JAnuary 17, 2025 EDition
JAnuary 17, 2025 EDition
Embedded Files
Student Safety - Railroad Tracks
This week, I met with Arvada PD and Special Agent Hall from Union Pacific to discuss a critical issue: student safety around the railroad tracks. Union Pacific has expressed growing safety concerns about students crossing the tracks and has asked us to reach out to parents to help reinforce this message at home.
Special Agent Hall emphasized and asked us to share that the railroad tracks are private property. To support safety, Union Pacific plans to install a mile-long fence to deter unauthorized crossings by students and community members. Please be aware that neither I nor the district have any information regarding the timeline or location of the fence that is planned to be installed on their private property.
As always, my number one concern is student safety. At RV, we consistently remind students to avoid crossing the tracks, not only because it is against the law but, more importantly, because it is not safe. I ask for your partnership in reinforcing the message so together we can keep our students safe.
Thank you for your continued support!
Mica Buenning
Ralston Valley High School
Principal
Make-A-Wish Week January 17th - January 24th
Our 14th annual Make-A-Wish Week is here! We are raising money in the name of Ben, an 11 year old boy who loves anime, birds, Takis, and heavy metal music! Our efforts are bigger than just ONE wish, there are currently 13 elementary-aged children in Jeffco waiting for their wishes to be granted, and our goal is to raise enough money to grant ALL of them: $97,500!
Check out the RVHS Make-A-Wish Website, Spirit Calendar (including restaurant nights), and amazing Silent Auction below to learn more about the week and how you can help our community grant 13 Wishes! This truly is one of the highlights of the school year!
We are still seeking business donations if you are interested!
Silent Auction (Bidding opens Monday, 1/20/25 @ 3:30 PM and closes Friday, 1/24/25 @ 6:00 PM)
Jeffco Listens Student Engagement Survey 2025
Dear Families:
Panorama Education is a company that conducts surveys in schools and districts across the country. Ralston Valley High School will give students the Jeffco Listens Student Engagement Survey in the coming weeks.
Content: This short survey will gather information on the following topics throughout the year:
School Belonging
School Climate
School Engagement
School Teacher-Student Relationships
School Rigorous Expectations
School Safety
Supportive Relationships
Academics
You may review the survey questions for each topic.
The results are compiled into aggregate-level school reports. These reports will be used by school staff to help maintain the positive aspects of our schools and to address individual student needs.
It is voluntary. Your child does not have to take the student survey. Students who participate only have to answer the questions they want to answer and they may stop taking the survey at any time.
It is confidential. No students will be identified in any public reports or publications. Individual student information (name, student number, school, and grade) will be uploaded into the Panorama system. District staff will have access to the data file. Responses are confidential but identifiable. Individual student data may be shared with school staff to provide instructional and social / emotional support.
Timing: The survey will be administered up to three times a year.
Opt-Out: If you do not want your child to participate in the survey, you may fill out the opt-out form by clicking HERE. Please fill this out before January 24.
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
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.
Sophomores with a parking tag, please be reminded that you cannot park in the senior/junior lot, you must only park in the North Lot off of Alkire St.
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 all student lots. If we are able to offer more tags, we will include that information in a future newsletter.
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.
ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC SUPPORT & TUTORIAL CLASS
ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC SUPPORT & TUTORIAL CLASS
Earlier this week, courses titled 'Tutorial' were added to student schedules. Students and families will notice that a section of Tutorial for each of their teachers has been added to the I.C.E. section of their schedule.
Beginning Tuesday, February 4, students earning a D or an F in a course at the time that teachers submit grades are required to attend I.C.E. for additional academic support. The Tutorial class is a placeholder course and is used to track attendance for those students who are required to attend I.C.E.
The expectations of I.C.E are:
Attendance in I.C.E. will be mandatory for ALL students with a D or F in any of their classes.
Parents will receive a phone call notifying them that their student’s attendance is required in I.C.E. during the segmented portion dedicated to the class in which they have a D or an F.
Students earning an A, B, or C are still encouraged to attend I.C.E. for additional support; however, the segmented portion of I.C.E. will be dedicated to improving the learning of students who are currently earning a D or an F.
The schedule for I.C.E. can be found by clicking here.
SENIOR BULLETIN
SENIOR BULLETIN
The latest edition of the Senior Bulletin was sent to households of seniors earlier this week. Be sure to check your inbox for detailed information related to the following:
activities
activities
Speech and Debate Start Second Semester Strong
Speech & Debate is still going strong! On January 11, students competed at Golden High School, with Pragna Yalavarthy taking third place overall in Original Oratory! Last Tuesday, January 14, students went to Cherry Creek High School for Congressional Debate with Holden Hanou recognized as a presiding officer. Ellis Thomson, Joelle Blatt, and Daniel Harness received top speaker awards. Well done to all!
Environmental Club Fundraises for a Good Cause
Environmental Club Fundraises for a Good Cause
Environmental Club fundraised and donated over $200.00 to Almost Home Cat Adoptions in Westminster. They donated $100.00 directly through the Colorado Gives program, and utilized the remaining money to buy supplies that the shelter need, such as litter, food for special diets, and maintenance equipment. Thank you to everyone who made this possible, and to the shelter for the work that they do!
NHS Accepting Applications
The Ralston Valley Chapter of the National Honor Society is now accepting applications for membership! Students must be in 10th or 11th grade and have a 3.6 or higher GPA to apply.
Invitations to apply have been delivered to eligible Sophomores in their Science classes. If you are a Junior with a GPA of 3.6+, please pick up an application from Mrs. Reid or Mrs. Rosenthal in the science office.
Applications close at 3:40pm on Friday, February 28th.
All State Choir at Denver Center for the Performing Arts
All State Choir at Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Congratulations to our RVHS All-State Choir students on an amazing performance at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday evening! We are so proud of all of your hard work that went into being selected for this honorary experience! Special shout out to Guerin Smith and Scarlett Jensen for being selected as soloists. Below is RV Choir teacher Ms. Carpenter, Claire Ables, Justin Brooks, Will Burczyk, Kayla Grenwis, Scarlet Jenson, Alexis Kron, and Guerin Smith
Congratulations, everyone!
Jeffcon
Jeffcon
Jeffcon is a Student Technology Conference for high school students to explore Information Technology pathways and career opportunities. This one-day, interactive conference allows students to learn about various IT roles from experienced Jeffco staff and industry professionals, and explore various career paths in the field of IT. Interested students can register to attend here. This event is sponsored by Jeffco IT, and students must provide their own transportation. Visit the event website at https://jeffcon.net to learn more. A list of students who register & attend (make sure you check in at the conference) will be shared with RVHS to excuse absences for those who attend. See Mrs. Jonson in the library with questions.
When: Friday, February 7, 2025
Where: Bear Creek High School
Who: Open to all Jeffco High School students grades 9-12
athletics
athletics
Girls Basketball - The Mustangs are 2-0 after the first week of league play. They defeated Bear Creek 69-16 on Monday and then showed a lot of grit in a come from behind 47-45 win on Wednesday at Chatfield. A huge matchup awaits them tonight at #2 Valor. They'll be back home next Wednesday when they welcome Columbine.
Boys Basketball - The boys are off to an impressive 11-0 start and ranked #1 in the Max Preps Rankings for the state of Colorado. They beat Smoky Hill on the road last week 63-53 and followed that up with two league wins this week beating Bear Creek 77-38 and Chatfield 90-29. They host a top five matchup tonight at 7:30 p.m. against the defending state champion Valor Eagles.
Girls Swim and Dive - Good luck to our swim and dive team this weekend at the Jeffco Invite. This all-classification meet is a great measure for how our team ranks in the 5A Jeffco League and all of Jeffco. If you haven't checked out the team this year or the new Arvada Aquatics Center, Saturday would be a great time to do both.
Hockey - The team is starting to warm up coming out of break. Last week they scored wins against Standley Lake (7-2) and Chatfield (3-1). This weekend could help them make the jump into playoff position as they have games at Castle View tonight and Mountain Vista tomorrow. Good luck Mustangs.
Wrestling - Wednesday night brought another dual and another big win by the Mustangs. They went into Fairview and came away with a convincing 61-12 victory. Tomorrow, both the varsity and JV teams will travel to Castle View for the Sabercat Slam. Good luck.
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.
State Champions!
State Champions!
Our Mustang 5A State Champion Dance Team was recognized by the Jeffco Board of Education on Thursday, with an "Our Leaders Our Future" award. Great job, Mustangs!
off campus policy
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 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, Jan. 20 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, Jan. 21 - White Day
Wednesday, Jan. 22 - Blue Day
Thursday, Jan. 23 - White Day - see Make-A-Wish Assembly schedule below
Friday, Jan. 24 - Blue Day
Thursday White Day Assembly Schedule
I.C.E: 8:15 – 8:30
BLOCK 2: Class: 8:35 – Attendance and release to gym
Assembly: 8:45 - 9:50
Miracle Minute: Between 9:55 -10:00
An announcement will be made
Class: 10:00 - 11:35
BLOCK 4: Lunch A: 11:40-12:10 Class A: 12:15-1:50
Class B: 11:40-1:15 Lunch B: 1:20-1:50
BLOCK 6: 1:55 – 3:30
Counseling Department
Counseling Department
Senior Mid-Year Transcripts
Senior Mid-Year Transcripts
For seniors who have applied and sent transcripts to colleges/universities, mid-year transcripts were sent to those same schools this week. There is no action on the part of your student - this happens automatically.
For seniors who have applied and sent transcripts to colleges/universities, mid-year transcripts were sent to those same schools this week. There is no action on the part of your student - this happens automatically.
If your senior has not yet sent their transcript to a school to which they are applying, they will need to complete the process to have an initial transcript sent.
If your senior has not yet sent their transcript to a school to which they are applying, they will need to complete the process to have an initial transcript sent.
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:
Grand Canyon University, Traditional Campus - Wednesday, Jan. 22 - 9:00 a.m.
West Woods Elementary PTSA Scholarship
West Woods Elementary PTSA Scholarship
West Woods Elementary PTSA is offering three $500 scholarships to graduating seniors who attended West Woods for two years or more. The scholarship is to be used towards tuition or educational needs at any college or trade school. Click here for more information and the application. The deadline to apply is March 30, 2025.
West Woods Elementary PTSA is offering three $500 scholarships to graduating seniors who attended West Woods for two years or more. The scholarship is to be used towards tuition or educational needs at any college or trade school. Click here for more information and the application. The deadline to apply is March 30, 2025.
Outdoor Education & Park Ranger Career Fair
Outdoor Education & Park Ranger Career Fair
Is your student interested in a job or career working in the outdoors? The largest Outdoor Education and Park Ranger Career Fair in Colorado will be at RRCC next month. Summer jobs as well as career information will be available from numerous exhibitors including Colorado Parks & Wildlife, REI Experiences, and the US Forest Service. Click here for a flier with more information.
Is your student interested in a job or career working in the outdoors? The largest Outdoor Education and Park Ranger Career Fair in Colorado will be at RRCC next month. Summer jobs as well as career information will be available from numerous exhibitors including Colorado Parks & Wildlife, REI Experiences, and the US Forest Service. Click here for a flier with more information.
Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Place: Red Rocks Community College, Lakewood
UNC's Future Teacher Conference
UNC's Future Teacher Conference
The University of Northern Colorado's College of Education & Behavioral Sciences is hosting it's 10th annual Future Teacher Conference in February. It's an excellent way for students to explore the teaching profession with a full schedule of workshops and presentations. Click here for more information and to register.
The University of Northern Colorado's College of Education & Behavioral Sciences is hosting it's 10th annual Future Teacher Conference in February. It's an excellent way for students to explore the teaching profession with a full schedule of workshops and presentations. Click here for more information and to register.
Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
Time: 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Place: University of Northern Colorado, Greeley
Girls Lead the Way STEM Conference
Girls Lead the Way STEM Conference
The Society of Women Engineers - Mines Collegiate Section is hosting the Girls Lead the Way - STEM & Leadership Conference for high school girls who are interested in being a leader in STEM. Participants will engage in a day-long interactive, lab and classroom-based conference. Click here for more information and to register by January 25, 2025.
The Society of Women Engineers - Mines Collegiate Section is hosting the Girls Lead the Way - STEM & Leadership Conference for high school girls who are interested in being a leader in STEM. Participants will engage in a day-long interactive, lab and classroom-based conference. Click here for more information and to register by January 25, 2025.
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Colorado School of Mines, Green Center
Cost: $35
Transportation & Construction Girl Summer Camps
Transportation & Construction Girl Summer Camps
Transportation & Construction Girl is offering three FREE week-long summer camps in June for girls ages 13-20. On each day of the camp, girls will tour work sites and engage with the women who work there. Click here for a flier and an application (deadline to apply is March 31).
Transportation & Construction Girl is offering three FREE week-long summer camps in June for girls ages 13-20. On each day of the camp, girls will tour work sites and engage with the women who work there. Click here for a flier and an application (deadline to apply is March 31).
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
There will be no 9th and 10th grade Advisement classes next week. Classes will resume the week of January 27th.
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
Study of Microevolution in Biology
All sections of Biology turned into birds this week for a mathematical game of microevolution. Pictured here is Mrs. Reid’s B1 Honors Biology class. Ms. Rosenthal's students are demonstrating the concept of survival of the fittest, pretending to be bean eating creatures
Fashion Vocabulary in Spanish
Spanish II students are currently studying clothing and shopping vocabulary. We played dress-up this week! It was a great opportunity to practice our speaking skills.
RV Artists on Display
Each year, thousands of Colorado youth enter an average of 5,000 pieces of artwork into the program with the Colorado Art Region of Scholastic Art & Writing. Judges look for work that best exemplifies originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. Professional artists, professors, and retired teachers adjudicate all submissions in the Colorado Region. Colorado’s Gold Key awards are then sent to the national level where they compete with Gold Key awards from other states. Students receiving Gold Keys, Silver Keys, Honorable Mentions, American Visions & Voices Nominations in the spring of 2025 will receive Certificates of Merit. Gold Key works are then judged nationally by a panel of creative–industry experts to receive National Medals, including Gold, Silver, American Visions & Voices, Portfolio Silver with Distinction, or Portfolio Gold Medals and Special Awards .
Notable artists with a Colorado connection who have previously received Scholastic Art Awards are: Donald Lipski, Robert Redford, and RV’s own Ms. Buhr.
Colorado Art Region Scholastic Art & Writing Gold and Silver Key Award winners will be on exhibit at 40 West Gallery and the Denver Art Museum through the month of February 2025. Congratulations to the following Mustang artists representing RVHS:
Eloise Bucholtz Truong, Lucy Budde, Caroline Garrison, Sydney Harper, Vivianna Marranzino, Anya Sobanski, and Dylan Talbert
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
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