The Mt. Lion Roar Newsletter

Volume 5, Issue 4: September 19, 2021

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.

Be Bold - Go Gold

AASD hosted its annual Go for the Gold football game this Friday. Sponsored by the Brian Morden Foundation, the game is in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and in honor of all Altoona Area School District children who battle this disease. AASD student Colton Sipes served as the honorary captain.

Each year the schools compete for bragging rights in both the Go for the Gold Competition as well as the BMF Team of Alex's Million Mile Competition.

AASD is honored to have collectively raised $6,800 for the Brian Morden Foundation to assist in their efforts to help local children.

This year's winners are:

Elementary - McAuliffe Heights Program at Irving Elementary. This is their fifth win in ten years.
Secondary - Altoona Area High School. This is the 10th consecutive year as the top fund raiser.
Alex's Million Miles - Pleasant Valley Elementary. Pleasant Valley Elementary logged 637 miles for the competition.

A special presentation was made to representatives from Ebner Elementary School in honor of Kaylee Kruise who lost her battle earlier this year. Ebner students and staff supported Kaylee and her family in many ways during her battle.

A special thank you to Dawn Morden and the Brian Morden Foundation for their continued support of all local children and their families who face the challenges of this disease.

McAuliffe Heights Program at Irving Elementary School

Altoona Area High School

Pleasant Valley Elementary School

Ebner Elementary School

Advance Child Tax Credit Payments

It's not too late for low-income families to sign up for advance child tax credit payments.

The IRS urges anyone who normally isn't required to file a tax return to explore the tools available on IRS.gov. The Eligibility Assistant can help determine eligibility for the advance child tax credit. The Non-filer Sign-up tool can help people file a simplified tax return to sign up for these payments. Some non-filers may also be eligible for the $1,400 per person Economic Impact Payments and the recovery rebate credit. People can get these benefits, even if they don't work, have no income or don’t have a permanent address.

To read more Click HERE

Exploring the Night Sky with Lasers - Fort Roberdeau Historic Site

Neil Armstrong Planetarium and the Mt. Lion Observatory announce an upcoming event:

Friday, September 24th, 7:30PM: Exploring the Night Sky with Lasers + Stars of the Colonials

This event was re-scheduled from August, a double feature of our two most popular programs from the previous summer! While the evening officially begins at 7:30PM, guests 18 and over may purchase their own night sky laser on a first-come, first-serve basis, so bring your blankets and lawn chairs early!

For More Information click HERE

Element Church Donates Supplies

A special thank you to Mike Hammer, Emily White and Element Church for their donation of school supplies to be used as needed by the District. Haley Fleegle, Assistant to the Superintendent, Elementary accepted the donation on behalf of AASD.

"We wanted to support the schools in the local area with items that could be used by teachers and students in the classroom," said Mike Hammer. "It may not be a lot, but we want teachers and schools to know we are supporting their efforts."

National Football Federation, Central Pennsylvania Chapter

AASD Athletic Director Phil Riccio was recently elected to serve a 3-year term on the National Football Federation (NFF), Central PA Chapter, Board of Directors.

The mission of the NFF College Hall of Fame is "To promote and develop the power of amateur football in developing the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, competitive zeal and the drive for academic excellence in America's young people."

When asked why he chooses to be involved with this organizations, Mr. Riccio said "it is an opportunity to promote student athletes who have been exemplary in Athletics, Academics and Community Service."

Fall Athletics

A lot of excitement in athletics this past week.

Altoona girls golf won their first two matches in program history, topping Forest Hills and Bishop Carroll while falling to Penn Cambria, Hollidaysburg and Central Cambria. The Lady Lions got a team-best 54 from Jenna Williams.

The AAHS Volleyball team hosted the annual Erin Dodson Memorial game, winning the game 3-2 against Hollidaysburg after being down 2-0.

Congratulations to the girls cross country team for taking the team title at the Altoona XC invite.

AASD Quick Links

District Calendar

School Board Meetings

AASD Website

AASD Athletic Schedules

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