Dates: February 26 – March 1, 2008
Course Leaders: Mr. Schaefer,  Mr. Botti & Ms. Lacey
Cost: $350
Included: Transportation (bus); lodging with breakfast; all performance tickets; and other possible activities
Excluded: All meals except breakfast

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.  Schedule allowing, we may 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 24 – 28, 2008
Course Moderators: Dr. Maxwell & Ms. Lucchese
Cost: $500
Included: Transportation, lodging, meals, entrance & activity fees
Excluded: Personal spending

Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo:

But Wait:  If you sign up now, we will throw in sand, surf, dunes, kayaking, touring, theater, shopping, walking on the pier!!!  But Wait….if you sign up now you will..  Stay in beautiful Pismo Beach on California’s central coast.  You will attend a melodrama in the old fashion way—eating and watching and participating!!  But Wait….You will experience what it is like to sea kayak (in a very sheltered cove) with the otters and maybe the dolphins.  You will also take a tour of Cal Poly University and explore one of California’s historical Missions in San Luis Obispo (and it’s a cute shopping town).  But Wait….Keeping true to the spirit of Catherine McAuley, you will travel to Guadalupe, California where you will spend two hours fixing up the Catholic Worker House.  Afterwards the wonderful people of Guadalupe will treat you to a simple lunch.  But Wait….Upon leaving Guadalupe, you will visit a local lake and hike over the lake via a boardwalk making your way to the beach. But Wait…you might also play ping-pong, work out in a fabulous gym, walk on the beach….don’t miss this opportunity—sign up  ASAP!!!

Dates: Sunday, March 23, 2008 – Saturday, March 29, 2008

             **NOTE: This course leaves on Easter Sunday and
                              runs through Easter break**

Course Leader: Ms. Petrini
Cost: $1600.00
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

Course Description:

Dates: February 23–27, 2008
Course Leaders: Mr. Murphy, Mr. Cutten, Mr. & Ms. Beck
Cost: $900 (may be lower depending on cost of flight and hotel room)
Included: Transportation, accommodations, fees for attractions, golf fees, all meals
Excluded: Personal spending money

Course Description:

This course incorporates photography, physical fitness, nature, history and hopefully a service project, as well as a tour of the Arizona State Campus and stargazing, if it’s clear.

After flying into Phoenix on Saturday, we’ll drive to Flagstaff to spend the night.  Sunday, we’ll drive to the Grand Canyon, where we’ll view the IMAX movie and drive into the park for sightseeing and photography of this awe-inspiring natural wonder, and a maybe a canyon restoration project, returning to Flagstaff for the evening.

     Monday, we’ll head for  Phoenix, visiting Meteor Crater, “the best preserved meteorite crater on earth,” Winslow, Arizona, and Sedona on the way.  Tuesday will include a tour of Arizona State University, a golf lesson, and at least 9 holes of golf.  On Wednesday, we’ll hike in the Superstition Mountains, searching for the lost Dutchman’s gold, which we can spend that afternoon when we visit historic old town Scottsdale.  Wednesday evening, we fly back from Phoenix. 

Dates: Saturday, February 23, 2008 – Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Course Leaders: Ms. Ambrosini, Ms. McAninch & Ms. Ortiz
Cost: $995
  ** $400 deposit due Monday, November 12, 2007
      $595 balance due Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Included: Transportation (chartered bus throughout visit), lodging, tours, tickets, admissions, all breakfasts, one lunch, all dinners
Excluded: Four lunches, hotel gratuities and personal souvenirs

Course Description:

Our 5-day sojourn begins at the Hearst Castle where publishing magnate, George Hearst entertained the Studio Stars of Hollywood’s Golden Era. Overnight stay in Pismo Beach. In Los Angeles, after morning service at the Cathedral of Our Lady we will visit the crypt where some of LA’s prominent are entombed. Sunday late afternoon, on Hollywood Boulevard, we hope to catch a glimpse of the Oscar hopefuls on the red carpet outside the Kodak Theater for the 80^th Academy Awards. Star sighting extravaganza!  Brad Pitt?  Orlando Bloom?  Angelina Jolie? Dine and shop along the Universal City Walk with a 3 night stay at the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn.

Monday join in our private acting workshop with the professionals of the Stellar Adler Academy where Marlon Brando, Sean Penn and other Hollywood greats trained. Lunch, and stroll along the Avenue of the Stars and view The Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. We will join the audience of a live taping of a T.V. program –American Idol? House?

Tuesday morning star gaze at the Griffith Observatory now reopened after a 93 million dollar renovation with a guaranteed planetarium experience light years ahead of all others. That afternoon experience the thrill of Universal Studios – tour the backstage lot of the old Hollywood movie sets, experience Jurassic Park and a simulated earthquake, if you dare. Evening performance of WICKED, a fantasy filled musical Story of OZ, Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West—playing at the magnificent 1930 art deco Pantages Theater.

Wednesday, we journey to the Museum and Library of actor and 40th President, Ronald Reagan. Tour a full scale replica of the Oval office, the 1984 Inaugural Parade Limousine, the Air Force One Pavilion and our late President’s grave site. Hosted lunch and homeward bound.

Dates: December 26–30, 2007

           **Note: This course occurs during Christmas Vacation

Course Leaders: Mr. Gutierrez, Mr. Warren
Cost: $425 ($625 with a $200 Booster Club scholarship)
Included: Transportation (airfare and vans), hotel
Excluded: Meals, personal spending

Course Description:

Mercy, San Francisco's Varsity basketball team will participate in the third annual Mercy Basketball Classic Tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Players, coaches, and parents will leave on Dec. 26 at 7:00 am and return on Dec. 30 around 10:00 pm.

McAuley High School and Mother of Mercy High School, our sister schools in  Cincinnati, will host this tournament, involving 10 Mercy teams from around the country.

Events begin on the evening of the 26^th, with a Mass and banquet for all players, coaches and parents.  Games run the 27^th thru 29^th, culminating in a banquet and awards presentation on the evening of the 29th.  During game breaks, players and parents will tour the Cincinnati area, time permitting.

NOTE: Tournament participants may also sign up for another Intersession course.  They will be placed in other Intersession courses as space permits, and will have lowest priority.

We regret to inform you that, due to increased transportation costs and the falling value of the dollar, this course will not be possible for Intersession 2008.

Dates: February 23-28, 2008
Course Leaders: Mr. Laguna, Mrs. Laguna & Ms. Chacón
Cost: $1100.00
Included: Airfare, ground transportation, Bi-lingual tour guide, lodging (based on quadruple occupancy), tours/excursions/park entrance fees, daily breakfast, airport exit tax, tips for drivers and guides
Excluded: Lunches and dinners, tips for servers and hotel staff, separate excursions, spa fees, towel/locker rental

Course Description:

This is a language immersion course designed to allow students in upper level Spanish courses, or native speakers taking French, to practice their Spanish language skills in a Latin country. It also offers many opportunities for students interested in biology, geology, and physics to see and experience, first hand, many of the things you have only read about or seen on television. We’ll explore an active volcano and the surrounding eco system where you’ll experience the awesome power of nature as well as the splendid flora and fauna that thrive in this region. We’ll also venture to a lush and beautiful tropical rain forest! Rain forests all over the world are diminishing and these delicate eco systems are disappearing at an alarming rate. Thanks to Costa Rica’s strict laws protecting their forests, you will get to see some of the beautiful and rare plants, insects, birds, and animals that have flourished in this region. We’ll also spend a couple of days in the historic capital of San Jose where you’ll have the opportunity to get a glimpse into the everyday life of a Costa Rican in the bustling metropolis, as well as enjoy some shopping downtown. There is a possibility we will be visiting the Presidential House and perhaps even meet with current President and former Nobel Peace Prize winner Oscar Arias!

Some of the excursions we will take will be a hike to Fortuna Waterfall, a visit to an eco center, a relaxing evening at Tabacón natural hot springs, a guided walk through the rain forest, a tour of a chocolate plantation, and a “canopy” tour where you fly above the tree tops on zip wires! This course is a great mix of science, culture, language immersion, and adventure!

Requirements: This is designed to be a language immersion course for Spanish students at the upper course levels. By the 07-08 school year, students must be taking Spanish at the Spanish III level or above or be a native Spanish speaker. Native speakers not taking Spanish will be required to pass a proficiency exam in order to be considered for this course. The exam is to determine if you are at the Spanish III level. Please inquire with one of the chaperones if you are interested in taking the exam so that you may be considered for this course. Participants will need to have a valid passport and be able to leave the country with written consent by a parent or legal guardian. Also, due to the physical nature of some of the excursions, you must be able to walk, hike, and climb for extended periods of time. Ability to swim and comfort with heights is preferred but not required. Any students meeting these requirements, regardless of grade level, are free to apply.

All course participants will be required to turn in a 3-5 page typed report (in English) of fact and information on the country of Costa Rica. Upon completing the course, you must turn in a 2-3 page typed report (in Spanish) on your experience.

A valid passport is required for this course. Proof of passport or passport application is due by December 6, 2007

Dates: February 25 – 29, 2008
Course Moderators: Sister Judy Carle & Ms. Schaal
Cost: $300
Included: Transportation, lodging, most meals, excursions, entrance fees
Excluded: Some meals

Sacramento – it’s so much more than the home of Arnold Schwarzenegger and the state government!  Start with a relaxing and scenic trip aboard Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor train. Once in Sacramento, stay in a beautiful 1885 Gold Rush mansion, Sacramento’s only Hostel.  Hostels feature dorm-style accommodations and a kitchen for meal preparation.  Tour many of the local historical sights, including the State Capitol, Sutter’s Fort where gold was discovered, the California Museum for Women, History and the Arts, and Old Sacramento, now restored to its Gold Rush charm.  Visit UC Davis for a campus tour, including the Schaal Aquatic Center.  Serve at Loaves & Fishes, a community outreach program.  Sample Sacramento’s rich cultural life with an evening performance.  End on a relaxing note, with a return trip on the train.

Dates: February 25-28, 2008
Course Leaders: Ms. Bolshakoff, Ms. Law, & Ms. McCauley
Cost: $820
Included: Air, bus, and ferry transportation; lodging, meals, admission fees
Excluded: Personal spending

Course Description:

McDreamy & McSteamy are anxiously awaiting your arrival in sunny (sometimes it rains) Seattle!  Four days and three nights of Seattle life …visiting tourist attractions… checking out Northwest colleges. We will explore beautiful Victoria, British Columbia (Canada) and enjoy a cup of tea at the world famous Empress Hotel!  When we return to Seattle, grab a cup of coffee at Starbucks (originally founded in Seattle) and stay sleepless as Mercy women tour and explore this amazing city!

Students will require birth certificates as we are going to Canada.

Dates: February 23-February 28, 2008
Course Leaders: Dr. Cutarelli, Fr. Greg McGivern & Ms. Schroeder
Cost: $700
Included: Airfare, ground transportation, meals, lodging and activities

Course Description:

Ever wonder what that really big state in America’s Southwest is like? Join us as we find out whether all Texans wear cowboy boots, play the fiddle, and vote Republican. We’ll start our course in San Antonio, exploring the many fun attractions of this beautiful city, including the famous Riverwalk, the Alamo, and a folklorico or flamenco dance performance. Then, we’ll drive out to the border town of Laredo, our home for the remainder of the course. There, we will immerse ourselves in the realities of the US-Mexico border by meeting with human rights workers, spending time with recent immigrants, and exploring the issue of human trafficking from the perspective of both victims and their advocates. 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 20 hours of Community Service (including some Mercy hours) upon successful completion of this course.

Course Leaders: Ms. Kerrigan, Ms. Tostanoski & Sr. Bernadette Hart
Dates: February 23 (Saturday) to February 26 (Tuesday), 2008
Cost: $350.00
Included: Transportation, lodging, breakfast and lunch each day (except Saturday), and all activities
Excluded: Bag lunch for Saturday, money for dinners.

Course Description:

We will travel by train to Yosemite and spend 4 days (3 nights) discovering the secrets and beauty of Yosemite Valley in the winter.  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

Dates: Feb 26 - March 1, 2008
Course Leaders: Ms. Desimone & Mr. Vo
Cost: $800
Included: Transportation, room accommodations, lift tickets and ski lessons, meals
Excluded: Equipment rental

Course Description

This course is designed for both experienced and first time skiers. You will experience a ski trip with professional lessons at the most beautiful ski resort: Squaw Valley. This course is more than a physical course. Besides working out three days consecutively with skiing and snow boarding, you will also be able to learn more about nature, the snow, the mountains… and most of all, you will be introduced to the most exciting, skillful, thrilling, aerobic, world famous sport known as “SKIING!”

Requirements: NO WIMPS!