March 28, 2025 EDition
March 28, 2025 EDition
Embedded Files
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
CMAS Science Testing
During the week of March 31st, juniors will take the CMAS science test during their science classes. Please see more information here about the purpose of CMAS.
Science teachers will communicate to students about the exact testing schedule, the coinciding class schedule, and their room assignment for CMAS. Here are some alternate situations that will be communicated by their science teacher:
**If your student is a Junior and is taking both Chemistry and Physics, they will test during their Physics class.
**If your student is a Sophomore or Senior in Physics or Conceptual Chemistry, they should go to their science class first and then go to the library during the testing session where attendance will be taken.
Warren TecH Students
Warren TecH Students
**If your student is a Junior and does not have a scheduled science class at RVHS (due to taking classes at Warren Tech), they will test on the following days and times:
Warren Tech AM Students - Thursday, 4/10, from 1:00pm-3:30pm (both sessions) in the library classroom
Warren Tech PM Students - Thursday, 4/10, from 8:15am-10:30am (both sessions) in the library classroom
If students miss any of their scheduled RV classes, they will be excused and allowed to do any make-up work.
If you have any questions about CMAS, please contact Stacy Young, Assistant Principal.
Thank you for your continued support of our students.
(UPDATED) Course Registration for the 2025-26 School Year
(UPDATED) Course Registration for the 2025-26 School Year
Students in grades 9-11 have completed their course registration visits with their counselor.
Thoughtful and informed decisions about course selections are essential in supporting students on their path toward graduation and preparing for their future goals.
Students and families are encouraged to consult and bookmark the Course Registration Website, which offers comprehensive resources, including:
Step-by-step guidance for the selection process
Course descriptions
Registration due dates
Enrollment policies
Thank you for your support in helping students plan a successful year ahead!
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
Additional sophomore parking tags for the North (dirt) Lot are now available on a limited basis. Parents/guardians must fill out this Parking Information Form first, then the fee will then be placed on their school account. Once the form has been filled out and the fee paid, including all other fines and fees, students can pick up their parking tag from the Security Office.
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
RV Music Performs at Disney World
Mustangs from band, choir, and orchestra traveled to Orlando over spring break! They performed at Disney World on the Waterside Stage. When they weren't making music, they were having a lot of fun in the parks!
Ralston Valley Winter Guard will participate in their state competition this Saturday and Sunday, March 29th and 30th, at the Denver Coliseum. They perform at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, and will find out when they perform for Finals held on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at:
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
Girls Soccer - Strong defense from the Mustangs have them sitting 4-0 to begin the season. Junior goalkeeper Maddie King and the rest of the defense have yet to surrender a goal this season. In four games, the Mustangs have outscored their opponents 20-0. They beat local rival Jefferson Academy 2-0 earlier this week and have dates with Evergreen (3/31) and Boulder (4/3) next week. Good luck!
Boys Swim and Dive - The boys continue to dominate 5A Jeffco. The Friday before spring break, they took on Arvada West and Columbine in a triangular. Ralston Valley took home more points (568) than the other two teams combined (508). The Mustangs will see D'Evelyn and Valor this Saturday at the Arvada Aquatics Center. Good luck Mustangs!
Girls Lacrosse - A big week for the Mustangs coming up. Ralston Valley will head to Grandview on Monday to take on the Wolves. They then host Golden at 5:00 on Thursday before heading to Northfield on Saturday. Go get 'em Mustangs!
Boys Lacrosse - The Mustangs held strong against Mountain Vista in a foundation game on Wednesday. It was a two-goal game until the Eagles pulled away late. Two home games next week against Pine Creek (3/31 at 5:00) and Green Mountain (4/2 at 7:00) will get the team warmed up for league play the rest of the month.
Track and Field - Both teams are out at Jeffco Stadium today for the Arvada City Championships. The three-time defending champs are looking to take home the championship again. If you haven't had the chance to check the teams out yet this year, tomorrow would be a great time to come and watch as Ralston Valley hosts the Mustang Invite at Jeffco Stadium. Events begin at 9:00.
Baseball - Two big tests are on the slate next week for the Mustangs. They travel to ThunderRidge on Thursday and then will host Castle View on Saturday at 11:00. Things are ramping up ahead of league play. The month of April should be very exciting in Jeffco 5A.
Girls Tennis - The reigning 5A State Champions are red hot out of the gate and doing it at all levels. Their program sweep of Rock Canyon gave a feeling that they are not going away any time soon. The girls are poised to make a run for another title. Before that, they must focus on the Jeffco 5A League. Lakewood and Columbine are ahead of them next week as well as their Full Send Tournament next Saturday.
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, Mar. 31 - Silver Day
Tuesday, Apr. 1 - White Day
Wednesday, Apr. 2 - Blue Day
Thursday, Apr. 3 - White Day
Friday, Apr. 4 - 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.
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:
University of Denver - Monday, Mar. 31 - 9:00 a.m.
University of Nebraska, Lincoln - Tuesday, Apr. 1 - 11:45 a.m.
Arizona State University, Tempe - Wednesday, Apr. 2 - 9:00 a.m.
University of Colorado Denver - Thursday, Apr. 3 - 11:45 a.m.
Maryland Institute College of Art - Friday, Apr. 4 - 1:30 p.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.
Internship Opportunities
Internship Opportunities
Jeffco regularly updates their list of internships available for students. The current list includes internships at Colorado School of Mines, Jeffco IT, Vivacity Tech PBC, Planetary Science Institute, and the Office of Senator Cutter. To view the list, follow these steps:
Jeffco regularly updates their list of internships available for students. The current list includes internships at Colorado School of Mines, Jeffco IT, Vivacity Tech PBC, Planetary Science Institute, and the Office of Senator Cutter. To view the list, follow these steps:
Visit jeffcopublicschools.org/community
Scroll down to "Partner Offers" and select "View Partner Offers"
Change the category at the top to "Internships" to view the current opportunities
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.
Fairmount Elementary PTA Scholarship
Fairmount Elementary PTA Scholarship
The Fairmount Elementary PTA is offering the Campbell-Deane Scholarship for $2,500 towards tuition at any college or trade school. Applicants must have attended Fairmount Elementary for three years or more and have positive community service experiences. Click here for directions on how to apply. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 11, 2025.
The Fairmount Elementary PTA is offering the Campbell-Deane Scholarship for $2,500 towards tuition at any college or trade school. Applicants must have attended Fairmount Elementary for three years or more and have positive community service experiences. Click here for directions on how to apply. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 11, 2025.
Cameron Holland Scholarship
Cameron Holland Scholarship
The Cameron Holland Scholarship has been established in Cameron's memory and is awarding a $7,355 scholarship to an RVHS senior that has established academic, athletic, and character traits that are complimentary to Cameron's memory. Click here for applicant requirements and for the application. The deadline to apply is April 11, 2025.
The Cameron Holland Scholarship has been established in Cameron's memory and is awarding a $7,355 scholarship to an RVHS senior that has established academic, athletic, and character traits that are complimentary to Cameron's memory. Click here for applicant requirements and for the application. The deadline to apply is April 11, 2025.
Warder Elementary School Scholarship
Warder Elementary School Scholarship
Warder Elementary is offering a $1,000 scholarship to graduating seniors who attended Warder for at least one full year and plan to enroll as a full-time student in college or other eligible post-secondary institution. Click here for the application. The deadline to apply is April 11, 2025.
Warder Elementary is offering a $1,000 scholarship to graduating seniors who attended Warder for at least one full year and plan to enroll as a full-time student in college or other eligible post-secondary institution. Click here for the application. The deadline to apply is April 11, 2025.
Manning Scholarship
Manning Scholarship
Manning Middle School is offering a $500 scholarship to graduating seniors who attended Manning for 7th and 8th grades. The scholarship can be used at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school. Click here for more information. Applications are available in the counseling office and the deadline to apply is April 11, 2025.
Manning Middle School is offering a $500 scholarship to graduating seniors who attended Manning for 7th and 8th grades. The scholarship can be used at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school. Click here for more information. Applications are available in the counseling office and the deadline to apply is April 11, 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, and the week of April 3rd in 10th grade Advisement classes, school psychologist Dr. Annie Behrent will do a presentation for students about healthy relationships. In 9th grade Advisement during the next two sessions, the RV Counselor team will help students find strategies to manage stress and anxiety.
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
Engineering Students Collaborate with Meiklejohn Elementary Class
The Society of Women Engineers had a busy and impactful week! They visited Meiklejohn Elementary, where they delivered an engaging engineering mini-lesson to 5th graders in Mrs. Duray's STEM classes. The students got hands-on experience by designing their stomp rockets and competing to see whose design soared the highest. Along the way, they learned about the engineering design process—and had a blast doing it! Outstanding work, ladies!
Future Insights Series in Science
Dr. Zhigang Yu, a condensed matter theoretician at NASA, came to speak to Ms. Geinitz's Chemistry students at their most recent session of the Future Insights Speaker Series. This speaker series happens monthly, drawing scholars/speakers from many backgrounds and disciplines in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. They discuss their academic paths, professional experiences, and the twists and turns that shaped their careers. The goal is to demonstrate to students that while they may have an idea where a degree in math or science can take them, the possibilities extend far beyond the traditional paths they often hear about.
If you would be interested and available to speak at a future session, please reach out to Ms. Geinitz at melissa.rizzutogeinitz@jeffco.k12.co.us
Art Students Work on Figure Drawings
RVHS Mustang artists in 2D AP, Advanced Drawing, and Intermediate Drawing spent the first day back from spring break engaged in the practice of figure drawing. The session works like this: students form groups, with one person acting as the 'model.' The model holds a pose for 2 to 10 minutes, while the other students focus on rendering the portrait based on the pose.
Adaptive Physical Education Tournament for SSN Class
Ms. Silburn's Significant Special Needs class played in a basketball tournament at Arvada West High School this week. They battled against Pomona and Standley Lake, and then met up with their pen pals for a pizza lunch. They have been writing to Arvada West students all year, and had a great time meeting with them in person.
Here they are using grocery lists to compare purchases and find total costs, while practicing real-life applications of calculator skills.
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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