Mustang News
march 5, 2021 edition
A Message from the Principal
Let me begin by saying that I am a proud parent of two Jeffco students and I recognize that it is difficult to stay current with the amount of information that is being shared. As a principal, I apologize for inundating you with information. However, I feel it’s incredibly important that as parents, we are aware of our choices regarding which learning environment we would like our students to participate in.
That said, I want to take a moment and make sure you are aware of two important changes that are happening not only for the current school year (2020-2021), but also for next school year (2021-2022). First, as stated in the February 26 RVHS Newsletter, we will be moving to a 100% In-Person learning environment on April 5th. As a family, please consider if you are comfortable having your student(s) return to an In-Person learning environment. If you are not, you may request that your student(s) transition to a 100% Remote Learning environment for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. (I’ve included a link to Frequently Asked Questions to support your thinking here.) If you decide that you would like to transition to 100% Remote Learning, please contact your student’s counselor prior to April 5th with your request for change of placement.
Also, Ralston Valley will return to a 100% In-Person learning environment for the academic year of 2021-2022. As a parent, please consider if you are comfortable having your student return to a 100% In-Person learning environment. Jefferson County School District recognizes that this may be a difficult decision and has worked hard to ensure that options are available. The District has created a 100% K-12 Synchronous Learning Program for the 2021-2022 school year. Classes will be held remotely five days a week. Although Ralston Valley High School will not be offering a remote learning environment, if your student chooses to take advantage of the Synchronous Learning Program, they will remain connected to RVHS and be able to attend school activities, dances, and participate in athletics. The window to enroll in this program is March 2nd - 26th. Here are specific Parent Enroll Jeffco instructions to support the enrollment process. Please know that students who select remote learning will commit to remote learning for the entire 2021-2022 school year. Once enrolled in the Remote Learning Program, you will be giving up your In-Person spot at RVHS. Changing learning environments or returning to In-Person learning at RVHS will only be facilitated by the Round 2 Choice Enrollment application process, which closes Aug 31st, 2021 or by the Administrative Transfer process, if after Aug. 31st. You may find additional information regarding the Remote Learning Program by visiting the Jeffco Remote Learning site linked here.
I recognize these decisions can be difficult. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s counselor or grade level administrator. We stand ready to support you in making an informed decision.
As always, I thank you for your patience and support!
Mica Buenning, Principal
Transportation Information
It is with great anticipation that we are getting prepared for grades 6-12 100% in person learning beginning April 5, 2021, however busing students is still at a limited capacity. In order to accommodate, here are a few guidelines for families:
All eligible students who are currently riding the bus as of today are priority.
If a student is eligible to ride the bus but currently is not, the family will need to contact the terminal for eligibility verification and request a Zpass to secure a seat.
At this time, we will not be accepting space available/choice enrollment requests:
North Area 303-982-1998
Central Area 303-982-2324
South Area 303-982-9057
West Area 303-982-5215
Parents of eligible student bus riders must contact their local transportation terminal by March 24, 2021 in order to receive transportation services.
Seniors!
Jostens Delivery:
Jostens will be at RVHS from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 12 to deliver graduation-related items for all students, including remote students (announcements, mugs, picture frames, etc.).
Caps and gowns will be available for pick-up the week of graduation. In order to be eligible to pick up your cap and gown, please ensure all fees have been paid.
Parent/Student Graduation Meeting:
A meeting for seniors and families will be held via Zoom on April 7 at 6:30 p.m. The link will be made available on the RVHS homepage about 30 minutes prior to the meeting.
Call for Volunteers:
Following a year without a Baccalaureate Ceremony, there is increasing interest in reviving the tradition.
If you are interested in participating in the planning and staging of a Baccalaureate Ceremony to honor the Class of 2021, please let us know by completing this form: Call for Volunteers: Baccalaureate Planning Committee. Deadline for submission is Wednesday, March 10.
Although all volunteers are welcomed, parents of current 9th, 10th, and 11th graders are extended a special invitation to volunteer.
We are hoping to generate enough interest to stage a ceremony in May.
Celebrating the Class of 2021
Over the coming months, we are excited to celebrate the class of 2021 through a series of events. We have had various student groups, parent groups, and individuals reach out to volunteer their imagination, time, and efforts to help us celebrate this great group of Seniors. Thank you to those who have volunteered to help in the planning and execution of these events. For those that have already signed on to volunteer, someone will be reaching out to you very soon. With the COVID Dial change to Blue, there might be additional opportunities for more events. Below is a list of some of the great things we have planned for the Class of 2021:
To view a list of planned events for the Class of 2021, their dates, and any additional needs we might have
If you are looking to volunteer with any of the events, please contact Mr. Pergola at apergola@jeffco.k12.co.us
If you are looking to financially help support events for Seniors this Spring please go to the PTSA Website and donate to the General Fund Donation Site
Health-Related Information
Please contact Ralston Valley’s District Registered Nurse at christy.leblanc@jeffco.k12.co.us for any health-related issues or diagnoses, including COVID positive students, diabetes, seizures, asthma, allergies, and any other health updates for your student.
Self-Report Positive COVID-19 Cases
Student Positive Self-Report: During remote learning periods, families can use this form to report a positive case of COVID-19. If you have specific questions, please reach out to Christy LeBlanc, RVHS District Registered Nurse at christy.leblanc@jeffco.k12.co.us.
Senior spotlight
Kate Morrissey - Class of 2021
Kate is a senior who is going to miss all of the fun clubs she has been a part of, including Outdoor Lab, MMP, and others. She doesn't have a particular greatest memory, just how caring and uplifting the teachers are. She has too many favorite teachers to count and has loved the relationships she's built with so many of them. Mr. Braketa, Kate's AP Calculus teacher and whose class happens to be one of her favorites, had this to say about her, "Kate continually amazes me every day in Calculus with her growth mindset and positive attitude as she excels in Calculus. She not only strives to be the best Calculus student she can be but more importantly, the best person she can be. Kate is a role model and a leader for everyone she comes in contact with." Kate is planning on studying Industrial Engineering and is trying to decide between the University of Auburn and Clemson University.
Alexander Bolduc - Class of 2021
Alexander states that running cross country has been his greatest memory and will miss seeing his friends every day, especially at the 6 a.m. training sessions! During his years at RV, AP US History was his favorite class because of the discussion and debate about all the great things our country has done. Mrs. Braketa is his favorite teacher because of how motivating she is and how she inspires kids to be the best students they can, even when they think Calc couldn't get any harder. She has this to say about Alexander, "I know each time I see Alex he will have a HUGE smile on his face (even under his mask) and will be up for any challenge that I put his way. What I respect most about Alex is that even when things get hard, he doesn't give up. He finds a way to take ownership, seeks help when needed, and continues to see every situation as an opportunity for growth!" Alexander is planning to attend South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and studying Mining Engineering.
If you would like your Senior to be featured in our Senior Spotlight, please be sure to fill out this form: Senior Spotlight
aCTIVItiES update
As we get closer to welcoming back more of our students to the classroom, we have also had the opportunity to return to many of our normal activities outside of the classroom. Ralston Valley's Mainstage Theater is feverishly working on this Spring's Musical, The Adam's Family. In order to adhere to COVID restrictions, they are working with a reduced crew and on reduced rehearsal times. Despite that, they are feeling confident that they will put on another outstanding performance. Performance dates are set for the end of April.
Some of the highlights from this week in Activities:
Ralston Valley's Debate Club held a friendly debate with our rivals down the street - Arvada West. This was their first debate of the year. It was full of all the passion and excitement that you'd expect from a debate.
Ralston Valley's E-Sports Teams continue to shine in the preseason. We have strong teams in League of Legends and a few teams that look unbeatable in Rocket League.
Friday, our Student Government was able to hold a mini-leadership retreat. Students were able to safely work through exercises to bring them closer together and build on their already strong leadership skills.
athletics update
Athletics
Good luck to our wrestling team as they compete today and tomorrow in the CHSAA 5A Region 2 Tournament at Cherokee Trail High School. In addition, our girls’ swimmers and divers are also competing today and tomorrow at Meyers Pool in the Jeffco League Meet. Our other Season B sports are also wrapping up as our basketball teams anxiously await playoff brackets, and the ice hockey team finishes the regular season with three games in four days today, tomorrow, and Monday.
Season C gets rolling on Monday with tryouts in boys’ soccer and girls’ volleyball. We also have Mustangs heading off to other Jeffco schools to compete in gymnastics and field hockey, and our Season B skiers who compete at Evergreen High School are preparing for the CHSAA State Ski Championships.
If your personal masks are getting a little tattered, check out this option for a new mask that will directly benefit our girls’ lacrosse program: https://rvlacrossemasks.itemorder.com/
Counseling Department
Please check out the February 26th edition of the biweekly Counseling Newsletter for updates, resources, and information.
Mental health
Mental Health Support
Did you know that there is a robust collection of mental health resources on the Counseling Department’s website? To find them, go to the RVHS homepage, click on Counseling & Registrar, and select Social/Emotional Resources.
In addition to the resources on the Counseling website, it is also the best place to locate Counselors' contact information. On the homepage, you will find our phone numbers, emails, and how to set up an appointment with us. Our doors are always open virtually and in-person.
- Colorado Crisis Services:1-844-493-8255
- The Trevor Project:1-866-488-7386
- Safe2Tell:1-877-542-7233
Technology resources & Help
Known Issue - Chromebook has power but screen is black
If your Chromebook's power light is on but the screen remains black, you will need to reset your device. This is a known issue related to the most recent Chrome update. It seems Lenovo Chromebooks are getting stuck in sleep mode. Until this issue is resolved with the next update, you will need to reset the device to "wake it up" if it gets stuck in sleep mode. It also helps to shut down or power off your device completely at the end of the day instead of closing the lid to put it in sleep mode.
Follow these instructions carefully to reset your Chromebook if you experience this issue.
Need Tech Assistance?
Visit our Remote Learning Tech Help Page to view the status of our core tools, access how-to and troubleshooting information, and find out how to get in touch with someone ASAP for tech help.
Please encourage your students to reach out to us for tech help right away so we can get them connected ASAP. It's generally easier to troubleshoot over the phone as opposed to email, so have your student call the school at 303-982-5600 so they can be connected to someone who can assist.
students this week at ralston valley
Students debate with Arvada West High School
Students attending the mini Student Government Retreat
Quick Reference
Administration
Principal - Ms. Buenning, (303) 982-5600
12th Asst Principal - Mr. Litzau, (303) 982-5611
11th Asst Principal - Mr. Ackerman, (303) 982-5595
10th Asst Principal - Mr. Pergola, (303) 982-5604
9th Asst Principal - Ms. Kline, (303) 982-9378
Athletics Director - Mr. Hynes, (303) 982-3563
Counselors
A - Da: Ms. Siegert, (303) 982-5639
Db - Je: Mr. Merkel, (303) 982-5602
Jf - Mi: Ms. Belmear, (303) 982-5680
Mj - Se: Ms. Weber, (303) 982- 5597
Sf - Z: Mr. Giese, (303) 982-8110