Close Up Capitol Experience

1. Close UpCapitol Experience Washington D.C. and Philadelphia April 14 – April 18, 2014

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 Saturday p.m. - Travel to D.C. Sunday – Newseum Monday – Monument study Tuesday – Capitol visit Wednesday – Day in Philadelphia Thursday – Holocaust, Spy Museum Friday – Smithsonian, travel home!

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

6. 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)

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

8. 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 medical information and a copy of their insurance card with registration. Students on medication will be responsible for taking it on their own.

9. How much will it cost? • Washington/Philadelphia program price: $1975 (program $1244 + airfare $568 + $163 extra day) • This includes program tuition and round-trip airfare. • Enrollment must be done online

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

11. 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)

12. ECA Tax Credit – The Math • Mom & Dad $400 – 2013 ECA • Arizona Relatives, etc $400 – 2013 ECA • Mom & Dad $400 – 2014 ECA • Arizona Relatives, etc $400 – 2014 ECA • Get as many friends as possible!

13. 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).

14. I’m ready to “ship ‘em off”, what should I do? • Turn in $500 deposit to the Academy office with the white ECA form by Friday, October 18th. • A personal check for the amount is acceptable, even if you opt not to use ECA tax credits.

15. $500 deposit Must be turned in by Friday, October 18th!

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

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

18. What if we need to cancel? • $100 of the deposit can be refunded if cancelled prior to January 17th. • All but $500 can be refunded up to February 27th. • After February 27th, you will not receive a refund. • Any money contributed through ECA cannot be refunded!

19. Please remember: • We cannot split funds from one check • Include a filled-out card with your ECA check • A separate check will be needed for any additional payment not made with ECA • You may use a credit card • online with Student Activities • on your ECA donation card • in the office with Mrs. Miller

20. Program Coordinators Questions? Michael Spencer 480-308-7406 Karen Procopio 480-308-7407 ECA Tax Credit Questions Carol Alexander 480-472-0133

21. Any questions we can answer now?

22. 2014 Close Up Experience