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School lunch balances: Text message alerts began Sept. 5
Our goal is to make sure every student has access to a hot meal during lunch. Now that students are not allowed to access their cell phones during the school day to add funds to their lunch accounts, we are seeing an increase in the number of negative lunch account balances.
On September 5, the District began sending weekly text message alerts to notify families when their student's lunch account balance is negative. These messages are sent around 9:30 a.m. every Friday - only to families with one or more negative lunch balances. Families will continue to get email notices from Infinite Campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays if their balance is more than $1 negative, and on Wednesdays if the balance falls below $6.
Negative Lunch Balance Policy: As a reminder, students with a negative lunch account balance of any amount will not be able to purchase a la carte items. Once an account reaches a balance of negative $25, students will be offered an alternative meal (typically a Sun Butter and Jelly Sandwich, along with a fruit or vegetable side choice and milk). The cost of the meal will be added to the student’s account.
Opt-In to receive text messages: The District utilizes the SchoolMessenger notification system to provide timely communication about emergencies, weather-related closures, attendance and other important topics. All parents/guardians listed in Infinite Campus are automatically registered to receive phone and email alerts. To opt-in to receive text messages from FHSD - including negative lunch balance reminders - text “Y” or “YES” to 67587.
Check your child’s lunch balance: Meal account balances are available in the FHSD Web Store.
Add funds to your child’s lunch account: Payments can be made through the FHSD Web Store by clicking on the “Food Service Payments” button. The system accepts Visa, MasterCard or Discover (credit or debit cards). Cash and checks can also be sent with your child; drop these off in the school cafeteria so funds can be added to their lunch account. The system is also able to accept electronic checks. Need help? View detailed instructions on how to add money to your student's lunch account.
See what your child is purchasing each day for lunch: Once you’ve set up an account through the FHSD Web Store and added funds to your child’s lunch account, visit EZSchoolPay. Here you’ll be able to see exactly what your child has purchased for breakfast and/or lunch each day. Parents/guardians can also set spending limits through EZSchoolPay.
Apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits: The Francis Howell School District participates in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. To receive free or reduced-price meals for your child(ren), please refer to the eligibility income chart. Children from families whose current income is at or below those shown are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The Free and Reduced Meals application can now be completed and submitted online. Visit the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to complete the online application. For more information about the application process or to complete a printed version, please view the free and reduced meals letter or visit the District’s website.
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