Dear Parents of Incoming 9th and 10th-grade Students,

For all mathematics classes at Sturgis, we require students to have their own graphing calculator each day in class, starting immediately in 9th grade and continuing through the end of 12th grade. This calculator should be a Texas Instruments “TI-83 Plus” or “TI-84 Plus” as shown in the image. We strongly recommend that you purchase the calculator this summer because stores such as Staples or Office Max run out quickly during the fall school-supply rush.

You might also consider looking for a used calculator on the Internet (for example, eBay, Amazon, or Craigslist) where some of our students have found them for a fraction of the cost. Check that the model has the word “Plus” in its name, as the older models, such as the plain TI83, do not have the statistical functions required by the IB curriculum. There are many editions of these calculators, such as Silver, Platinum, and Titanium, and they come in a variety of colors—all of these are acceptable, as long as it has the number TI-83 or TI-84, and the word “Plus.”

You may also purchase a “TI NSpire” (a newer model) as long as it has the “TI-84 Keypad” which allows it to function just like a TI-84 Plus calculator. (Please note that while our IB curriculum requires all students to have access to the statistical and analytical tools that are found in this level of technology, students are also frequently required to work without technology.)

If you have any question or concern about this requirement, please contact the school office.

Thank you,

The Sturgis Mathematics Department