The Mt. Lion Roar Newsletter

Volume 4, Issue 16: February 14, 2021

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.

Ebner Elementary students in Mrs. Berkheimer's 3rd grade class participated in some Minute to Win It challenges while celebrating Valentine's Day! So fun!

Kindergarten registration for children who will be 5-years old on or before September 1, 2021 will begin in March. Details about registration will be available on the AASD website soon. Parents are encouraged to register their children early.

Library Checkout

Elementary students returned to hybrid instruction this past week. Students and staff were excited to get back to an in-person model of instruction.

For the first time this year, students at Pleasant Valley Elementary had the opportunity to check out a book from the library. Mrs. Link and Mrs. Steinbugl selected age appropriate books for each grade level and took the library "on the road" visiting classrooms and allowing students to select a book to borrow and read.

Mock Trial Team Advances

The AAHS Mock Trial team, under the leadership of Mrs. Makenzie Negri, is moving on to district playoffs after defeating both Forest Hills and Bedford. Students Rich Wei and Liam Long were awarded best advocates, while Sarah Saylor and Aiden Philips were awarded best witnesses. Great job, team, and good luck in the next round!"

Students to return to building Feb. 16

Destiny Montgomery and Cassidy Klock

February 11, 2021

With the return to school on Feb. 16, students and parents question basic things about the new school such as how the nurse’s office will work and where to take student excuses. Principals Andrew Neely and Jason McGinnis plan for a smooth transition from virtual learning to in-person learning, but still want students to remain safe and healthy from COVID-19.

To read the full story, click HERE

AAEA Hosts Successful Food Drive

The Altoona Area Education Association, Altoona teachers' union, sponsored a food drive to benefit the Mountain Lion BackPack Program on February 6, 2021. Braving the cold temperatures, the drop off point was outside in the new AAHS B-Building parking lot.

Thanks to an overwhelming response from the community, the teachers collected four (4) truckloads and two (2) SUV loads of food for the program. Donations were received from Sam's Club of Altoona, AFL CIO, and from individuals from the community.

The donations filled over 11 skids at the Mountain Lion BackPack Warehouse! The teachers also presented Mountain Lion BackPack Program Director Amber Smith with $470.

SPRING SPORTS SCREENINGS

Student athletes from AAHS and AAJHS who wish to play SPRING interscholastic sports and HAVE NOT previously participated in a fall or winter sport, are required to report for physicals on March 3 or March 4, as assigned. Athletes who participated in a fall or winter sport need to complete the recertification paperwork only and return completed forms to their coach before March 2^nd. Forms are located on the AASD Athletics page at www.aasdcat.com.

For more information about screenings, Click HERE,

AAHS Softball Open Gym

Open Gym for AAHS Softball begins Feb 8. 2021 at W & J Elementary school. Workouts are every Tuesday and Thursday. Friday or Saturday workouts will be announced at weekday open gyms.

Please use doors off of 4th street to enter the building.

AAHS Baseball Open Gym

Open Gym for AAHS Baseball begins Feb 7, 2021 at W & J Elementary school. Workouts are every Monday and Wednesday. Friday or Saturday workouts will be announced at weekday open gyms.

Please use doors off of 4th street to enter the building.