New Providence Middle School

35 Pioneer Drive

New Providence, NJ 07974

(908) 464-9161 FAX: (908) 464-5927

Gina M. Hansen, Principal

January 2, 2008

Dear Parent/s and/or Guardian/s,

We are extremely pleased to announce that New Providence Middle School will soon be implementing the QSP computerized point of sale system (POS) in the cafeteria. This process is facilitated through “biometric identification.” (Technical information on the secure and fast biometric scanning process is attached.) Biometric identification is a prepay-debit system for personal digital identification, using your child’s biometric finger-scan. Each child will have an individual account created from his/her fingerprint scan, which is stored on a template. The fingerprint is protected because there is no image stored and fingerprints cannot be recreated from the template.

We are offering this system for the convenience and security of putting cash/checks into your child’s account. It will eliminate issues such as forgotten or lost lunch money and lunch cards. When your child purchases a lunch or a la carte item, the purchase price will be debited from his/her account. This system should eliminate confusion and reduce long lunch lines. Using a digital image for payment is faster because it is cashless. The debit system automatically recognizes each child, including free and reduced price students in a “non-discriminatory” way.

We encourage all parents to take advantage of this new system. For your information, biometric identification is already in use in hundreds of NJ area schools. You can send your child’s lunch money directly to the cafeteria, where it will be dedicated to his/her account. Whether you choose to send your child with cash, a bag lunch, or utilize the digital debit system, is your decision. As you know, it is necessary that your son or daughter have a healthy lunch. When your child loses or forgets money for lunch, a biometric identification account is a safe back-up system to buy lunch by using his/her fingerprint.

Effective January 16, 2008, lunch tickets will no longer be available through the Middle School office. Setting up your debit account will enable your child to purchase lunch regularly or in case of emergency. Please note -- balances on existing lunch cards will be credited to your child’s account upon presentation of the card to the cashier.

Processing of your child’s finger-scan information will take place on January 14, 15, or 16. To initiate participation in the new program, please have your son or daughter bring a check to the cafeteria, made out to “New Providence BOE Food Service Fund”.

Please call the Food Service Office with questions at 908-464-4706. Implementation is scheduled for January 16, 2008, barring any last minute obstacles.

In addition, there will soon be an “On-Line Payment” component added to our system for your convenience. More about “On-Line Payments” will be mailed to you in the near future.

Yours very truly,

Gina M. Hansen

Food Service Director Principal