Dear Parents and Students:

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the State Frameworks call for all students to use technology in and out of the mathematics classroom. Students at Fayetteville High School will be learning from a mathematics curriculum which incorporates this constant use and expected familiarity with technology. Today these calculators are really pocket computers. With these tools, high school math classes can tackle complex real-world problems which were formerly restricted to classes in advanced mathematics. Graphing calculators empower students by giving them the ability to visualize mathematics. We recommend the TI-83 or TI-82.

Students should have access to a graphing calculator at all times – for work in class and for homework. Therefore, we expect students to purchase their own calculator. Although it is expensive, this calculator will be used throughout the math classes offered here at Fayetteville High School and into college as well. We realize that purchasing a calculator is a major expense, but it is a good investment in your child’s future and a fantastic mathematical tool. To help protect the calculators against loss, we will have engravers and permanent markers available for student use. If you do purchase a new calculator, please give the UPC Proof of Purchase to your math teacher. These can be used to obtain classroom equipment from Texas Instruments.

We will make a bulletin board available for students that want to sell their used calculators. We will also have some TI-82 and TI-83 calculators for leasing at $25.00 and $30.00 per school year. These are available to any student as long as the supply lasts. The Fayetteville Public Education Foundation was responsible for purchasing some of these calculators. Leasing information and applications are available from any math teacher.

If you are unable to purchase or lease a new or used TI-83 or TI-82 calculator or need further assistance, please feel free to contact your student’s math teacher or the Mathematics Department Chairperson, Patsy Williford, at Fayetteville High School – 444-3050, extension 134.

Math Department Chairperson

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PATSY WILLIFORD