July 1, 2016 GRAPHING CALCULATOR LETTER Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s), In order to better serve mathematics students and prepare them for college and careers, Beecher High School is requiring all those enrolled in the following classes to have a graphing calculator: 1. Algebra I Honors 4. Pre-Calculus & Trigonometry Honors 2. Geometry Honors 5. Statistics & Probability 3. Algebra II Honors 6. AP Calculus AB Just like having an instrument to participate in band or wearing a uniform for physical education, graphing calculators are necessary tools that can enhance your child’s learning. These calculators allow students to go more in-depth with the curriculum and make more connections to math concepts that basic scientific calculators cannot do. Furthermore, students who take the AP Calculus AB exam senior year will need to know how to use a graphing calculator. The ACT permits use of graphing calculators. Being familiar with the functions of these calculators is also a great way for your child to do problems faster and more accurately on standardized tests such as the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College & Careers (PARCC) exam. Moreover, colleges require graphing calculators and expect students to be familiar with them. Working with these calculators throughout high school will ensure your child will know how to use them comfortably and accurately in college and beyond. Because your child is currently registered for one of the above-mentioned classes next school year, it is imperative that he/she begins the school year with a graphing calculator. There are several models of graphing calculators, but teachers and college professors use the Texas Instruments (TI) brand. Beecher High School teachers will be using any of the TI-83 or TI-84 models. (The TI-89 cannot be used on the ACT.) The TI-83 and TI-84 have the benefit of programs that can be downloaded to help students practice and review their math skills in addition to being fully functioning graphing calculators. We understand that this is an extra expense, but keep in mind these calculators can be used all four years of high school as well as college and beyond so they are a good investment towards your child’s education. Teachers will be keeping records of your child’s graphing calculator identification number, which is stored in the memory, as an extra precaution. Beecher High School thanks you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Main Office at (708) 946-2266 x1300. Sincerely,

Nathan S. Schilling, C.A.S. Principal Beecher High School Cc: Mr. Stephen D. Sarsany, Guidance Counselor, Beecher High School Ms. Christine M. Shoven, Mathematics & Business Department Chair, Beecher High School