We Are Pleased to Announce….

Boulder Creek Academy offered ten exceptional students the opportunity to participate in the Presidential Classroom program, hosted at the prestigious Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. This year’s Presidential Classroom Scholars Program took place from February 16-23, 2008.

The Presidential Classroom Scholars Program offers students a backstage pass to the inner workings of the government and an opportunity to examine how current issues affect public policy. This view of the federal government gives PC Scholars direct access to national leaders and inspires students to seek careers in public service.

The Presidential Classroom provides the next generation of civic leaders with an extraordinary academic and leadership development experience in Washington, D.C. Four hundred high school sophomores, juniors and seniors from around our great country will observe the federal government at work, witness the development of public policy and explore the roles of citizens, lawmakers, experts and businesses in the world’s most successful democracy.

Presidential Classroom takes students behind the scenes of our nation’s capital for seminars and discussions featuring members of Congress, Presidential appointees, senior military officials, top business leaders and journalists. Students also observe the United States Congress in action.

Presidential Classroom Scholars:

• Witness the federal government at work while interacting with influential leaders
  and policy makers;
• Gain a better understanding of the importance of active citizenship and how
  individuals can make a difference in the American political system;
• Enhance leadership, critical thinking and consensus building skills;
• Experience a collegiate environment;
• Cultivate lifelong friendships, mentor relationships and potential professional
  opportunities;
• Appreciate America’s diversity by debating current issues with peers from a
  variety of backgrounds;
• Strengthen college entrance potential.

The PC Experience:

Presidential Classroom’s curriculum revolves around various group activities. Each activity intellectually challenges PC Scholars to think critically about current issues, policies and responsible citizenship.

Seminars:

These one-hour sessions will give our BCA students the opportunity to hear and interact with individuals directly involved in policy debates and decision making. Every seminar ends with the chance to ask questions of the speakers.

Caucuses:

BCA Scholars are assigned to a Caucus for the week. Each Caucus consists of about 40 students and is led by two Volunteer Instructors. Students will travel and work primarily with this Caucus throughout the week. Students from the same school will not be in the same Caucus.

Current Issues Reports:

At the beginning of the program week, each Caucus selects a topic for a Current Issues Report. The report summarizes the pros and cons and possible solutions to the issue. At the end of the week, each Caucus presents their findings to the student body.

Crossfires:

These lively discussions are forums of about 20 students who focus on current foreign and domestic policy issues. This provides students the opportunity to express viewpoints on the topic. Facilitated by Volunteer Instructors, Crossfires reveal the diverse perspectives and backgrounds of students involved.

Capital Hill Visits:

BCA Scholars will spend two days on Capital Hill, visiting legislative officers and observing congressional hearings. Students will also attend an exclusive seminar on the floor of the House of Representatives. Presidential Classroom will schedule congressional appointments with the offices of your child’s U.S. Senators and Representative. Students will attend these meetings with other PC Scholars from the same state and congressional district. (Puerto Rican students visit the office of the Governor General.)

Student Identification:

All BCA students participating in the Presidential Classroom must have picture identification on hand at all times.

Accommodations:

BCA Scholars will stay at the Georgetown University Conference Center, a Marriott hotel located on the historic campus. Students are housed four to a double occupancy room. Roll-a-way or inflatable beds are available upon request when you arrive at the hotel. Rooms are assigned by geographic location. Our BCA scholars will be rooming with other students from around the country. It will be unlikely that any two BCA students will be in the same room at the conference center.

Female Business Dress Code:

• Must wear PC nametag (provided at registration)
• Must wear dresses, suits, skirts (hemline must be below fingertips when standing
  with arms hanging down by one's side) and sweaters, or blouses
• May wear slacks, but when slacks are worn, a jacket must also be worn (jackets
  should be similar to men's sport coats)
• May wear dress sandals
• May not wear divdex/leggings
• May not wear mid-drift, halter, strapless or tank tops, strapless dresses, or
  spaghetti st
• May not wear Capri pants or high-water pants
• May not wear shorts nor shorts designed to look like skirts (such as skirts,
  culottes, split skirts)
• May not wear jeans or denim outfits
• May not wear athletic shoes or “flip flops”
• Tip: A black or navy skirt and several tops go a long way in Washington.

Male Business Dress Code:

• Must wear PC nametag (provided at registration)
• Must wear dress shirts and ties with suits or slacks and a sport coat
• Must wear dress shoes with socks
• May wear a sweater or vest over shirt and tie, but a sport coat or suit coat is still
  required
• May not wear jeans or denim outfits
• May not wear athletic shoes or “flip flops”
• Tip: A blue blazer and gray or khaki slacks are always OK in Washington.

Casual Dress Code – students:
Casual attire may be worn during touring on Sunday, designated student lounge time and when announced. The casual dress code is as follows:

• PC name badge
• Neat sport shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, tee shirts and slacks, jeans, Bermudas,
  Capri’s, high-water pants
• Athletic shoes or sandals
• “Flip flops” (or shower shoes) may only be worn in the hotel, but are strongly
  discouraged for safety reasons. FLIP FLOPS ARE NOT PERMITTED AT
  ANY TIME OUTSIDE OF THE HOTEL.

Attire Prohibited at All Times:

• Clothing with vulgar, discriminatory or obscene language
• Clothing that promotes or depicts weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, drug paraphernalia, violence
  or gang symbols
• Clothing that exposes private parts, the midriff or undergarments
• Pants that sag or are low cut
• Tube tops
• Backless blouses
• Blouses with only ties in the back
• Clothing constructed of see-through materials
• Sleepwear (except in one’s personal hotel room)
• “Flip flops” outside the hotel

Special Tips:

Shoes: Expect to be on your feet from early morning until late at night; Thousands of marble steps and long hallways combined with rain, snow, cold or heat can present challenges to your feet. BRING COMFORTABLE DRESS SHOES that you've already broken in so your feet don't give out before you do.
Winter Students: Washington winters are unpredictable. Conditions can range from sub-zero temperatures with ice and snow, to mid-70s with sun. Bring a heavy winter coat, hat or scarf, gloves and boots. An umbrella can come in handy.

B.C.A. students will be chosen for this incredible trip based on the recommendations of all mentors at our academy.

Please feel free to contact me for any additional information concerning this trip. This trip will be my third group of students attending from Boulder Creek Academy. Our BCA Scholars have consistently performed exceptionally well in all aspects of the program. The experience in Washington will be one that our students will cherish for a lifetime. As a 1978 alumni of the Presidential Classroom, I approve this message! J
~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you
Claude Bisson
Social Science Department
Boulder Creek Academy
E-mail/@ school: claude.bisson@uhsinc.com
E-mail/ @ home: claudebisson@oregonized.net

To view a short overview film of the Presidential Classroom click on the link below.
www.presidentialclassroom.org/.../video.asp