Volume 4, Issue 10: November 22, 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.
Happy Thanksgiving
From all of us at the Altoona Area School District, we wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we continue to navigate the ever changing landscape of COVID-19.

Click HERE for the most recent information regarding holiday travel restrictions.
Elementary Thanksgiving Schedule
Secondary Thanksgiving Schedule
PSAT NMSQT Logo
ATTENTION AAHS JUNIORS 

Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) will be given at Altoona Area High School on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 and will cost $20. It is an important first step on the road to college. Juniors who are considering pursuing a four- year degree after high school are recommended to sign up. Exam is not offered to sophomores. The test provides students with practice and insight into testing strategies, plus invaluable information for educational and career planning. In addition, the selection index given with the individual results qualifies academically superior students for scholarships and awards.
 
Registration begins October 1st and ends January 15th (however $5 late fee will apply after January 8th) through Total Registration


For more details or to register click HERE
Students Attend Virtual National Convention
On November 19 and 20, the Mt. Echo staff, Horseshoe staff and Introduction to Publication students virtually attended the Journalism Education Association/National Scholastic Press Association National Convention. During this experience students had access to the top journalists and journalism educators from across the country. Coordinated by instructor and advisor Mrs. Wanda Vanish, participation in the convention was funded by the AASD Foundation’s Educator-in-Residence Program

To read more, click HERE
Students in front of computer
Classroom
students react to adopting cow
AASD Elementary Students
Adopt a Cow
Elementary music teacher Mrs. Jamie Hillard recently introduced her Kindergarten students at McAuliffe Heights Program, Juniata and Juniata Gap to their “virtual music class pet” for this year. “These students won’t get the opportunity to visit a dairy farm this year,” said Mrs. Hillard. “So, I thought it would be fun idea to learn about a dairy farm and adopt a calf to give them the experience at a distance.”
Careers Jeopardy
You're never too young to begin to think about what you want to do in life. Even Dr. Seuss talks about that in "Oh, the Places You'll Go!." Fifth grade students at Pleasant Valley Elementary School recently discussed careers with School Counselor, Ms. Glass while competing in a "Careers Jeopardy" game.
Leaf Rhymes
Juniata Elementary students in Mrs. Walker's first grade classroom
enjoyed working on leaf rhymes this week.
STEM Chat with a Steeler
Eighth grade Engineering students in Mrs. Piper’s classes completed an interactive STEM lesson on Data Collection and Analysis and then participated in a "STEM chat with a Steeler" sponsored by Steelers STEM and EverFi. The event was hosted by Steelers' quarterback Joshua Dobbs, a graduate of the University of Tennessee in aerospace engineering. Mr. Dobbs shared his story of how he balanced his love of physics with his talent in sports and how he continues to use his aerospace degree in the off season with NASA and other opportunities. Students learned about the importance of STEM careers in sports, were introduced to some careers that they didn't realize were used in professional sports and discovered how to prepare now for rewarding careers in STEM.
Joshua Dobbs
Pittsburgh Steeler Quarterback Joshua Dobbs
Scarecrow Spirit Day at LEX
scarecrow
Scarecrow Spirit Day
On November 9 and 10, Learning Express Preschool hosted a Scarecrow Spirit Day. To participate, students and staff donated a non-perishable food item for the food drive. LEX collect 236 items!! All of the donations were given to the local Food Pantry at "The Father's House."
Accuweather Donates Coats
Boy in Coat
Girl in Coat
Accuweather Team
A special thank you to Accuweather out of State College for their donation of 300 new winter coats to the students at Ebner Elementary. Accuweather's donation comes through their partnership with Operation Warm a nonprofit organization who provides new winter coats to children across North America. Coats were shipped to Ebner with the final two boxes delivered by the folks at Accuweather.
ALTOONA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT NOW HIRING!

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
Students start small businesses during quarantine


Destiny Montgomery
November 19, 2020

For students, finding a job has been rather difficult to find under the circumstances with COVID-19. Juniors Luke Rokosky and Kaylee Smith decided to create their own small business to make money and to do something they enjoy.

To read the complete article, click HERE