Volume 3, Issue 26: April 12, 2020
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.
Thanks to The STEAM Learning Center at Penn Lincoln Elementary for their beautiful rainbows posted in the Administration Wing. It's a beautiful sign and reminder.
AASD Staff Assists in Making Masks for District Use
Although schools are closed, administrators, clerical staff, custodians, maintenance, cafeteria staff, transportation, nurses and others continue to be on site either daily or periodically to perform their duties. For the safety of those still on site, safety plans have been initiated to included social distancing, disinfecting of surfaces, wearing of gloves and the use of facemasks.
 
By McKenzie Quirin, Altoona Area High School

Colleges around the world have been affected and impacted because of the increased spread of the Coronavirus. With the increase in COVID-19, colleges have canceled events, closed dorms and disrupted the lives of students and faculty.

Congratulations to McKenzie Quirin for her third Best of SNO Award by the SNO Network (School Newspapers Online)

Sydney Wilfong also received a Best of SNO Award for her story about the postponement of the AAHS spring musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. To read about click HERE.
Chromebook Maintenance
With students continuing virtual education for the remainder of the school year, maintenance of the Chromebooks is a priority for the AASD Technology Department team members who are trouble shooting issues daily.

Packet Distribution Continues
Elementary families who prefer hard copy packets of grade level At-Home lessons will continue to pick up at the Jaffa Shrine, Logan Elementary and AAJHS according to the distribution schedule online.

LEX families can pick up lessons at the Altoona Area Junior High School, M-F 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM.



Mountain Lion BackPack
A special thank you to Amber Smith and her amazing volunteer
crews that keep this program going!!
Free Box Lunches Available
A free box lunch to any student ages 2-18 will continued to be offered throughout the school closure. The lunches will be offered every week day, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. 

The Altoona Area Jr. High School will be the main distribution site for lunches. Lunches will be distributed from the AAJHS Field House Doors located on 7 th Avenue.

Thirty-two additional destination sites are offered, delivered by Student Transportation of America. Look for the white School Students vans.

For more information: Free Box Lunch Option for Students
Don't let the current school closure keep you from registering your student for Kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year. You can register your child online today.

Children must turn 5 years old on or before September 1, 2020 to be a candidate for Kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year. Register now so your child can participate in the transition events scheduled at each of the elementary schools.

AASD Tax Office Closed
As per of Governor Wolf’s COVID-19 direction to essential business operations the Altoona Area School District tax office is currently closed to the public; however, tax payments can still be mailed to the District tax office at 200 E. Crawford Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602

Additionally, the Altoona Area School District has extended the filing deadline for Occupational Flat Rate tax, Business Privilege and Mercantile tax returns until July 15, 2020.