1. Important Resources
These resources will help you be successful in US History Class. Please complete the activities on this sheet, check off the statements that apply to you and return this sheet with parent/guardian signatures by August 31st. If you or your parent has any questions or concerns, please let me know. I’m here to work with you. Thanks! 
Online Textbook Our main textbook this year is different from most textbooks you have used in the past. The majority of it is online and there are interactive elements that will enhance your learning. To access the Textbook:
Go to the cloud ( and sign in.
If you don’t see the tile on the left, search for “Pearson”
On the right side of the page that opens, you see a button that says “Realize”. Click that.
The first time you use it, you will be asked to pick your language, icon and background. Make those choices.
The next screen will show you your assignments. Click on them to see what you are supposed to do.
You have been assigned 3 chunks of text to read and take notes on. You have a sheet to take the notes on. If you have problems doing that make note of exactly what the problem is.
Google Classroom Many of our class activities and resources will be housed in Google Classroom. Let’s get this set up…
Go to the cloud ( and sign in.
If you don’t see the tile on the left, search for “Google Classroom”
This will automatically log you into Google Classroom
Look for the plus sign in the upper right corner. Use these codes to add your correct class:
1st Period – 5hnr rd Period – p92829k th Period – 285k5cr th Period – ypv8b th Period – c5d29vk 5. You will see a VERY short task to complete. Please do this.
Remind This is a way that I will REMIND you about assignments, tests and quizzes. Sometimes I will send out helpful hints or bonus question answers. Here’s how to sign up:
If you have your own cell phone, to the number 81010
If you don’t have a cell phone, but want to get reminders via or on the web, go to this web link:
Your parents can join too if they want!
If you don’t have access to remind, but if you want to know about special things that get texted, please let me know.

2. GMS Website Even though we have Google Classroom, I will still be posting assignments and reminders on the website so that parents can access them. Please do the following to make sure you are getting the most out of my site.
Find my personal page. Just click “Teachers” on and start typing “Prepster”
To see the homework, you can click on the orange homework tab on the side or the link at the top.
Please note, old homework that is past the due date is not displayed on this page. You will have to click “See all” or “show all homework” to see things that are past the due date. Please do this now. I have entered a FAKE homework assignment for August 15th. Make note of the page numbers for this assignment. You will be noting them below.
Click the “Subscribe” button on the homework page. This will send you daily reminders.
TO Dos can be accessed by clicking on the orange tab by that name. I’ve put a message with a “secret” word on this page. Please make note of that. You will be writing it below.
BLEND Blend is a new tool being used by all of Austin ISD. You will access this through the cloud by going to logging in and searching for BLEND. There’s nothing you have to do with this now. You used this when we did the about this class activity.
Verification. Please check the boxes. If you weren’t able to complete these activities, let me know why.
I have regular access to the Internet at home or where I do my homework.
I was able to access the Pearson textbook and see the materials needed for the note taking assignment.
I went to Google classroom and completed the short verification activity
I signed up for Remind
I choose not to sign up for Remind
I signed up for daily reminders on the website
I choose not to sign up for daily reminders on the website
The pages for the FAKE homework assignment from August 15th are_______________
The “secret” word on the To Do page is _______________
I have shared all of these resources with my parent(s)
I believe that I understand how to keep track of my assignments and important information for this class. If not, I have put my questions in the question box above.
Questions?