Teachers.Net now features Gravatars, allowing teachers to easily personalize any submission on Teachers.Net…

What is a “Gravatar”?
A Gravatar is a Globally Recognized AVATAR, which allows people on the Internet to personalize their posts, comments, and messages instantly and anonymously.

How do Gravatars work?
Gravatars work by automatically embedding your personal photograph, icon, or avatar in any content you post to a Gravatar-enabled website. Once you set up your Gravatar, every time you supply your email address to a Gravatar-enabled system, your custom avatar is instantly embedded right into the post.

Why would I want to include an avatar when I post?
When you post a message on the Internet, it’s difficult for people to remember who you are – you’re just a screen name among thousands of others. But when you create an avatar, people see your face each time you post (or a cartoon you select, an animal, or any picture you like). This lets people easily remember you, and helps you to build authenticity in a world of anonymous bits and bytes.

But what about my privacy?
With Gravatars, your privacy is completely protected. Nobody can see your email address (it’s scrambled with a complex algorithm called MD-5). You never need to supply your real name or location, so nobody can ever figure this out by your avatar. If you don’t want to use your own picture, you can use any picture you like, so there’s complete anonymity if you want. Your Gravatar account is secured on the WordPress server, so none of the sites that display your Gravatar can even access your account.

Sounds fun – what does it cost?
There is no cost to create or use a Gravatar account.

How do I change my Gravatar?
You can change your Gravatar at any time – just log back in to the Gravatar website and follow the simple steps to change your existing Gravatar. When you change your Gravatar, even your old posts will immediately be updated with your new Gravatar.

OK, I’m convinced – how do I set up my Gravatar?
To create your Gravatar, create an account at Gravatar.com (gravatar.com/). All it takes is your email address, and once you confirm your registration, you can upload any picture you like for your Gravatar. You can test your Gravatar by posting to any Teachers.Net chatboard (see teachers.net/mentors/ ).

That’s all there is to it – I hope to see your Gravatar on Teachers.Net, and you can help to beautify Teachers.Net – your teacher website!

Bob Reap
Site Developer
Teachers.Net
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From the classroom of teacher Rita Sheffield

A captioned photo overview of her first grade curriculum and activities during 2000-2004: www.mcpasd.k12.wi.us/sunsetweb/classes/Sheffield/firstgrade/

Rita suggests you may be especially interested in the pictures of the different learning centers she had in her first grade classroom. She says, “I am quite proud of the Star Center, which featured an interactive bulletin board activity relating to social studies and literacy for every month!” Click here. Questions? Email RSheffield@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Why is The Phantom of the Opera so popular? Vicki Hopkins believes it is the cry of the Phantom's heart as penned by Gaston Leroux, "All I wanted was to be loved for myself."

Approximately 100,000,000 million fans have flocked to see The Phantom of the Opera on stage since its release in 1986, and millions anxiously await Love Never Dies, the upcoming Webber sequel due for release in 2010. Its popularity never ends, and every day people worldwide search the Internet seeking answers to questions on various aspects of the story.

In January of 2008, Vicki began answering those questions in an obscure blog that blossomed into worldwide readership. Phantom fans from 95 countries have enjoyed her candid insights. After popular demand from faithful readers to place her writing into book form, Lessons from the Phantom of the Opera was released by Xlibris in May 2009.

Vicki examines the story in a new and unique way. The book steps behind the scenes and dissects the characters, emotions, hidden symbolism, and key events. It leads its readers on an emotional journey studying all aspects of Leroux’s original work to Webber’s popular musical and movie versions. Personal reflection is encouraged, and the author poses questions to incite further thought and reflection on the reader’s part. As a result, lessons and life applications emerge for everyone to enjoy.

Already a hit with fans, Lessons from the Phantom of the Opera is unique and unlike any other Phantom review on the market. It works well as a personal study journal for individuals or as a companion-teaching tool for educators to Gaston Leroux’s original novel.

Vicki Hopkins is a writer who touches her readers by penning heartfelt emotional journeys. She challenges individuals to ponder and question life's experiences, while encouraging and giving hope in the process. She hosts a variety of blogs on the Internet, as well as writing informative articles. Her first fiction novel is scheduled for release through Xlibris in late 2009. A paralegal by day and a writer by night, Vicki Hopkins finds joy in touching hearts through her words. She resides in the Pacific Northwest.

Model program immerses young participants in performing arts and develops life skills.

Dianne Pytel, Education Director at the beautifully restored Ritz Theatre in Tiffin, Ohio kindly shared with Teachers.Net information about their Summer Theatre Camp.

The experience of Summer Theatre at The Ritz is enriched by the historic setting the Ritz Theatre itself. Celebrating eighty years and counting, the Ritz host young people in grades 1 -12. Kids attending camp are given the opportunity to explore all the “nooks and crannies” of this fine old structure and learn about the history of the theatre as well as its cultural impact on Tiffin and the surrounding area since its rebirth as a performing arts center in 1982.

In addition to acting onstage in PINOCCHIO, children can participate in workshops for each age group (Grades 1-2; 3-4; 5-7 ;8-12). L by local professionals and educators, workshops can include lessons in make-up, story-telling, puppetry, Reader’s Theatre, improvisation, dance and movements plus many other fun activities. Campers attend daily from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. For further information about Summer Theatre Camp at The Ritz, contact Dianne Pytel, Education Director, at 419.448.8544 x28 or dianne@ritztheatre.org

Submitted by Julie Hurvitz

Girl Scouts of the USA and Microsoft Windows have teamed up for new initiative called “LMK (text-speak for “Let Me Know,”) which provides parents and girls with resources catering to both generations, and whose goal is to bridge the digital gap between parents and teenagers.

On lmk.girlscouts.org, the girl-targeted website, teens can find interactive quizzes, videos, and expert articles to be informed about online safety in a fun way! Girls can comment on the site content, sharing their thoughts, experiences and perspectives on topics many teens face everyday, like cyberbullying and social networking. New content is posted periodically and will cover twelve different areas related to being a teen online today. Teens can even download an interactive patch they can share on social networking sites like Facebook, just by registering for the site at no cost. Best of all, it’s for all teenagers, not just Girl Scouts!

When parents visit letmeknow.girlscouts.org, they can sign up for the e-newsletter written and developed by a team of “LMK Teen Editors” who are sharing their knowledge about the ways teens use technology and help parents understand it all. Parents can learn need-to-know skills to keep them up to speed with what their kids are doing online too. Expert advice is also offered to give guidance on tougher issues.

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