Dear Student and Parents,

As your science teacher, I feel that it is very important to incorporate the use of technology as much as possible in the classroom. I have chosen to use EDMODO as an essential classroom tool. Edmodo is designed to make getting class updates including information on what’s going on in class, homework and project information, turning in assignments, general communication between students simple and integrated, and also student assessment. This packet will show both parents and students how to set up Edmodo and how to integrate it with Facebook, email, and phones.

We will use Edmodo for the following:

  • Class news by specific class period
  • Assigning and turning in some homework assignments, projects, and labs
  • Grading and commenting on several assignments and quizzes (Edmodo is NOT my gradebook. All grades will be posted on PowerSchool).
  • Quizzes
  • Personal communication with a single student, single parent, or groups of students and parents
  • General Reminders
  • Posting Class Documents
  • Class resources
  • Students will be able to keep upload and save several assignment documents on Edmodo. This will allow them to access their work both at home and at school which eliminates students from losing their work.

Please note that the use of Edmodo will depend on the availability of computer labs and laptops to use for my classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I have to pay anything to use Edmodo? NO! Edmodo is free! You only need to create a profile like you would with facebook or twitter.
  2. Do I need to go to Edmodo.com every time I want an update on my class? NO! In this packet, I will show you how all class information from Edmodo can be sent to your email, your facebook messages, and by text message. In addition, Edmodo has an app for the iPhone, iPad, and other smartphones. This makes getting class updates easy!
  3. Why do parents need Edmodo? By creating a special parent account (also free), parents will get updates from me about upcoming homework assignments, tests and quizzes, projects, and general news about what’s going on in class. This is a great way for parents to help keep kids on the path to success.
  4. Is Edmodo required? Edmodo is required for students to use in class and is strongly recommended to use at home. Edmodo is not required by parents but is strongly recommended. By adjusting your account settings, you can ensure that using Edmodo is safe and secure. You will not be sharing private or personal information with other people and the public (anyone not associated with your particular class) cannot get your information.
  5. Will you be using Edmodo for grades? ALL grades for this class will be posted to Skyward as normal. However, student’s will be able to see several grades and teacher comments on certain homework assignments and quizzes through Edmodo in addition to Skyward.

I hope that you and your parents will use Edmodo and that it will make life easier for you! Please contact me with any questions, concerns, or help on setting up your Edmodo account.

Sincerely,

Student Instructions

  1. Go to
  2. Click “I’m a student”.
  3. Enter the code that I give you (this ensures you are put in the correct group).
  4. Create a username and password by using your Hillcrest username and password.
  5. You may enter an email address if you have one but it is not required.

  6. Enter your first and last name.
  7. Make sure your information is correct and click “sign up”.
  8. This will take you to your new profile. You will be able to see any posts from me on your “wall”.
  9. At the top right of your screen, click on “settings”. This is where you can upload a profile picture, change your email address, or your password.

  10. Look at the box at the top right that says Notifications. This area will allow you to have updates from me or others in the class be sent to your email or by text message. This is a great feature because you won’t have to check the website on a daily basis!
  11. Click the down arrow under “Notification Type”. You will see your email address and “text message”.
  12. To have messages sent to your email, click your email address. NOTE: If you use your facebook email address, messages from the class will go right into your message folder on your facebook page!
  13. A box will drop down allowing you to choose which types of communications to have sent to your email. I recommend selecting all.
  14. Click “save notifications”. Now, anytime I post something for your period like a message about an assignment, a reminder, or a document, you will get it in your email!
  15. If you would like to get updates via text message, click “text message” under “Notification Type”. NOTE: You may choose to have class information sent only to your email, only to your cell phone, or both.
  16. Enter your cellphone number, your wireless carrier, and select the types of notifications you would like sent via text message. Click “save notifications”.
  17. A box will pop up tell you that you have been sent a text message with a verification code. When you get it, enter the code in the box. The next box should say “Phone Verified, Thanks!!”. Now updates, messages, etc. will come straight to your phone…so convienent!

You have now set up your Edmodo account and will begin to receive information about the class as I send it. Please take a few minutes to explore your page and look at the following:

HOME – This takes you back to your “feed” like on facebook.

CALENDAR – This is where I will post due dates, etc.

LIBRARY – This is where you will send and receive document files.

PROFILE – This is where you can customize your page.

Parent Instructions

  1. After your child has set up his or her Edmodo account, I will generate a parent code that you will use to create your account. This code will tie you with your child and his or her class.I will send this code home with your child. NOTE: A parent account cannot be created without a student account.
  2. Go to
  3. Click “Parent Sign Up” at the bottom of the page.
  4. Using your parent code, follow the same steps as the student instructions above beginning with step 4.

***Please note that while I intend to make the information on my edmodo page as accurate and complete as possible, I cannot guarantee that every assignment, due date, or communication will always be posted. If you would like a definitive update, please feel free to email or call me at any time. ***