[Creative Commons image by catface3 on flickr.com]

This will be our classroom away from school, and I can't wait to read your writing and to get to know each of you. To use this site, please do the following:

1. If you were at FTHS last year in 9th grade, you may have signed up for a gmail account. Mrs. Falconer's students did; Mrs. Carr's did not. Open a new tab on the browser and go to google.com and sign in. Mrs. Falconer said your gmail should be lastname.firstname@gmail.com. Password should be your normal password (color!animal, etc...) If you don't have an account, sign up for one. I want you to use first name, period, then last name. It should look like this: firstname.lastname@gmail.com: melissa.wantz@gmail.com If that does not work, try including your middle initial like this: melissa.l.wantz@gmail.com. If that is taken, then use your full name. See me if you have trouble. Pick your color!animal password that you always use.

2. At the top right of this Ning page there is a "sign in" link. If you had a ning in the past, click "sign in." If you have never had a ning page, click "sign UP." Follow the directions, HOWEVER, where it says "full name" just type your first name, last initial and period number. So it should look like this:
Melissa W. -- Period 1.

Remember, do NOT use your last name for this ning site. We want to protect your full name from internet search bots.

3. Wait for me to approve your account. Refresh your screen. (If you are setting up your page at home, you will be notified via email when your account is approved.)

4. If you have time, take the survey in the Forum box below this one. This survey is required homework so make sure you do it prior to next class.

5. Design your Ning page. Use school-appropriate photos and music.