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WHPS HS Math Summer Newsletter 2025

WHPS HS MathSummer Newsletter 2025

Summer Practice and Enrichment

We believe that it is absolutely essential for students to practice their mathematical skills over the summer. Please see our district summer assignment below as well as the additional links at the end of the newsletter.

Preparing for the PSAT/SAT

Students entering 10th and 11th grade will want to practice for the PSAT and SAT.

The PSAT, SAT, and AP exams have transitioned to a digital format and utilize Desmos' graphing calculator on the Math section. All questions are calculator active on PSAT and SAT. It is so important that students understand the power of the calculator in solving problems.

Summer Shopping: Calculator Recommendations

We strongly suggest that students/families purchase their own calculator for use during their math class if they can. We have classroom calculators available and can certainly loan them out for the academic year, but if it is financially feasible for students/families to purchase their own, we recommend you do this over the summer. You may be able to take advantage of the many sales during the back to school season.

For students entering Algebra I, Algebra II, or Geometry:

A scientific calculator is sufficient and will be useful. We recommend any of the TI-30s (see pictures below).

TI-30XIIS

TI-30XS MultiView

For students entering Precalculus, Calculus, or Statistics

We will consistently use graphing calculators as a tool in the classroom and on homework and expect that students will have their own calculator. We understand that they are a bit more expensive and we can sign them out to students if need be, just communicate that to your teacher or the department supervisor at the start of the year.

We strongly recommend a TI-84Plus (see pictures below). Note: sometimes stores or sites will have a back to school sale for another brand. You are welcome to purchase another brand of calculator, however, our teachers are familiar with TIs, our classroom sets are TIs, and any instructions we distribute to students are set up for TIs.

TI-84Plus CE

Re-chargeable with a color screen

TI-84Plus

Requires AAA batteries

Computer Science

As a department, we are encouraging students to become more interested and aware of the many connections between the study of mathematics and computer science. We offer courses in computer science (see Program of Studies), but also encourage students to learn more throughout their years about the importance and excitement of computer science. Check out some of the links below.

For questions about Courses and course placement for next year:

Conard High School Mathematics Department

Email: ashley_ferrandiz@whps.org
Website: conard.whps.org
Location: 110 Beechwood Road, West Hartford, CT, USA
Phone: 860-929-5051

Monique Albani-Ethier
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