DECember 19, 2025 EDition
DECember 19, 2025 EDition
Embedded Files
As we conclude another busy and successful semester at RVHS, I want to take a moment to celebrate the many achievements of our students. Across athletics, activities, and academics, our students have consistently worked hard, demonstrated dedication, and achieved success in a variety of areas. These accomplishments reflect not only their effort but also the well-rounded, supportive environment we strive to create for every student.
We are incredibly grateful to the parents, guardians, and community members who contribute so much to our students’ success whether through booster support, team dinners, fund raising, or countless other ways. It truly takes a village, and your partnership is essential in helping our students thrive.
I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our amazing faculty and staff for their tireless work in supporting our students and helping them develop a sense of belonging and pride in our community at RVHS. Your dedication and guidance make a lasting impact on our students’ experiences every day.
Additionally, thank you to everyone for your flexibility and understanding as we navigated weather-related challenges and adjusted our finals policies to best support our students. Your support makes a meaningful difference in their experience at RVHS.
As we look ahead to the holiday break, I hope you and your loved ones are able to enjoy a well-deserved opportunity to rest and recharge. We can’t wait to welcome our students back in the new year!
Happy Holidays, and thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to Ralston Valley High Schools.
Mica Buenning, Principal
Round 1 Choice Enrollment Open
Ralston Valley PTSA - Gift Cards for Teachers and Staff
Thank you to all of our community members who donated gift cards to the PTSA for distribution to the staff at Ralston Valley High. Thank you also to Marcia Guadagni and the Ralston Valley PTSA for organizing the teacher holiday gift card donations. With the crazy end to the semester, the staff was blown away by your generosity. Please be on the lookout for more opportunities to work with the PTSA to support our staff and students in the new year. After Prom will be here before you know it.
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 for more information.
Student Drop Off and Pick Up
Student 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 (closest the the sidewalk), 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 on 80th- 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 and we have shared with students that this is not permitted!
Thank you for your continued diligence when driving in and around Ralston Valley.
Traffic Reminders from Arvada Police Department
Please do NOT stop or park in the roundabout on W 80th Ave. until the car line begins to move/flow. Those waiting on the south side of W 80th Ave. just west of the roundabout need to wait there until they see the line begin to move. This usually takes a few minutes after the bell rings so please be patient. Those who attempt to stop or park in the roundabout before the line begins to move will not be allowed to stay there and will be directed to move (by continuing east) or will be ticketed by Arvada PD. This is essential for efficient traffic flow and will help the pick-up process run smoothly. It also helps to keep that area clear for emergency vehicles.
activities
activities
Make-A-Wish 2026 T-shirt Fundraiser
As a community, we have raised an incredible $634,933 over the last 14 years for Make-A-Wish Colorado, which is over 84 wishes granted. Our goal this year is to raise enough money to grant 16 wishes, which would bring our total to 100 wishes! That means we need to raise at least $120,000. More specifically, we are raising money in the name of Lily, a 10 year old girl, whose wish is to travel to Disney World to see Animal Kingdom and of course, all the Disney Princesses. For every shirt ordered, $5.50 will be donated to Colorado Make-A-Wish in honor of Lily and children like her. Shirts will be delivered to school the week of January 12th, and we ask that everyone wear this shirt on Thursday, January 22nd!
The deadline to order shirts is Sunday, January 4th.
Make-A-Wish 2026
Ralston Valley Student Government is beginning to seek donations for our 2026 Make-A-Wish Silent Auction. If you or your company would like to donate a gift certificate or other product/service to our fundraising efforts to be used on our Silent Auction platform, please reach out prior to Monday, January 12th, 2026. To find out more about our donation opportunities and sponsorship program, please contact:
Committee Chair, Benjamin Brown 2199884@jeffcoschools.us
Student Government Sponsor, Jenny Braketa: jenny.braketa@jeffco.k12.co.us
athletics
athletics
All State Accolades
Congratulations to all of our student-athletes and coaches who earned CHSAA All-State recognition for their outstanding accomplishments this past fall. These honors reflect not only individual excellence, but also the commitment, discipline, and teamwork that define Ralston Valley Athletics.
We are especially proud to recognize several Mustangs whose achievements stood at the highest level across the state: Ethan Orchard, who was named 5A Soccer Player of the Year; Katee Mink, honored as Game Day Dance Coach of the Year; and Jared Yannacito, recognized as 5A Football Coach of the Year. Each of these awards speaks to exceptional performance, leadership, and the impact they have had on their programs and teammates.
Please click the links below to view the full All-State teams and see the many Ralston Valley Mustangs who were honored. Congratulations to all on a tremendous fall season and for continuing to represent RVHS with pride and excellence!
Girls Basketball - The Mustang basketball team closed out the Fairview Tournament in impressive fashion last weekend, delivering a dominant 68–40 victory over Evergreen. The Mustangs played with great pace, balance, and defensive intensity, setting the tone early and maintaining control throughout the game. Sammi Madden led the way with 18 points, while Sydni Gregory and Santana Sabus each added 15, highlighting a strong team effort on both ends of the floor.
Heading into winter break with a 3–3 record, the Mustangs are building momentum and continuing to grow as a group. They will look to carry that energy into the new year with a home matchup against Highlands Ranch on Saturday, January 3rd at 2:00 p.m. Come out and support the Mustangs as they continue their push forward.
Boys Basketball - The Mustang boys basketball team continued its strong early-season run with two dominant performances this past week, showcasing depth, discipline, and unselfish play on both ends of the floor. On Saturday, the Mustangs traveled to Colorado Springs and delivered an impressive 68–38 road victory over Doherty, setting the tone early with defensive intensity and efficient offense. They carried that momentum into Monday night, protecting home court with a commanding 70–37 win over Dakota Ridge.
With these victories, the Mustangs head into the break undefeated at 6–0 and firmly established as a Top-5 team in Class 6A. The challenge continues after the break as RVHS welcomes another Top-5 opponent, Chaparral High School, in a home matchup on Saturday, January 3rd at 3:30 p.m., as part of an exciting doubleheader with the girls basketball team. Come out and support the Mustangs as they put their record—and their standard—to the test in a marquee matchup
Wrestling - The RVHS wrestling team competed with toughness and determination last weekend at the Horizon High School Tournament, continuing to show growth and depth across the lineup. Leading the way was Rylan Dooley, who was named RVHS Wrestler of the Tournament after an outstanding performance in his first appearance at the 126-pound weight class. Dooley posted an impressive 5–1 record on the day and earned a second-place finish.
Special recognition also goes to David Pavlich, who competed in his first tournament of the season and delivered a strong showing, finishing 6–1 and placing second. In addition, Jax Nielsen, Wyatt Smith, Phoenix Burdett, and Max Wheeler all competed at a high level, each earning third-place finishes and contributing valuable points for the Mustangs.
The team will look to build on this momentum this weekend as they travel to the NCCT Tournament at the University of Northern Colorado, continuing to test themselves against strong competition and push forward as the season progresses.
Girls Swim and Dive - The Mustang swim team put together an outstanding week in the pool, earning a convincing 113–73 victory over Littleton in dual meet competition. The meet highlighted both the depth and continued growth of the program, with several swimmers delivering championship-level performances.
Sophia Ganong and Lillia Barlow each qualified for the state meet in the 200 IM, with Ganong adding another state qualification in the 100 Fly. Anna Countryman also punched her ticket to state with a strong performance in the 500 Freestyle. In addition, a large group of Mustangs secured qualification for the Jeffco League Championships, including Kenzie Ammon, Sarai Kilgore, Sofie Cox, Abigail Hopkins, Laura Haneke, Olivia Kemper, Brynn Sorice, Evee Arnold-Renicker, Olivia Williams, and Penelope Lee.
This collective success reflects the team’s commitment to preparation, consistency, and competitive excellence. Congratulations to all of our swimmers on a tremendous week as they continue to raise the standard and build momentum as the season progresses.
Hockey - The Mustang hockey team earned a thrilling and hard-fought victory over Valor Christian last weekend, showcasing resilience, composure, and belief when it mattered most. Trailing entering the third period, the Mustangs erupted for three goals to force overtime, then delivered the game-winner to secure an unforgettable 5–4 comeback win. Marco Lombardi led the offensive charge with two goals, while Keenan Posiviata fueled the attack with three assists. With the win, the Mustangs improved to 4–1 on the young season and continue to build confidence and momentum.
They will close out the first half of the season this weekend with a road matchup at Denver East tonight at 7:30 p.m., followed by a Saturday night showdown against Monarch at 7:00 p.m. Best of luck to the Mustangs as they look to finish the first half strong!
Tickets - Game tickets must be purchased through GoFan for all Jeffco-hosted events. Ticket sales to all Jeffco events in stadiums and in our gym are available through GoFan. Cash is not 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 to 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 money.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the online ticketing system.
off campus policy
off campus policy
To help keep students as safe as possible, RVHS students are not allowed to walk off campus at any time.
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, parents/guardians of 10th-grade students can give permission for their child to leave campus with the expectation that they are following the local and state driving laws. Once this form has been submitted by a parent/guardian, the student must visit the front office to obtain an 'off-campus' sticker for their Student ID.
Please click on this FORM to give your sophomore child the ability to leave campus with your permission. Students with a valid sticker can begin leaving campus during approved periods on Monday, August 25, 2025.
Our campus is not closed to our 11th and 12th grade students and they may leave campus.
Schedule for The Upcoming week
Schedule for The Upcoming week
Monday, Dec. 22 - Friday, Jan. 2 - Winter Break - NO SCHOOL
Monday & Tuesday, Jan. 5 - 6 - Teacher Work Days - NO SCHOOL for Students
Wednesday, Jan. 7 - Silver Day (Students Return)
Thursday, Jan. 8 - White Day
Friday, Jan. 9 - Blue Day
Counseling Department
Counseling Department
RVHS Alumni Panel
RVHS Alumni Panel
Recent RV alumni will share their college experiences and insight on the transition from high school to college. For the first time, we're hosting the panel in the evening so that parents can join! This is a great opportunity for current college-bound juniors and seniors, as well as the parents supporting the process.
Recent RV alumni will share their college experiences and insight on the transition from high school to college. For the first time, we're hosting the panel in the evening so that parents can join! This is a great opportunity for current college-bound juniors and seniors, as well as the parents supporting the process.
Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Place: RVHS Library
College Conversation for Students with T1D
College Conversation for Students with T1D
Jeffco Schools is pairing with CU Boulder Students with Diabetes Link to dicusss "all things college and managing type 1 diabetes." This event is open to all students, not just those looking to attend CU. Click here for a flier and to register.
Jeffco Schools is pairing with CU Boulder Students with Diabetes Link to dicusss "all things college and managing type 1 diabetes." This event is open to all students, not just those looking to attend CU. Click here for a flier and to register.
Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Place: Jeffco Schools Education Center, Room 2-A, 1829 Denver West Dr, Golden
Jeffco Teens Workgroup
Jeffco Teens Workgroup
Jefferson County Communities That Care (Jeffco CTC) is looking for new Jeffco teens members! Youth aged 11-22 who are interested in working to improve health, safety, and wellness in Jefferson County are encouraged to apply. Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m., and students may get paid for their participation. Click here for a flier and link to the interest form.
Jefferson County Communities That Care (Jeffco CTC) is looking for new Jeffco teens members! Youth aged 11-22 who are interested in working to improve health, safety, and wellness in Jefferson County are encouraged to apply. Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m., and students may get paid for their participation. Click here for a flier and link to the interest form.
Outdoor Education & Park Ranger Career Fair
Outdoor Education & Park Ranger Career Fair
The largest Outdoor Education Career Fair in Colorado will take place in January in Lakewood. Around 45 organizations, ranging from land management agencies to national parks to local guiding companies, will be in attendance. There will also be information on RRCC's Outdoor Education and Park Ranger Technology programs.
The largest Outdoor Education Career Fair in Colorado will take place in January in Lakewood. Around 45 organizations, ranging from land management agencies to national parks to local guiding companies, will be in attendance. There will also be information on RRCC's Outdoor Education and Park Ranger Technology programs.
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Place: "The Bridge" on Red Rocks Community College Campus, 13300 West 6th Ave, Lakewood
The Denver Foundation Scholarships
The Denver Foundation Scholarships
The Denver Foundation stewards more than 70 different scholarship funds created by individuals, families, and businesses. Scholarship opportunites can consider merit, financial need, student interests, or background. For a list of scholarships and to apply, visit their website.
The Denver Foundation stewards more than 70 different scholarship funds created by individuals, families, and businesses. Scholarship opportunites can consider merit, financial need, student interests, or background. For a list of scholarships and to apply, visit their website.
DAR Scholarships
DAR Scholarships
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) offers multiple scholarships to students showing dedication to the pursuit of higher education. Each scholarship has it's own requirements and award amounts. The deadline to apply for any of them is January 31, 2026. Click here for a full list of scholarships.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) offers multiple scholarships to students showing dedication to the pursuit of higher education. Each scholarship has it's own requirements and award amounts. The deadline to apply for any of them is January 31, 2026. Click here for a full list of scholarships.
UNC's Future Teacher Conference
UNC's Future Teacher Conference
The University of Northern Colorado is hosting their 11th annual Future Teacher Conference with Steve Spangler as the keynote speaker. Aspiring teachers will attend presentations and workshops to learn more about the eduation field. Three attendees will be selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend UNC in the fall of 2026. For more information and to register, click here.
The University of Northern Colorado is hosting their 11th annual Future Teacher Conference with Steve Spangler as the keynote speaker. Aspiring teachers will attend presentations and workshops to learn more about the eduation field. Three attendees will be selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend UNC in the fall of 2026. For more information and to register, click here.
Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Place: UNC University Center, 2101 10th Avenue, Greeley
Girls Lead the Way STEM Conference
Girls Lead the Way STEM Conference
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at Colorado School of Mines is hosting an event designed to introduce 9th-12th graders to STEM, engineering, and applied science at Mines. Participants will engage in interactive learning activities, attend panel discussions and connect with peers who share a passion for STEM. For more information and to register, click here.
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at Colorado School of Mines is hosting an event designed to introduce 9th-12th graders to STEM, engineering, and applied science at Mines. Participants will engage in interactive learning activities, attend panel discussions and connect with peers who share a passion for STEM. For more information and to register, click here.
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Place: Colorado School of Mines Green Center, 924 16th Street, Golden
Jeffco Open Space Foundation Scholarship
Jeffco Open Space Foundation Scholarship
The Jeffco Open Space Foundation is offering a scholarship to graduating seniors with an intent to study and work in the field of natural resources. The scholarship may be used for educational expenses at an institution of higher learning. For more information and a link to the application, click here. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.
The Jeffco Open Space Foundation is offering a scholarship to graduating seniors with an intent to study and work in the field of natural resources. The scholarship may be used for educational expenses at an institution of higher learning. For more information and a link to the application, click here. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.
Advisement Corner
Advisement Corner
Advisement
Please click HERE to access the course syllabus for Advisement that explains the purpose, key components, and expectations, including grading and attendance.
Advisement classes will resume on Wednesday, January 7, which is a Silver day. Both 9th and 10th grade classes will reset their academic and time management routines to start the second semester.
Reminder - If your student has Advisement on Thursday mornings, it will be from 8:15 to 9:00 a.m. before the start of Access.
Advisement classes ended the semester on a high note, enjoying treats and engaging in activities that promoted connection and community among students. It was a fun way to celebrate the season and strengthen relationships before the break.
Ralston Valley Happenings
Ralston Valley Happenings
Capstone Presentations in Engineering Class
Our Senior STEM Capstone teams presented their Pre–Critical Design Reviews (CDRs) today to our industry partner, Darin Spain of BAE Systems. The first team is developing a Gear‑Based Assisted Walker designed to help individuals safely navigate stairs. The second team is creating an Avalanche Probing Device that evaluates avalanche risk for backcountry skiers by analyzing climate conditions, snowpack depth, and additional environmental factors. Both groups will continue refining their prototypes and will share their final designs next semester.
#BeTheValue Awards November 2025
At Ralston Valley, we take pride in recognizing staff members who embody our Mustang Values - motivation, inclusivity, honesty, respect, empathy, perseverance, and integrity. Each month, we highlight one of these core values and honor the team members who bring it to life through their actions and spirit. Honorees are nominated and voted on by their colleagues, making this a meaningful recognition that reflects the genuine appreciation and respect of their peers.
In the month of November, we celebrated those who exemplify the value of Honesty: the quality of being truthful and sincere. This is essential for building trust in relationships, fostering effective communication, and admitting faults. This value is seen in team dynamics and interactions.
These dedicated individuals consistently go above and beyond to model and encourage effective and meaningful communication, which moves important work forward.
This month’s honorees are:
Ms. Reid, Mr. Busch, Mrs. Petersen, Ms. Lyons, Ms. Smith, Ms. Blum, Ms. Newhouse, and Mr. Cortez (Pictures of Ms. Blum, Ms. Newhouse, and Ms. Reid coming)
A heartfelt thank you to each of you for your unwavering commitment to our students and staff. Your impact is deeply felt and sincerely appreciated — you make our Mustang community stronger every day!
Ralston Valley's SRO Honored with Award
Ralston Valley High School is proud to recognize our dedicated School Resource Officer, Nicole Deering, who has been named the November 2025 Employee of the Month by the Arvada Police Department and the Arvada Police Foundation. Officer Deering’s commitment to the safety and well-being of our school community is truly appreciated, and her efforts make a meaningful difference for our students, staff, and families.
Hands-On Learning in Science
Mrs. Martin’s Anatomy and Physiology students recently had the opportunity to perform cat dissections as part of their study of body systems. This hands-on experience allowed students to review how the different systems of the body work together, giving them a deeper understanding of the human body.
Last week, our SSN students visited the advanced German class to decorate Lebkuchen houses, sharing a fun and festive experience together. Some of our German Honor Society members had prepared the houses ahead of time during their ACCESS period, and everyone enjoyed spending time together adding decorations and celebrating the season. It was a joyful opportunity for connection, creativity, and holiday cheer for all involved.
A Visit from Wally, the Therapy Dog
This week, students and staff had the pleasure of spending time with Wally, a therapy Great Pyrenees. Known for their gentle and calming nature, Great Pyrenees can help create a sense of calm and lightness, especially during busy school weeks.
Wally spent time in the counseling office, offering students who chose to visit a chance to relax, de-stress, and enjoy a moment of calm. He has visited several area schools, bringing comfort and providing students and staff with a welcome brain break.
Administration
Administration
Ms. Buenning, Principal 303-982-5600
Mr. Pergola, 9th Asst. Principal 303-982-5604
Ms. Hogan, 10th Asst. Principal 303-982-2391
Ms. Abrams, 11th Asst. Principal 303-982-9463
Ms. Young, 12th Asst. Principal 303-982-5713
Mr. Ackerman, Athletic Director 303-982-5595
Mr. Trione, Dean 303-982-7760
Important Links
Important Links
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