MARCH 10, 2023 EDition

Information for Families of the Class of 2023

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 the Dean, or speak to your student's grade-level Administrator.

Juniors- Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS Science)


Juniors will be participating in CMAS Science during the school day in their science class on March 28/29, March 30/31, April 4/5.  Instruction will occur when the testing session is over.  For information on the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS), please see this flyer. Science teachers will be communicating with students about the exact testing schedule, the coinciding class schedule, and their room assignment for CMAS.  Please ensure that students come to school with a charged, school issued chromebook.  Students will not be able to access the assessment software with other personal devices. If you have any questions about CMAS, please contact your student’s counselor or grade level administrator.


If your student is a Junior and does not have a science class at RV, click here.


If your student is a Junior and has Chemistry and no other science class, click here. 


If your student is a Sophomore or Senior in Physics or Conceptual Chemistry, they should go to the library during the testing session- attendance will be taken.  Instruction will occur when the testing session is over. 

SOPHOMORES - Apply for National Honor Society

Attention Sophomores with a weighted GPA of 3.6 or higher, you are invited to join the Ralston Valley Chapter of the National Honor Society.  You should have received an invitation to apply earlier this week. If you did not receive an invitation to apply, but believe you should have, please speak in person with Mrs. Reid or Mrs. Rosenthal, both located in Science.  All completed applications are due no later than March 10th at 3:10 p.m.  No late or incomplete applications will be considered.  Early submission is encouraged.

Support the Rare Sisters, a local Arvada Family, at Slick City on March 16th. 

Batten Disease is a RARE, fatal, inherited disorder that affects the Fries Sisters.  The Rare Sisters Batten Foundation aims to help further the development of medical research for treatments and cures for CLN3 Batten Disease, and provide monetary assistance to families with children diagnosed with Batten Disease.  Slide in for fun and support a great cause.  Get your tickets here: https://slickcity.active8pos.com/public/jump-time?date=3%2F16%2F2023&loc=DEN&area=18

Day Without Hate 2023

A Day Without Hate is a student-led, grassroots organization that promotes nonviolence, respect, and unity within our schools.  By encouraging students to be tolerant, friendly, and kind, and teaching them that there are non-violent solutions to problems, hopefully as a community we can create a better world.   Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors for their efforts in promoting peace in their high schools and communities. The scholarship is funded by the traditional Day Without Hate T-shirt sales. The price of the T-shirt is $6 for both youth and adult sizes. If you are interested in purchasing a T-shirt,  please bring CASH only and return your order form (linked below) by Monday, Friday, March 10th to the Main Office.  You will receive your shirt by April 21st and can be worn on April 27th.


activities

Spring Musical Matinee for Area Schools

Arvada area elementary and middle schools enjoyed a matinee performance of the RV Performing Arts Department production of "The Drowsy Chaperone" this past Tuesday.  The show runs two more nights, March 10th and 11th, in the Ralston Valley Auditorium, both shows at 7:00 p.m.  Ticket information is available on the RVHS website.   

Chamber Orchestra Scores Superior Rating

Congratulations to our Chamber Orchestra on their superior rating at the American String Teachers Association State Regionals!  The group enjoyed working with Dr. Perkins from MSU.  Way to go musicians!  

PTSA

After Prom - Prom is right around the corner and our After Prom Committee is ready to get going!  Please join us for the first planning meeting on Wednesday, March 15th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Teachers Lounge at RV.  

Senior Yard Signs - ONE MORE WEEK TO ORDER - It is time to order your Senior Yard Signs to let everyone know that you have a graduating senior this year.  Please use the following link to place your order.  Monies raised from the sale of the senior signs go towards supporting After Prom.  Thank you for your continued support of the Ralston Valley PTSA. Deadline is Friday, March 17th.  https://rvsenioryardsign.itemorder.com/ 



athletics 

Congratulations to our Hockey team on taking 2nd place in the 2023 State Hockey Championships.  Their unforgettable run to the championship game included an OT win over Cherry Creek in the quarterfinals followed by a thrilling triple overtime victory against Denver East in the Semifinals.  


On Tuesday night, Ralston Valley and Valor filled Magness Arena on the campus of Denver University for the Championship Game.  The first two periods saw the Mustangs and Eagles go blow for blow with 7 total goals.  In third though, Valor pulled away.  Despite the loss, the boys had an unbelievable ride that the Ralston Valley community was thrilled to be a part of.  Congratulations Mustangs!!!


Thank you to all of our families, friends, and classmates that came out before the game to see the team off.  We had about 200 people line up in the halls and outside to send the boys off in style, with signs, music, and a lot of energy.


Spring sports are now getting underway.  


GLAX won their season opener on Thursday 18-5 over Rangeview.  


Boys Swimming won their first league dual last Saturday and in the process qualified all of their relays for State.  We also had on swimmer and one diver qualify!!  


BLAX, G Soccer, and G Tennis are all in Grand Junction this weekend to open up their Spring seasons.  


Last, but not least, our track team is hosting the Mustang Invite at Jeffco Stadium today.  A great event to start the season for a lot fo Jeffco Schools.

off campus policy

Due to the nature of our campus, we do not allow students to walk off campus during the school day.  


9th-grade students are not allowed off campus at any point during the school day unless they leave with their parent/guardians. 


If your 10th-grade student is driving, they may leave campus with parental permission.  They are expected to follow local and state driving laws.  Please click on this FORM to give your sophomore child the ability to leave campus with your permission.  


Our campus is not closed to our 11th and 12th-grade students and they may leave campus. 

 Schedule for The week of 3/13/23

Monday, Mar. 13th - Silver Day

Tuesday, Mar. 14th- White Day 

Wednesday, Mar. 15th- Blue Day

Thursday, Mar. 16th - White Day 

Friday, Mar. 17th - Blue Day


Mar. 20th - 24th No School, Spring Break


Advisement Corner

Ninth Grade Advisement

On March 13th, students will review a video tutorial on:

How to organize their Jeffco email accounts. 


Students will be given time to utilize what was learned in the tutorial in hopes that this adds to their toolbox of organization. 

*There will be assistance from teachers and mentors. 


Students will also continue to review their planner organization and how that helps to keep them on track with their studies. 

Counseling Department

RVHS College Night

The RV Counseling Department is hosting a College Night next week!  Admissions representatives from various colleges will present on a number of topics including The College Search Process, Making the Most of a Campus Visit, STEM Majors, The College Application Process, Letters of Recommendation and Essays, and Scholarships, Financial Aid, and WUE.  

The College Night is geared towards current juniors, but all RV students and families are welcome to attend.  Click here for more information.

Date: Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Place: RV Classrooms

Upcoming College Visits

Representatives from the following colleges will be in the RVHS Counseling Office on these dates and times:

University of Colorado Denver - Thursday, Mar 16 9:30 a.m.

University of Northern Colorado - Tuesday, Mar 28 11:30 a.m.

The Princeton Review "Cracking the Test Week"

Next week, from March 12-16, The Princeton Review is hosting free webinars about the SAT, ACT, and study strategies for both tests.  Other webinars include Study Skills 101 and Advanced Placement 101.  For more information and to reigster, click here.

Financial Aid Offer Review

Does your senior need help understanding the financial aid offer letters that they are receiving from colleges?  If so, Red Rocks Community College is here to help.  They are leading a free virtual presentation with a Q&A session about how to read financial aid letters.  Click here for more information.

Date: Thursday, March 16, 2023

Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Scholarships for Seniors

For our most up-to-date scholarship list, please visit the Upcoming Private Scholarships page.  Here are a few highlighted, local scholarships: 

Jeffco PTA Scholarship due March 31, 2023

Celebration of Teaching Scholarship due April 7, 2023

Cameron Holland Scholarship due April 14, 2023

Fairmount Elementary PTA Scholarship due April 14, 2023

Manning Middle School PTA Scholarship due April 14, 2023

Lisa Nelson Memorial Scholarship due May 8, 2023

Jeffco Community Spring Job Fair

Is your student looking for a part-time job or seasonal employment?  Send them to the Jeffco Community Job Fair and make sure they bring copies of their resume!  Click here for more information.

Date: Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Time: 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Place: Arvada High School

Camp Ember for Females

Young women ages 16-18 with an interest in firefighting and EMS are invited to register for a free camp June 1-4, 2023.  Camp Ember is an immersive introduction to the fire service and includes training, mentorship, lodging, and food/drink.  Registration is open until March 31.  For more information and to register, click here.

Resource: 988 Mental Health Emergency Number


Each month, a group of students from RV's Student Government will be highlighting a resource for students and their caregivers:


As of July 16, 2022, people in all states will be able to dial 988 for confidential mental health assistance. This new shortened hotline will replace the 1-800-273-8255 number that is currently used.  The shift from the 1-800 number to the shortened number serves several purposes. First, the new number is easy to remember in times of crisis. When there is an emergency, individuals know to dial 911. Unfortunately, 911 centers aren’t often equipped to handle mental health crises and might be forced to redirect calls or respond inappropriately. An uninformed response to a mental health crisis can sometimes worsen the situation and traumatize the individual. Calling 988 ensures you will be met with the resources you need. Doing away with the 1-800 number in favor of the new hotline also serves to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by normalizing getting help. The hotline's very existence recognizes the public's needs and reminds us that it is okay to not be okay. The 988 number fills a long overdue gap in the mental health care system. In addition to destigmatizing mental health, a fully-functioning hotline will increase the accessibility and efficiency of care for those in crisis. Instead of overwhelming 911 centers and triggering unproductive responses, callers will have a direct line to crisis centers, cutting out the middleman and expediting the process.   

ralston valley happenings

French Studies Go International


Students in French 4 put together an African feast as part of their study of French-speaking African countries.  They created masks and discussed how the mask they designed resembles their personalities, all spoken in French, of course! 

Marine Corps Visit in Counseling


Local Marines paid a visit at lunch time this week, including an appearance by Suspirio, their canine partner. 

Musical German I Students


The main office was treated to an impromptu acapella concert this week, courtesy of Ms. Blum's German I class.  

Mock Congress in U.S. Government Class

Students in Ms. Dean´s class participated in a Mock Congress and worked to pass bills that they wrote. Some of the ¨pretend¨ bills passed were the Smart Recycling Bill and the No Homework Bill.

Administration

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