CMS Food Service Automation

Things are changing in the cafeteria at CMS next year. We are in the process of switching from our manual lunch accounting system to a new computerized system. If all goes well we will be starting the new system during the week of September 22, 2003.

The new lunchroom system will include include a Point-of-Sale terminal (register) electronically connected to a computer in the Food Service office at the Exeter High School. The first week the serving times for breakfast and lunch may be a little longer than usual while everyone gets used to the new system, but we fully expect the new system to streamline and speed up the cashier lines once we are used to it. We will be implementing a new "debit card" to access this Point-of-Sale terminal. Every student and staff member will have and be responsible for his or her own card. Every item being purchased will require the card to be scanned at the terminal.

What Are The Benefits?

You can pay with a weekly, monthly or yearly check. You don't have to hassle with spare change every day. And that loose change won't be lost before lunch either.
You know where your money is going. Only food items can be purchased. Cash cannot be taken out of the account.
All purchases will be logged so you can inquire what foods your child has purchased and we can tell you.
Since less cash is handled, cashier lines will move more quickly.
Students enjoy having their own cards. It allows them to assume responsibility early in life.
Each card looks alike so cards for free and reduced meal program students cannot be distinguished from paid account cards. Not even the cashier can tell.

Student Food Accounts

The best part of this new system is that each student now has an "account" with us. This account allows you to pre-pay for food items, and is not to be considered a credit account. This means that money needs to be deposited into your child's account in advance of purchase. As students purchase food items, the purchase is recorded and the cost of the food is subtracted from their account totals. If a student is eligible for the free/reduced meal program, the computer will recognize this and charge nothing or the reduced amount. If there is no money in the account and the student is not eligible for free meals the purchase is charged resulting in a negative account balance, which must be repaid.

Student Photo ID Cards

Each student will be issued a Photo ID Card with his/her student number and a bar code on it. The cashier will scan these cards in order to debit each student's account.

How Will The System Work?

It's easy! Your child already has an account. You will have already deposited money into that account. Students purchasing food items will need to present their ID Card to the cashier, who scans the barcode and checks the student out. Weekly low or negative balance notices will be sent home. Any student may receive monthly letters with account balances if requested.

What Do Parents Do?

Look for a letter in August concerning prepaying to your CMS student's food service account.

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