Volume 3, Issue 27: May 1, 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.
Ebner Elementary Special Message To Friends
Mountain Lion BackPack
The Spring Sports season may have been canceled but we still honor our senior athletes for their dedication and commitment to their teammates and coaches.


We miss the contests, but won't forget the impact you've made on AASD Athletics. You've represented Altoona Area School District well and we wish you all the best !

Plans are underway for the Class of 2020 cap and gown distribution beginning on May 6. Seniors will be contacted soon with the details.

Click HERE to read Principal Neely's most recent letter.
The Mountain Echo staff announces the roll-out of the Student News Source App.

It is now easier than ever to stay on top of the most recent student news on your mobile device.

Simply download the Student News Source in either the iOs or Android app store. After the download, follow the directions and select the high school and Mountain Echo.

Don't miss out .... Download the App today!

Chromebooks Distribution
Teachers and staff from Pleasant Valley Elementary were excited to distribute Chromebooks
to their students. It was an opportunity to see each other and say hello.
As at-home learning continues, parents and students beginning to settle in to what has currently become a new norm.

At the beginning of the school year, the District had expanded the 1:1 Technology Initiative to include 7th grade. All students, in grades 7-12, were issued a district Chromebook for school use. The program was to expand next year to include the 6th grade class.

Last week, 6th grade students were met by their teachers and received a district issued Chromebook to use for the remainder of the school year. More than 550 Chromebooks were distributed to students.

This distribution not only assists 6th grade students, but also, provides an additional device at home for families who may have multiple children.
Packet Distribution Continues
Elementary families who prefer hard copy packets of grade level At-Home lessons will continue to pick up at the Jaffa Shrine, Logan Elementary and AAJHS according to the distribution schedule online. Packets will continue to be distributed Mondays; May 4, May 11 and May 18 and Tuesday, May 26.

LEX families can pick up lessons at the Altoona Area Junior High School, M-F 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM.

It's not too late to respond to the 2020 Census. Be sure to count everyone in your household. Families should have received a letter in early March providing the opportunity to respond. Funding for programs such as Title I, Special Education, Classroom Technology, After-School Programs, School Breakfast & Lunch Programs and many more are based on the number of people counted in our community. For each person residing in Pennsylvania who is not counted in the Census, Pennsylvania stands to lose over $20,000 in federally allocated funding over the next 10 years when the next census will take place.
Work Permit Applications
Students ages 14 and 15 who are interested in applying for a work permit, must complete a Work Permit Application ..

The student should complete the application and e-mail, along with a copy of the student’s birth certificate, to Camilla Houy at chouy@aasdcat.com.

Upon receipt of the application, the applicant will be contacted to set up a time to obtain the child’s signature.
NOW REGISTERING FOR THE
CLASS OF 2033
Don't let the current school closure keep you from registering your student for Kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year. You can register your child online today.

Children must turn 5 years old on or before September 1, 2020 to be a candidate for Kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year. Register now so your child can participate in the transition events scheduled at each of the elementary schools.

AASD Tax Office Closed
As per of Governor Wolf’s COVID-19 direction to essential business operations the Altoona Area School District tax office is currently closed to the public; however, tax payments can still be mailed to the District tax office at 200 E. Crawford Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602

Additionally, the Altoona Area School District has extended the filing deadline for Occupational Flat Rate tax, Business Privilege and Mercantile tax returns until July 15, 2020.