Volume 1, Issue 10: February 5, 2018

Welcome to The Mt. Lion Roar where you can read about some of the things happening in the Altoona Area School District. With nearly 8,000 students, AASD is the area's top choice for Academics, Arts and Athletics.

AAJHS Shares the Joy of Reading Through Book Donations

The Altoona Area Junior High School library has over 24,000 books and circulates more than 2,000 books each month. The library is a hub for research, reading, studying and collaboration among students. Mrs. Justina McCaulley and assistant Lee Nevel have made the library into a space where students want to "hang out." The book inventory is regularly reviewed and as new titles and publications are added, older titles are weeded out. Recently, 14 boxes of books, both fiction and non-fiction, were removed from the library inventory. Instead of the normal disposition, arrangements were made to donate the books to the United Way of Greater Cincinnati for Santa Maria Community Services. "The books will be shared with after-school programs and elderly assisted living homes," said Mrs. McCaulley. "Although these are older titles, the books are in good shape and we are so excited to know that they can continue to bring enjoyment to others." The idea to donate the books came from Ms. Nevel whose uncle works for the United Way. There is no cost to the District to move the books as Nevel volunteered to transport the books herself to Cincinnati while visiting family.

School-to-Career Spotlight

AAHS Senior Tyler Petucci The most recent School-to Career spotlight features AAHS senior Tyler Petucci. The School-to-Career program provides students with on-the-job training in a wide variety of job experiences. To read more: School-to-Career Spotlight

BOOK BLIZZARD The 2nd Annual Book Blizzard was held on January 30, 2018. Students and families from all the elementary schools participated in fun games, activities, and stories. Juniata Gap elementary even had a winter photo booth. The Book Blizzard gives families the chance to spend time together; parents, children, grandparents, aunts and uncles. A special thank you to the secondary students who helped with the games and art projects. The event raised $5,288 for books for classroom libraries. Curve. It was a great event for everyone. Check out some of the photos from the night.  2018 Book Blizzard

AASD Quick Links District Calendar School Board Meetings AASD Website AASD Athletic Schedules

Spring Athletic Screenings Scheduled Physicals are scheduled for AAJHS and AAHS students who plan to participate in spring sports. High School students are scheduled at the AAHS Training Room on February 15th at 3 PM and Junior High students are scheduled at the AAJHS Training Room on February 22nd at 3 PM. Athletic Screening Information

Pleasant Valley Elementary 4th Grade visits Neil Armstrong Planetarium Students in 4th grade from Pleasant Valley had the opportunity to visit the Neil Armstrong Planetarium and expand their knowledge of space. Planetarium director Mr. Jim Krug, instructed the students during their visit. Students shared their knowledge of the stars and constellations with Mr. Krug, identifying the stars as they appeared in the "night-time" sky. Students watched Losing the Dark, a show about light pollution and finished their experience with the feature show Astronaut. Students from each of the elementary schools will visit the Planetarium this year. Keep an eye out for Mr. Krug's latest expansion announcement, The Mt. Lion Outdoor Observatory, a cooperative project with Fort Roberdeau.

Elementary Students Participate in Jump Rope for Heart The Altoona Area School District is kicking off its annual partnership with the American Heart Association (AHA) to promote heart healthy lifestyles to staff, students and the school community and to raise funds to support the mission of the AHA. In 2016-17 students raised $24,700 to fight heart disease and stroke. The goal for 2017-18 is to engage more staff, students and families to learn about heart healthy living and continue to impact the community. Studies show that students who are physically fit do better academically. Monies raised go toward lifesaving heart research and educational programs in our area. A kick-off assembly was held at each of the elementary schools. Students will participate in jump rope activities through Physical Education classes.