Hi Kate and welcome to IIS,
Firstly, the Mars email and powerpoint presentation you received is a hoax. Discard it. This email does the rounds of the internet every year for the past 5 years or so. Here are some links to assist you:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=34971
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=44672
I could site a hundred links on the internet to confirm for you it is a hoax.
To the naked eye, Mars is about as bright as the brighter stars in the sky, albeit it may have a little red hue to it.
I'm sure other members will jump in here and provide you with some more links to show you what can be achieved with a telescope and imaging equipment.
Don't be embarrassed for asking, as a teacher, I'm sure you understand the ol' saying "there's no such thing as a stupid question".