Chromebooks are an essential resource for students; however, not every student takes proper care of their Chromebook. The RCHS library is selling Chromebook sleeves for five dollars as part of a fundraiser that goes towards the Hooked on Books book club. This fundraiser ends February 9, as part of a thirty-day fundraising policy.

All students are encouraged to buy a Chromebook cover as the sleeve protects the Chromebooks from water damage and can reinforce the protection from the impacts of placing down backpacks. The solid colors that they are sold in include gray, black, navy blue, aqua and pink.

“I’ve seen people holding their Chromebook by the screen or straight up throwing them onto tables,” said senior Chris Tahye.

The number one leading cause of Chromebook issues is a broken screen. The charge for replacement is generally estimated at about thirty dollars. While the other causes for attention are liquid damage and a broken charging port. The port has an average cost of fifty dollars for replacements, while the malfunctions caused by liquids are a more varied fine.

“Often replacement pricing is dependent on the cause, design, and manufacturer,” said RCHS teacher librarian Connie Joyce.

With water and liquid damages, students should be aware that the whole computer may need to be replaced depending on what parts of the computer are verified as functional. The librarians communicate with IT Support to stay up to date, so if possible, students are not responsible for buying another new computer that can cost around two hundred and ninety-five dollars.

“We intermediate between what the district and IT say and deduct by what can be salvaged,” said Joyce.

To keep track of Chromebooks, students and faculty are informed that there is no set scheduled date for seniors or others leaving to return their Chromebooks. It is generally taken with the return of the student’s last textbook, but it is requested that they be given back the week before finals.