1. Close Up Capitol Experience
Washington D.C. and Philadelphia
April 17 – April 22, 2011

2. What is the Close Up Program?
Close Up Capital Experience is a study visit to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia that gives students a short, active course in U.S. history that is specifically designed for the interests and curricular needs of middle school students.

3. Sample Itinerary Sunday – Travel to D.C. Monday – Day in Philadelphia
Tuesday – Capitol visit
Wednesday – Monument study
Thursday – Holocaust Museum
Friday – Newseum, Smithsonian
Travel home!

4. Where do we stay? **ALL NIGHT SECURITY ON EVERY FLOOR**
Accommodations are at quality hotels in Virginia or Maryland (Sheraton, Marriot, etc.)
**ALL NIGHT SECURITY
ON EVERY FLOOR**

5. What are the meal arrangements?
Usually breakfast at the hotel– lunch and dinner at a mall, Hard Rock Café, Bucca di Beppo, etc.
(students are given vouchers- they do not pay with cash)

6. Who supervises the students on program?
They are with accredited adults 24/7!
(teachers, P.I., security guards)

7. What if someone needs medical attention?
There is around-the-clock access to a nurse through a partnership that Close Up has with Georgetown Medical Center. Students will be asked to provide insurance information on registration form. Any students on medication will be responsible for taking it on their own.

8. How much will it cost?
Washington/Philadelphia program price: $1950 (program $ airfare $484 + $252 extra day)
This includes program tuition and round-trip airfare.
Enrollment must be done online

9. What does the price include?
Round-trip airfare, bus transportation, hotel, and all meals in D.C. and Philadelphia
Spending money is at your discretion!

10. How are we ever going to pay for this????
A large bank account 
Visa
ECA tax credit
Letter writing to businesses (I have sample letters for students to use as models)

11. ECA Tax Credit – The Math
Mom and Dad $400 – 2010 ECA
Arizona Relatives, etc $400 – 2010 ECA
Mom and Dad $400 – 2011 ECA
Arizona Relatives, etc $400 – 2011 ECA
Get as many friends as possible!

12. ECA Clarification
The State of Arizona refunds you or reduces your tax liability $ for $. To qualify you must have an Arizona Tax liability and you are advised to check with your accountant. ECA donations may also be part of itemized deductions for Federal Taxes, so you may actually recoup more than your original donation. The donor must be a tax-paying Arizona resident (file and pay AZ taxes).

13. I’m ready to “ship ‘em off”, what should I do?
Turn in $500 deposit to the Academy office with the yellow ECA form by Wednesday, November 10th.
A personal check for the amount is acceptable even if you opt not to use ECA tax credits.

14. Must be turned in by Wednesday, November 10th!
$500 deposit
Must be turned in by Wednesday, November 10th!

15. No late deposits will be taken
No late deposits will be taken. If you miss this deadline, you will not be permitted to attend.

16. What if my child cannot go after paying the $500 deposit?
The deposit less $100 will be refunded if cancelled prior to February 18th.
All but $500 will be refunded up to April 8th.
After April 8th, you will not receive a refund.
Any money contributed as ECA money will not be refunded at any time (no double dipping!)

17. When is the balance of the money due?
All remaining balances must be turned in by Friday, February 18th.

18. A Request from Mrs. Miller
If using ECA, please write two checks: one for the ECA amount and one for the remainder
Make checks out to “Mesa Public Schools”
Include your child’s name on all payments

19. Students who do not display good behavior throughout the year will be eliminated from participation. (suspensions, other discipline, etc.)
If removed from the program prior to February 18, all money except $100 will be refunded; after that the $500 deposit will be forfeited. If removed from the program after April 8 there will be no refund.
No refund of ECA monies will be given for any reason once deposited. You will receive a TAX CREDIT receipt to file with your taxes. The state does not like double-dipping!

20. Program Coordinators Questions? Michael Spencer 480-308-7406
Michelle Peters
ECA Tax Credit Questions
Carol Alexander

21. Any questions we can answer now?

22. 2011 Close Up Experience