HOT SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT LUNCH GUIDELINES
The Hot Springs School District’s policy regarding lunch accounts effective for the 2023-2024 school year is as follows:
The Beginning of the Year:
For students who were on the Free or Reduced Program last year, for a period of 30 school days, we will assume they qualify for a Free or Reduced price until they return an updated Application for Free or Reduced Meals. After the 30 school days, if an updated application has not been turned into the office, the student will pay Full Price. Households need to reapply yearly for the Free and Reduced Meal Program. Applications are accepted throughout the school year.
Assistance is available, please contact Kelli Rhoe at kelli.rhoe@k12.sd.us or 605-745-7847
A Point of Sale (POS) software system is used for the school lunch program. Please note the following important information:
- Each student will have his/her own individual Student Account.
- Each student has an individual account number, which Middle and High School students should memorize.
- Check and cash deposits will only be received at the individual student’s school office and must be turned in by 9:00 a.m. Checks should be made payable to the Hot Springs School District. No longer will Staff or Students be allowed to make deposits to their accounts during serving time. All deposits must be made to your child’s building office prior to 9:00 a.m.
- Separate checks should be written for students at separate schools. To insure credit to the proper account, the student’s lunch account number should accompany the check.
- If sending cash with a student, place in a sealed envelope, along with the student’s name and lunch account number. We are not responsible for lost, unidentified, or stolen cash.
- Money from another student’s account (including siblings) may not be used. If money needs to be transferred from one sibling’s account to another, then a note or phone call from home is needed.
- Students must have money deposited in their lunch account in order to purchase extra entrees or extra milk, regardless of eligibility status (Paid, Free, and Reduced).
- We cannot make change for cash at the schools, so please utilize the lunch account for all purchases.
- Parents or Guardians may choose to limit the amount that their child may charge to their account, especially ala carte’ items, please contact Kelli Rhoe.
- Unpaid meal charges may suggest that a family is facing a financial set-back, and coordinating with support service personnel may help ensure polices that are sensitive to children’s need during a potentially challenging time. If your family is facing a financial set-back or a particularly challenging time please contact Kelli Rhoe, kelli.rhoe@k12.sd.us or call 605-745-7847. Or you may contact your school counselor or the school nurse.
The policy will be enforced with High School and Middle School Students as follows:
- The lunch room computer will give the cashier a “low balance” warning whenever a student's individual account is -$25.00 or below.
- Balance Below $25.00: Students are told the account balance is low and they need to bring money and will also be offered a written reminder to bring lunch money. Once a week students with a negative $25.00 balance are given a small printout with account balance to take home. MS students are also given a low balance reminder when their account is below a positive $25.00.
- If the student does not bring money and does not have enough in their account, they will be allowed to carry a negative balance of no more than - $25.00.
- When an account is negative $25.00, students will be offered an "alternative meal" (see below).
- It is the student’s responsibility to inform parents when the account is getting low. Both verbal and written reminders will be provided to students when the account is low. Also, an automated email reminder will be sent by My School Bucks when student’s account is negative.
- Parents and/or students can check their account balance by calling the Food Service Office at 745-7847.
- Parents may also enroll in mySchoolBucks.com. This website allows you to deposit money directly into your child’s school meal account and view balance/purchase information for the past ninety days.
- Please keep in mind that extra items can be purchased with sufficient funds in individual accounts. No charging will be allowed for extra items.
The policy will be enforced with Elementary School Students as follows:
- Balance Below $25.00: Students are told the account balance is low and they need to bring money. Students will be offered a written reminder to bring lunch money. Once a week, students with a negative $10.00 balance are given a small printout with their account balance to take home. Elementary students are also given a low balance reminder when their account is below a positive $25.00.
- If the student does not bring money and does not have enough in the account, they will be allowed to carry a negative balance of no more than a - $25.00.
- When an account is negative $10.00, the students will be offered an “alternative meal” (see below).
- The district does not expect elementary students to be responsible for their own lunch account. However, it is expected the parents of elementary students monitor their student’s lunch account balance and keep a positive balance in the account. Also, an automated email reminder will be sent by My School Bucks when student’s account is negative.
- Parents and/or students can check their account balance by calling the Food Service Office at 745-7847. Parents may enroll in mySchoolBucks.com. This website allows you to deposit money directly into your child’s school meal account and view balance/purchase information for the past ninety days.
- Please keep in mind that extra items can be purchased with sufficient funds in individual accounts. No charging will be allowed for extra items.
High School, Middle School and Elementary School Alternative Meal:
Paid and Reduced Price Students with a balance that is negative $25.00 cannot eat the regular meal until money is put into their lunch account. They will be offered an alternative meal of a cheese sandwich, fruit & veggie bar and milk. They can receive the alternative meal a maximum of three (3) times during the school year. When a student has used all alternative meals, he/she will have the opportunity to call home during the lunch period; however, the student will not be provided food by the school district. Students eligible for free meals will be allowed to receive the regular meal, but must have money in their account to purchase extra entrees or extra milk.
Adult Meals
- Adult meal accounts may not exceed negative $25.00.
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
Click to Subscribe
