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Chromebook Care


For the 2023-2024 school year, all HCPSS students in middle and high school have, or will be provided with an HCPSS-issued Chromebook. Students in grades PreK-5 will share devices that will be kept at school. Students who have a device identified as a supplementary aid as designated in an IEP will continue to have a device assigned to them.

Jump to: Technology Duties and Obligations | Caring for Your Chromebook | Transporting Your Chromebook

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Student Mobile Technology Duties and Obligations

In alignment with Howard County Board of Education Policy 8080 Responsible Use of Technology, Digital Tools, and Social Media, students who are assigned portable technology devices, including Chromebooks, must adhere to provisions outlined in the policy and the HCPSS Mobile Technology Duties and Obligations notice, and may be fiscally responsible for lost, stolen or damaged devices.

How to Care for Your Chromebook

Chromebooks should be fully charged when you arrive at school each day. Students should bring the device and power cord, as well as any external keyboard/mouse they may opt to use.

Do not place foreign objects into the Chromebook’s ports. Cords, cables, and removable storage devices (e.g. thumb drives) must be inserted carefully into appropriate port on the Chromebooks. Be careful when inserting and removing cords, cables, and external devices.

Your Chromebook screen can easily be damaged! Excessive pressure can break the screen. Do not place anything on the keyboard before closing the lid. Never place heavy objects on top of the Chromebook.

Use only your clean finger or a touch-screen stylus when touching your screen. Do not use anything that may mark or scratch the screen surface.

Use a soft dry microfiber cloth or anti-static cloth to clean the screen or keyboard. Do not use liquid to clean the screen.

Keep all food and drinks away from your device. If liquid spills into the Chromebook, unplug it immediately. Do not plug the device back in until it is thoroughly dry.

Do not add any stickers or any other decorative items that would alter the appearance of the Chromebook from when you received it. Do not tamper with HCPSS or school tags that are present on the Chromebooks.

Make sure that the Chromebook and its cords are kept away from pets, and that the power adapters and cords are not left within their reach.

Safely Transporting Your Chromebook

Carry and transport your Chromebook with care as the screen can easily break. Be sure the lid is completely closed and secured before transporting your Chromebook. Be certain all objects are out of the way before closing the screen.

Never lift the Chromebook by the screen. Hold the Chromebook from the bottom.

Use caution when carrying the device in a case or backpack. School supplies, books, earbuds, etc., may put too much pressure and weight on the Chromebook screen.

When transporting your Chromebook in a backpack or other carrying case, place it down gently, and remove the device before storing the bag. Never leave your Chromebook unattended at school, unless it is placed in a secured location, as defined by school staff.