Frequently Asked Questions

Where's my curriculum?

Please allow 2-4 weeks for a curriculum order to be processed and received. In the busy times of the year, i.e. August/September and February/March, the items may take longer. Items may also be backordered. Please order early to avoid such delays.

Why can't I order an "Out of Print" item?

Out of print items are difficult to process; you may see them on Amazon one day and by the time we order, they are no longer available. Because they are not easily found, it can become very time consuming to process these requests. We also do not want  out of print items listed in the OPS Library.

Why can't we keep what we buy with our allotment?
We pay taxes!?

According to Oregon State law, anything purchased with public school funds becomes the property of the school. This includes all non-consumable textbooks, computers, and even the furniture at ACA.

Why can't we keep curriculum over the summer?

All non-consumable materials must be returned at the end of May so that inventory may be completed by June 30th. Unless otherwise determined by ACA and your ES, we need  the materials to process requests for the next year.

Can we use allotment to pay for damaged or missing materials?

No. Allotments are school funds. You are responsible for paying for damaged and/or missing materials with your personal funds.

Can we buy one of the school laptops or Chromebooks?

No. They are the property of ACA and must be returned at the end of the year along with any other non-consumable items.

How do I process a vendor request?

Each vendor is unique. For some, you will need to attach a registration form with your completed Vendor Order Contract form. Other vendors require online registration. You will do this in the Curriculum Room after your ES processes the vendor request in the OPS system. PLEASE NOTE:  We do not register students for activities. It is the parent’s responsibility to come to the Curriculum Room and register the student for the activity being requested.

Can we use our allotment for things like dance lessons and classes off campus?

Yes, but you must first make sure you have everything you need for your core classes such as Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Your ES will help you determine needs by completing a Semester Course Agreement. Once the core class materials are paid for, you can order other materials and classes that are used to support the student’s Semester Course Agreement.

How do outside vendors get paid?

If you want to take a class from one of our approved vendors, such as OMSI, you must first fill out the necessary form with your ES. Then your ES will place the order in OPS. Once we receive the invoice, we pay the vendor directly. Do not pay vendors directly; we will not be able to reimburse you. If you do not have enough allotment funds we cannot pay the vendor and you will be responsible for paying that bill.  Also, we do not register the students for any activity. This is your responsibility. We only provide the payment.

What is the "vendor cap"?

A portion of your student's total allotment may be used for outside vendors.  The amount available depends on your student's grade level.

• Grades K-2 Vendor Cap $146.00

• Grades 3-4 Vendor Cap $165.00

• Grade 5 Vendor Cap $185.00

• Grades 6-8 Vendor Cap $242.00

• Grades 9-12 Vendor Cap $339.00

What happens if we run out of allotment?

At that point, you will no longer purchase materials through ACA and must instead purchase them on your own. These items will then belong to you.

What happens with my student's left over allotment?

Any student allotment not spent stays with the school—ACA does not lose the funds. All remaining allotment monies support ACA’s budget.