“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most of these kids, and I encourage many students to sign up and experience Close Up,” history teacher Jon Gloer said.

For 29 years, Gloer has been taking students on Close Up, a trip to Washington D.C. where approximately 1,300 students nationwide sightsee and attend workshops and historic museums during January.

Next year’s trip, students will get an opportunity to go to the presidential inauguration in addition to the regular activities.

Gloer is holding the meeting to inform parents on the planned activities and cost of the trip. This year has different deadlines because of the inauguration, so planning is beginning 11 months ahead of the trip.

“It is important for the parents to know what the students will be experiencing on their trip and what our schedule will be,” Gloer said.

The schedule for the Close Up trip spans over seven days. On the first day, the students fly Washington D.C. and settle in at their hotel. The next day, the group of students attend

Close Up orientation and go straight into workshops and group activities with other students.

“It was an experience I will never forget, I loved seeing all of the history throughout D.C.,” junior Sophie Norton said.

There is limited space for the trip since Close Up is spread throughout multiple states like Florida, Texas and California.

Starr’s Mill has 60 available spots for students. Some of the spots are guaranteed to students who attended last year.

“Spots go away very quickly, so I recommend all of the students and parents that are interested in the trip to attend the meeting,” Gloer said.

The meeting will be in Gloer’s room on Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. Students and parents that will be attending the Mill in the next school year are welcome to come.