Volume 3, Issue 4: September 28, 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.
Supporting Childhood Cancer Awareness
Since 2012, the Mt. Lions have joined with the Brian Morden Foundation to bring awareness to childhood cancer at the annual Gold Ribbon Game. The staff and students at AASD raise funds for research and walk and log miles for Alex's Million Mile. This friendly competition is recognized at the Gold Ribbon game by the Brian Morden Foundation. Thank you to all those who participate and thank you to Dawn Morden and the Brian Morden Foundation for all they do to support kids and families who are fighting the fight. Ava Miduri served as the game honorary captain.
Brian Morden Foundation Team of Alex's Million Mile Competion Winner - Logan Elementary logged 1,283 miles!
Go for the Gold competition - Secondary AAHS students raised the most money for the secondary school competition.
Baker Elementary School won the Go for the Gold Competition - Elementary for the first time!
The AAHS Lady Lions basketball team turned out to help the Brian Morden Foundation at the game.
AmeriCorps Members Earn Presidential Award

AmeriCorps members Meghan Sinisi, Juniata Elementary; Christina Pavlock, Ebner Elementary; and Helen Mirenda, Juniata Gap Elementary were recently recognized with the AmeriCorps President's Volunteer Service Award for the 2018-2019 Americorps service year.

Free and Reduced Meal Application Reminder 
Parents are reminded that Free and Reduced Meal Applications must be submitted each year. Students who qualified for free or reduced meals for the 2018 – 2019 school year will maintain their status for the first 30 days of the 2019-2020 school year. 

Those students who do not have a direct certification letter for the 2019-2020 school year or who have not yet submitted a new Free and Reduced Meal Application for the 2019-2020 school year, will be charged a full meal price beginning Wednesday, October 9.

To access an application CLICK HERE
Penn State Altoona - Serving Central PA for 80 Years
The former Webster Elementary School building located on the corner of 10th Street and Lexington Avenue was the location of where the first classes of the Altoona Undergraduate Center began.

Penn State administration and alumni revisited the location to commemorate the 80th Anniversary. A new plaque was placed at the site replacing a plaque that was taken. Chancellor and Dean Lori Becthel-Wherry spoke about the history and growth of Penn State Altoona and what part the community has played in that success.

Thank you to Penn State alumni and administration for inviting AASD to take part in this celebration.
Logan Student Council held their Induction Ceremony on Thursday, September 26, 2019 in the Logan Gymnasium. Students and parents were in attendance as members were presented a pin and signed their Student Council contracts. Student Council is comprised of 4th, 5th and 6th grade students.
Making A Difference
Mrs. Klausman, Mr. Pincherri, Mr. Walstrom, Mrs. Dodge, Mrs. Hovan, and Mrs. Zerbee’s seventh grade team donated nearly 90 stuffed animals to help less fortunate children around the world! The stipulations were that the stuffed animals needed to be small enough to fit in a shoe box (with other items), gently used, and no stains or rips. Mr. Walstrom's homeroom brought in the most with a total of 47 stuffed animals. It is fulfilling to know that our students' donations will bring joy to nearly 90 kids in different parts of the world.
Pledge of Allegiance
O n September 19, 2019, 3 rd  grade students at Baker Elementary participated were taped by WTAJ for their new Pledge of Allegiance initiative. Students from Miss Fay’s and Mrs. Taylor’s classrooms were so awesome in reciting the pledge. They stood tall with their hand over their heart and did Baker proud. Later that day Froggy 98 came to visit Baker and audio taped students in grades K-5 reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Pledge of Allegiance tapings will be played during the month of December and January. We were so proud of all of our students. Ms. Faye's class can be seen on WTAJ-TV on October 3.

City Map Design
Students in Mrs. Detwiler’s 10 th grade Math classes designed a city map using the concept of parallel lines cut by transversals. Students were required to place buildings throughout their cities indicated by the types of angles formed by parallel lines and transversals. The students’ maps will be displayed in the hall outside of her classroom.
Celebrating Ethnic Diversity in America
Students in Mrs. Kline's Academic American Studies celebrated ethnic diversity in America while learning about immigration and the effect different cultural traditions have had on our country.
Second Grade students at McAuliffe Heights enjoyed
investigating different tools used by scientists.
THANK YOU!
Leadership Blair County Alumni presented a check to the Altoona Area School District in support of the programming at The STEAM Learning Center at Penn Lincoln Elementary School.

A special thank you to the Blair County Chamber and the LBC Alumni for their most generous gift!

Accepting on behalf of AASD is Erik Dambeck, Heather Diehl and Patty Burlingame.
SNAP TO IT!
Students in Miss Archey’s Pleasant Valley first grade class worked hard looking for digraphs and snap words in their shared reading book for the week. Students have been reviewing snap words in their Reading Workshop and Phonics classes. Both the Units of Study for Workshop and Phonics have been engaging and effective for our children’s literacy skills.
Mark your calendar for the 2019 Post High School Opportunity Fair to be held at the AAHS Field House on Tuesday, October, 1 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM.

This evening session is specifically designed to provide parents and students time to talk with various representatives and gather information on admissions requirements, financial aid and more!

This year's Fair will include 70 schools and colleges. These schools include 4-year colleges and universities, technical, trade career schools, business schools, nursing schools, junior and community colleges and military academies.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to "visit" schools all in one location!
Destiny Montgomery, Mt. Echo reporter, covers the Erin Dodson Memorial Volleyball Game. Altoona was victorious over rival Hollidaysbug Golden Tigers.

Mr. Abbott (Logan), Mr. Dambek (Penn Lincoln, Mrs. Rosas (Juniata Gap), Mrs. Orner (Juniata), Mrs. Agnew (McAuliffe Heights) and Dr. Douglas-Kline (Ebner). Missing from photo: Mr. Adams (Baker)
2019 Elementary Night
On Friday, September 20, elementary cheerleaders and football players were recognized prior to the start of the Mt. Lion football game. The cheerleaders showcased their spirit cheers to pump up the crowd and the football players lined the field as the Mt. Lions prepared for the start of the game.

Thanks to our elementary principals for all they do every day to support Altoona Area students!