Volume 4, Issue 14: January 24, 2021 |
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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.
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The AASD Board of Directors will hold a special board meeting on Tuesday, January 26 beginning at 6:00 PM for the purpose of discussing and acting on a Revised Instructional Re-Opening Plan. The meeting will be aired live on the AltoonaSD YouTube Channel.
On January 14, the Board had approved a return to a hybrid model of instruction for students in grades PreK- 12 and an in-person instructional model for special populations two weeks following the administration of the COVID vaccine to teachers.
AASD Board members will revisit the current plan to develop a more clearly defined option for re-opening. Once a plan is developed and a motion is set forth, citizens will have the opportunity to call or email a request to participate in Public Comment prior to the Board taking any action..
Citizens may call (814) 946-8205 or email chouy@aasdcat.com to request to speak. Individuals will be called back in the order which requests are made.
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Blast Off with Reading - Read-A-Thon |
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Calling all AASD students in grades K-5 who love to read and explore new things!
Join us for a read-a-thon beginning Monday, January 25 through Sunday, January 31.
Sign up at BeanStack on the Altoona Area Public Library website.
For complete instructions and to begin your journey go to:
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Seniors project options limited during virtual instruction
Jocelyn Fetter, Reporter
During senior year, it is required to complete a senior project of some sort as a graduation requirement. Living through a pandemic has required teachers and students to conduct school in a non-traditional manner.
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Juniata Gap Staff Engages in Book Study |
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Dave Burgess, author of Teach like a Pirate, joined a book study session with Juniata Gap Elementary teachers. He shared tips with teachers on how to make their virtual instruction more interactive including changing how close they are to the screen and adjusting the inflection in their voices.
Mr. Burgess modeled several strategies (hooks) from his book for teachers to increase student engagement in the classroom. His passion and enthusiasm were contagious and a great way to start the new year.
The book study complements Juniata Gap's building goals of increasing engagement and boosting teacher creativity.
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General Manager of the Year |
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Metz General Manager Heather Reimer receives the General Manager of the Year Award from Metz Sr. VP for K-12 Division Jim Dickson on Tuesday, January 19 at a ceremony held at the AAJHS Cafeteria. |
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Metz District Manager Anthony Russo, Asst. Business Manager for Enterprise and Fiscal Funds Susan Franks, Metz General Manager Heather Reimer, Metz Sr. VP for K-12 Division Jim Dickson
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Metz Culinary Management General Manager Heather Reimer was recently awarded General Manager of the Year Award. Senior Vice-President, K-12 Division, Jim Dickson visited Altoona to present Heather the award directly on Tuesday, January 19 at the AAJHS Cafeteria.
Reimer serves the Altoona Area School District. She has a passion for her work and has led her District team with integrity and pride. She brings a lot of energy and she and her team go above and beyond to provide nutritious meals to Altoona Area students.
The General Manager of the Year Award recognizes the general manager who has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance in all aspects of their operation and significantly contributes to the growth and goals of their client/partner and their division.
"For Heather to be recognized out of all our managers is a fantastic accomplishment and I am very blessed to have her under my supervision as well as all of her Team at Altoona," said Metz Culinary Management District Manager Anthony Russo.
A "surprise" Zoom Meeting with the Metz Family, the VPs and the other DMs to present Heather the award was held virtually.
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AAHS Athletics was in full swing this past week with athletes in boys and girls basketball, wrestling, gymnastics and swimming all seeing competition.
There have been some adjustments in schedules due to game postponements and fans are encouraged to regularly check the AASD Sports Calendar for schedule changes/updates.
Spectators are limited based upon facility capacity restrictions and first option for attendance is given to parents and families of athletes, Lioneers, and cheerleaders. There have been a limited number of tickets for students and it has been nice to see some fans back in the stands.
Home contests for both AAJHS and AAHS will continue to be streamed on the Altoona Athletics YouTube Channel so that Altoona fans can still cheer on their favorite teams.
Go Mt. Lions!
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Celebrating Senior Athletes |
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Congratulations to our senior gymnasts, wrestlers and Lady Lion basketball players. |
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The Big 7 wrestling tournament was held at the AAHS Field House on Saturday, January 23.
The tournament included wrestlers from Altoona, Hollidaysburg, State College, Bellefonte, Bald Eagle Area, Central Mountain and Jersey Shore. Shikellamy was unable to attend.
AAHS wrestlers saw one Champion. Caleb Fasick came out on top in the 120lb weight class.
Congratulations Caleb!
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In a continual effort to ensure a safe environment for student athletes, the AASD Athletic Department recently purchased the Sterilaser Floor Unit to sterilize mats using UV Ray light.
The Sterilaser™ Floor Unit delivers 53,000 microwatts of germicidal light. It neutralizes over 99% of pathogens, such as COVID-19, ringworm, impetigo and MRSA in less than 0.25 seconds.
When pulled at a normal walking pace an entire 40'x40' athletic mat can be disinfected in 4 minutes!
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ALTOONA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT IS NOW HIRING!
The Altoona Area School District is looking to fill the following positions:
Bus Drivers – For more information or to apply, please visit aasdcat.com or call 946-8220
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