Sumpter Parent Teacher Club Notes

Sumpter Parent Teacher Club Notes

December 8, 2015

 

1. Welcome and Introductions

Gloria Flager, Jessica Mcallister, Rene Tyson, Jenny Hannant, Brittany Springer, Casie Mendez, Melissa Wellard, Liz Norris, Erika Kerr, Faith Branson, Ginger Stover, Alicia Matson

 

2. Approval of November's Meeting Minutes

            a. Motioned to approve—Alicia Matson, Second—Jenny Hannant

 

3. Treasurer's Report

            a. Deposits from last year that were not taken into account were recently deposited, so total is

greater than last month (see treasurer’s report).

b. Last month ptc approved the purchase of one I-Pad for Mrs. Morris and due to a miscommunication, two were purchased (see line item in report). The second one will be sold at the Auction in March.

 

4. Fund Requests

a. $2000 for seed money for auction (Includes the cost of extra I-Pad) –Rene Motion to pass, Ginger Stover 2nd

 

5. Updates

a. Out Door School: 5^th grade raised about $2500 from wreath and candle sales! Goal by the end of the year: $10,000

b. Parent's night out KIDS PARTY IN:  Expected 15 kids, 45 came!  Pure profit event—food was paid for by a gift from WinCo and raised just under $1000. Thank you to volunteers who helped!

 

6. Upcoming Events

           

Off- Site Auction Scheduled: March 12^th 6-9 at Creekside Golf Course Cost: $32/single ticket, $55/couple

Please contact Rene Tyson (renetyson@marykay.com) for more info on volunteering in one or more areas:

1. Auction items collection: Thanks to excellent records from past years, we have lists of companies who have been willing to partner with us in the past—we just need volunteers to connect with the people on the list.

2. Classroom donation coordinator (connects with classrooms to assist those that want to contribute an item to the silent auction.)

3. Pre-Event admin (selling tickets, sorting auction items, making posters, etc)

4. On-location set-up and tear-down

 

Do you or your company want to make a donation to the auction before year-end? Calling for donations of all kinds: Professional Services (plumbing, cleaning, bookkeeping, etc), Restaurant gift cards, Condo/vacation weekends, cash donations, Dining Table Sponsorship ($50/table-email for info), etc.

Email Rene Tyson: renetyson@marykay.com

 

 

7. Needs:

            *6-8 Volunteers needed to help out with vision testing on January 22nd. The screenings will start at 9:45, there is not an end time yet. Watch for sign up

 

8. School Report:  Nothing new to report

9. Other Business: None

 

Salem Sandbag Locations

ALL SALEM SANDBAG LOCATIONS OPEN

News Release from City of Salem
Posted on FlashAlert: December 7th, 2015 10:16 AM

Heavy rains and rising streams are expected in the Salem area this week. Public Works staff are monitoring conditions and are prepared to respond as needed.

Free sand and sandbags are available at multiple locations:

West Salem
Orchard Heights Park Orchard Heights Road NW
Sather Park (undeveloped) Willie Way NW between Barnabas Street NW and Lottie Lane NW
Park & Ride Wallace Road NW and Brush College Road NW

South Salem
Public Works Operations 1420 20th Street SE
Bush Park Lefelle Street SE and Capitol Street SE
South Salem High School 1910 Church Street SE
Fred Meyer, South Salem 706 Madrona Avenue SE
WalMart, South Salem 5250 Commercial Street SE
Courthouse Athletic Club 6250 Commercial Street SE
Salem Chinese Evangelical Church 6836 Sunnyside Road SE

East Salem
Lowe's 1930 Turner Road SE
Home Depot 3795 Hagers Grove Road SE
Swegle Elementary School 4485 Market Street NE

Central/North Salem
Olinger Pool 765 14th Street NE
Ferry Street at 25th Street SE

Go to www.cityofsalem.net and click on EMERGENCIES in the upper right corner. Sandbag locations are identified on the map and are also available on the Sandbags tab.

Here are other actions Salem residents can take:

Concerned about stream levels in your area? Go to www.cityofsalem.net and click on EMERGENCIES in the upper right corner. Select the Stream and Rainfall Monitoring button to get real-time reporting on current streams and weather.

Ensure storm drains in your area are clear of leaves and other debris.

Report local flooding or other water, sewer, tree, and traffic issues to Public Works Dispatch at 503 588-6333.

The EMERGENCIES page also includes information on Salem road closure as well as links to Polk County and Marion County road closures, Willamette River level/projections, Salem weather, ODOT conditions, and Salem area traffic cameras.

Contact Info:
Mike Gotterba,Emergency Preparedness/Communications Manager
City of Salem Public Works
503-588-6347, mgotterba@cityofsalem.net

 

Sumpter Parent Teacher Club Agenda

Sumpter Parent Teacher Club Agenda

December 8, 2015

 

1. Welcome and Introductions

 

2. Approval of November's Meeting Minutes

 

3. Treasurer's Report

 

4. Fund Requests

 

5. Updates

            Out Door School

           

            Parent's night out KIDS PARTY IN

 

6. Upcoming Events

           

            Off Site Auction Scheduled

            *Report from Rene

 

7. Needs:

            *6-8 Volunteers needed to help out with vision testing on January 22nd. The screenings will start at 9:45, there is not an end time yet. Watch for sign up

 

7. School Report

 

                8. Other Business

 

New Community Park?

 

Who to Call in Salem City Government

 

Stay Connected

 

Sumpter Parent Club Notes

Sumpter Parent Club Notes

October 13, 2015, 5:00pm

Introductions: Brittany Springer, Jenny Hannant, Alicia Matson, Jennifer Koenig, Faith Branson, Julie Cavanaugh, Shannon Elkins, Sarah Harrison, Tabbi Lambert, Brittany Perkins, Melissa Wellard, Saudhya Shrestha, Lori Zerr, Casie Mendez, Shannon Eastin, Amanda Montoya, Ginger Stover, Cassandra Nitti, Gloria Flager, Ro Ochoa, Erica Kerr, Chris Cain

Budget-Review/explanation for how to read the budget.  Jog-a-thon Net aprox $16,500

Discussion of building a cafeteria: Research must happen before we plan to build one—would anyone be willing to do research? (find grant monies available, district requirements, bids, etc . estimated cost from research 2 years ago--$250k.)

Discussion of why we need a new playground:

Current playground is falling apart and small compared to the number of kids who attend Sumpter.  Principal has names of schools that just built new playgrounds for $30k.  It is a “doable” project  for the parent club this year! If you want to be on the “playground task force contact PTC President, Brittney Springer (through school or reply to PTC email).

Fund request:

-Gloria Flager: $200 for bus for an additional 4^th grade field trip to Salvation Army.  Sharon Elkins motions to pass, Brittany  Perkins seconds, passed

-After dark party –94 qualified! Request for funds (no more than $200) to purchase food. Jenny Hannant motions to pass, Jennifer Koenig seconds, passed

-Jane Morris asking for funds to purchase a new iPad for Gym use. Proposed, $100 from Jane's budget to pay for the iPad and Parent club would cover the rest up to $300. Motion: ___________ Second__________

Outdoor School update:

Dates: June 1^st-3^rd  Total needed (to cover students, busses and substitute teachers at Sumpter) is $6000.  PTC will allocate $1500.  What are some fundraising ideas?  Shannon Elkin and Sarah Harrison will head-up two fundraisers back-to-back before holidays: wreath sales and candle sales .

Other Fundraiser Opportunities:

PARENT NIGHT OUT KIDS PARTY IN! 6pm-9pm December 4.  Parents drop off kids to the school after dinner for activities, etc.  Discussion of cost: $30/kid or $60/family

Off-Site Auction:  End of February/1^st of March date tba.  Keep price point low $25/person.  If you want to be on the committee for auction donations send an email to the parent club.  If you have items to donate please send an email to parent club.  Items needed for donation:  LOTS!!!  If you work a trade, consider your time as an item to donate—(example, 1hr handyman services, etc.) 

School Report:

540 students-- added classes( because of all-day kinder, and more first graders)to accommodate the number of kids.  Team Builder Tuesday is getting better—soon more content will be added for students.  Over-all transitions are going great!

 

Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor

The Oregon Department of Transportation is studying options for improved passenger rail service between Eugene-Springfield and Portland - a 125 mile segment that is part of the federally designated Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor. ODOT will be holding outreach events in cities along this segment throughout November to gather community feedback.

 

Here is a link to an info packet with more details on the project to share in your neighborhood newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bDuT49

 

Let me know if you have interest in publishing the information in your newsletter or website, and feel free to reach out with any questions or comments.

 

Sumpter Parent Teacher Club

Just a reminder that Parent Teacher Club will be meeting this Tuesday, October 13th at 5pm. We will be discussing some upcoming events and planning as we continue our goal to raise money for a new playground. Child care is provided and we can't wait to see you there!

The minutes from our last meeting are attached for you to see what we discussed last month.

Thank you!

Brittany Springer

 

Salem's Transportation System Plan Amendments Presentation

New Proposed Retail Center

 

 

Sumpter Parent Club September

Hi Parents,

Today was our Kick off assembly for Jog-a-thon, hopefully your kids have already told you about it. Mr. Cain was our MC and told the kids a little about what the PTC funds. As Mr. Cain listed off the technology, artist in residence and field trips, the students got so excited! They wanted to share their favorite things and memories with their friends sitting close by. As the students got louder and more excited (even though they were being quieted down) I couldn't help but be reminded that this is why we do this. We work hard to provide these wonderful opportunities for not only our own kids but the entire Sumpter Community! I sincerely want to thank all of you who have already signed up and have asked how you can help us throughout the year! It is so nice to know that we don't have to carry it on our own!

The assembly today also shared that we will be doing a spirit week this year leading up to the jog-a-thon. September 28-October 2 will be dress up days. There should be a flyer coming home with your student soon as a reminder. Here is the list of dress up days:
Monday the 28th: Stingray Pride Day
Tuesday the 29th: Crazy Hair Day
Wednesday the 30th: Twin Day
Thursday the 1st: Backwards Day
Friday the 2nd: Throwback Workout Wear Day

The minutes from our last meeting are also attached. Our next meeting will be October 13th at 5pm. We would love to see you there!

 

Have a great weekend!

Brittany Springer

 

Landau Update

From: Julie Warncke [mailto:jwarncke@cityofsalem.net]
Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2015 1:48 PM
To: TJ Sullivan
Cc: Glenn Davis; Kevin Hottmann; Tony Martin
Subject: Landau

 

This email is to follow up on a question about when Landau Street SE might be closed near the crest of the hill.  I confirmed this information with both Tony Martin and Kevin Hottmann.  Please share with the people who attended last week's SGNA meeting.  Thanks! - Julie    

 

Because of the operational safety concerns with the grade on Landau Street and the expense associated with meeting current design standards, the City anticipates this street will be closed once an adequate alternate route is available.  The alternate route as included in the Salem Transportation System Plan will be provided by the extension of Fabry to Battle Creek.  However, if another local street route is developed and deemed appropriate, the City would consider closing the Landau hill even if Fabry has not yet been extended. 

 

We do not have any reason to believe that a local street alternative will be in place prior to the extension of Fabry, but circumstances could change as annexations and development in the area continues.  If this does become a possibility, the City Traffic Engineer would review the street operations and safety to determine if the local street route could support the travel demand in a safe manner.  The neighborhood association would be involved in any future decisions relating to the timing of the possible closure of Landau Street SE. 

 

 

Julie Warncke
Transportation Planning Manager
City of Salem Public Works Department
555 Liberty St SE / Room 325
Salem, OR 97301-3513
Phone: 503-588-6211
Fax: 503-588-6025
Internet: jwarncke@cityofsalem.net

 

 

Sumpter Parent Club Meeting Minutes June 2, 2015

Sumpter Parent Club Meeting Minutes June 2, 2015

 

In Attendance:  Michelle Muth, Jennifer Koenig, Karen Macedo, Jessica McAllister, Alicia Matson, Jenny Hannant, Krista Young, Michelle McAllister, Shannon Elkins, Sarah Harrison, Brittany Springer, Melissa Stinson, Johnny Deblock, Christine Deblock, Aleah Clark, Faith Branson, and Chris Cain.

 

Approval of May meeting minutes:  Alicia Matson made a first motion to approve, Faith Branson made a second motion and the meeting minutes were approved

 

School Report: Janet was unable to attend today’s meeting but Michelle went over the tentative teacher class assignments for next school year, please keep in mind these can change over the next few months due to student enrollment and staffing hires.

 

Kinder - Kelley Cary with Beth Kenagy A7

Kinder - Karen Ochoa with Karla Miller A5

Kinder - Stephanie Anderson with Kim Epling A6

1st grade -  Katelin Lomax A3

1st grade - Kelsie Skogstad A1

1st grade - Britini Oliver A2

1st & 2nd Blend - Lori Allemann A4

2nd grade - Peggy Mischke B6

2nd grade - Meghan Harrison B2

2nd grade - Amy Bandonis B1

3rd grade - Karen Stanerson B4

3rd grade - Connie Platz B3

3rd grade - Debbie Kennard B5

4th grade - Vacant C2

4th grade - Jessica Morgan C3

4th & 5th grade - Chris Cain C1

5th grade - Ro Ochoa C4

5th grade - Katy Naff & Erika Kerr (Katy to be .5 Sumpter Effective Teacher Coach & .5 classroom teacher) (Erika will be .5 teacher)

K1&2 EGC - Vacant

Music - Vacant

 

Treasurer’s Report:  Johnny Deblock reported that we currently have $38,734.75 in the parent club account with another $5,000 from Sock Hop being deposited.  We have some more expenses from the Sock Hop and Auction to be paid out as well as the yearbooks invoice and sales to record soon.  Jennifer Koenig presented a proposed budget for next year as follows:

 

Proposed Budget for 2015-2016

Classroom Accounts $7,500

Field Trips                 $7,000

Artist in Residence  $2,200

Staff Appreciation    $250

Music/PE                 $400 ($200 each)

Childcare                 $180

Total                        $17,350.00

 

Classroom accounts was discussed and Johnny Deblock made a first motion to give each classroom $500 each at a total of $10,000 for classroom accounts, Ginger Stover second this motion and it was approved.  This money will be available for teachers to purchase classroom supplies this summer so they have what they need when school starts in September.  The rest of the budget was not voted on at this time. The rest of the budget will be discussed at September’s meeting.  Jane Morris the chairperson for the Climate Committee had asked parent club to put in a budget line of $500 for next year’s budget a few months ago. That was discussed and it was decided to ask the committee to put a proposal together with exactly how much they will need to purchase the wrist bands, buttons, and card stock for the achievement awards.

 

Vote for Next Year’s Board:  The ballots were passed out and the following people were voted into office for the 2015-2016 school year:

 

President - Brittany Springer

Vice President - Jenny Hannant

Treasurer - Alicia Matson

Secretary - Rene Tyson

 

Committee Reports:  Campbell’s Soup/Box Tops - Jennifer Koenig announced that Mrs. Harrison’s 2nd grade class won the Labels for Education contest and will be having their prize of a pizza party on Thursday June 4th. $1,942.70 was earned for Sumpter this year from Box Tops. Great job everyone and keep collecting those box tops over the summer.

 

Sock Hop:  Michelle Muth and Jennifer Koenig reported about a $5,000 profit from the Sock Hop this year. It seemed that attendance was up this year, maybe due to the weather. The food truck seemed to be a big hit, we did get comments on their line being too long of a wait, the company we used this year did say they would bring another person next year if we used them again to help expedite. Several people suggested having two food trucks to help with long lines and give people a variety. Most companies that were contacted for this event wanted us to pay them a minimum of $200 to come, but G Gourmet who we did use, did not charge us a fee and even donated $100 of their profits to our parent club so we can look into trying to find another food truck who would come but that might not be possible to find.

Calendar - BBQ - June 3rd

Field Day - June 9th - Jane Morris has sign up sheets for volunteers for this event at the front desk of the office.

Family Movie Night - June 12th 6pm in the gym - We are needing a few parent volunteers to help run this event. Please contact sumpterparentclub@gmail.com if you are interested in helping out.

 

Volunteer Opportunities - Yearbook Sales - This appears to be all covered

                                         End of Year BBQ - www.signupgenius.com

      Field Day

 

Funds Request:  Parent Club had promised Mr. Lewis that we would try to purchase a new set of risers each year if possible. Since we have a surplus of money at this time Sarah Harrison made a first motion to approve to pay for another set of risers for the music department (approx. $850), Johnny Deblock second the motion and it was approved.

 

Other Business:Johnny Deblock made a motion to approve the name change to the parent club bylaws to read Sumpter Parent Teacher Club, Karen Macedo second this motion, and it was approved.

 

A date for next year’s Jog-a-thon was discussed and Oct. 2nd is tentatively set for this event.

 

The next parent club meeting will be on Tuesday September 15th time is TBA.

 

 

SEPTEMBER 10 MEETING NOTE: LOCATION CHANGE

SOUTH GATEWAY
SEPTEMBER 10 MEETING NOTE: LOCATION CHANGE

Join Us:
September 10, 2015
6:30 p.m.
Baxter Hill Community Hall
1780 Baxter Road SE

Click here for meeting agenda.
Click here for recent meeting minutes.

Meeting topics include:
[1] Introductions, Committee Reports, Approval of Minutes, Old Business;
[2] Police Report;
[3] Public Works Staff presenting on transportation plans for the area in & around Reed/Landau/Boone/Battle Creek;
[4] John Miller discussing Woodscape Green Phase 1 & 2;
[5] New Business and comments or concerns from attending general members 

Sumpter Scoop

Sumpter Scoop

Home of the Stingrays: 

Crossing Guards Needed!

Sumpter Elementary School                                                    Janet Prats, Principal  

525 Rockwood St SE Salem, OR 97306       503-399-3337     www.http//sumpter.salemkeizer.net

September 2015:  Bell times are from 9:30-3:45.  Office is open from 8:00-4:30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inside This Issue:  “Salem keizer public schools is an affirmative action equal opportunity institution.”
1-2	Calendar of Events and Principal’s Pen.
3-4	Stingray News
	Principal’s Pen Continued… problems, please report it to a teacher, myself, or another adult at Sumpter, so we can handle the problem quickly.  Let’s keep the Sumpter parking lot safe for all of our kids.  Sumpter’s parking lot is a bit small for its population, so the protocols for before and after school drop-off and pick-up of students are very precise.  You will notice that several staff have been strategically posted to support and supervise, so please be mindful of their direction, even if you aren’t entirely sure at the time as to why they may be asking you to do something.  Remember, we are always striving for safety first!  Be sure to mark your calendars for Sumpter’s annual “Meet & Greet” scheduled for September 8TH  from 5-6pm!  This “open house” event gives families a chance to meet teachers, drop off school supplies, meet other students and their families, and even take a little tour around the school prior to class starting.  All classrooms, including P.E. & Music, participate in this event. Sumpter also offers three Curriculum Nights in September to share more specific grade level information with families regarding the curriculum, instruction and much needed home support necessary for shifting our students into more rigorous content aligned with the Common Core National Standards.  The dates and times for the specific grade level Curriculum Nights are: The K-1 Curriculum Night is September 21st from 5:00 to 6:00pm The 2-3 Curriculum Night is September 22nd from 5:00 to 6:00pm The 4-5 Curriculum Night is September 24th from 5:00 to 6:00pm I want all of our families to know that I believe in partnering with parents to provide educational excellence for every Sumpter student.  I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.  Many of the revisions to programs, communication and procedures each year are grass-rooted in the ideas and thoughts shared by our own Sumpter parents.  Please join me at one of my “Coffee Talks” the 1st Friday of the month at 9:40 am.  I’d also like to invite you to join other parents and I at our parent club meetings held every 2nd Tuesday at 5:00.  Together we can make a difference in the lives of our children. Enjoy the rest of your summer! Sincerely, Janet Prats Sumpter Principal

Stingray News:

Crossing Guard Positions Open:

3:45-4:15 at Valleywood/Rockwood

3:45-4:15 at Rockwood/7^th

9:00-9:30 and 3:45-4:15 at Valleywood/Springwood

9:00-9:30 at Rockwood at the path

We have several crossing guard positions open this year.  If you are interested please follow the steps below:

• Go online to apply for the position at http://www.salkeiz.k12.or.us/
• Click on “Employment” at the top of the page.
• Click on “Search Job Openings” mid page.
• Keep checking this site for the district to post 2015-2016  Crossing Guard positions.
• After you have applied for the position. Email Trisha Arends (Office Manager for Sumpter) at arends_trisha@salkeiz.k12.or.us.
• Thank you so much for your interest in this position.

Synergy: 

Salem Keizer Public Schools has implemented a new computer program.

A new online service for elementary parents

Parents of Salem-Keizer elementary students will have access to an online information system called ParentVUE starting this fall.

Previously, parents of middle and high school students could find information about student attendance, classes, and grades online through a service called Intouch Online. This fall, ParentVUE is replacing Intouch Online.

ParentVUE will offer some information for parents of elementary students. Parents will be able to log in to find information about their student’s:

·         Attendance

·         Immunization records

·         District calendar

The district office will mail log-in information for ParentVUE to families prior to the start of school.

For more information about ParentVUE, please visit http://www.salemkeizer.org/parents/parentvue or call the school office.

 

Sumpter Website:   http://sumpter.salemkeizer.net/

This website is our information highway.  Please be sure to check the calendar for upcoming current events.  The 2015-16 Supply List is currently posted on this site.

 

Student First Day Packets: 

Within the first week of school, your student will arrive home with a packet full of information you will want to read.  There will be some forms you will need to fill out and return.  Please be on the look-out for this packet.

 

Background Checks for Volunteers: http://www.salemkeizer.org/content/human-resources/volunteer

Be prepared ahead of time to volunteer.  Click on this link to locate, fill out and submit your Criminal Background Check.  This does take time for the district to process before you will be cleared to volunteer in classrooms and on field trips so please submit at least two weeks prior to your volunteer date. 

 

Arrival Time: 

The earliest your child can be dropped off at the school is 9:15.  At 9:15, the doors open and there is supervision provided to ensure all student safety.

 

Departure Time:

All students must be picked up by 4:00 per district policy unless they are involved in an after-school program that has adult supervision.

 

Lunch Cards:

Kitchen lead is Lisa Jackson.  You may contact her with Food Service questions at 503-399-2622.  Food cards may be reloaded before school starts in the kitchen.

 

Student Attendance: 

Student Attendance is so important for student success.  Families can make a difference in student attendance.  Here are some suggestions:

• Set a family expectation that tardiness and absences won’t be allowed unless the student is truly sick.
• Make school attendance a family value.
• Establish a habit of good attendance in early grades.

Thank you for your attention in this important matter.

 

Staffing Changes: 

All staffing changes will be loaded onto the website by Friday, September 4^th by 4:45 PM.

 

Classroom Interruptions:

Parents, please help us in our commitment to provide quality instruction for your students by keeping the classroom interruptions and early check-outs to a minimum and reserving interruptions for emergencies only.  Remember, every time you ask us to call the classroom for your student, it does affect student learning.  We do understand emergencies do arise.

 

School Office Phone Use:

Students may only use the school office phones for emergencies.  Students will not be allowed to use the office phones to make arrangements for after-school activities with friends.  Those arrangements must be made before school starts with parents involved for approval.

 

Bus Riders: 

If your student will ride the school bus to and/or from school this year, please keep in mind the first couple weeks of school the buses may run late due to new route schedules and new drivers.  If you have any questions relating to student transport please call transportation at 503-399-3100.  Reminder:  All hand-held devices (i.e. IPods, Cell Phones, Nintendo DS etc…) are not allowed in use on the school bus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Woodscape Green Phase 2

For more information about Woodscape Green Phase 2 and a map of the development, please see: http://wildwoodco.com/residential/woodscape-green

Click on the ‘DOWNLOAD A LEASE FLYER’ below to see the full sized document.

 

Garage Burglaries!

You should be advised of a wave of garage burglaries in the area.  The common denominator seems to be either opening garage doors with remotes, or breaking into the garage through side doors, in search of tools.  I know of at least three police reports following the same pattern.  In multiple occasions, a white van with multiple people was associated with these problems.  The license plate of the van is 354 EWR.  While in the area, the van looked as if full of junk, and had several bikes roped to the top.  Police requested calling in to report the van's location in the neighborhood.

About a week ago, neighbors saw that same van parked for several hours in the close vicinity of the 5300 corner of Woodscape Dr SE.  It is believed someone very near that corner was arrested a few days earlier than that for breaking into cars in the neighborhood.  Irrespective of what the exact arrest address might be, at first glance it appears the people in the van might have local "friends".