Lunch system enhanced at SR
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

The advantages of the newest software program to tally lunches at South Ripley schools are many according to Dennis Stockdale, assistant superintendent.

"We looked at six different programs," he told the board of school trustees at a recent meeting, "and decided to go with Accu-Scan."

The decision to go with Accu-Scan was made after the school researched the program and listened to those who already have it in place. They implemented it now because the corporation received a break on the training process. They also felt the program was top-of-the-line.

Here's how it works. A student comes through the lunch line and the person running the computer photo ID's them. The class coming through the line pops up on the screen with each child's photo. Then the person operating the computer makes a few simple touches on a computer screen telling it the food selection the child has made. Then the form of payment is completed with the touch of a fingertip and the child is on their way.

"This way no one knows who is receiving free or reduced lunches," noted Stockdale, who believes it is a much more confidential system. He noted that more children will eat if they are not singled out as receiving free lunches, especially at the high school level.

The new program allows the children to go through the lunch lines more quickly giving them more time to enjoy their meals.

It has been tried out for a week at both schools and is working well, according to Stockdale. "Hats off to all of our cafeteria personnel," he noted, saying they learned the program quickly. He also said the process was enhanced because of Mark Downard's excellent technology skills.

Stockdale noted that the system has much more than just bells and whistles, it has great accountability features, will compute state reports and more.

Now the parents just send money with students once a week, or once a month, and it is entered into the system. Soon a new feature will make it easier than ever for busy parents to pay for their children's lunches. For example, if it's been a hectic morning and the children are out the door, but their lunch money is still on the table, you will simply be able to go online at www.LunchBucks.com and take care of the situation from home.

Parents will be able to add payments day or night, check their child's balance and know their credit card information and parent registration is protected with the most sophisticated security available.

The easy convenience of paying online will hopefully be up and running sometime after students return from Spring Break, according to Stockdale.

The pay online system will also benefit the school by reducing labor hours that are presently spent processing payments. It will also alleviate the problem of bad checks, and fewer calls from parents.

Another feature of the new system is tracking exactly what children are selecting on the menu. This applies at the junior/senior high school and parents can see if their child is filling up on Little Debbie snacks for example and leaving behind the vegetables. Parents can also have the account "tagged" so the student won't be able to eat only junk food. Information on students with food allergies can also be entered into the computer and they will not be allowed to even make a mistake and choose the wrong foods.

Carol Holcomb is the pre-pay contact person for the program and parents with questions can reach her by calling the elementary school at 812-689-5383 or emailing her at cholcomb@sripley.K12.IN.US .

Another nutritious plus for students at South Ripley schools is a milk vending machine which should be installed this Friday, January 21. Stockdale noted that the school has an agreement with the Dairy Association of Indiana and the machine will be a great alternative to soft drinks. "We're moving toward a healthier student environment," Stockdale concluded.