A message from Dr. Hoffman concerning the Point of Sale
cafeteria system
June 3, 2008
Dear Parents and Guardians
The Fonda-Fultonville Central School District has adopted a new
computerized Point of Sale payment system for all school meals
purchased in the district's cafeterias. We plan to implement the
new system next week, beginning with our High School on Tuesday,
June 10, Elementary School on Wednesday, June 11, and the Middle
School on Thursday, June 12, 2008. I would like to take the time
to introduce this system to all parents and to make them
familiar with the upcoming services that will be provided. The
first few days the lunch lines may be slower, but as the
students familiarize themselves with the system, the lines
should run as smoothly as before. Breakfast will be included on
the same system.
This week, every student will be given their own personal
lunchroom account number. Students can access their accounts on
the PIN pads located at every register. Each student will
receive a card with the ID number on it, which correlates to the
account on the system. This system also has the students'
picture on the screen when their account is drawn up, which will
help reduce any errors. It is strongly recommended that all
students remember their numbers, as this will make the lunch
lines move faster.
As has been the case in the past, parents are able to deposit
money into the student's account, although the students may
still pay cash. Monies paid into a student account can only be
used for the purchase of meals. This way, parents are assured
that their money is being used to purchase only lunch or
breakfast. All ala carte items must be paid for with cash. When
sending in money by check or cash, please include the student's
name and ID number with the payment so it is deposited into the
correct account.
If your student has qualified for free or reduced price lunches
or breakfasts, this information is securely contained within the
system and the meal will be processed just as it is for all
other students. There is no need to be concerned for a
potentially uncomfortable situation for the student.
If you are concerned about a food allergy with documented
medical information on file in the nurse's office that your
child has, please notify the cafeteria with this information. A
warning will appear on the cashier's screen for a quick review
of the items on the student's meal tray.
Also, beginning in late September, parents will be able to go
online and place money in your child's account using a credit
card. There is a fee associated with this use (the fee is
charged by the firm we are using for the system, not the school
district), but this will also enable parents to see how much
money is in your child's account. At the beginning of the
2008-2009 school year, we will send additional information on
how to access this online account system.
As with any new system, we anticipate there will be some "bugs"
to work out, but we are confident that ultimately it will be
better for both your child and you. Thank you in advance for
your patience in implementing this system.
Sincerely,
James D. Hoffman, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
Features of the Computerized System
Benefits for Parents and Students
When the account is prepaid you can be sure
that your student is only using that money for nutritious
lunches/breakfasts served in our cafeteria.
Lunch is defined as a choice of entrée, milk
choice, and side dishes available to all students.
Prepaid accounts for all students allows
parents to deposit money in their student's account, in any
amount, at any time, and not have to be concerned with
giving their student the exact change every morning.
For those students receiving free or reduced
meals, their meals will be rung up as all the other meals
are. No one will know whether they are receiving a free or
reduced meal or debiting their account, except for the
cashier.
Lunch lines ultimately move faster when
meals are prepaid, thus providing students extra time to
enjoy their lunch period.
Parents can pay any amount at any time.
Students can prepay on the line with cash or parents can
send in checks (with the student's name and ID# on it), and
students can give this to the cashier right in the lunch
line. You are only charged for the lunches/breakfasts that
are debited to your student's account. All student ID
numbers are confidential.
All ala carte items must be paid for with
cash. Parents can be assured that all prepaid monies can
only be used for lunch/breakfast only.
Keypads are located at every terminal; they
provide ease of use and allow for quick transactions.
Prepayment allows for better security rather
than cash.
Once the transaction has been completed,
your student will know his/her account balance.
When student accounts get low, students will
be informed at the register of their balance.
Prepayment Options
You can send in prepayment monies at any
time. We recommend that parents send in checks rather than
cash. All monies should be submitted only to cafeteria
personnel.
Checks are to be made payable to
Fonda-Fultonville Central School District Cafeteria Account.
When sending prepayment, please include the
student's name and ID# on the face of the check.
If you should have any questions, please do not
hesitate to call the Food Service Director at 853-4508 or email
at jmurray3@ffcsd.org.
