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CLOSE UP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT CLASS 2017-2018 Includes Close Up Trip to Washington, D.C. and New York City January 12 21, 2018 [Note: TRIP ONLY APPLICATION AT END OF PACKET] The American

This semester course fulfills the State of California requirement for American Government / Civics Education and can be taken by students who are sophomores, juniors or seniors.

1 CLOSE UP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT CLASS Includes Close Up Trip to Washington, D.C. and New York City January 12 21, 2018 [Note: TRIP ONLY APPLICATION AT END OF PACKET] The American Government/Close Up course is an alternative to the regular American Government course taken by seniors in the fall semester of their senior year. This semester course fulfills the State of California requirement for American Government / Civics Education and can be taken by students who are sophomores, juniors or seniors. Students will attend classes two mornings each week during the fall semester [Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30-8:15], continue classes in January, participate in the week-long Close Up program to Washington, D.C. and our extended stay/late departure side trip to New York City in January, attend classes two mornings each week in February, and take a comprehensive American Government semester final in mid-march. The course covers the same material as the regular American Government course, with emphasis on current events issues. Taking the course, frees up one semester in the senior year for another elective, but it does mean that students will be taking eight courses while in the class. Information about the Close Up trip and an application for admission to the Close Up American Government class is attached. Students should obtain the necessary signatures and bring the completed application along with a copy of their transcript to Ms. Sussman in Room 201 beginning Wednesday, February 1 st. Applications for qualified students [academic, discipline and attendance] will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. There are 30 spaces in the class; spaces on the trip alone are usually capped at 20. If students have any questions, please see Ms. Sussman in Room 201.

CLOSE UP PROGRAM IN WASHINGTON, D.C. PROGRAM WEEK TRIP INFORMATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 Close Up Teacher/Coordinator: Ms. Bonnie Sussman Contact by email: bsussman@bishopodowd.

2 CLOSE UP PROGRAM IN WASHINGTON, D.C. PROGRAM WEEK TRIP INFORMATION FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2018 Close Up Teacher/Coordinator: Ms. Bonnie Sussman Contact by Phone: x256 Classroom: 201 BOD s WEEK IN WASHINGTON: The actual program with Close Up begins Sunday at 6:00 p.m. when all participants need to be registered in the hotel and present for the dinner/introductory meeting. However, in an effort to make the program the most beneficial for students and cost effective for parents, we participate in the Early Arrival program which gives us an additional two days [Saturday and Sunday until 6:00 p.m.] to explore Washington on our own. This means that the group will take a red-eye flight, Friday night. Students who are traveling independently [described below] may leave at any time; they need to check in at the hotel with Close Up personnel and me, however, no later than 6:00 p.m. Sunday. We are also planning an extended departure which will allow students to visit historical sites in New York City CLOSE UP PROGRAM WEEK: The Close Up program is not conducted in a classroom setting, but rather the students are immersed in the nation s capital and Washington politics for one week, hearing a variety of viewpoints from both program speakers and other high school students from around the United States. There is no written work, homework, etc. - the capital is the classroom, creating a unique educational experience. For rooming: students will pair themselves with another BOD student and then share a room with two students from another high school in another state. In past years BOD has been paired with students from Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, to name a few. For our program this year (Inauguration) we are rooming with students from Alaska, Alabama, Georgia, Arizona, Texas, Hawaii, North Dakota, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and other schools in California. And incredible opportunity to interact with students from around the country! Students are divided into workshops of about 20 students [again mixed with students from other schools and states]. Students attend seminars featuring guest speakers [e.g. a White House press reporter, a State Department employee, legislative counsel to a Congressman] in a question and answer format. These seminars are held in sites such as the State Department or Agriculture Department auditoriums. Students also attend topical seminars which are led by Close Up Program Instructors on topics of current interest; students sign up for the seminar of their choice. Students will be able to see the U.S. Congress [usually in session some days that week], and possibly Oral Argument in the U.S. Supreme Court if they are hearing cases. Study Visits to monuments around the city, the Smithsonian museums, historical sites and community service organizations are also included in the Washington experience. Students have a theatre night, usually at the Kennedy Center or the Arena Theatre, and they will have a farewell banquet and dance at the hotel to wrap up the week.

3 CLOSE UP WEBSITE: Please check out the Close Up Foundation website at There is information about the foundation, the program, a video and student and parent sections. EARLY ARRIVAL and LATE DEPARTURE ACTIVITIES: Because we arrive early, students have two extra days to explore the capital. Activities I have arranged in the past have included trips to Mount Vernon [and the new education center], a bus tour of lesser known monuments in the city, services at the Washington National Cathedral, tour of President Lincoln s New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, time at the Newseum, tour of Arlington National Cemetery [including laying of a wreath from Bishop O Dowd by students at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and an extra theatre night at Kennedy Center. We will participate in late departure in order to have two days in New York City. ADDITIONAL EXPENSES FOR EARLY ARRIVAL AND LATE DEPARTURE ACTIVITIES = approximately $500-$600 to BOD depending on costs of activities, especially hotels [SEPARATE FROM THE CLOSE UP PROGRAM WEEK COST] These include: For Washington, D.C. bus rentals theatre tickets metro passes for early arrival days Diocesan Insurance required for all overnight student trips breakfast at Ebbitt Grill on arrival lunch money for early arrival and late departure days entrance fee for National Constitution Center entrance fee for Newseum group tour fee for Washington National Cathedral wreath for Arlington National Cemetery Tomb of the Unknown Soldier For New York City: Amtrak ticket from DC to Penn Station, NYC 2 nights at Times Square area hotel Meals [3 lunches, 2 dinners] Subway tickets Theatre tickets [going to try for HAMILTON!] United Nations tour Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island tour 9/11 Museum tour PROGRAM COST OF THE CLOSE UP PROGRAM WEEK INCLUDES: 8 nights of lodging [with Early Arrival package and Late Departure package] all meals during the Close Up program [vegetarian and kosher meals are available ] roundtrip group transportation [students may fly Independent Travel see section below] all academic materials all bus and metro transportation costs during the Close Up program week theatre night tickets all scheduled sightseeing, entertainment, excursions, including any entrance fees overnight security guards posted on each floor 24 hour emergency nursing/consultation

4 TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTIONS / MERIT DONATIONS Close Up is a 501[c][3] organization with nonprofit, tax-exempt status and donations made on behalf of schools or students are tax deductible as long as the donor is not a member of the participant s immediate family. The Close Up Federal Employer Identification Number is Any check the students receives which is for his/her benefit and will be used by the donor as a tax-deductible contribution to a nonprofit organization, must be payable to CLOSE UP FOUNDATION [this check will then be submitted as payment for the student participant in the form of a Merit Donation]. Checks for students from their parents should be made payable to CLOSE UP and do not receive merit donation status. Individuals will also be able to pay by credit card by logging on to the Close Up website. Students will be given login information and passwords in the spring. If you have any questions, please me. STUDENT FELLOWSHIP Close Up funds one student participant at 50% of the Program Cost based solely on family income. The amount of this fellowship for the last 2 years has been $ There is a Student Fellowship Form which parents must complete and attach a copy of page 1 of the 2016 Federal Income Tax Form Students can pick up a copy of this year s Student Fellowship Form from me in Room 201. The income guidelines for the Student Fellowship are nationwide guidelines based on the number of dependents. If the number of dependents is 1, the family income may not exceed $17,480 2 $22,380 3 $29,770 4 $35,920 5 $42,060 etc. Students applying for the Student Fellowship must also write a one-two page essay, typed, double-spaced in which they explain how they would benefit from this experience. The deadline for submission of the completed form with income tax form copy is Wednesday, September 6, Students will be notified by Monday, September 11 th. SPECIAL NOTE: ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST BE IN GOOD ACADEMIC, DISCIPLINARY, and ATTENDANCE STANDING WITH BISHOP O DOWD HIGH SCHOOL Student Academic Requirements: Student must be in grades and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. This is because of the impact of missing one week of classes. Students with GPAs of 2.5 to 2.9 may petition for permission subject to a conference with myself, parent, student and counselor. Participation is generally recommended for juniors and seniors. While sophomores are able to apply, they and their family should discuss whether it would be more beneficial to the student to wait until junior or senior year when they are studying [or have studied] U.S. History. CLOSE UP RULES: 1. Close Up has some very basic rules. They are: o No boys in girls rooms, no girls in boys rooms; no exceptions o No drugs or alcohol o No weapons or firearms. o No defacing of any hotel or public property o No disrespect towards Close Up personnel Students agree to abide by these rules when they register and parents agree to the consequences if their child fails to adhere to these rules. The consequences are: the student with the Close Up Program Manager and myself as the Teacher/Coordinator, will call the parents and inform them of the rule infraction. The student will then be sent home on the next available flight from Washington at the student/parent expense. In addition, the student will then face disciplinary procedures from Bishop O Dowd in accordance with our school policies regarding student behavior.

5 CLOSE UP FOUNDATION PAYMENT INFORMATION: The following information is from the January 2017 trip. Total to Close Up was $3,086 [This was for Inauguration so was higher because of increased hotel prices; in 2016, regular program the cost was $ non-refundable deposit due in October 2017 Balance due December 2017 BISHOP O'DOWD HIGH SCHOOL PAYMENT INFORMATION: The following information is from the January 2017 trip: Total to BOD was $350 [for Early arrival/late Departure activities in DC] ESTIMATED TOTAL COST OF CLOSE UP TRIP 2018: approx. $3100 RESERVING A SPACE ON THE TRIP ONLY: Students who wish to participate in the trip only, need to complete the TRIP APPLICATION and submit it to me in Room 201 with a check payable to Bishop O Dowd High School in the amount of $100 (non-refundable) and a copy of the transcript. Again, this is separate from the monies which will be paid to Close Up for the program week, early arrival/late departure, and transportation. Space will be limited and will be on a first come, first served basis. A waiting list will be created. APPLYING FOR THE CLOSE UP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT CLASS: [Participation on the trip guaranteed and required; class limited to 30 students]: Complete the CLOSE UP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT APPLICATION and submit it to me in Room 201 with a check payable to Bishop O Dowd High School in the amount of $100 which is non-refundable. Again, this is separate from the monies which will be paid to Close Up for the program week, early arrival/late departure, and transportation. Space will be limited to 30 students and will be on a first come, first served basis for qualified students A waiting list will be created. APPLICATIONS may be submitted to Ms. Sussman in Room 201 beginning WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 ST. Reservations may not be made by voic message or by ; it is the student s responsibility to submit the required forms and checks and, because of the sensitive nature of some of the information required [Social Security Number] the application may not be turned into anyone other than Mrs. Sussman. STUDENTS IN SPRING SPORTS: PLEASE CHECK THESE DATES WITH YOUR COACHES BEFORE APPLYING

6 CLOSE UP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT [CLASS AND TRIP] Application for Admission Application must be fully completed and signed by all those individuals required. Accompanying this application must be: 1. A check payable to Bishop O Dowd High School in the amount of $ Copy of your high school transcript to be obtained from Counseling. THIS APPLICATION MUST BE HAND-DELIVERED TO MS. SUSSMAN IN ROOM 201 Name: LAST FIRST MIDDLE NAME Current Grade : Address City CA Zip Your Congressional District: 13 th [Barbara Lee] 15 th [Eric Swalwell] Other: Phone: Home Student Cell: Date of Birth: / / U.S. Citizen? Yes No If no, citizen of what country? Social Security Number - - SSN MUST BE SUPPLIED!! [required for Capitol Tours, White House tour request/secret Service check] Counselor: Cross Parry Dominguez Warmerdam Huff Arechiga Lau Student s Cum GPA to date: Counselor Signature Date:, 2017 Student: I have read completely the Close Up American Government information and the trip information and fully understand the terms of enrollment for this course. Student Signature Date Student Address [one you check regularly!] Parent: I have read completely the Close Up American Government information and the trip information and fully understand the terms of enrollment for this course and the associated costs. Parent Signature Date Parent address: If second parent address is requested: THIS SECTION IS FOR MY USE ONLY Application and Check Submitted: Date Check # in the amount of $100

7 CLOSE UP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT [TRIP ONLY] January 12-21, 2018 Application must be fully completed and signed by all those individuals required. Accompanying this application must be: 1. A check payable to Bishop O Dowd High School in the amount of $ Copy of your high school transcript to be obtained from Counseling. DO NOT GIVE THIS FORM OR THE CHECK TO ANYONE BUT MS.SUSSMAN!!! Name: LAST FIRST MIDDLE NAME Current Grade : Address City CA Zip Your Congressional District: 13 th [Barbara Lee] 15 th [Eric Swalwell] Other: Phone: Home Student Cell: Date of Birth: / / U.S. Citizen? Yes No If no, citizen of what country? Social Security Number - - SSN MUST BE SUPPLIED! [required for Capitol Tours, White House tour request/secret Service check] Counselor: Cross Parry Dominguez Warmerdam Huff Arechiga Lau Student s Cum GPA to date: Counselor Signature Date:, 2017 Student: I have read completely this packet and understand the requirements and expectations of the Washington, D.C. Close Up trip. Student Signature Date Student Address [one you check regularly] Parent: I have read completely the Close Up packet and understand the requirements and expectations of the Washington, D.C. Close Up trip, the Close Up program costs and the associated BOD costs. Parent Signature Date Parent address: If second parent address is requested: THIS SECTION IS FOR MY USE ONLY Application and Check Submitted: Date Check # in the amount of $100

Close Up. washington, Dc High School Programs

Close Up. washington, Dc High School Programs Close Up washington, Dc High School Programs Washington Close Up offers the most comprehensive educational opportunity in Washington, DC. Established in 1971, Close Up is the nation s leading nonprofit,