Learn More About EquippED, Fort Bend ISD's 1:1 Initiative

Student Laptop Use, Responsibilities, and Care Guidelines

1. Do I need to bring my device to school every day?

✅ Yes — Bring the Laptop Charged and Ready Each Day

Students must bring their laptop to school fully charged and ready for classroom activities, assignments, and assessments.

➤ Day-Use Loaner Information

If a student forgets their laptop, a Day-Use loaner may be issued for that school day.
A Day-Use loaner must be returned on the same school day.
An unreturned loaner may be reported as lost.
If a Day-Use loaner is not returned, a replacement fee of up to $560 may be assessed.

Important

Day-Use loaner laptops are limited, and availability is not guaranteed. Students should bring their assigned laptop to school each day fully charged and ready for instruction.

2. Can I leave my laptop in the car?

✅ Keep the Laptop Secure and Never Leave It Unattended

It is strongly recommended that students keep their laptops with them and never leave them unattended in a vehicle.

➤ When Leaving It in a Vehicle Is Unavoidable

Store the laptop securely in the trunk, completely out of sight.
Keep it inside its protective case and prevent it from sliding or being damaged.
Do not leave the laptop in the vehicle for an extended period.

⚠️ Important Safety Warning

Extreme heat or cold can permanently damage the laptop and shorten its lifespan.

3. How do I clean my laptop screen?

➤ Safe Cleaning Steps

Lightly apply an LCD-safe screen cleaner to a clean microfiber cloth, or use a soft cloth slightly dampened with water.
Never spray liquid directly onto the screen.
Gently wipe the screen without applying excessive pressure.
Keep moisture away from the screen edges, keyboard, ports, and other openings.
Allow the screen to air-dry completely before closing or using the laptop.

⚠️ Important

Do not use household cleaners, alcohol-based products, paper towels, or abrasive materials, as they may damage the screen’s protective coating.

4. Can Students Add Stickers, Modify, or Repair Their Laptop?

⛔ No Personalization, Modification, or Barcode Removal

Personalization, modification, unauthorized repair, or removal of district identification labels is not permitted. District-issued laptops are FBISD property and must remain in their original condition.

➤ Students May Not:

Apply stickers, accessories, paint, markers, writing, adhesive materials, or other decorations.
Open the laptop, install or remove components, modify the device, or attempt repairs.
Remove, cover, alter, peel, or damage district barcodes, asset tags, serial-number labels, or other identification labels.

Insurance and Fee Information

Cosmetic damage and unauthorized alterations are NOT covered by EquippED laptop insurance. Cleaning, repair, or replacement fees may be assessed.

5. Are Third-Party Repairs Allowed for District-Issued Laptops?

⛔ No Outside or Third-Party Repairs

Important: Outside or third-party repairs are not permitted. District-issued laptops are FBISD property and must be evaluated and repaired only through the district’s approved support process.

➤ What to Do

Bring the device to the campus EquippED support location for evaluation.
Allow FBISD Technology staff to inspect and document the damage.
FBISD will determine any applicable insurance coverage or fees in accordance with district procedures.

⚠️ Important Safety and Security Notice

Unauthorized repairs may affect device safety, warranty coverage, data security, and district inventory records.

Questions? Contact the EquippED Program at fbisd.equipped@fortbendisd.gov .

6. What Should I Do if My Student’s Laptop Is Damaged, Lost, or Stolen?

➤ Report the Incident Immediately

Please report the incident promptly to the campus Tech Support team in the library and no later than 48 hours after it is discovered.

Information Needed When Reporting an Incident

Email the EquippED Program at fbisd.equipped@fortbendisd.gov and include the Student ID number, incident date, a brief description of what occurred, and a copy of the police report when applicable.

➤ Damaged Laptop

The student should bring the laptop and all assigned accessories to the campus EquippED support location for inspection.

FBISD Technology staff will document the damage, determine whether the device can be repaired, and review any applicable insurance coverage or fees.

➤ Lost Laptop

Report the laptop as lost immediately and notify the student’s campus as soon as possible. The device may be remotely secured and tracked while the incident is being reviewed.

Prompt reporting is critical. The sooner the loss is reported, the greater the opportunity FBISD Technology staff may have to locate or secure the device remotely. Do not wait until the battery is fully depleted, because remote location and security features may no longer be available once the device loses power.

➤ Stolen Laptop

If a district-issued laptop is stolen off campus, notify the student’s campus and the EquippED Program immediately.

A police report or other supporting documentation may be required. Insurance coverage and replacement eligibility are subject to the student’s active insurance status and district review.

7. What Should I Do if I Find My Previously Lost Laptop?

➤ What the Student Should Do

If a laptop previously reported as lost is found, return it as soon as possible to an authorized FBISD Technology staff member. This allows the device record to be updated and the associated lost-laptop fee to be reviewed for possible removal.

⛔ Do not reset the laptop, attempt repairs, or continue using it before inspection.

➤ What FBISD Technology Staff Will Do

Verify the laptop’s serial number and student assignment.
Check the laptop into the district inventory system.
Update the device status from lost to returned.
Inspect the laptop for damage and missing accessories.
Review and adjust the associated replacement fee when applicable.
Determine whether the laptop may be returned to the student or must be submitted for repair.

Important: Fee Review

Returning the laptop does not automatically remove an assessed fee. Any fee adjustment is subject to device check-in, the laptop’s condition, inspection results, missing accessories, identified damage, district records, and final review by authorized FBISD staff.