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Close Up and Katy ISD: Founding of a Nation Program

Williamsburg, Alexandria, Mt. Vernon, Gettysburg, and Philadelphia

Monday, June 8, through Friday, June 12, 2015

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History and Mission of Close Up

• Non-profit, non-partisan organization• Mission is to help students become more effective

and informed citizens• Over 750,000 alums since 1971• Welcomed Katy ISD students on high school and

middle school programs since 1985• 2015 marks the 6th year for our Founding of a

Nation program and the 2nd year that we will offer it to non-Katy ISD schools later in June.

• www.CloseUp.org

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History of Junior High Program

• Pilot program took place in 2010 with 9 campuses• Over 600 participants in 5 years• Designed to be a stepping stone to the high

school program• Focus on American history from colonization

through the Civil War• Only available to Katy ISD students who are

currently in 7th grade• Aligns with Katy ISD curriculum and state

standards

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Where To?

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Williamsburg• Led by Williamsburg’s

historical interpreters• House of Burgesses• Colonial jail, court, armory,

blacksmith shop, and bookkeeper

• Tavern lunch• Governor’s Palace and Bruton

Parish Churh

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Alexandria/Mt. Vernon• Explore King Street in Old Town

Alexandria• Study visit of George

Washington’s Mt. Vernon estate

• Explore the grounds and gardens

• Group photo (take a group photo in front of Mt. Vernon that is yours to keep)

• See George and Martha Washington’s gravesites

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Gettysburg

• Gettysburg museum and cyclorama

• Explore the Gettysburg Battlefield with a National Park Ranger

• See where President Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address and discuss the importance of that speech

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Philadelphia• Founding Documents Activity• National Constitution Center• Liberty Bell• Independence Park and

Independence Hall• Old Supreme Court• Benjamin Franklin Museum

and Gravesite• Second National Bank• “Rocky” Steps

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Safety/Security• Close Up Program Instructors are with the students

throughout each day.• All instructors have over 140 hours of training, criminal

background checks, CPR/First Aid training, and a passion for education. These are NOT contracted tour guides.

• Night monitors are in the hotel hallways from room check through breakfast the next morning.

• ‘Students’ Needs Assistant’ available to assist with sick students, on-call nurses, and special relationship with Georgetown University Medical Center.

• Close Up Emergency Hotline number printed on schedules/nametags and operates throughout the week.

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Cost/What’s Included

• Total price per student is $1692.• This includes:

– Round-trip airfare;– Hotel accommodations;– All student meals;– Transportation via coach bus;– All admission prices;– Tips/gratuities;– Secondary medical coverage/liability insurance;– Security/Supervision; – Group photo, water bottle, backpack, and student

notebook!

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What’s not included?

• Souvenirs• Snacks• Airline Baggage Fees• Meals in transit (to and from Houston)

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Deadlines/Refund Schedule• Total price - $1692.• $400 non-refundable AND non-transferable deposit

due no later than Friday, February 6, 2015.• $700 is due on account by Friday, April 3, 2015.• Final payment (in full) due no later than Friday, May 2,

2015.• Cancellations prior to April 4, result in loss of $400.• Cancellations between April 5 and May 1, result in loss

of $700.• Cancellations after Friday, May 2, result in 100%

cancellation penalty.• Travel insurance is highly recommended.

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To close…• Amazing opportunity to see some of the country’s most famous

historic landmarks.• To reserve your space – See your Close Up sponsor and get your ID

and password to access your account at www.CloseUp.org. • We did reach our maximum in past years and had to waitlist

students, so enroll as soon as you can.• Financial aid is available and is based on free/reduced lunch

program. See you campus sponsor for more information.• Fundraising Options – 40x40, sponsor letters, and matching gifts• Final information night approximately one month prior to the trip

where we’ll cover packing, flight information, etc.• Visit our website (www.CloseUp.org) for more info or call

800.CLOSEUP, ext 3600 (Justin Andersen).• Questions?

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Schools/Lead Sponsors• Beckendorff JHS – Mr. Jason Oetjens• Beck JHS – Ms. Tracey McHatton• West Memorial – Ms. Carroll Ann Adams• Cardiff JHS – Ms. Jenny Bozkurt• Cinco Ranch JHS – Ms. Simeon Crowell• WoodCreek JHS – Mr. Rob Schindler and Ms. Leonora Hill• McMeans JHS– Ms. Ashley Colmenero and Mr. Gary McHatton• Mayde Creek JHS – Ms. Beionca Dabney• McDonald JHS – Ms. Lindsey Stevens and Ms. Katy McAteer• Seven Lakes JHS – Ms. Holly Datwyler• Memorial Parkway JHS – Ms. Kristina Cummings• Morton Ranch JHS– Mr. Stephen DeForke• Katy ISD Attending Administrator – Ms. Gina Cobb• Katy ISD District Coordinator – Ms. Sally Farr

Justin Andersen | jandersen@closeup.org800-CLOSE UP x3600 | www.CloseUp.org