Close Up Teacher/Coordinator - Mr. Hall (Room 249)
Contact - Bryan Adams HS (972)502-5027
Email me at mrhall@mrhallsroom.com
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Want to See the Real Washington, D.C.?

Close Up Washington is much more than a field trip - it's an  exciting weeklong study visit to the nation's capital, where you'll have the opportunity to experience your government and the political process firsthand. While most visitors to the city just see Washington's monuments and museums, Close Up Washington participants get an "inside" look at the nation's capital - with the people and the places that make this city unique.

Who Can Take Part?

Close Up does not restrict participants based on beliefs, background, or race. Close Up has no affiliation with any branch of government, political party, or interest group. By presenting many sides of an issue, Close Up's programs leave political judgments up to you.

Beyond any requirements set by your school, all high school students are eligible to participate. And that's only the beginning. In this on-line brochure, you'll find out why Close Up Washington is a once-in-a-lifetime educational opportunity. So read on - the adventure starts here!

You, along with students from across the country and maybe even around the world, will embark on a learning adventure like no other - one with active participation, peer interaction, and most of all, fun!

Even as a high school student, you have the power to become an active citizen. The Close Up Washington program is designed to help you understand how you can influence your community, your state, and your nation.

Explore the corridors of power on Capitol Hill. Learn how interest groups, constituent concerns and party politics can influence your legislators' decisions. Listen to the Supreme Court and think about how the decisions made there affect your life. Read the names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and reflect on the role the United States plays internationally. Focus on the characteristics of national heroes as you explore the Lincoln, the Jefferson, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt and newly opened MLK Memorials. Exchange viewpoints on current issues with newsmakers and government experts. From morning to night, Close Up Washington gives you an intensive look at government in action. From Embassy Row to ethnic neighborhoods, our nation's capital becomes a learning laboratory for you and your friends. In congressional meeting rooms or federal agency headquarters, in small-group workshops and guided bus tours, you will find that the Close Up Washington program is government studies like you've never seen before.

Instead of asking questions of your teachers, you will have the opportunity to ask Washington experts during face-to-face meetings in which you will also hear updates on important national issues. Through legislative meetings, topical seminars, and political debates, you'll have the chance to share your views with peers from around the country and also to listen to their opinions. Above all, Close Up combines an unparalleled learning experience with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure..

Your Close Up Washington Program Includes:

• Round-trip group transportation
  
• Five nights of lodging at a hotel in the Washington metropolitan area
  
• All meals and gratuities during the program week
  
• All program instruction
  
• All planned sightseeing, entertainment, and excursions, including entrance fees
  
• All academic materials
  
• An evening at the theater or other cultural activity
  
• Around-the-clock emergency nursing consultation
  
• All in-town transportation
  
• A $300 nonrefundable, nontransferable registration deposit
  
• An excess insurance policy (limited to $4,000 life and $2,500 for each accident or illness), secondary to any policy or program providing coverage to the participant
  
  Note: Coverage begins on the date of departure from the community embarkation point and terminates when the group arrives at the community release point after completion of the program. Close Up's insurance does not cover treatment of medical conditions or injuries that occurred before your participation on the program; it also does not cover dental work, problems associated with pregnancy, or self-inflicted illness or injury.

How to Enroll

Enrollment is easy. Just see your teacher..

Cancellations and Refunds

If you decide to withdraw from the program after you have submitted your deposit, notify your Close Up teacher immediately. He or she must contact the Close Up office.

In the event of withdrawal for any reason, the following terms apply.

• The $300 deposit is nonrefundable and nontransferable. You do not get your deposit back.
  
• A full refund (less the $300 nonrefundable deposit) will be made if Close Up receives your
  cancellation notice at least 52 days prior to your scheduled participation date.
  
• If a cancellation is received less than 52 days prior to participation, a cancellation fee of $300 (the deposit) will be charged.
  
• No refunds can be made for merit donations.
  
• The refund check from Close Up will be made payable only to the person from whom payment was received.
  
• Refund requests should be in writing and should include the amount of the refund to be made.
  
• No refunds will be made for disruptions in program activities due to weather or other factors beyond Close Up's control.
  
• Please allow four to six weeks for refunds to be processed.
  
• Unless instructed otherwise, Close Up will send refund checks to the school's address.

Close Up Rules

• Students are expected to cooperate with the Close Up staff at all times.
  
• Male students are not allowed to visit in female students' rooms and vice versa.
  (Close Up defines "room" to include the threshold of the door.)
  
• Students are absolutely forbidden to possess and/or use alcoholic beverages.
  
• Students are absolutely forbidden to possess and/or use drugs other than those prescribed by a doctor.
  
• Students are absolutely forbidden to possess and/or use firearms or weapons of any kind.
  
• Abuse or defacement of facilities or theft of property is strictly prohibited.
  

• Students are assigned to rooms and workshop groups with students whose backgrounds may be quite different from their own. These assignments are strictly enforced. Students who are unable or unwilling to comply cooperatively with these assignments are subject to dismissal. Students are also expected to respect the diversity of opinions expressed by other students and speakers.

Infractions of any of these rules may result in immediate dismissal from the program. In case of such a dismissal, your parents and school are notified, and you will return home immediately at your own expense, with no refund of any payments.
These rules are strictly enforced Students who feel that they cannot observe the rules while participating in Close Up Washington are advised not to take part in the program. These rules are in effect at all times; beginning with your arrival at the hotel on the first day. Students are expected to comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

Close Up Policies

Daily Participation-You are required to participate in all scheduled events unless you are ill. It is your personal responsibility to know the daily schedule and be on time. You may not leave the hotel or the group unless you receive specific permission from the Close Up program supervisor.

Evening Curfew-Each evening, the Close Up staff sets curfews that are strictly enforced. Generally, the hotel curfew is 6:00 p.m. and your room curfew is 11:00 p.m.

Motor Vehicles-You may not rent, borrow, or drive a motor vehicle of any sort while participating in the Close Up Washington program. You may not be a passenger in a private motor vehicle (excluding cabs) without prior written parental permission. This policy includes independent time on Friday afternoon.

Meals-Vegetarian and no-pork options are available at all meals. Glatt kosher meals can be provided for an additional cost of $105. Request and payment must be received by Close Up 45 days prior to participation.

Visitors-You may receive visitors only during the independent activity time on Friday and only if you have prior written parental permission. You may not spend a night away from the hotel or leave the group during the Close Up week.

Room and Roommate Assignment-You may request to room with a friend from your school. Although every effort is made to house you with your chosen roommate, Close Up cannot guarantee this. Students are housed four to a room, so you will be rooming with students from another school. Generally each room has two double beds, and two students share each bed. You cannot change roommates after you have been assigned to a room.

School Policies-Students are expected to adhere to the policies of their own school.

Dress-Attire is usually casual during the program week, although there are several occasions when boys may want to wear a coat and tie and girls may want to wear a dress or dress slacks. These occasions include Capitol Hill day, diplomatic briefings, theater night, and the final banquet.

Participants- Close Up does not exclude any participants on the basis of race, gender; disability, religion, income, or national origin.

Close Up Staff-The Close Up Foundation is an equal opportunity employer, offering employment solely on the basis of ability, qualifications, and merit, and prohibiting discrimination on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.

Smoking-Consistent with local law, use of any tobacco product is prohibited.

Valuables-Participants should leave valuables at home. Close Up is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Sunday

• Arrive in Washington, D.C.
• Hotel check-In
• Welcome dinner
• Meet peers from schools nationwide
• Iwo Jima Memorial
• National Mall overlook
• Orientation workshop
• Meet & greet social activity
  

Monday

• Hot breakfast buffet
• Abraham Lincoln Memorial: Study visit
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial NEW!
• Smithsonian Air & Space Museum: Study visit & lunch
• War Memorials: Study visit -
  Korean, Vietnam & World War II
• National Politics Seminar: An insider’s view
• Georgetown Neighborhood: Study visit
• Dinner at Bucca Di Beppo
• Issues Debate: Liberal vs. Conservative —You get to ask the questions
• Social activity

A group picture is taken in front of the US Capital at the beginning of our week in Washington. Click to see the BIG pic.

Washington Explorations
Receive an overview of Washington, D.C., by traveling through the neighborhoods and discussing the concerns and challenges facing the metropolitan area not only as a city but also as the nation's capital.

Public Policy Seminars
While on program, you and your peers will have the chance to meet and discuss hot topics with Washington movers and shakers. Close Up gives you the opportunity to ask questions and hear answers from the people who make the news.

Tuesday

• Hot breakfast buffet
• United States Capitol: Orientation and visit
• Walk the National Mall
• Thomas Jefferson Memorial: Study visit at the Tidal Basin
• Smithsonian American History Museum: Study visit & lunch
• National Defense Seminar: Hear from the Pentagon
• Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial study visit
• Dinner at Pentagon City
• White House photo-op
• Mock Congress Workshop: Prep for Capitol Hill Day
• Social activity

BA students in front of the US Capital - East Front before the renovations and addition of the Capital Visitors Center. 2000.

Walking Workshop on Capitol Hill
Close Up transforms Capitol Hill into your classroom. As you walk through the halls of Congress, you'll become acquainted with the legislative process. You may also visit the Supreme Court and consider the historic decisions made there or see the Library of Congress, which was resurrected in 1815 with books from Thomas Jefferson's personal collection.

Wednesday

• Hot breakfast buffet
• Capitol Hill Day: Meet with your members of Congress or their staffs
• Attend and observe key testimony in Congressional Committee Hearings
• Explore Capitol Hill Visitor Center & Museum
• Lunch at the House Cafeteria
• Visit the Supreme Court & Library of Congress
• Take your seat in the Galleries to see the U.S. Senate & House of Representatives in action
• Dinner at D.C.’s historic Union Station
• Enjoy D.C.’s Signature Night Monument Tour or choose a performance at a renowned D.C. theater
• Social activity

Legislative Meetings
Close Up staff makes every effort to schedule seminars with both your senators and your representative, who are eager to hear what's on your mind. If your representative and senators are not available, meetings will be scheduled with members of their staffs.

Thursday

• Hot breakfast buffet
• Choose among our many electives or spend the day with your school:
• Law vs. Civil Disobedience: National Archives, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Ghandi Memorial
• Art of Politics: Smithsonian Museum of American History, National Gallery of Art, Historic U Street and the African American Civil War Memorial
• Unthinkable Acts: Examining History: U.S. Holocaust Museum, Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian, Memorial to Japanese Patriotism during WWII
• Honoring Service: Arlington Cemetery, 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon, Department of Labor Hall of Fame
• Lunch on the National Mall
• Student Photojournalism Exhibit: Show what you learned
• Banquet & dance

On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial - Washington Monument in the background. 2005

Thursday night's farewell banquet and dance. 2007

Friday

• Hot breakfast buffet
• Late departure allows for a final look at Washington DC with your teacher
• Options may include: the Smithsonian Museums, the National Zoo, the Holocaust Museum, the Newseum, the Spy Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the National Archives and much more.
• Depart for home

2001