Dates: February 27 - March 2, 2012

Leaders: Mr. Botti, Ms. MacAninch

Cost:$500 - Deposit of $200 due 11/30/11

Included: Chartered bus, lodging, breakfasts, theater tickets, group activities

Excluded: Lunches and dinners

Course Description

The small town of Ashland, Oregon, located in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, is home to a world-class theatre company, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.  We will see as many as six plays, one by Shakespeare, ranging from serious to humorous, classic to contemporary.  In addition, we will work with festival actors during a two-hour workshop, enjoy a guided backstage tour, and participate in some discussion sessions and talkbacks with actors after the performances.  We will stay at the deluxe Stratford Inn, which features an indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi.  We may also visit historic Jacksonville and browse their antique stores, spend a day at the Oregon Caves, ride the Mt. Ashland train, hike trails in the foothills, or tour the University of Oregon.

Dates:  February 27 - March 2, 2012

Course Leaders:  Ms. Chandler, Fr. Greg McGivern and Mrs. Ryken

Cost:  $800 - Deposit of $350 due 11/30/11

Course Description

Visit colleges, castles and Hollywood stars!  Students will adventure down the California Coast, stop at the extravagant Hearst Castle, visit colleges, such as, Cal Poly in beautiful San Luis Obispo, UC Santa Barbara, UCLA and all the sights of Los Angeles!  Your dreams for your future will blossom as we tour choice college campuses, sample typical university food and mingle with college students.   Visit Warner Brothers Studios, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Venice Beach, and you may bump into your favorite celebrity!  Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills await your arrival!

Dates: Feb. 26 - Feb.29, 2012

Course Leaders: Sister Judy Carle; Ms. Schaal

Cost: $575-$600

Included: transportation, lodging, meals and educational programs

Excluded: Personal spending money

Course Description

You are most cordially invited to spend 3 days at Catalina Camp at Emerald Bay, the most beautiful cove on the Island -- where the Pacific Ocean is your classroom.  Experience complex ecosystems - crystal clear water hosting vast amounts of sea life - one of the top ten snorkeling spots in the world and some of the most preserved natural history in California - hiking trails, deer, buffalo, and island fox. Engage in cooperative learning groups studying field and marine biology.

Study a variety of marine life, such as mammals, fish, plankton, and invertebrates. Get to know students and teachers in an intimate learning environment and enjoy leisurely evening activities, including a campfire.  Fly to Long Beach with time to enjoy the Long Beach Harbor before staying the night in hotel comfort. The next morning, cruise to Catalina for snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, swimming, sleeping in cabins! Is this for real?  Check it out www.mountainandsea.org

Dates: Feb. 27 - March 25, 2012

Course Leaders: Staff of Caritas Creek

Cost: $125 (Estimated)

Included: transportation to and from the site; food and lodging

Course Description

Mercy students will have the opportunity to work directly with professionals in developing leadership skills while working as with elementary students at Camp Cazadero at the Russian River. The program operates a 5 day residential program with parochial school students from 5th through 8th grades. You may spend 5 fun-filled days in the beautiful Cazadero forest, exposed to a curriculum that includes hikes, activities, group discussions, lessons and time for reflection. Along with the Caritas Creek staff, high school volunteers will apply their problem-solving skills and critical thinking to larger issues such as global warming, diversity, deforestation, pollution, recycling, and deep ecology.  Create positive change in our world, apply your skills in the form of community service, make connections between what you learn and how you live, and experience an investigative approach that revolves around the interconnectedness of self, others, nature, and God. You will be different after this experience!

A small number of Mercy students will be recommended for this experience. Please see Sr. Judy or Ms. Schaal for more details.

Dates: Feb. 25 - March 2, 2012

Course Leader: Mr. Cutten

Cost:  $2000
Included: Travel, lodging, all meals, tours, and cultural events

Course Description:

Experience the excitement of Close Up! This 7-day, 6-night program develops students' knowledge of basic concepts of government and citizenship. Students will gain greater understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a participatory democracy; learn how constituents, interest groups and party politics affect the legislative process; understand the impact of the Framers' views of limited government on the structure of government outlined in the Constitution; and explore diverse viewpoints concerning domestic and international policy questions facing Congress, the executive branch and the courts. Through onsite study-visits, students will also see the city's monuments and memorials, explore the Smithsonian museums, and enjoy the cultural diversity of D.C.'s historic neighborhoods. On Friday, students have independent time to visit colleges, and explore sites not covered during the program. The pinnacle of the week is Capitol Hill Day where students have the opportunity to spend time with their Senator(s), Representative, and/or staff.  Students room with other high school students from across throughout the country.

More information: http://www.closeup.org/index.htm

Important financial info: Payments will be made directly to Close-up online.
Payment due dates:
$300 due 10/28/11
$600 due 12/5/11

Dates:Feb. 25 - Feb. 29

Course leaders: Ms. Aloise, Ms. Desimone, Ms. Oliver, Ms. Parnell

Cost: $850

Deposit: $425 due 11/15/11

Balance: $425 due 1/9/12

Included: Airfare, Transportation, Hotel, Disney Youth Education Series (2 classes), park entrance 4-day hopper, meals (to be determined).

Excluded: Meals (to be determined), personal spending

Course Description: 

You will be transported into a world of education, Disney-Style, within the magical setting of the Disney Parks (Disney Land and Disney California Adventure Park). We will spend four nights and five magical days (includes travel time) exploring while learning along the way. The Disney educational program showcases how valuable principles learned in the classroom make exciting things happen every day at the Disney Attractions.

We will explore and learn by taking two courses during our visit to Southern California.

• Disney Leadership In Action: Pursuit of Happiness: It's time for students to step out of their comfort zones and to learn what it takes to be great leaders. While discovering how leadership played a role in Walt Disney's life, students explore exciting Disneyland attractions, learn the importance of teamwork and gain the self confidence necessary to be leaders of tomorrow.
• Disney's World of Physics: Energy and Waves: This physics lesson explores the use of sound and light as well as teaches how magnetism is used on a truly Screamin' rollercoaster. Students see how energy of light and sound come together to create amazing Disney magic.

  (Trained and knowledgeable Disney Youth Education Series Cast Members facilitate this high-quality and educationally sound program, while never forgetting that fun is a vital part of learning.)

These classes are hands-on and will encourage students to reach their potential and demonstrate the importance of teamwork, all in the unique setting that combines the classroom with the real world. Please join us in the Happiest Place to Learn!

Dates: February 26 - March 2, 2012         

Course Leaders: Dr. Cutarelli and Ms. Schroeder

Cost: $690

Deposit: $350

Included: airfare, ground transportation, meals, lodging and activities

Excluded: Personal spending money (including money for food at the airport); airline luggage fees for those who choose to check a bag

Warning! This course may change your life!

Our adventure will take us to the border town of Laredo, Texas, where we will immerse ourselves in the realities of the US-Mexico border, guided by Sisters of Mercy who call Laredo “home”. Our days will be spent meeting with human rights workers, hearing the stories of recent immigrants and those who are preparing to cross the border, exploring the issue of human trafficking from the perspective of both victims and their advocates, and learning about the negative environmental impact of US efforts to control the border. By engaging in hands-on education and direct service opportunities with children and families, we will truly join the struggle of people living and working on both sides of the border and find out how we can all make a real difference in the world, both now and in our future careers. Come prepared to change your perspective, open your heart, and enjoy lots of authentic Mexican food! Bi-lingual (Spanish/ English) students will be able to put their language and translation skills to good use (not required, though!). All students will receive up to 35 hours of Community Service upon successful completion of this course.

*Additional Application Required*

Dates: Feb. 25 - Feb. 29

Course Leaders: Dr. Maxwell, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Laguna

Cost: $650

Course Description:

Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo: But Wait: Sign up now, and we'll include sand, surf, dunes, kayaking, touring, theater, shopping, walking on the pier!!!  But Wait! Sign up now and stay in beautiful Pismo Beach. Attend an old-fashioned melodrama - eating & watching & participating!! But Wait! Sea kayak (in a very sheltered cove) with otters and maybe dolphins. Tour one of California's historic Missions in San Luis Obispo (also a cute shopping town!). But Wait! Keeping true to the spirit of Catherine McAuley, do some community service - maybe a beach clean-up project? But Wait! Visit fabulous and opulent Hearst Castle. But Wait! You might also play ping-pong, badminton, miniature golf, work out in the fitness center and walk on the beach! Don't miss this opportunity!!

Dates: February 24- February 27, 2012

Course leaders: Ms. Curran and Mr. McGarry

Cost: $175

Included: transportation, lodging, meals, entry fee, horseback ride

Excluded: spending money     

Course Description:

We will spend three nights and four days in the historic Salinas Valley on the beautiful Rancho San Lucas, owned and operated by the Trescony Family. We will be the guests of Julian "Mike" Trescony and his daughter Julie Stevens. We will stay in the Ranch House and will relax amidst the 3600 acres of this working cattle ranch.

Our days may include trips to the Pinnacles National Monument and Mission San Antonio, the Steinbeck Museum and the Salinas River Dunes, Alba Organic Farm, and a horseback riding trip. We will visit with the people, walk the farms and learn about the relationship between land and labor in this area that author John Steinbeck called "The Long Valley." For a view of Rancho San Lucas, check out the Trescony family website at www.trescony.com

Dates: February 27-March 5, 2012
Course Leaders: Ms. Bolshokoff, Ms. Lucchese, Ms. O'Connell

Cost: $800

Deposit: $400 due 11/8/11

Balance: $400 due 1/9/12
Included: Airfare, ground transportation, hotel accommodations, admission fees, & meals.
Excluded: spending money

Course Description      

We will fly down to sunny San Diego and spend 5 fun filled days and 4 nights exploring what the city of San Diego has to offer. Spend a day at the world famous San Diego Zoo with a behind the scenes tour. Visit the campus of San Diego State University. Discover Old Town San Diego, the Gas Lamp District, Mission Valley, and Pacific Beach.

Dates: Feb 24 - Feb 27, 2012
Course Moderators: Ms. Ambrosini, Ms. Ortiz
Cost: $355 due 11/8/11

Included: Chartered bus transportation 3 night stay at Westminister Woods Camp and Conference Center at Deluxe Hilltop Lodges with fireplaces and kitchenettes, all meals prepared by local staff chefs, gratuities
Excluded: personal souvenirs, snacks

Course Description:

Dates:  February 27 (Monday) to March 1 (Thursday)

Course Leaders:  Ms. Kerrigan, Ms. Ovares

Cost:  $350.00 

Includes: transportation, activities, lodging, breakfast and lunch each day, except Monday

Excluded:  bag lunch for Monday, spending money, money for dinners.

Course Description:  We will travel by train to Yosemite and spend four days (3nights) discovering the secrets and beauty of Yosemite as winter moves into spring.  Rain, snow, or shine we will hike, snow shoe at Badger Pass*, ice skate*, and explore daily, returning to the comfort of our cabins each night. .                                             *conditions permitting