Small Distributed Computing Cluster

I'm a high school student trying to build a linux cluster for a project (I have a bunch of decent computers slated for re-image this summer, so the tech department basically says as long as I don't physically break them I can do whatever. Anyway, I don't really know anything about building a cluster, but I'm pretty good with Linux. I need to know these things: -What distro should I use? Does it even matter? -What software can configure the cluster? -On board or distributed FS? -Any sites that can offer decent guides or how-tos?