Alexandria City Public Schools

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Computerized School Lunch

A school lunch computerized accounting system, known as Schoolhouse Software, is in all Alexandria City Public Schools. This debit system allows for prepayments of meals and then subtracts purchases as they are made.

How does the system work?

Every student is assigned a 5-digit personal identification number, referred to as a PIN number (example: 70103). After making meal selections on the serving line, students type their PIN numbers on a numeric keypad placed on the serving line near the cashier. When the student arrives at the cashier's station, the student's account is displayed on the computer screen. The student account screen includes a picture of the student and other information, such as food allergies. With the strike of a few keys, the student's meal is deducted from the balance of prepaid meals or the screen indicates that cash payment is needed. When prepayments are made, the students can move through the line quickly. This gives our students more time to eat. It also minimizes lost or misused money. For our younger students, we have created a play sheet to help them learn their PIN number. Print out PIN Pad Play (PDF) to help your child practice entering PIN number. At T.C. Williams High School, students have the option of scanning their personalized student ID cards or typing in their 5-digit PIN number.

As always, School Nutrition Services thanks you for your continued patronage and support. We are happy to feed your children every day!

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