Volume 3, Issue 13: December 22, 2019

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.

Elementary Mini-Band Festival

Two hundred and seventy-one elementary band musicians in grades 4 - 6 converged on the high school for a mini-band festival on Thursday, December 19. The first of its kind at the school district, it is the hope of the coordinators to make this a regular event. The Arts are an important part of the Altoona Area School District. Elementary Band Festival a Success

Spreading Holiday Cheer The Baker Elementary School Community 5th grade community service club visited Hillview nursing home spreading holiday cheer through singing.

AAJHS staff and faculty celebrated "Christmas around the World," with treats and tastes from around the world. The Walking Taco and pinata day was a hit!

Skylert Emergency Notification Reminder

Parents are reminded to review and update contact preferences in the Skylert Emergency Notification System. Emergency alerts as well as snow delays and cancellations will be made through the Skylert system. Skylert Emergency Notification Update Information

Forty-five food baskets and $2,500 in gift cards were given to AAHS students and their families to help lighten the financial burden of the holidays.  All items donated and collected were by AAHS staff and faculty. Thank you to the AAHS Alumni Association for their generous donation and the PASR (PA Association of School Retirees) Blair County Chapter for volunteering their time in assisting with distribution.

AAJHS Sharing for the Holidays Committee along with students at the junior high school raised funds through the collection of change for the Hollidaysburg Veterans' Home. Accepting the gift on behalf of the Veterans' Home was Deputy Commandant Sam Dunkle and Commandant Deborah Nesbella.

Lost in Toyland

The STEAM Learning Center at Penn Lincoln Elementary has a new drama club. Under the direction of Mrs. Rachel Wagner, students performed their very first production, "Lost in Toyland" this week. Two performances were given, one for the student body and one for families. It was a great show!

There were several Santa sightings throughout the District this week!

NOTICE is given that the Proposed Preliminary Budget for the General Fund for the 2020-2021 fiscal year is available for public inspection at the school district Business Office, Room 113 at 1415 Sixth Ave., Altoona, PA from 7:30-4:00 Monday-Friday (closed holidays) and will be presented for adoption as a Preliminary Budget Proposal at a school board meeting to be held in the William P. Kimmel Board Room, Altoona Area High School, 1415 Sixth Ave., Altoona PA at 7:00 PM on January 6, 2020. The Preliminary Budget Proposal may be amended before adoption.

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: 5th Grade Student/Parent Scheduling Meeting 6th Grade Student/Parent Scheduling Meeting

Congratulations and welcome to the recently elected new AASD School Board members, Mr. Mike Baker, Mr. Eric Haugh and Dr. Frank Meloy. The new Board was seated December 2. First Row: Kelly Irwin Adams, Dr. Frank Meloy, Sharon Bream, Dr. Charles Prijatelj, Rick Hoover. Second Row: David Francis, Eric Haugh, Ron Johnston, Mike Baker, Ed Kreuz.

AASD Quick Links District Calendar School Board Meetings AASD Website AASD Athletic Schedules

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