APRIL 22, 2022 EDition
“Congratulations to senior Reece Mercer who was selected as the 2022 recipient of the Cameron Holland Memorial scholarship! This year’s surprise announcement occurred during prom photos last weekend.
Student Government - Day Without Hate 2022
We are busy planning the Day Without Hate 2022 celebration, where our purpose is to help cultivate a school culture of positivity throughout the week (April 25-April 29). Building on the theme of Lifting Others Up we will be sponsoring three school-wide service projects that students can engage in during lunches the upcoming week:
Making Bracelets to send to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Project Angel Heart where we will decorate paper Bags for Food donations
Operation Gratitude: Letter Writing to Military and First Responder Heroes
Take a look at the event calendar below to see all of the opportunities for students to participate.
Senior Parents
If your student is being recognized for an academic scholarship at our Senior Scholarships and Awards ceremony, and has submitted the required documentation, please be sure you have RSVP'd. The deadline to RSVP is Friday, April 29. Please contact Jill Kline if you have any questions.
View Invitation- RSVP required by April 29
Summer School - Credit Recovery- Sign-ups are open!
Ralston Valley High School will be offering an opportunity for in-person summer school/credit recovery. This program will take place M-F from May 31 - June 10 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Students are required to attend the entire season or until they complete their required course. They will work through the online platform Edgenuity, and will have content-specific support from a teacher. Students/ families should work with their counselor to determine if there is a need for summer school. Please use this form to sign up for summer school. The deadline for signing up is May 20. If you have specific questions please contact your student's counselor.
Where is graduation? What do I have to wear? Find answers to these, and other questions that you may have on the new, improved, and mobile-friendly RVHS Graduation Website. Click here to access the website.
Dress Code
As the warmer weather approaches, we would like to take this opportunity to remind our community of our school dress code. Ralston Valley places a tremendous emphasis on academics, and we feel it is critical to keep a learning environment that promotes safety and professionalism. We feel that dress is a form of self-expression, and know that different environments are appropriate for different types of dress. Please remind your student to keep their attire professional while at school by following our school dress code. For specific details or questions, you can visit our school handbook, contact our Dean, Mrs. Nigut, or speak to your student's grade level administrator.
Ralston Valley is thrilled to announce that we will be offering Geometry in Construction for the 22-23 school year! This is an exciting opportunity for our students to apply the mathematics they are learning in the classroom. We are looking for someone with construction experience to join one of our math teachers in leading the new program. No teaching license is required. Check out Jeffco's Job Board and search Ralston Valley to learn more and apply. Please contact Mike Ackerman, Assistant Principal, mike.ackerman@jeffco.k12.co.us , for more information. Check out the links below to find the Job Board and a video highlighting how this program has impacted students at Green Mountain High School.
Green Mountain News Story: http://ow.ly/2Smz50IJRwI
Learn more about the job: Jeffco Job Board Job Posting closes Saturday Night
athletics
What a week for our student-athletes! First off, congratulations to Jeffco's 5A league tennis champions, your Ralston Valley Mustangs.! A sweep through league led to the title and the opportunity to host the regional tournament next month.
The swimming team continues to dominate in the pool winning their duals against both Golden HS and Littleton HS. Today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday), the boys will be in the pool at Meyers, hosting the Jeffco Invite. In diving, junior Colby Garrison has already qualified for the state meet with strong performances off the boards.
In Track & Field, both the girls and the boys teams won the Jeffco Relays. A great season continues. Ella Brooks set the new school record in the discus on her way to winning the event.
After a huge week, baseball is now 2-0 in league. Tuesday, they saw a great 12-11 win against Chatfield with four runs in the bottom of the 7th, including a three-run walk off home run by senior Markus Hamre. On Thursday, the team put it to Arvada West 14-4 behind a 4 for 4 effort by Andrew LePerle.
Girls golf saw a 3rd place finish at the third league tournament of the season with Brooklyn Mueller finishing 5th and Izzy Ekborg 6th at Indian Tree. Izzy's eagle at the tournament helped her to an 85, her best round this season.
We are so proud of our softball team who supported at the adaptive athletics event for Jeffco students on Tuesday. The girls represented RVHS and Jeffco well.
Girls Lacrosse will be on the field Saturday against a top ranked Valor squad. The girls started league play this week after a 3-game win streak to wrap up non-league action.
Girls soccer has given up only three goals through nine games this season. Early this week an impressive 10-0 win over Pomona was their 7th shutout of the year.
As always, the most up-to-date athletic information can be found on our Twitter page; https://twitter.com/HS_MUSTANGS
Advisement Corner
9th graders did not have Advisement this week. However, when they return on Monday, April 25, they will be concluding this month’s theme of healthy habits. Students will come to understand the many dangers of vaping by reading an informational text and viewing a short video. Students will have the opportunity to discuss their understanding with their teacher and with their classmates. Finally, students will be given time to plan for ICE, as the weeks are winding down, moving them closer to the end of the semester and closer to taking their semester finals.
Calendar for week of 4/25
Monday, 4/25
Silver Day (Blocks 1, 3, 5, 7, 2, 4, 6)
7:25 a.m. - Block 1 begins
3:15 p.m. - Accountability Meeting
Tuesday, 4/26
White Day (Blocks 2, 4, 6)
7:25 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - I.C.E. Period
9:10 a.m. - Block 2 begins
Wednesday, 4/27
Blue Day (Blocks 1, 3, 5, 7)
7:25 a.m. - Block 1 begins
Thursday, 4/28
White Day (Blocks 2, 4, 6 Finals)
7:25 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - I.C.E. Period
9:10 a.m. - Block 2 begins
Friday, 4/29
Blue Day (Blocks 1, 3, 5, 7)
7:25 a.m. - Block 1 begins
Counseling Department
Upcoming College Visits
Monday, April 25
2:00 p.m. San Diego State University
Mustang Mentor Program Application
The application for the 2022-23 Mustang Mentor Program (MMP) is now open! We are seeking responsible and reliable individuals who will mentor next year's 9th graders. Current 10th and 11th graders can apply. The program is expanding next year, so make sure to read through the application to understand the commitment you would be making. Applications are due April 29, 2022.
Decision Day 2022
Decision Day 2022 honors all of the pathways that graduating high school seniors can take. This includes going to university, community college, occupational school, participating in an apprenticeship, or serving in the military. On Monday, May 2, we encourage all of our seniors to wear gear representing the school or program they will be attending in the fall or military branch they will be joining. Staff is also encouraged to wear gear from their alma mater.
Senior Exit Survey
Jeffco requires ALL seniors to take the "Jeffco Senior Exit Survey" in Naviance. Part of the survey includes indicating to which college a student's final transcript should be sent. The survey is on the student's Naviance home page under "Important To-Dos and Tasks". The completion deadline is Tuesday, May 10. Seniors should reach out to their counselor if they have any questions.
Career Development Workshop: LinkedIn
Jeffco Career Links is offering a workshop for students about LinkedIn. Students will learn tips from experts on how to professionally market their skills and abilities using LinkedIn. The workshop is open to all Jeffco 10th-12th grade students and is offered Tuesday, April 26 from 11:50 a.m. -12:20 p.m. Click here for more information and to register.
Job Board in Counseling Office
Is your student searching for summer employment? Tell them to take a look at the Job Board in the Counseling Office! We often get information from companies asking us to post fliers about open positions, especially as summer draws near. We currently have over a dozen companies advertising positions from camp counseling to retail to food service and more.
Challenges of Screens & Technology Webinar
Jeffco Public Libraries are offering two free webinars for parents and caregivers regarding Navigating the Challenges of Screens and Technology. Key topics will include healthy limits on screen time, cyberbullying, parental controls, and the effect of social media on mental health. The sessions are offered Wednesday, May 4 from 5:00-7:00pm and Thursday, May 5 from 10:00am-12:00pm. Click here for more information and to register.
National Screen Free Week May 2-8
Screen-Free Week is an annual invitation to play, explore, and rediscover the joys of life beyond ad-supported screens. For Screen-Free Week this year, celebrate however you can, whether it's by unplugging for one day, shutting off your phone at dinner time, spending more time outdoors, or taking the whole week to only use screens for work and school. For more information and ideas, click here.
Red Cross Baby-Sitter's Training Course
Rocky Mountain CPR & First Aid is offering a Babysitter's Training Certification for 11-16 year olds. The classes are on select Saturdays in May, June, and July at the Red Cross Training Center in Centennial. Click here for more information and to register.
Women's Leadership Conference
Broomfield High School's Women's Leadership club is inviting all area students to their 2022 Women's Leadership Conference on Friday, April 29 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Broomfield United Methodist Church. The conference will feature a Keynote speaker and multiple sessions with women speaking on a wide variety of topics. Click here for more information and here to register.
"I Matter" Free Counseling Sessions
The Colorado Department of Human Services has established a temporary behavioral health services program to provide access to mental health services. I Matter can provide at least three free therapy sessions to youth 18 years of age and younger. The program expires 6-30-22. For more information and to schedule a session, click here.
health
RVHS COVID Testing Center
During spring break, March 21-25, the testing center housed at RV will be closed. Students wanting to continue their weekly testing will need to visit the Education Center site (1829 Denver West Dr., Golden). The Education Center site will only be open on Friday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Our site will reopen for testing hours on Monday, March 28. The hours will be from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and again 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
School Hubs: 10:00 am - 1:00 p.m. | 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Transportation Hubs: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Education Center Hub: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Fridays only)
Medication and Self Screening
A few reminders, please screen or have your students self-screen for any COVID symptoms before sending students to school. Please contact me (Kristie.Charron@jeffco.k12.co.us) for any student with a positive COVID test. If your student will be taking any medication at school, please complete the medication agreement form, have your doctor sign, and return to the nurse (this is also for any over-the-counter medications).
Please also continue to send state allergy, asthma, and seizure plans to myself or our health aide (michelle.hanson@jeffco.k12.co.us) in the main office. If your student has any new or existing health concerns that require a health plan, please contact the nurse so that we can get a health plan in place for your student at school.
I have included the link for the Jeffco Health Services Website which has the necessary forms to complete for medications at school.
https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/services/health_services/medications
RVHS Happenings
Come see College Letters this weekend.
College Letters has been written and directed by Ralston Valley Senior, Dani Johnson. College Letters is a play about family and what happens when high school ends. Elliot, a Senior in high school, has kept every single letter sent to her by colleges, but is stuck when it comes to making her final decision. Add in pressure from her 3 siblings and something’s bound to snap. Everyone’s got secrets – will they survive the reveal? The show runs APRIL 21 - APRIL 23. Tickets are $5 at the door, or at RVchoir.com.
National Honor Society
Ralston Valley's National Honor Society (NHS) held their induction ceremony on Wednesday Night. NHS welcomed 131 new members to their organization. This school year, current members recorded over 10,000 community service hours. Congratulations!!
National German Honor Society Induction
Ralston Valley's National German Honor Society held their induction ceremony on Thursday. Congratulations to the National German Honor Society's 10 new members!
Metro State University Orchestra Festival
On Friday, April 15 over 80 Orchestra students from Ralston Valley HS traveled to Metro State University for a festival. There are three Orchestras at RVHS and all three took part in the festival Students had the opportunity to perform music for other schools as well as adjudicators. After the performance an adjudicator took them into a separate room where they offered comments on their performances. These comments ranged from positive playing remarks to constructive ways to improve. The adjudicators were Professors from Metro State University, and students performed on the beautiful stage of the King Center.
All of the students took the comments in with openness and grace. It is the first time many of them have ever attended a festival. Others have not been since pre-pandemic. It was great opportunity to get back to performing and receiving critique from others. Our students developed knowledge and skills while participating in the festival. Additionally, they received many positive comments on their behavior as well. Thank you to the parents who helped transport our instruments. We could not have done it without you!
Engineering Awards
Congratulations to Erin Burns, Alta McVey, Naomi Paulson, and Mr. Gause who recently received the Aspirations in Computing awards from the National Center for Women in Technology. They were chosen from over 3500 applicants from all over the world for their advanced computing skills with SolidWorks and Revit. Erin and Mr. Gause attended the award ceremony at the Colorado School of Mines. Congrats Mustangs!
Marketing Presentation
This past week RVHS Business program students participated in a Social Media Marketing seminar given by Terri Renella, marketing professional from the Whole Health Coalition, and Chris Renella an RVHS graduate and Marketing student at CU-Boulder. Students were presented with information and insights into the world of SMM, as well as real world experiences and stories from the guest speakers.
Quick Reference
Administration
Principal - Ms. Buenning, (303) 982-5600
12th Asst Principal - Mr. Litzau, (303) 982-5611
9th Asst Principal - Mr. Ackerman, (303) 982-5595
11th Asst Principal - Mr. Pergola, (303) 982-5604
10th Asst Principal - Ms. Kline, (303) 982-9378
Athletics Director - Mr. Stadler, (303) 982-3563
Dean - Mrs. Nigut, (303) 982-5101
