SNAPS

We have big news in the cafeteria!!  We have installed a computerized system (Point-of-Sale) that will allow us to accomplish several important things that are of benefit to you and the students.  About nine elementary schools are using the Point-of-Sale program, and students, parents, and teachers have been very pleased.

• Debit "Accounts" for Students

The best part of the new system is that each student will have an "account" with us.  This is a debit account where the money is deposited into the account and designated for lunch or a-la-carte items (milk, juice, water sold by cafeteria, etc.).  It is not used for ice cream.  At lunchtime, the student enters his/her four-digit PIN number and the computer accesses that account.  If there is money in the account, the purchases are deducted.  (If the student is eligible for the free meal program, the computer "knows" the status automatically and charges nothing as if the student had money in the account.)  If there is no money in the account and the student is not eligible for free meals, the student may charge up to three (3) meals.  After the third charge, the student must come to the office to call parents to bring money for lunch.

• What are the Benefits?

  • You know where your money is going.  Only food items can be purchased.  Cash cannot be taken out of an account.

  • You can pay weekly, monthly, or yearly by check or cash.  You don't have to hassle with spare change every day, and the change won't be lost before lunch.

  • Students on the free/reduced meal programs cannot be distinguished from paying students.

  • Since less cash is handled, cashier lines will move more quickly.

  • Checks sent will be for meals/a-la-carte items only.  No change will be given from the checks.

  • You can pay for all children in your family using the same check, with less confusion.

   

• What do you do?

It's easy.  Your student now has an account.  You were (or will be, if you have a new student at Peeples) assigned a PIN number.  Any meals or extra milk that have been prepaid will be entered into the student's account.  The account may be used to obtain meals and a-la-carte items beginning immediately.

Students will pick up their food items and enter their PIN number into the pin pad, and the cashier deducts this amount from the student's account balance.  Parents will be contacted when the balance is low. Deposit envelopes will be available in the student's homeroom, the school office, and the cafeteria.  You may pay by cash or a check payable to Peeples Elementary Cafeteria.  Students are to turn in their deposits to Ms. Bowlden in the cafeteria or to their teacher.  You may also write a check for multiple students by entering their PIN numbers on the prepayment envelope.

There are many safeguards built into the system to ensure that students use their own PIN numbers; however, it is very important that you encourage your child to learn his/her PIN number and not share it with friends.  You may want to help your child practice "punching in" his/her PIN number.  Each teacher will have a copy of the pin pad (actual size) and will work with the younger students.

Students may continue to pay by the day if you prefer.  Since only one reimbursable meal per student is allowed, the student must enter the PIN number and give his/her money to the cashier as they pass through the line.

We are excited about this new concept for our school cafeteria.  We appreciate your continued support of our food service program and our cafeteria staff.

School Lunch Payment Calculator -- Click Here!!