MATER GARDENS ACADEMY MAY 24-27,2015 WASHINGTON D.C. CLOSE UP

AGENDA Purpose Introduction video What is Close Up? Coordinators Itinerary Curriculum Supervision Transportation Hotel Meals Medical emergencies Travel insurance Cost Fund-raising Qualifying students Questions/answers Intent to participate form

PURPOSE First inaugural class Interactive, student-centered cultural experience of United States history

INTRODUCTION VIDEO Close Up Middle School Experience

WHAT IS CLOSE UP? Study visit to Washington, D.C. 44 year old non-profit foundation to bring students to experience government and history firsthand and to promote citizenship. Endorsed by Congress and Middle School Association of America.

COORDINATOR Mrs. Fernandez Rives Possible chaperones (in addition): Mrs. Isla-Marrero Mr. Castillo Mrs. Chin Mrs. Regina Mayorga Mr. Capo Mr. Weatherly Coach Gracia

ITINERARY Day 1 Depart from Miami in AM. Meet Close Up team and do some sightseeing Welcome dinner. Democracy workshop. Social meet and greet. Day 2 Breakfast Buffet. FDR/Jefferson Memorial study. Explore the U.S. Capitol building. Lunch in Downtown D.C. Visit the Supreme Court and Library of Congress. Korean War, Vietnam War, and Lincoln Memorial study. Dinner at Pentagon. Mock Congress workshop. Culmination activity. Day 3 Breakfast Buffet. WWII Memorial study. MLK Memorial study. Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and lunch. White House. Arlington National Cemetery. Dinner in Washington D.C. (Buca Di Beppo) D.C. Signature Night Monument Tour (U.S. Marine Corps, Air Force, and 9/11 Pentagon Memorials) Examining Citizenship workshop. Culmination activity. Day 4 Breakfast Buffet. Citizenship Send-Off workshop. National Archives study. Smithsonian American History Museum and lunch. The National Mall Departure. Arrive in Miami in PM.

CURRICULUM Aligns with Common Core standards. Explores U.S. history and government (U.S. History is the 8 th grade course, Civics was the 7 th grade course) Social experience to meet and work with other middle school students from other states.

SUPERVISION School staff allowed to attend. Parents will not be able to chaperone or to join. Students will be given time to call home- contact information will be provided 24/7. Students with adults entire time: School staff will travel and shadow the students. Program instructors are with the students from 6 AM-10:30 PM. Close-Up will hire security guards on the floors throughout the nights.

TRANSPORTATION Fly from Miami to D.C. and back to Miami (booked by Close-Up and information provided 30 days before- typically American Airlines) Close-Up luxury motor coach bus throughout D.C. Metro cards for subway (first day) Walking

HOTEL 4 students of the same sex, from same school, per room. Roommates requested in January. Chain hotel- all within minutes of downtown D.C. Security on the floor entire night. Close-Up and chaperones assigned to do walk-throughs of the hallway as well. Information available 30 days before.

MEALS BREAKFAST: hotel hot breakfast buffet (examples: eggs, bacon, pancakes, waffles, French toast, bagels, cereal, milk, juice, fruit). LUNCH: typically at a museum, mall, or cafeteria. Provided through use of a voucher. DINNER: typically at a hotel or restaurant (entrée, vegetables, dessert, beverages) Allergies and vegetarian meal requests will be honored.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES First aide and CPR trained staff during trip and at hotel. George Washington University Medical Center. Medication will be administered with information from physician and proper paperwork. Medical forms will be taken for each student.

TRAVEL INSURANCE Optional Different levels Approximately $100-$120 Covers providing a refund for eligible issue.

COST Includes: airfare, hotel, meals, admissions to all museums and events, transportation in D.C., Close Up souvenirs, shirt, and lanyard. Need to factor in: luggage fee, spending money for gifts (about $200) Keep in mind additional 8 th grade costs (prom, graduation, trip): $150 * Refer to the sheet

FUND-RAISING Student earning money (chores from home, especially during the summer). Sponsorships from businesses, scholarships (UMater foundation) Business match online Donors online Financial aid available (free/reduced lunch; deposit paid).

QUALIFYING STUDENTS BEHAVIOR: in good standing (2 or more BEHAVIOR referrals will eliminate participation). ACADEMICS: situational but lack of effort and poor grades may impact participation. PERSONAL DECISION: mature, able to follow directions, respectful, committed, and responsible. NO REFUNDS!

Q&A Keep those questions coming!

INTENT TO PARTICIPATE FORM Please indicate in the checklist if your child will possibly participate or not. This is an “estimate” not a commitment. More information will be available when we meet in August.