Volume 3, Issue 14: January 12, 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.
Caring Cougars Strike Again
The Pleasant Valley Elementary Caring Cougars were caught once again placing positive messages around the school.

This time, the Caring Cougars were found putting positive window clings on the mirrors in the bathroom to help spread kindness and remind students that they are pretty awesome!

Great job kids, keep it up!
PSU-Altoona Students Create Breakout Boxes
The STEAM Center at Penn Lincoln Elementary recently partnered with Penn State Altoona students to create Breakout Boxes for students to solve questions in Math, Science, and Social Studies. Students in Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, and 3rd Grade worked with the PSU-Altoona guests to solve grade level Breakout Boxes.
FIRST LEGO League PA-Central Championship
Hunter's Rebels from McAuliffe Heights waits for judges decision.
Logan Elementary team at the
robotics competition.
McAuliffe Heigths graphic design
team works on brochure.
Teams from Juniata Gap, Logan and McAuliffe Heights Elementary schools participated in the FIRST LEGO League PA-Central Championships on Saturday, January 11 at the Altoona Area Junior High School. This year's Lego League theme was City Shaper. Students had to observe how cities and buildings grow, thrive, and change. They had to create innovative solutions to help shape an optimal future, using our environment and modern-day tools and technology to make it last. Students competed in Core Values, the Robot Game, and the Innovation Project. The Innovation Project was presented by the team and included the problem, the team's solution, and how it was shared by the team.

Congratulations to all the students who participated!
Students Compete in Chopped
·         Because of the generosity of the AASD Foundation, Mrs. Juart’s Foods For Healthy Living students had a Chopped Junior Competition based on fresh fruits and vegetables. Students were given a basket with a fresh fruit, vegetable and a protein with the assignment of making a recipe that would incorporate all of the ingredients. Guest judges visited the classroom and the students presented to the judges, sharing how they prepared their dish based on their secret ingredients. The judges sampled and evaluated the food based on taste, texture, appearance and creativity. Students showcased the skills they have learned throughout the semester and applied their food preparation knowledge. Recipes created by students included Steak Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette; Zucchini Hamburgers with Blueberry Vinaigrette; Pork Chop with Butternut Squash and Apples; Chicken Tenders with Cheesy Cauliflower and Lemon; and Tacos with Grape Salsa and Peppers.
10th Annual Chemistry Symposium
Tenth grade students hosted the 10th Annual Chemistry Symposium on Wednesday, January 8 in the AAHS Library. The newly renovated library space was the perfect location to showcase student work. The project was comprised of three components, the design and build of a model of an atom, a display depicting their research on the connection between atoms and a particular family of elements, and finally,the design of a hands-activity, game periodical or video teaching the periodic table.

Mountain Lion Backpack
Students from William P. Kimmel assisted with the packing of the Mountain Lion Backpacks.

Food packets for the weekend were prepared and delivered to Penn Lincoln Elementary for Friday distribution.
The deadline to submit senior pictures for the Yearbook is Friday, January 17, 2020. No photos will be accepted after January 17,2020.

Senior should check with Mrs. Vanish to confirm receipt of photos from outside photographers.

Photos must adhere to the Code of Conduct and the following criteria for styling consistency:


  1. - Standard head and shoulder pose (hands may not be in the pose)
  2. - Full color (no B & W or sepia tones accepted)
  3. - No props
  4. - Plain background (no objects in the background)
  5. - School Dress Code appropriate

Photos in the form of digital files may be emailed to wvanish@altoonasd.com

JPG and TIFF formats are both accepted and a minimum of 300 dpi is needed.
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.
5th and 6th Grade Scheduling Meetings for 2020-2021 Set
Scheduling meetings for current 5th Grade and current 6th grade students and their parents will be held at the junior high school during January. Letters with dates and times were mailed to families in December.

Parents are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings in order to help your child with the transition to middle school.

For more information:



AASD Adult Education
The AASD Adult Education Program is very thankful for our dedicated volunteers. Some of them recently came together to work on lesson plans and Celebrate the Season.
If you would like to learn about volunteering in our program, please contact Barbe Daugherty at bdaugherty@altoonasd.com , or stop by the Community Education Center at 200 E. Crawford Avenue, Altoona PA 16602, or Call: (814) 946-8495.
New School Board
Members Installed
On December 2, the AASD School Board held its Re-Organizational meeting, seating three new school board members and two previous board members.

New to the Board of Directors is Mike Baker, Eric Haugh, and Dr. Frank Meloy. Re-elected members include Sharon Bream and Ron Johnston.