Volume 3, Issue 15: January 24, 2020
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.
AASD Adult Education Program Receives Grant
WISE Women Check Presentation to AASD Adult Education
Wise Women Board President Sheila Clowes, AASD Adult Education special projects coordinator, Debbie Garritano, WISE Grant Chair/board member.
WISE Women of Blair County awarded $6,670.00 in grant monies to three worthy organizations on January 15, 2020. Funded for the 2020 grant cycle were: Family Services Inc., the Altoona Area School District Adult Education Program and the Hollidaysburg Area Public Library.

The AASD Adult Education Program was represented by Tina Swineford. Grant funds will be used for obtaining birth certificates, GED fees and other documents to help adults earn their GED diploma and start on their journey for self reliance.

WISE Women of Blair County annually makes available grant funding for organizations who meet the funding criteria. The next grant applications are due in October 2020. For more information on the grants and the organization, please check our website at wisewomenofblaircounty.org.
AAJHS Friends of Rachel (FOR) Club recently prepared for two activities, the beginning of the Chain of Kindness and the opportunity for teachers to share an encouraging "snowflake" for each of their homeroom students.
Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
Snowmen were the theme of the day at the AASD Learning Express Preschool. Students and teachers dressed as their favorite snowman and students participated in the snacktivity "Do you want to build a snowman?" Students had small round powder doughnuts as a treat before taking turns building a snowman indoors!
AAHS Speech League Students Earn Honors
Speech League students
Students competing at Blacklick Valley High School included (L to R): Sonia Yost, Pamela Lantz, Gianna Marasco. Row 2: Aiden Farabaugh, Alex Thaler, Anthony Pater.
Twelve area high schools competed at the most recent Speech League competition held at Bishop Carroll High School on Wednesday evening.

AAHS walked away with several places including : 4th Place Jacob Reed (Commentary), Sofia Veneziano (Commentary); 3rd Place Anthony Pater & Nathan Wilt (Duo Drama): 2nd Place Sonia Yost (Prose), Kaelab Ruggles (Prose).

At a previous competition at Blacklick Valley, competing against 10 schools, place finishers included: 3rd Place Aiden Farabaugh (Commentary), Pamela Lantz (Informative); 2nd Place Alex Thaler (Extemporaneous), Gianna Marasco (Commentary); 1st Place Anthony Pater & Nathan Wilt (Duo Interpretation).
Ebner Panther Singers
Ebner Singers
The Ebner Panther Singers is in its second year. The ensemble has grown from 50 students in its first year to 74 participants this year. Students learn singing technique, new literature, and ensemble listening skills. They perform at various school functions as for the community in four different venues.

Friday, January 24 they performed the National Anthem at the Lady Lions' basketball game in the AAHS Field House.

Students were excited to get their new t-shirts prior to the performance.

Thank you to the AASD Foundation for their support of the Ebner Panther Singers!
Congratulations to Emily Perry for her 2nd Place finish at the Skills USA Regional Competition in Early Childhood Education.
Seeds to Salad
Ebner students in Kindergarten and 1st grade with the help of Student Council and ES students are studying the life cycle of plants in science. Students planted seeds and transferred the seeds to the aeroponic Garden Tower.

Students are growing their own vegetables and will experience a true "farm to table" concept, learning they can grow and prepare their own food.

Once grown, students will host a salad party to taste the harvest from tower.

This project is sponsored by the AASD Foundation.
Juniata Gap Elementary's First LEGO League team placed 21st out of 47 teams at the First LEGO League competition organized by Appalachia Intermediate Unit 08. The competition was hosted at the Altoona Area Junior High School.
AASD Welcomes
Afterglo Parent Meeting
The next meeting for senior parents interested in helping with the Afterglo will be held Tuesday, January 28 at 6 PM in AAHS - Room A-214.