All individuals using and/or handling HCS technology equipment are expected to follow the standards listed in this document and take any additional common-sense precautions to protect assigned equipment. Loss or damage resulting from failure to abide by the details below may result in full financial responsibility.

Equipment Standards:

  • Treat this equipment with as much care as you would your own property.

  • Bring the tablet and charging unit every school day.

  • Keep the equipment stored in a secure place (i.e., locked in your school locker) when you cannot directly monitor it. For example, store the equipment in your school locker during athletic events, games, practices and trips and arrange to return to school to retrieve it after the activity.

  • Equipment left in bags and backpacks or in unattended classrooms is considered “unattended” and may be confiscated by school personnel as a protection against theft. If stolen (even at school), unattended and unlocked equipment will be your full financial responsibility.

  • Avoid using equipment in situations that are conducive to loss or damage. For example, never leave equipment on school buses, in the gym, in a locker room, on playing fields, or in other areas where it could be damaged or stolen. Also, avoid storing the equipment in a car for extended periods of time.

  • Do not let anyone else use the equipment. You are fully responsible for any loss or damage that occurs when someone else uses your assigned equipment.

  • Adhere to Hamilton Community School’s "Acceptable Use Policy" at all times and locations. When in doubt about acceptable use, ask a teacher or administrator.

  • Back up your data. Never consider any electronic information safe when stored on only one device. Use your school-provided Google Drive to store files.

  • You can also back up time-sensitive, large, image-based files to a pen/flash drive. Remember files stored on the desktop are not backed up to the network.

  • Read and follow general maintenance alerts from school technology personnel.

How to Handle Problems

  • Promptly report any problems to the teacher.

  • Don’t force anything (e.g., connections, popped-off keys,). Seek help instead.

  • When in doubt, ask for help.

  • Do not use repair or help services outside of Hamilton Community Schools.

General Care

  • Do not attempt to remove or change the equipment's physical structure, including the keys, screen cover, or casing. Doing so will void the warranty, and you will be responsible for the full repair or replacement cost.

  • Do not remove or interfere with the serial number or any identification placed on the equipment. If your identification tags peel, contact the Technology department, and a new tag will be added.

  • Do not do anything to the equipment that will permanently alter it in any way. (this includes adding stickers and other adhesives)

  • Keep the equipment clean. For example, do not eat or drink while using the equipment.

Carrying the Equipment

  • Always completely close the lid and wait for the equipment to enter "sleep mode" before moving it, even for short distances. Movement while the equipment is on can result in permanent damage to the hard drive and, therefore, the loss of all data. It is also recommended that you have the screen in laptop format and not tablet format as you travel.

  • Always store the equipment in the case provided.

  • Do not grab and squeeze the equipment, which can damage the screen and other components.

Screen Care

  • If proper care is not taken, the screen can be easily damaged. Broken screens are NOT covered by warranty. Screens are particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure.

  • Do not touch the tablet screen with anything (e.g., your finger, pen, pencil, etc.) other than approved tablet screen cleaners unless your device has a touch screen.

  • Clean the screen with a soft, dry antistatic cloth or with a screen cleaner designed specifically for LCD screens.

  • Never leave any object on the keyboard. Pens or pencils left on the keyboard could crack the screen when the lid is closed, thus resulting in a charge to repair the screen.

Battery Life and Charging

  • Arrive to school each day with a fully charged battery and the cord. Establish a routine at home where you leave your tablet charging overnight each evening.

  • Avoid using the charger when you or another is likely to trip over the cord.

  • Do not let the battery completely drain. Charge when the battery reaches 15% capacity. Immediately shut down if you are unable to connect to the charger.

  • Close the tablet's lid when it is not in use to save battery life and protect the screen.

Personal Health and Safety

  • Avoid extended use of the tablet resting directly on your lap. The bottom of the laptop can generate significant heat, causing temporary or permanent injury. Use a barrier—such as a book or devices made specifically for this purpose—when working on your lap.

  • Avoid lengthy use involving repetitive tasks (such as typing and using the trackpad). Take frequent breaks and alter your physical position (typing while standing, sitting, leaning, etc.) to minimize discomfort.