April 4, 2025 EDition
April 4, 2025 EDition
Embedded Files
Parent Graduation Meeting
Parents with students in the Class of 2025 should plan on attending the parent graduation meeting scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9.
Call for Volunteers: Baccalaureate Planning Committee
We need volunteers interested in planning this ceremony.
Baccalaureate refers to a non-denominational ceremony held a few days before graduation. Unlike the massive commencement exercise held in an arena, baccalaureate ceremonies offer a quieter, more intimate opportunity to pause and reflect on this rite of passage, hear a keynote speaker, and appreciate other student talents. A faculty member and student speakers offer advice to the graduating class.
Please complete and submit this form as soon as possible to volunteer in support of a Baccalaureate ceremony for the Class of 2025.
Senior Scholarship and Awards Ceremony
SENIOR Parents and Graduates!!
It is time for senior students to start gathering up their scholarship information so that they can be recognized at our Senior Scholarships and Awards Night on May 15th at 6:30 pm.
Students can use this link to submit academic scholarships (one at a time) and the required supporting documentation (must be logged in to their school Google account).
Please submit up to seven scholarships NO LATER THAN APRIL 30th.
*Athletic scholarships and awards will be recognized at a separate event on May 12th.
View Invitation- RSVP required
SAT and PSAT Standardized Testing
SAT and PSAT Standardized Testing
Upcoming Spring Testing schedule:
Tuesday, April 15th
SAT Test for Juniors
Only 11th graders attend this day
Wednesday, April 16th
PSAT 10 for Sophomores
PSAT 8/9 for Freshmen
Only 9th and 10th graders attend this day
Students should arrive at 8:00 a.m. with their fully-charged, school-issued Chromebook and testing will conclude around 11:00 a.m. for standard testing rooms. Students in testing rooms with extended time accommodations will be released later. Buses will run as normal on this day and lunch will be served. Any students who remain on campus after they have completed testing will be supervised in the gymnasium until dismissal at 3:30 p.m.
You can RSVP at the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1l51jSuc0g6M8UmrPNuWSnGXRuIWOulUCdcmi8EhD9IM/edit?pli=1
Sponsor Partnerships
Sponsor Partnerships
Advertise your business with us! We have digital and static signage options available within a variety of sponsorship packages on our new video board in the gym. Your business logo will be displayed digitally during our home athletic contests and other events in the gym for the community and guests to see. Please reach out to Mike Ackerman or Tony Pergola for more information.
Pre-Arranged Absences
Pre-Arranged Absences
In accordance with district policy, absences of one or more days require a Pre-Arranged Absence Form . Criteria for approved absences are listed on the form, and printed copies are available in the attendance office.
Parking Information
Parking Information
The first round of additional parking tags for Sophomores is complete. We will re-evaluate the parking situation next week to determine if more tags can be issued.
Sophomores with a parking tag, please be reminded that you cannot park in the senior/junior lots, you must only park in the North Lot off of Alkire St.
Any student who wishes to park their vehicle in the RVHS student parking lots must have a parking tag. All school registration requirements must be met before obtaining a parking tag, including any fees and fines paid.
All 11th and 12th graders who have already purchased a parking tag for the main student lot can pick it up in the Finance Office. Tickets will be issued for those who do not have the appropriate parking tag. If there are no parking spaces available when they arrive, they should park in the overflow lot off of Alkire St. They cannot park illegally.
All students who park illegally or in the incorrect lot will be ticketed. Tickets must be paid in a timely manner so students can retain their parking tag.
At this time, we are sold out of parking tags for the junior/senior lot. 11th and 12th graders can fill out this FORM to be placed on a waitlist.
All concerns regarding parking passes should be addressed with campus supervisors.
Drop Off and Pick Up
Drop Off and Pick Up
It is a great time to remind everyone to be thoughtful of our neighbors and student body during drop off and pick up. We must keep the right of way clear for emergency vehicles and through traffic. With only one road to enter and exit a building this size, with this many people, the roads at the school will always be congested. There are a few things we can do as a Ralston Valley community to help make these busy times of day run as smoothly as possible.
Main Entrance - Dismissal is at 3:30 p.m. and we ask that you do not arrive to pick up your student and park in the loop before 3:00 p.m. Please be sure to pull as far forward as you can in the loop at the front of the school when dropping off or picking up your student. This helps to alleviate backups in the roundabout and get as many cars off of 80th Ave. as quickly as possible. Also, please pick up your student on the outside of the loop, not the inside. We do not want students passing in between cars as this is not safe.
Student Parking Lot - To keep our students safe, please do not park in our student parking lot while you wait to pick up your student(s) after school.
Roundabout - The roundabout is part of the road. Please do not park in the roundabout while waiting for dismissal time. This blocks the flow of eastbound traffic and prevents traffic exiting to the east from leaving campus as well. Please do not stop and pick up your student in the roundabout or on 80th Ave.
Fire Station - As traffic backs up on southbound Alkire, please be sure to leave room for our first responders to exit the firehouse safely and without obstruction. Do not block the exit of their garage.
82nd Ave. - Please pay attention to posted road signs along 82nd Ave. There are multiple speedbumps on 82nd Ave., making it necessary to go the speed limit or slower to ensure safe driving and prevent damage to your vehicle. There are also multiple No Parking signs along 82nd Ave. next to the school's property. Please do not park there to pick up your student. Finally, and most importantly, please do not park across the street and ask for your student to run across 80th Ave. to be picked up. This is highly dangerous!
Thank you for your continued diligence when driving in and around Ralston Valley.
activities
activities
Jazz Band Concert
Mustang Jazz Band, led by Mr. Sullivan, performed Wednesday night. It was a great show!
Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Choir, led by Ms. Watts and Ms. Carpenter, came together for the Great Works concert on Thursday. It was an amazing performance!
PTSA Scholarship
Calling all Seniors! The RVHS PTSA is offering a scholarship opportunity for those seniors who meet the following guidelines:
1. Graduating senior who has earned at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and who is planning to continue his/her education at a post-secondary institution.
2. Attending RVHS for both semesters as a full-time student during his/her senior year.
3. Student is a current member of PTSA (note: you can still join for $15 online or in the Finance Office).
A total of $3,000 will be awarded to the top applicants. After reviewing the applications and interviewing selected applicants, the RVHS PTSA will determine the number of scholarships and the amounts to be awarded (for example, two $1,000 awards and two $500 awards OR any other combination for a total of $3,000). To apply, please go to the RVHS PTSA website.
Applications are due to the front office by Friday, April 11th, 2025. Interviews for selected finalists may occur in early May 2025. Announcements will be made before the scholarship and awards program on May 12, 2025. If you have any questions, you may contact Melissa Cole, PTSA Scholarship Chair, at Melissa.Dowling@ymail.com. Good luck to all our applicants!
25th Anniversary Celebration - Planning Committee
Next Meeting: Thursday, April 10th at 6:30 p.m.
It's hard to believe but Ralston Valley High School will celebrate its 25th Anniversary this year! This significant milestone is a time to reflect on our achievements, honor our history and celebrate the continued growth and promise of our school community, including our current and future Mustangs!
We would like to extend an invitation to all members of our school community -- students, parents, current and former teachers, staff, and administration, and alumni- as well as our surrounding community, to join in planning this celebration. We believe that everyone’s ideas and input will help make this celebration truly special.
We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your ideas! Please reach out to mike.ackerman@jeffco.k12.co.us with any questions.
athletics
athletics
Signing Day Spring 2025
A big shoutout and congratulations to these Mustang student athletes, who will continue in their sport at the next stop on their educational journey. Well done!
Grant Belcher Regis University Baseball
Kelle Hickam Colorado School of Mines Track & Field
Cole Ruby University of Tampa Track & Field
Tyce Ruby University of Tampa Track & Field
Reagan Hoefer Saint Louis University Swimming
Aidan Castillo Rome City Institute Soccer
Carter Coorough Fort Lewis College Football
Frederick (Liam) Beattie Colorado State University, Pueblo Football
Kylee Ruhser Western Colorado University Swimming
Grayson Clark Fort Lewis College Football
Liam McGrew Ohlone College (CA) Baseball
Kyler Weatherred Saint Michael's College (Vermont) Ice Hockey
Girls Golf - The Mustangs looked strong in their first League Tournament of the season on Wednesday. They finished second overall and Addie Hines shot a very impressive 69 to finish first at Applewood. Next week they head to Fox Hollow on Monday for tournament number two of six. Good luck.
Girls Soccer - The #2 ranked Mustangs took down the defending 4A state champions on Monday when they defeated Evergreen 4-1. They followed that up with a big battle in the snow last night against #3 Boulder. The field conditions made for a fun match to watch as the snow continued to accumulate throughout the game. In the end, each team found the back of the net once and the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Next up for the Mustangs, Broomfield on Tuesday.
Boys Swim and Dive - Slow week with a big weekend ahead for the boys. Come out to the Arvada Aquatics Center tomorrow to cheer them on for the Jeffco League Relays. 10:00 a.m. is the start time for this always competitive meet. Good Luck Mustangs!!!
Girls Lacrosse - Two games this week and two wins for the Mustangs. Ralston Valley dispatched Grandview earlier this week, with an 18-1 victory. They followed that up last night with a very hard-fought and entertaining game against Golden. After Golden tied it up 9-9 in the fourth, the Mustangs scored three unanswered goals and came away with the 12-9 win. Many of the girls from both teams play together in the club season, so this was a win with more meaning for a lot of our girls. Northfield is their next opponent tomorrow and then they play three straight days against Fairview, Palmer Ridge, and Cherokee Trail. Big week to make a big move in 5A GLAX.
Boys Lacrosse - The Mustangs are 4-1 after beating Pine Creek 21-6 and Green Mountain 17-3 earlier this week. They face a trio of big games next week. Monday has them at Denver South, Tuesday they host Poudre School District, and Friday they host Mountain Range. Good luck this week.
Track and Field - Two more meets last weekend and two more first-place showings. The Mustangs took home first place on Friday at the Arvada City Championships and then won the Mustang Invite on Saturday. The team keeps getting stronger as they look to peak in time for league competition at the end of the month. We'll see what the weather will allow to happen this weekend.
Baseball - The boys played hard against the #1 ranked team Castle View this week before falling 6-3. Their game against ThunderRidge has been postponed until Tuesday. With that move, they will have four games next week. They play Fairview on Monday, ThunderRidge on Tuesday,and then back-to-back games with Bear Creek to close the week on Thursday and Saturday. Good luck Mustangs.
Girls Tennis - League play got off to a great start for the Mustangs. They beat both Lakewood and Columbine 6-1 and 7-0 this week. Our Full Send Tournament scheduled for this weekend has been put on hold until next weekend.
Ticketing has moved to GoFan for all Jeffco-hosted events. - Ticket sales to all Jeffco events are now available through GoFan. Cash is no longer accepted at the gates for admittance. You are encouraged to download the GoFan App to help you purchase tickets ahead of time for all home events. This will save you a ton of time at the gate. You can also purchase multiple tickets that are good for the rest of the school year by purchasing a punch pass. Punch passes are good for all Jeffco events, and will save you some money.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the new online ticketing system.
off campus policy
off campus policy
Due to the nature of our campus, we do not allow any 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 parents/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
Schedule for The week
Monday, Apr 7 - Silver Day
Tuesday, Apr. 8 - White Day
Wednesday, Apr. 9 - Blue Day
Thursday, Apr. 10 - White Day
Friday, Apr. 11 - Blue Day
Counseling Department
Counseling Department
Mustang Mentor Program (MMP) Application Now Open!
Mustang Mentor Program (MMP) Application Now Open!
Current 10th and 11th graders are encouraged to apply to be a mentor for next year's 9th graders! The Mustang Mentor Program is an excellent opportunity to hone leadership skills and be a positive influence at RV and in other students' lives. Students can click here to access the application - they will need to be signed in to their Jeffco Google account.
Current 10th and 11th graders are encouraged to apply to be a mentor for next year's 9th graders! The Mustang Mentor Program is an excellent opportunity to hone leadership skills and be a positive influence at RV and in other students' lives. Students can click here to access the application - they will need to be signed in to their Jeffco Google account.
Internship Interviewing Event
Internship Interviewing Event
Jeffco is holding an interviewing event for current 10th and 11th graders for summer and fall internships. Organizations include Swedish Medical Center, Crossland Construction, Panorama Physical Therapy, City of Arvada, Footers Catering & Events, and many more! Students need to arrive early, dress professionally, and bring a resume if they have one. Click here for a flier.
Jeffco is holding an interviewing event for current 10th and 11th graders for summer and fall internships. Organizations include Swedish Medical Center, Crossland Construction, Panorama Physical Therapy, City of Arvada, Footers Catering & Events, and many more! Students need to arrive early, dress professionally, and bring a resume if they have one. Click here for a flier.
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Time: 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Time: 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Place: McLain High School Commons Room, 13600 West 2nd Place, Lakewood
Place: McLain High School Commons Room, 13600 West 2nd Place, Lakewood
Upcoming College Visits
Upcoming College Visits
Representatives from the following colleges will be in the RVHS Counseling Office on these dates and times:
Representatives from the following colleges will be in the RVHS Counseling Office on these dates and times:
Colorado State University - Thursday, Apr. 17 - 8:15 a.m.
Outdoor Lab Internship
Outdoor Lab Internship
Mt. Blue Sky Outdoor Lab is accepting applications for student interns for next year. The internship is for a full year and is open to seniors who are interested in taking a gap year and current juniors. Click here for more information and instructions on how to apply.
Mt. Blue Sky Outdoor Lab is accepting applications for student interns for next year. The internship is for a full year and is open to seniors who are interested in taking a gap year and current juniors. Click here for more information and instructions on how to apply.
Red Rocks Community College Open House
Red Rocks Community College Open House
Red Rocks - Lakewood Campus is hosting an Open House for potential students AND to assist current seniors with FAFSA completion and post-secondary planning. There will be a Q&A session and the opportunity to meet with faculty along with demonstrations and prizes.
Red Rocks - Lakewood Campus is hosting an Open House for potential students AND to assist current seniors with FAFSA completion and post-secondary planning. There will be a Q&A session and the opportunity to meet with faculty along with demonstrations and prizes.
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Colorado Boys State for Junior Boys
Colorado Boys State for Junior Boys
Colorado Boys State is a week-long authentic civics experience sponsored by the American Legion. The program is open to males who will have completed their junior year of high school. Attendees will learn about city, county, and state government through a non-partisan objective education approach. The program is June 1-7, 2025 at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO. Applications are due May 1, 2025. for more information and to apply, click here.
Colorado Boys State is a week-long authentic civics experience sponsored by the American Legion. The program is open to males who will have completed their junior year of high school. Attendees will learn about city, county, and state government through a non-partisan objective education approach. The program is June 1-7, 2025 at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO. Applications are due May 1, 2025. for more information and to apply, click here.
Colorado Girls State for Junior Girls
Colorado Girls State for Junior Girls
Colorado Girls State is a week-long civic engagement program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. The program is open to females who will have completed their junior year of high school. Attendees will recreate city, county, and state governments through electing leaders and write, debate, and pass laws that are relevant and timely. The program is June 9-15, 2025 at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO. Applications are due May 1, 2025. Click here for more information and to apply.
Colorado Girls State is a week-long civic engagement program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. The program is open to females who will have completed their junior year of high school. Attendees will recreate city, county, and state governments through electing leaders and write, debate, and pass laws that are relevant and timely. The program is June 9-15, 2025 at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO. Applications are due May 1, 2025. Click here for more information and to apply.
Lisa Nelson Memorial Scholarship
Lisa Nelson Memorial Scholarship
Lisa Nelson was a physical education teacher and the head volleyball coach at Ralston Valley from 2000-2013. On March 3, 2013, she lost her life after a 2-year battle with cervical cancer. She was 43. To commemorate her life and to ensure others are touched by the legacy she left behind, the "Lisa Nelson Memorial Scholarship" has been established. This year, a Ralston Valley High School student athlete will be awarded a $5000 college scholarship in Lisa's memory. Click here to apply. The deadline to apply is May 9, 2025.
Lisa Nelson was a physical education teacher and the head volleyball coach at Ralston Valley from 2000-2013. On March 3, 2013, she lost her life after a 2-year battle with cervical cancer. She was 43. To commemorate her life and to ensure others are touched by the legacy she left behind, the "Lisa Nelson Memorial Scholarship" has been established. This year, a Ralston Valley High School student athlete will be awarded a $5000 college scholarship in Lisa's memory. Click here to apply. The deadline to apply is May 9, 2025.
Three Creeks PTO Scholarship
Three Creeks PTO Scholarship
Three Creeks PTO is offering scholarships of up to $2,000 towards tuition at any college, technical school, or postsecondary training program. Applicants must have attended Three Creeks for at least one year. Click here for more informaton and a link to the application. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 21, 2025.
Three Creeks PTO is offering scholarships of up to $2,000 towards tuition at any college, technical school, or postsecondary training program. Applicants must have attended Three Creeks for at least one year. Click here for more informaton and a link to the application. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 21, 2025.
Sierra Elementary PTA Scholarship
Sierra Elementary PTA Scholarship
The Sierra Elementary School PTA is offering up to $2,000 in scholarship awards. Awards offered will range from $500 to $1,000. Applicants must have attended Sierra Elementary for at least one year and funds may be used for post-secondary education at a two- or four-year college or university, technical school, or professional certificate program. Click here for an application. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2025.
The Sierra Elementary School PTA is offering up to $2,000 in scholarship awards. Awards offered will range from $500 to $1,000. Applicants must have attended Sierra Elementary for at least one year and funds may be used for post-secondary education at a two- or four-year college or university, technical school, or professional certificate program. Click here for an application. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2025.
Outdoor Lab Foundation Scholarship
Outdoor Lab Foundation Scholarship
The Outdoor Lab Foundation is offering three $2,000 scholarships to senior students who have served as High School Leaders or Interns at Mount Blue Sky or Windy Peak. Students can use the award at any private or public vocational training program, college, or university. Click here for the application. The deadline to apply is May 4, 2025.
The Outdoor Lab Foundation is offering three $2,000 scholarships to senior students who have served as High School Leaders or Interns at Mount Blue Sky or Windy Peak. Students can use the award at any private or public vocational training program, college, or university. Click here for the application. The deadline to apply is May 4, 2025.
Hazel Health
Hazel Health
Mental, social, and emotional wellness of students is a priority that we share with our community and one that we are addressing with layers of support including school counselors, social-emotional learning specialists, school psychologists, social workers along with partnerships with outside agencies like Hazel Health.
This year, we continue our partnership with Hazel Health’s Telehealth services to provide a free telehealth extension of mental and physical health support for Jeffco students enrolled at district-managed schools.
Parents/guardians may access these services on behalf of your student by visiting this webpage and following the instructions under "Steps to Access Care"
Advisement Corner
Advisement Corner
Advisement
Next week, in both 9th and 10th grade Advisement classes, students will prepare for the upcoming PSAT tests, and run device readiness checks on their school-issued Chromebooks.
Please click HERE to access the course syllabus for Advisement which explains the purpose, key components, and expectations, including grading and attendance.
Reminder - If your student has Advisement on Thursday mornings, it will be from 8:15 to 9:00 a.m. before the start of I.C.E.
Ralston Valley Happenings
Ralston Valley Happenings
Mustang Merit Awards for March and April
Congratulations to our Mustang Merit award winners for! These students were all nominated by their teachers in recognition of their hard work and dedication to RV. They embody our school values of integrity, respect, inclusivity, perseverance, honesty, empathy, and motivation.
Motivation: Kayden Kuenzler, Jake Sweeney, LJ Oliver, Logan Mahan, Makena Knop, Danny Lux, Taylor Redman, Teagan Strain, Austin Kostyk, Sienna Isenman, and Bella Boulas. Respect: Dylan Chambers, Owen McWilliams, Blake McFarland-Schock, and Trey Carter. Perseverance: Lucas Trujillo, Van Andrews, Sydney Harper, Asher Yaffe, Micah Anderson, Gabriel Taylor, Sienna Isenman, and Jocelyn Flath. Integrity: Milo Neerhof, Aiden Mueller, Nick Johnson, Samson Wright, and Lily Gabler. Inclusivity: Ian McKeown.
Advanced Placement Chemistry Hard at Work
Ms. Geinitz's AP Chemistry students designed and carried out their own experiments in a unit of thermochemistry.
RV Senior Designs Snowboard Art
On Tuesday, Mustang senior CJ Walter was presented with a custom snowboard at the Warren Tech graphic design awards program. Never Summer Industries partnered with the Warren Tech Graphic Design students and CJ's art was one of the 10 winners.
Here is a link to news coverage about the event:
Algebra Classes Have Spring Fever
Ms. Bierman's Algebra II decided to take their test review outside! They are using an egg hunt activity to study about transformations of functions for an upcoming exam.
Introduction to Business Students Create Investment Portfolios
Students applied their understanding of investment types by creating personalized investment portfolios tailored to their individual risk tolerance and investment time horizon. Using sophisticated financial software, they then backtested these portfolios over the past 30 years to evaluate the effectiveness of their investment strategies. This real-world application not only deepened their understanding of long-term investing but also gave them valuable insights into market trends and portfolio performance over time.
Administration
Administration
Principal - Ms. Buenning, (303) 982-5600
9th Asst Principal - Ms. Young, (303) 982-5713
10th Asst Principal - Ms. Abrams, (303) 982-9463
11th Asst Principal - Mr. Ackerman (303) 982-5595
12th Asst Principal - Mr. Litzau, (303) 982-5611
Athletics Director - Mr. Pergola, (303) 982-5604
Dean - Mr. Duplice, (303) 982-8274
Important Links
Important Links
Page updated
Report abuse