1. Close Up Capitol Experience Washington D.C. and Philadelphia April 19 – April 24, 2015

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 – Newseum Monday – Monument study Tuesday – Capitol visit Wednesday – Day in Philadelphia Thursday – Holocaust Museum Friday – Smithsonian(s) Travel home!

4. Where do we stay? 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: $1975 (program $1244 + airfare $573 + $158 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, MasterCard, etc. ECA tax credit Letter writing to businesses (I have sample letters for students to use as models)

11. 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. The donor must be a tax-paying Arizona resident (file and pay AZ taxes).

12. ECA Tax Credit – The Math Mom and Dad $400 – 2014 ECA Arizona Relatives, etc $400 – 2014 ECA Mom and Dad $400 – 2015 ECA Arizona Relatives, etc $400 – 2015 ECA Get as many friends as possible!

13. I’m ready to “ship ‘em off”, what should I do? Turn in $400 deposit to the Academy office with the blue ECA form by Friday, November 14th. A personal check or charge for the amount is acceptable even if you opt not to use ECA tax credits.

14. $400 deposit Must be turned in by Friday, November 14 th !

15. 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 $400 deposit? Deposits are non-refundable. Any payments over an additional $500 will be refunded up to March 5 th. After March 5 th, you will not receive a refund. Any money contributed as ECA money will never be refunded!

17. When is the balance of the money due? All remaining balances must be turned in by Friday, February 6 th.

18. A Request from Mrs. Miller If using ECA online, please print a receipt for yourself. Make checks out to “Mesa Public Schools” Include your child’s name on all payments

19. Program Coordinators Questions? Michael Spencer 480-308-7406 ECA Tax Credit Questions Carol Alexander 480-472-0133

20. Any questions we can answer now?

21. 2015 Close Up Experience