend day? >> Yes, that's that's always our always our goal. Okay. Um, but I also want to be fully transparent. We have six schools now. We will have a seventh school. So at some point in time we will have to look at two days for graduation and so obviously that won't allow us to um that will have to encounter at least one weekday once we move to that. >> Yeah. Well and I mean I think Fridays are one again this is just I'm thinking of travel right is uh taking days off work and families coming in that if it's a Friday it at least doesn't quite >> necessarily require as much you know appeal for for travel. >> Absolutely. That's our first goal always. Um, what are we going to do with that
027May 14th date for all the other students in class? I know last year when we had to move, we canled school that day. >> So, what are we doing? >> Right. So, pending what happens tonight? Um, our preliminary plan is to go to a similar model of virtual day for our students who are in grades 9 through 11. Obviously, our seniors will be graduating that day. we would have to come forward with an instructional time model to the board for approval in order to make that >> um it's not necessarily something I love. Um I feel like in our last calendar adoption we added in um a whole week at Thanksgiving, a few days here and there. um giving up another classroom day. Um I don't love I do I do want to move the
028venue and I understand the date. Um so but I feel like we we need to give a day somewhere else. That would be my that would be what I would like to do. >> I'll just piggy back on your comments. Um, I know when I reached out to both of you this week, um, I had suggested, you know, with our instructional being maybe lower than our necessary comfort levels, um, I know I offered the idea for the two uh, break days in April or February, if we were to completely cancel to use one of those four potential Friday, Monday days, break days, um, if if need be. Just a comment. Um, last thing is I know uh again as we discussed um I'd be really interested to um in addition to this date to see
029with um the facility if Saturdays could be a possibility if we do have the Arizona Raptor games once their schedule's determined as a free night. So that's just a possible backup plan to move to that Saturday as you suggested. So, if you can just keep that in mind. Appreciate all your work. >> Yes. >> Oh, I was just gonna I think it's a great venue. >> Much better. >> Yeah. Oh, for sure. >> And that's why like I I like that. I like it and I want to move to the 14th then, but I don't want to sacrifice another day of learning. >> President, I I appreciate the board's interest in graduation. I just want that We have ourselves, we have five participating graduation and then you have all districts that are all these days.
030the best we can get for us. And last year at the very last minute that's how comp is going to be to um table the right now because I want to vote for the 14th to move the graduation but not without knowing that another date that that's not going to be cancelled for students learning that another date is proposed so I can't vote on this calendar be able to make a motion recommending because I think what we want to solidify the date and then if you make a recommendation agrees that one of those other days will be taken away. Can can she modify the motion? So you can do that >> but you want to know we got back. >> Yeah. No, I totally get that. Let's secure it. I get it. >> Right. We
031can't we won't be able to sign a contract until we do have families right now as well. So >> just >> so can we just real quick I just have one question. Can we also get a little clarification when we circle back on this of if we were to add back a day any implications that it might have on some of the teachers. Is it going to take away professional day that kind of thing or is it a complete >> So it just depends on the day. >> Okay. >> Um so we have professional development days as well as uh we do have some of the days that the govern >> correct. So, I just want to make sure that we're not jumping into breaking any contracts or plans that teachers have already gotten their
032heads right now. >> President, we'll make sure that I think the direction from is the right. >> Okay. Plenty of time to know what >> Thank you. And I understand the the virtual learning day and we had to do that last year, but being August, I feel that we have plenty of time to make accommodations so that there's no learning lost, especially that close to finals. Um, then I'm going to tackle this motion. So um be it resolved the governing board approves the adoption of the proposed changes 202526 school calendar years calendar year with moving graduation to May 14th with an option to make that a nonschool day for all students and replace >> a current non school day with a inerson learning day. >> Nicely done. >> I'll second that. >> Good job, Karen.
033>> How' that go? >> Silk. Yes. Naylor. Yes. >> Colton. Yes. >> Acting. Yes. >> Thank you. I appreciate you. Okay. Um the consent agenda items. Um, does anybody have uh anything they would like to discuss? Um, I'd like to pull item 8.15 titled the consideration of approval of agreement with Australia Mountain Community College for the moving forward program. >> Okay. >> And my desire is just to learn more about that program if it's possible to have a Good evening, Mr. Members of the board. So, um, speak loud. Okay. Um, yes, I'm happy to speak to this. We've been working with, um, Australia Mountain Community College, and this is, um, our moving forward program. So, last year, our students that were, um, had completed all their graduation requirements, um, coming back came back to a
034high school. So, they had just finished high school and then they came back for a program at high school. So, we really wanted to find a location that our students could still be supported um learn some of the skills through our pay lab, which is um once it's up and running, you'll have to come and take a tour of it, but really working on like on the job job skill training um for different um locations. And it's kind of split their time where they'll have and then a location where they can come meet um process do some learning and then go to uh work based learning experiences not necessarily at Australia um but other businesses that we partner with previous rec center so we wanted them to be in a place that um felt like
035they were moving on and Australia was a great central location they've been looking for a way to partner with us so we'll be utilizing um a room on their campus and we worked out transportation and staffing Um, but we're excited that we're able to utilize one of our partners as part of the Southwestmies of the Southwest Valley and those families are really excited about it. So, we've been communicating finalizing the the details, but um I think it's a great environment for our students. So, I'm happy to answer any questions, but um Nick Swanson and Patrick Becker have been working on this project as well and Sasha Lys with the Austral. >> The details are great. Thank you. Um, and I would like to pull 8.6 at this time. 8.16 sorry at this time. So we
036can review qualifications and overall objectives. We can just table that one >> to September. >> Yeah. Any objections to that? resolve. The governing board approves the items on the consent agenda 8.16. >> Yes. >> Colton. Yes. >> Yes. um for a later date in September. >> All right. 9.1 information and comments from the superintendent and or cabinet. >> Thank you, Madam President Actton, members of the board. I want to uh um uh celebrate a very important milestone in our district and that is Larry Keer. He's our longest tenure staff member who is a locksmith and security specialist. He is I think he just started started or completed today. So thank you [Applause] if you're available and in town. I know we have the flag and tackle football media day that's going to be at high
037school on Saturday. You have information on that. Uh thank you for Mr. Colton for the board and being able to speak on the board's behalf on that Saturday. Also uh I will be working with the direction from uh president on the superintendent goals with Mr. Colton. Those goals will be reflected come from our strategic plan. So I think that was one of the things we had discussed and Mr. Colton and I will be working on that full presentation to you in September. The last thing I want really thankf and Rachel can tell you that both their departments and everyone behind the scenes have made tremendous efforts this summer with the strategic plan as Rachel mentioned and everything we do there about all the things that we do in this school district and how it's intentional
038and how we're actually following We really appreciate that. Tom, I know this is the busiest time of the year trying to so will be ready to start and as you know from the projects that will be happening at Millennium on takes a lot of planning, a lot of efforts and everybody to engage in that to still have a great learning environment. want to thank the voters for passing those taxes in order to upgrade our schools and to deal with all the tremendous that we have. >> Thank you. 9.2 governing board members summary of events. >> Okay. Um, I just want to thank um the Goodyear High School team, whoever put together that ribbon cutting that you guys really know how to throw a party and celebrate some things. Um, I just have to say the
039confetti shooters were probably my favorite part. I was so nervous I wasn't going to be able to open it, but it was really easy and it was super fun. You guys had everybody there. It was a really, really great time and I'm so glad we got to celebrate this momentous occasion and the kids were all there. their shirts. It was just super fun to see. Um, and I just want to go back really quick. I totally didn't speak up, but I keep thinking about the moving forward program, and I'm really excited for that, especially the fact that it's on Australia Mountain. What an exciting experience for our kids. So, kudos for working on that and getting that going. So, thank you. >> Um, same thing with the the ribbon cutting. That was fabulous. also Jason
040for taking us around for a little extra tour to get to see it uh completed and and running and uh seeing the kids excitement was really fun. Getting uh to be with them on the first day of school was um was an incredible super powerful moment for me as well. Um and then just you know I got to get around to a few open houses. Uh thank you to all the counselors. I know they're really working in admin um super super hard on all of the complexities of scheduling. I've done that scheduling job before and it was a very difficult task. So um just make sure we're expressing our appreciation for all the hard work that goes into the planning and opening of the school in August. So thank you guys very much for everything
041you do. >> Speaking of uh ribbon cutting, so was honored to be able to go to some Bero. Uh it's a new restaurant in Bado. had a chance to go to the ribbon cutting. Um the food was great, the music was wonderful. Um and it was virtually impossible to have a conversation. The music was that great. So um great experience. Appreciated the invitation to help support that local business. Um I'll just echo again that start of the school year. Um it's great to have our students back and our teachers and staff back. It's a wonderful thing uh when the doors open and schools um are in session again. want to thank um all of our district staff, teachers, pair of professionals, and uh parents. It's great to have our students back. Um also love the
042ribbon cutting. Um I have to commend our district for how they uh blitzed the whole greater municipal metropolitan Phoenix area because I had people all over from Gilbert to up into Prescott who were saying what a neat experience senior new high school So, compliments and kudos. I enjoyed going to a few back to school nights. Also, um I am very excited. Uh Mr. Shan, our uh CTE gentleman had mentioned to me that next month here at our board meeting, we'll be having some presentations of our CTE national participants. So, I'm very excited to see that. I know we recognize and celebrate our athletes, but I also love to celebrate our other CTE athletes that do some major uh incredible things. Um had a really unique experience. I don't know if anybody can relate who's a
043parent, but um last week I had, you know, as parents we pick up and give rides to our children and such, but I was uh supposed to pick up my daughter uh who's a student at one of our high schools and uh ended up learning that the time I was supposed to pick her up was a couple hours off from when I was actually supposed to pick her up. So, I had kind of a unique experience and that experience was this. Um I thought, okay, what am I going to do with two hours? So, I had a chance to in that two-hour period of time travel to all of our six high schools and go and walk onto the football field where football teams were practicing. got to say hello to some coaches, but uh
044it was a really neat experience to kind of do something as crazy as that was to try to get around to all six high schools. Um but the players were great, coaches were wonderful. Um I don't expect any other board member to go and do that over a two-hour period of time, but just happened to be how I wanted to use it. And it was, I think, the warmest day of the year. So loved it. Uh last thing um fall sports media day on Saturday is going to be amazing. It always is amazing. Amazing. So thank you to those that are putting on that event from Eastern. Thanks for all your work with it. It's going to be fun. >> Um I'm sure everybody had a great time opening their doors um to a new
045school season. So thank you for um all your hard work. And that's all I have. I appreciate you so much. All right. 10.1 requests for future agenda items. >> Yes, >> I have a couple. And um >> go for it. >> I know our board members have mentioned um the interest for a study session related to school fees and what those fees are and I think you might best describe what that means. But that item is one. Um, second is I'd be really curious if at a study session we could learn more about our district's dress code policy and specifically on the uh procedures for implementing the enforcement of it. Just would be really helpful to learn that information. That's it. >> All right, we will discuss that. >> Get it out there. All right,
046thank you. Um, well, if there's nothing else, do you guys have anything? >> Okay, awesome. Very cool. 11.1 We are done. >> Oh, I have to I have to make a motion. I'm sorry. I have family waiting for me at home. We're leaving on a flight. >> All right, here we go. I need a motion. >> Be it resolved to adjourn the meeting. >> Thank you so much. >> Second call to me. Yes. >> Acting. Yes. Sorry, guys. I'm really excited. etc.