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Rethink 'no cash, no lunch'
Other districts in the county and most other schools have various means of notifying parents when a child's account is low or in deficit. I was shocked in September to learn that my granddaughter's lunch tray was taken from her because she had only $1 in her account. How embarrassing for a 12-year-old, aside from the fact that she had nothing to eat until school closed. Had she been diabetic there might have been a very serious problem. It seems the school board, administration and some employees of this district must be lacking in common sense or understanding.
Since a large percentage of students in this area receive free or reduced price lunches, it seems that those students who are not able because of parental income to take advantage of that program are not considered to be in need of midday nourishment. I would venture to guess that there was excess food thrown out that day, instead of giving her lunch for which they would have been reimbursed the next school day. Rather than punishing children who are not responsible in any way for this $6,000 shortfall, the district needs to act to recoup that loss.
When a child leaves home for school each day, parents are entrusting their child's education, physical and emotional well-being to that school. Perhaps Central Greene School District would do well to re-examine some of its policies.
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Waynesburg
School meals : 11/4/2009
Carol says, "When a child leaves home for school each day, parents are entrusting their child's education, physical and emotional well-being to that school." Whoa!!! Schools are responsible for the education and safety of the child. It is not in the school's charter to feed the child. Since when? If you are wanting to be sure your child eats lunch at school, then send a lunch to school with the child. This is parenting, as in a verb. Ultimately, it is your responsiblity to feed and clothe your child. This whole "feed the children" thing has gotten way out of hand. It started with a simple lunch. Later, it extended to breakfast. Now, I understand that some schools are feeding the children a dinner too. What ever happened to parental responsibility in caring for their children? Some parents are wanting to remove themselves further and further from the task, relying upon others to do the tasks to be shouldered by themselves.
Lunch Tray : 11/4/2009
There should be contact between school & the parent before the tray is taken away. Also, if the account is in the arrears, the student should be told in the morning that lunch will not be provided that day. This sounds like a gross lack of communication.
Carol : 11/4/2009
I would be absolutely livid if that had happened to one of my children - I'm so sorry it happened to your granddaughter. My children do receive free lunches at McGuffey and I am extremely grateful that they do. There has to be a better way for Central Greene to take care of this - a way that does not leave children hungry.
ALL : 11/4/2009
This was a very unprofessional way of doing things by the school. I agree with M if that was my child I would have been up at that school in a second. They could have given the student the lunch and sent a bill or letter home explaining to the parents what had happened and for the parents to try and correct the problem. Let the school and parents deal with this type of problem not the kids
LUNCH MONEY : 11/4/2009
I HAVE A CHILD IN SCHOOL AND I REMEMBER TO SEND LUNCH MONEY IN ON A REGULAR BASIS. MAYBE THE PARENTS NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN.
LUNCH MONEY : 11/4/2009
THERE IS A STUDENT HANDBOOK SENT HOME EVERY YEAR WITH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MAYBE THE PARENTS SHOULD READ/SKIM OVER IT SO THEY ARE AWARE OF WHAT IS GOING ON. IT IS A FACT THAT IF A CHILD HAS 0.01 (1 CENT) IN THEIR LUNCH ACCOUNT THEY ARE ABLE TO GET A LUNCH THAT DAY. THE CASHIERS ALSO TELL THE STUDENTS WHEN THERE ACCOUNT HIITS OR IS CLOSE TO 5 DOLLARS. THAT IS AMPLE TIME TO TELL THE PARENTS AND THE PARENTS SEND IN THE MONEY. AT ONE POINT OR ANOTHER A MIDDLE SCHOOL CHILD NEEDS TO HAVE SOME RESPONSIBLITY AND THE PARENTS NEED TO BE INVOLVED.
Lunch Money : 11/4/2009
Why should these kids be forced to go hungry because the parent forgot, does not have, or simply chooses not to send lunch money? These children should get to eat regardless, and a bill should be sent to parents. Maybe the free and reduced lunch forms should be offered to the parents again. Job situations change, money comes and goes, but a child NEEDS to eat lunch everyday. Maybe the school's PTA could redirect funds that the students have fundraised for into a seperate emegency lunch account. Maybe the principal could look into grants to cover any losses the cafeteria might incurr if all outstanding accounts are not paid. Maybe the school board could sit down and adjust their budget, take away one teacher conference trip, and make sure that every kid gets lunch. How well do you think these kids are learning in the afternoon if they cannot hear the teacher over the rumbling in their hungry stomaches?
Hmmmm : 11/5/2009
Maybe some people should not have kids if they do not want to make sure that they are provided for. First question: Do you have the ways and means of financially supporting anyone besides yourself?
Alternative Lunch : 11/5/2009
At our school, if the lunch account is in arrears, the child gets a small lunch (Peanut Butter & Jelly or Ham & Cheese Sandwich). It's better than nothing, but still not the best way to handle it!
School lunch : 11/5/2009
For the parents whos children had their lunch taken away. I bet you will not forget to send in lunch money again, will you.....
$1in lunch account : 11/5/2009
This entire article is bogus. The fact the she says her granddaughter had $1 in her account tells the tale. If a child has a $1 in their account they can still get a lunch regardless if the lunch costs 1.60 or 1.70..... They can still charge a lunch even if they only have a penny, so quit believing in this crap.. This is only to generate more fuel to the first article which is also has false statements.... Fact is, these kids run out of money all the time because they prefer to eat snacks such as chips, bottled drinks, cookies, etc, that cost way more then the school lunch it self.... If you don't want your kid comsuming so much junk then write a note to the school. There is a nifty little thing that can be added to the kids account that will not let them purchase anything besdies a breakfast or lunch... Then perhaps their lunch money will last a bit longer for you to remember they might need more...
WOW : 11/6/2009
I don't think a child should go hungry. Period. A Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich isn't that expensive. Give it to the kid. When my kids were in school, I sent a check every pay day to cover lunch & breakfast for the 2 weeks to follow. If my kids wanted extras, they asked for an extra buck or two, if I had it, they got it. If not, they didn't buy extras. I think ALL involved need to GET involved. Parents, kids, and School. My child's hungry belly is MY responsibility. Sometimes I do forget, a note home for the first day of a zero balance would be nice. But, I agree... middle school and up, the kid needs to take responsibility and ask mom for money.
$1 in lunch account : 11/6/2009
I COULDN' T AGREE WITH YOU MORE KATIE G. THIS IS GETTING OUT OF CONTROL NO ONE WANTS TO BE RESPONSILBE ANYMORE IT IS ALWAYS SOMEONE ELSES FAULT. AND FOR "SOMEBODY'S MOM", IF YOUR INCOME CHANGES YOU MAY CALL THE BUSINESS OFFICE AND REQUEST A FORM FOR FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH THE FOOD SERVICE WORKERS DO NOT KNOW YOUR SITUATION AND IF/WHEN THEY SHOULD SEND A FORM. IF YOU REMEMBER TO PAY YOUR BILLS YOU SHOULD REMEMBER TO SEND IN LUNCH MONEY. PLAIN AND SIMPLE.
School lunch : 11/6/2009
Wow, when I was a kid and didn't have luch money we had to pack a lunch or we didn't eat, plain and simple. People expect to many entitlements these day's. You can't go to Micky D's and get a burger or to the grocery store for a gallon of milk and put it on an account if you have no money, so why do you expect the school to do such a thing... Also, any diabetic child who is having a problem can go to the Nurses offfice or the Principals office or any adult in the school for that matter and receive immediate assistance...
Lunch : 11/7/2009
Lunch program $6000 in the hole, answer don't feed a kid I bet if this was an athletic program losing money no kid would be force to sit out the game if they owed money.
truly : 11/9/2009
I can tell you that the handbook at WCHS says NOTHING about no money no food, the first page that I signed and turned in said that the children were allowed to charge 3 MEALS, not junk, and then they would be given an alternative meal, I am still waiting for someone to give me the new charge policy. I wonder if they would tell the parents of kids who owe money that they wont get their report card until the balance is paid if that would make a difference, it did in the past.....
R, old lady,et al. : 11/10/2009
Your lack of compassion is absolutely breathtaking. Sure, embarrass the kid and make her go hungry because the parent was a bit absent-minded. Also, if I'm not mistaken, the school lunch program is a federally funded (USDA) program, paid for by American taxpayers. If you're too cheap to loan the kid enough spare change for lunch, may you be force fed sloppy joes and tater tots for the rest of the school year.
Handbooks : 11/10/2009
Rather than being concerned about what the handbook says, or does not say, why not send a lunch with your children? Sending a lunch yourself elminiates the issue of what happens, or does not happen, with the lunch program. If people were half as concerned about the academic excellence of the education system, rather than having others feed their children, we would be much better off. Parents, take care of your children!!!
PAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN : 11/10/2009
I hCave 2 middle school girls I have to pay $2.10 each day for both, I send it in weekly, I have also called the school to only allow the kids to buy only lunch, NO JUNK unless they have the cash that day to do so.. This is the parents responsiblilty to take care of this issue. My family is not a wealthy family at all but, I make sure my kids are taken care of and something has to be done. These kids should not have to worry about getting a hot meal, it may be there only one.
I wonder... : 11/10/2009
If some individuals were to donate some peanut butter and jelly as well as some bread and juice to the school... would the children with a zero balance be fed? If so, I will go get the stuff tonight and drop it off! Anything to shut up all the B.S.!
lunch lady : 11/11/2009
When you get your breath back, please consider the idea of parental responsibilty for their children. I have compassion for those who assume their duty to care for their children. That may, or may not, include sending a lunch to school with the child, or giving them lunch money. The public education system worked well for many years, without any feeding of children while at school. I know, I know, asking somebody to assume responsibilty for their duty is breathtaking to some, but for others, it is the right thing to do. Those who assume the responsibility have my respect, those who shun or shirk, they do not gain my respect. Their whining only adds to their irresponsible body of work.
Lunch Lady Is Right : 11/12/2009
We're talking about the kids here, not the parents. If the child never brought a penny to school, should we let them go hungry just to prove a point? In America, we don't punish children for the sins of their parents.
I'm Rick James------. : 11/12/2009
Nobody and I mean nobody has more compassion than Mr.R!
handbook : 11/12/2009
I was just making a point about the policy and procedures that were given to the parents. I make sure my kid has lunch money, that was not the issue. I feel badly for the children who are refused a meal due to the parents not providing lunch money for whatever reason if it be that they were running late that morning or had no money in their pocket to hand out that morning. Hopefully this issue will get resolved, but I have a feeling it is going to get ugly.
lunch money : 11/14/2009
I am a mom with a kid in the high school. When I give him lunch money, I expect him to buy his lunch with that money. But, he chooses to spend it on other things instead of paying for his lunch, then by all means take his lunch away. Maybe the next day when I give him his lunch money he will spend it on just that, a LUNCH. I would rather he be taught responsibility then for him to pass the buck on to some one else...
