December 19, 2014
Dear Parent/Guardian,
We would like to relay some very important information to you that can positively affect your child. A key tool
for learning mathematics in the 21st century is a calculator. In order to ensure that all students are prepared to meet
the desired outcomes of our math program, we recommend the purchase of a calculator to use for the remainder of
this year and the years to come. With the change in the end of year assessments (from the CRCT to the Georgia
Milestones and EOCs), the opportunity to use a calculator during the new tests is afforded to all students.
The purpose of this letter is to help guide you in purchasing the most appropriate calculator for your child. To
minimize confusion and maximize instructional time, we are requesting that 7th and 8th grade students have a TI
(Texas Instruments) calculator as listed below. Since there are so many different scientific calculators on the market
and each one is set up differently, requiring all to have the TI calculators eliminates the problems that arise with
students using different calculators and mainstreams classroom instruction for all. There are some requirements we
must adhere to concerning the level of calculator used in each grade level so that we are in compliance. The levels
are as follows:
 6th grade may use a 4-function calculator that has a percent and square root function. (We recommend one
of the following: TI 503, Canon LS-82Z Handheld, Sharp EL233SB, or a calculator similar to the ones
listed. These can be purchased at Walmart, Target, and even the dollar store.)
 7th and 8th grade may use a scientific calculator (we request the TI-Multi-view, the TI-30Xa, the TI-30XII,
or a scientific TI calculator with no memory capability).
 Coordinate Algebra or Coordinate Algebra / Geometry A students may use a graphing calculator. We
strongly recommend the TI-83, TI-84 or TI-84 plus for their EOC tests. (These are the calculators most
widely used by students in grades 9 -12 and college.)
Having all students using similar calculators enables us to instruct students on how to utilize these devices. If you
are unable to purchase a calculator at this time, please note we do have some calculators available for students to use
in the classroom and on assessments. If your child needs to borrow a calculator, he/she is free to do so during class.
Unfortunately we are not able to allow them to go home with the students as our calculator resources are limited.
Thank you for helping us give your child every opportunity to be successful.
Sincerely,
Kelly Metcalfe
Principal