AASD students, PreK -12, made the shift to full remote learning on December 1. Students are to follow this model through February 1; however, the level of transmission will continue to be monitored throughout this time period and the learning model re-evaluated as the transmission declines.

The decision to shift to a full remote model was based on current community level of transmission that has been well beyond the substantial range limits since the week of October 30th as well as the Department of Health and the PA Department of Education’s new requirement for the District to sign an Attestation providing a 100% guarantee of meeting every COVID-19 mitigation requirement. Even with a signed attestation, the district’s level of infection and staffing concerns would have caused multiple buildings to close because of infection levels/mandatory quarantines of faculty, staff, and students.

Additional resources have been initiated to assist students and families with academic questions, technology questions as well as any mental health concerns that may arise.

These resources are located on the AASD website and can also be accessed by clicking the links below:

Sessions include instruction on Google Classroom, iPad Overview, Connect Ed. Math K-5, See-Saw Overview, Studies Weekly 2-5, Raz Kids, Virtual Instruction Overview and Zoom Overview.

Register HERE.

AAHS librarian Tanya Lucas introduced the concept of Mindfulness last year to students at the high school. The practice of mindfulness allows students to calm their minds and live in the present moment. The Headspace app is used to help students learn how to develop a healthy sense of perspective.

Mindfulness has been proven to reduce stress, reduce anxiety, increase attention and increase positive emotions. The response from student participation last year prompted an expansion of the grant this year. And, in the midst of COVID, this practice is even more important for students to learn.

Mrs. Lucas will be co-teaching with Mr. Sapita and Mrs. Palfey, introducing the foundation of mindfulness to their health classes through Google Meet. More than 250 students will participate.

AASD announced the official opening of the Thompson Family Strength & Conditioning Center on Wednesday, November 25 with a ribbon cutting ceremony honoring the Thompson family.

The facility, which is part of the new AAHS Building and Renovation project, includes 14 self-contained strength areas that include a power rack, bench, pulley system, weights, dumbbells, etc.

A $100,000 gift to the AASD Foundation from the late Bill Thompson and his wife Anne helped the school district create this facility which is utilized not only by AAHS athletes but also by AAHS students through the Physical Education Department. All students will be introduced to strength and fitness training as part of the physical education curriculum. 

A special thank you to the Thompson family for their commitment to AASD students and the Altoona Area community.

For details about ordering or additional information about senior photo submissions, click Horseshoe Information

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. A new link will be posted on the AASD website and the AASD Facebook page each Monday.

Registration begins October 1^st and ends January 15th (however $5 late fee will apply after January 8th) through Total Registration

For more details or to register click HERE

The Altoona Area School District is looking to fill the following positions:

Substitute Teachers – For more information or to apply, please visit aasdcat.com or contact Lynn Weakland, at Lweakland@ess.com or 814-515-3894.

Bus Drivers – For more information or to apply, please visit aasdcat.com or call 946-8220