Carleton Roman Catholic School Board

Mother Teresa High School 440 Longfields Drive, Nepean, Ontario, Canada K2J 4T1 Tel: (613) 823-1663 Fax: (613) 823-4365 E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.mths.ca

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of (Insert Student Name),

Today, (insert name) had a hands-on introduction to the TI-Nspire CAS handheld learning tool (insert name) will be using in math and science throughout their high school years. At Mother Teresa High School, we want all our students to benefit from the learning advantages that flow from having continuous school and home access to these powerful learning tools, so as of last school year, we are strongly encouraging all students in grades 9, 10, and 11 purchase their own handhelds. Information on this initiative and a personalized order form are attached. We are excited to once again be offering Parent TI-Nspire CAS Workshops after school in September so you can better help (insert name) with their homework.Your Mother Teresa High School math and science departments, administration, and School Council are looking forward to the improvement in student learning that will flow from this exciting initiative.

______June 12, 2009 Norma McDonald, Principal

______June 12, 2009 Robert Cop, Mathematics Department Head

______June 12, 2009 Erin D’Angela, Science Department Head Mother440 Longfields Drive,Teresa Nepean, HighOntario, Canada School K2J 4T1 Tel: (613) 823-1663 Fax: (613) 823-4365 E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.mths.ca

Improving Student Success in Mathematics and Science

At Mother Teresa High School, we want ALL our students to be as successful as possible in mathematics and science.

Can we help our students be more successful? We believe yes if …  we build a stronger connection between the home and school learning environments, and  students have continuous access to the same powerful learning tools at home and at school throughout their time in high school

How can we do this? Your Mother Teresa High School math and science departments, with support from your school administration and School Council is strongly recommending that all students in grades 9, 10 and 11 purchase their own next generation handheld technology.

What is it? TI-Nspire CAS handhelds are the next generation technology that combines all the previous technologies like graphing calculators (TI-83/84), spreadsheets (Excel), dynamic statistics (Fathom), dynamic geometry (GSP4), and computer algebra systems (TI-89), into one, portable, affordable unit. (check out TI-Nspire.mths.ca)

Will this help my child be more successful in mathematics? Yes

How much does it cost? The normal cost of these handhelds is $250. Mother Teresa High School will be facilitating a central purchase for our students that will bring the price down to $160 per handheld.

Will my child be allowed to use this on tests and exams? Yes

What about my child who is not going into grade 9. 10, or 11? We will make these available for purchase to all other interested students in the school.

What if we can’t afford this? For grade 9, 10, and 11 students from families where the purchase would prove to be an undue financial hardship on the family, Mother Teresa Catholic High School will provide a limited number of handhelds on an application basis for their use each school year. Please contact your child’s vice-principal. Mother Teresa High School 440 Longfields Drive, Nepean, Ontario, Canada K2J 4T1 Tel: (613) 823-1663 Fax: (613) 823-4365 E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.mths.ca

Improving Student Success in Mathematics TI-Nspire CAS Handheld Order Form

This order is for (insert student name) (insert homeroom number)

We would like to order one TI-Nspire CAS handhelds at a cost of $160 including shipping, handling, and taxes.

The total order amount is $160 payable by cheque to Mother Teresa High School no later than June 22nd, 2008.

All order forms and cheques must be returned to your child’s math teacher, (Insert teacher name) by Monday, June 22nd, 2008.

Students will receive their TI-Nspire CAS handheld units the first week of school in September 2009.

I ______, parent/guardian of (insert name) am aware that Mother Teresa High School is not responsible for lost or stolen handhelds. Each student is responsible for their handheld. We will provide engraving on each unit for identification purposes.

______Parent/Guardian Signature Date

For more information on the TI-Nspire CAS, visit the website TI-Nspire.mths.ca