Cashless System
Meal and milk purchases are made through a Family Account System. Cash is not collected in the lunch lines. Accounts are set-up by family. Students with siblings anywhere in the district will use the same account. This allows families to send just one payment for all students. In addition, you will be able to check your balance and receive detailed information for each student with just one phone call (842-6512) or through Skyward Family Access.
Family Accounts
Each family in the district will have one account. If you are an employee of the district and have children here, you will all be in the same account. The account will be used for:
- Ala Carte
- Milk Break - grades K-3 $.40 per day
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Negative Accounts
The accounts are considered debit accounts, not charge accounts. Money must be in the account before a purchase can be made. It is recommended that you keep $10 per child in the account at all times. Accounts with a negative balance cannot purchase extra entrees, extra milk or ala carte items. Please monitor your account carefully.
Monitoring Accounts
It is each family's responsibility to make sure there is enough money in the meal account for students to make purchases. The following tools can be used to help you track your balance:
- On-line Access - The Skyward Family Access login used to check student grades and attendance can also be used to check your account balance and the purchases made to the account. Skyward Family Access is found at the District's website www.deforestschools.org
- Call or Email Us - You can call us at (608) 842-6512 or email at foodservice@deforestschools.org to talk with someone about your meal account
- Automated Notifications – We use School Messenger to notify families of a low or negative foodservice account balance. This system provides automated phone calls and emails to families when foodservice funds are needed.
Primary Guardian
The primary guardian listed with your child's school will be the primary contact for Food Service. You can check the information under Skyward Family Access. Food Service will not be able to contact a different phone number unless the building contact information is also updated.
Payments
With every payment please include your child(ren)'s name. This can be written in the memo section of a check or on the envelope with a cash payment.
Payments can be brought in or mailed to DeForest Area School District, Attn: Food & Nutrition Services, 500 South Cleveland Ave., DeForest, WI 53532. Checks should be made out to DeForest Area School District. Money is also picked up each morning at 8:15 at the High School and Middle School. Money must be in the drop box by 8:15 am for it to go towards that day's balance. Payments can also be made at each elementary school; however, the money will be applied the following day.
Credit Cards
We accept debit and credit card payments through Skyward Family Access. You can set up automated deductions through this service.
Milk Break
GRADES K-3 ONLY: We will be charging milk break by the day. Teachers will be charging milk at the time your child takes it. It will come out of the same account as your lunch and breakfast. Milk is $.40 per day. For one year, milk break will cost $71.20 ($.40 x 178 days). Milk Break is a separate charge from milk purchased with a cold lunch ($.40 each).
If my family receives free lunches, do I still need an account?
Yes, all families have an account. If you qualify for free or reduced price lunches, the information is tracked in the database. The computer will automatically know what to deduct from each account without the lunch line operator knowing. Only one "hot lunch" or "meal deal" qualifies for the free or reduced price per day. Extra milk, second lunches, and ala carte items are full price. Applications for free or reduced price lunches can be picked up at each building office, are available at the district's website, or can be mailed to you by calling 842-6512.
What if I don't want my family all on one account?
You can request any student to be given their own account, separate from the rest of the family. If your child had their own account last year, they will have their own account again this year. Please call 842-6512 if you would like to set this up.
What if I have money left in my account at the end of the year?
All balances will carry over to the following year. If the last family member is graduating or if your family is transferring our of the district, balances will be refunded. Another option is to donate your ending balance to our district foodservice donation account. These funds go towards families who need extra assistance with their foodservice balances. Towards the end of the year, you are encouraged to watch your balance closely and make deposits accordingly.