CONNEAUT — Lunch time is always a favorite time of day for students. It gives them a chance to relax and chat with friends about their day. As spring has finally sprung and summer is quickly approaching at Conneaut High School, students in the district are still getting used to the new computerized payment system that has been implemented in their cafeterias. This new system was put into action in the end of March for all schools in the district.
The computerized system, used for breakfast, lunch and snacks, is based on a student identification number all students receive. This PIN number creates a personal meal account for each student. At every register, there are PIN pads available for students to access their accounts. They are required to remember their student ID number and punch it in to pay for their meal. Students also receive an ID card to help them remember their number.
How do the students get money on their account? There are a variety of options. Students themselves can put money into the account at the register or parents can prepay through two methods. They can add money to their child’s account online or send a check to cafeteria personnel.
There are many ways in which the system is beneficial to the parents and students of Conneaut schools. The lunch lines move faster and more efficiently, so students have more time to eat and relax. Parents also have more control over what their children are eating. They can be sure the money they are spending is being put toward a healthy school meal. Parents are able to deposit money in their child’s account anytime and they can be positive the money is secure.
Another great benefit for parents of students with allergies is that they can give this information to the cafeteria and a warning will appear on the cashier’s screen when the child accesses his or her account. The cashier can then check the meal the student has selected for potential health risks. Students can also be warned, via the register, when their account begins to be running low.
CHS students have differing opinions on the new payment system.
Senior Ashley Emery had only positive things to say about it. “I love the new system,” she said. “It’s faster and easier!”
Another senior, D.J. Natto, had opposing thoughts. “The line goes three times slower, which gives us less time to eat,” he said.
Junior Tevin Colbert had a more neutral approach to the subject. “The system looks like a positive stride in an attempt to advance our schools,” he said. “I think it’s a positive thing to bring new technology into our schools. I mean, it is the 21st century.”
The new system is a step in the right direction for Conneaut Area City Schools as technology is steadily advancing in the surrounding world. As predicted, the first few days of the meal lines moved slowly at CHS, but the system now seems to be running smoothly, as students and parents enjoy its many benefits.
