The Scarlet Oaks lunch account system is now available!  Families can pre-pay a lunch account and then, using the student ID number, charge meals and food against the balance in the account.

 

This new system will benefit you, your child, and the district in many ways, and I hope that you and your students will consider taking advantage of the system. The information on this page will outline and hopefully answer questions concerning the new system. However, if you still have questions, please feel free to call the food service office at 513-612-5825.

 

The new system will allow you to pay in advance if you choose to do so. Students will still be able to pay cash on a daily basis as they have in the past.

 

How it works:

 

The system works with a key pad located near the end of the serving line. It will allow your son or daughter to enter their 6-digit student ID number to access their account. Your child’s ID number is located on the back of their student ID.  The number will stay the same throughout the remaining time your child is enrolled at Scarlet Oaks. All students will be required to enter their ID number regardless of meal status or payment method, thus insuring your child’s privacy.

 

All students will have an established debit account, although you will not be required to use it because students will still be able to pay for food with cash. The account is activated as soon as a deposit is made to it.

 

To prevent fraudulent use of student accounts, the student’s photo will appear on the monitor for the cashier to view every time your child accesses his or her account, therefore insuring that no other student can use your child’s account.

 

Money will only be deducted from an account when the student uses the account to purchase meals and/or ala carte items. The system will know the meal status of your student (full-pay, free, or reduced) and will deduct the correct amount from the account. There is no limit on the amount of money that can be deposited into a debit account. When account balances fall below $5, the cashier will remind the student that their account will need to be replenished soon.

 

Making payments:

 

You can make your payments either with cash or check (payable to Scarlet Oaks Cafeteria).  Your son or daughter will bring the money with them and give it to the cashier during lunch time.   

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 

Q:     What is this?

A:      It is a new computerized debiting system that allows parents to pay for student lunches in advance in essence giving your child an electronic lunch ticket.

 

Q:     How much can I pay in advance?

A:      The account is activated with any amount.   You can pay for as many lunches in advance for your child as you wish up to an entire school year. These funds will be deposited into a debit account for your child to use at lunchtime.

 

Q:     How does my child use his account?

A:      Computer terminals/registers have been installed at the end of each line. When your child selects his lunch, he pushes in his 6-digit ID number into a key pad right at the terminal. His name comes up with a balance amount available. The cashier enters what has been purchased and the program automatically subtracts and computes the new balance for the following day.

 

Q:     Does my child have to use this system?

A:      No, it is strictly up to you. Your child can pay cash at the register each day. The system has been installed as a convenience for children who no longer will have to tote money to school each day and lose all or part of it. It reduces the hassle for parents to remember to give kids their lunch money each day as well.

Q:     What happens if someone else uses my child’s ID number?

A:      Students may use ONLY their assigned numbers. Using someone else’s or trying to randomly generate a number will be considered THEFT and dealt with according to School and District Policies and Procedures.

Q:     My child receives lunch at a “reduced rate”. Does the system know?

A:      Yes, all information regarding students receiving free or reduced lunches had been downloaded into the system and accounts will be handled the same as others. Students will need to enter their ID numbers just like everyone else which helps to insure they are not singled out in any way. Only the cashier knows who are receiving federally subsidized lunches.

 

Q:     What if I move and have money in the system?

A:      You may request a refund.