Volume 2, Issue 9: November 22, 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.
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It was a Thanksgiving Throw-Down!

AAHS students and staff raised more than $480 to purchase 34 turkeys donated to St. Vincent de Paul. Mr. Bufalini won the privilege to wear a pilgrim costume during the school day prior to Thanksgiving break.
PSU Engineering Ambassadors visit AAHS
A group of Engineering Ambassadors from Penn State University Park recently visited several physics classes at AAHS. The engineering students spent the day working with high school students on STEM activities related to physics and engineering.

The ambassadors worked with students in Mr. Borst, Mr. Rupeka and Mr. Geis' classes.

One challenge was to design a prosthetic leg using a plunger.

Reading Workshop
The Reading Workshop Model was introduced last school year at the elementary level with great success. Students were engaged and excited about reading, improving scores and improving their reading endurance.

With the introduction to the secondary level this school year, English teachers are excited about the positive reactions from students.

Mountain Lion Echo Editor in Chief recently reported on the new program:
Juniata Reading Superheroes
4th Grade Caring Cougars
The Pleasant Valley Elementary School Caring Cougars is a character education program designed to encourage and support a positive climate within the school by spreading kindness both in the school and the community.

Most recently 4th grade students made holiday cards for the senior citizens living at Greystone.
Mrs. Kline's AAHS American Studies students stuffed 100 stockings for Stockings for Soldiers. Every student included a personalized handwritten card with each stocking. An act of kindness for those who serve and are unable to spend the holidays at home with family and friends.
AAJHS Reading Competition
The AAJHS reading competition team competed at Bellwood Antis. Fifteen students competed in three rounds of competition to bring home a third place ribbon!
The AAHS Science Quiz Bowl Team came in 2nd place out of 16 teams at the 25th annual Saint Francis Science Day Quiz Bowl. The team consisted of Seniors Marissa Abbott (captain), Geneva Flarend & Maddie Fulchiero; Junior Dom Fasolo; and Sophomores Aiden Phillips & Alex Thaler
Left to Right: Marissa Abobott, Alex Thaler, Geneva Flarend,
Aiden Phillips, Maddie Fulchiero
"100 Years of Broadway"
Juniata Elementary Drama Club kids performed their upcoming concert, "100 Years of Broadway" on November 19 for residents and staff at Garvey Manor. The students had a great time performing, and the residents and staff enjoyed singing along to the Broadway tunes! A public performance will be held Tuesday, November 27 at 7:00 PM in the Juniata Elementary Gymnasium.
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Congratulations Student Athletes
At a ceremony held in the William P. Kimmel Board Room on November 14, t he Altoona Area School District recognized two Altoona Area High School student athletes, Bridgid Fox (Detroit Mercy, basketball) and Matt Hartman (Shippensburg, baseball) who will continue their athletic pursuits at the Division I and Division II Intercollegiate level