February 13, 2026 EDition
February 13, 2026 EDition
Embedded Files
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent Teacher Conferences are hosted in person on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 4:00pm-7:00pm. Conferences are drop-in visits with teachers located in the RVHS Main Gym and Small Gym and will be limited to five minutes. If you believe your conference requires more than five minutes, please feel free to reach out to teachers directly to schedule an alternate day/time to connect.
Conferences provide a great opportunity for you and your student to meet with teachers and learn about their strengths, accomplishments, and areas of improvement. We encourage all students and parents to attend and we hope to see you there!
If you are not able to meet with one of your student’s teachers during conferences on Wednesday, February 18th, please email them to schedule an appointment for an alternate day/time.
***PTSA will be providing dinner for teachers. Please click here to access the Sign Up Genius if you would like to make a contribution. Thank you!***
Course Registration for the 2026-27 School Year
Course Registration for the 2026-27 School Year
Students in grades 10-11 have officially begun the course registration process for the 2026-27 school year. Thoughtful and informed decisions about course selections are essential in supporting students on their path toward graduation and preparing for their future goals. 9th graders will begin the process on February 19.
To assist with this important process, we encourage families to consult the Course Registration Website, which offers comprehensive resources, including:
Step-by-step guidance for the selection process
Course descriptions
Registration due dates
Enrollment policies
Please take some time to review these materials together and discuss options that align with your student's academic and post-secondary goals.
Thank you for your support in helping students plan a successful year ahead!
Senior Bulletin
The first edition of the Senior Bulletin for the class of 2026 was sent to households of seniors on January 21. Be sure to check your inbox for detailed information related to the following:
Senior Signs: Click here for additional details and to order by March 15.
NOTE: Proceeds benefit RVHS After Prom.
Senior Banners: Click here for additional details to order by April 27.
NOTE: Proceeds benefit RVHS After Prom.
Senior Panoramic Picture: Tuesday, February 17. Preorder here.
Save The Date: Parent Graduation Meeting: Wednesday, April 8 at 6:30 PM.
Tickets On Sale Now - Les Miserable March 11-14
Les Misérables is hitting the RV stage! Our cast, crew, and pit have poured their hearts into this year's production of the spring musical, and you won’t want to miss the music, emotion, and student talent on display. Performances run Wednesday, March 11 through Saturday, March 14 at 7 PM — buy tickets before they’re gone:
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
All State Choir
We are so proud of our RVHS All-State Choir students! After a long and challenging audition and preparation process, they gave an amazing concert at the Buell Theater at the DCPA this past weekend. We set a new RVHS record this year by having 14 students selected, an amazing accomplishment! A big shout out to all of these amazing singers!
Claire Ables, Julia Ebmeier, Tag Edwards, Annie Erwin, Chayce Hess, Jack Hubbard, Bennett Jenkins, Scarlett Jensen, Sophia Kalkhorst, Dane Rogers, Emma Schneider, Haidyn Schuster, Eden Wagonlander, Tate Wride
Student Government Celebration
RV administrators celebrated Student Government’s incredible efforts with Make-A-Wish this year by hosting a special ice cream party to show their appreciation.
Speech and Debate Award Winning Month
The Speech & Debate Team has been busy this month!
We have had many students receive top awards at our January and February tournaments at Cherry Creek, Mullen High, and Standley Lake in Congressional Debate, Lincoln Douglas, Original Oratory, and Duo Interpretation.
Next stops are at Columbine and Fairview High School before we head to the 5A State Tournament at Cherokee Trail. Good luck Mustangs!
Ralston Valley NHS Accepting Applications
The Ralston Valley Chapter of the National Honor Society is currently accepting applications for membership. Membership is only for juniors and seniors with a 3.6+ GPA and a willingness to embrace volunteerism. Current sophomores and juniors fitting this criteria are welcome to apply. Eligible sophomores have received invitations to apply during their science class this week. Eligible juniors may pick up an application from Mrs. Reid or Mrs. Rosenthal in the Science department. All application materials are due by 3:40pm on Friday February 27th. Incomplete or late applications are disregarded.
athletics
athletics
Register for Mustang Spring Sports
Spring sports registration is now open. Please register on the RVHS Athletics website.
Deadline to register for spring sports: 3:00 p.m., Friday, 2/20.
Basketball vs. Arvada West at RVHS
We are excited to host another round of great basketball between our two schools on Saturday, 2/21 at Ralston Valley High School! The girls varsity game will start at 1:30 p.m. and the boys varsity game at 3:00 p.m. The first matchup was sold out and we anticipate the same at Ralston Valley.
General admission and student tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, February 18th at 9:00 a.m. RVHS students will need to use their student ID to purchase a student ticket. If a student has purchased an activity pass for the year, inputting their ID will give them a free ticket. ALL SPECTATORS, INCLUDING STUDENTS, will need a ticket from GoFan: https://gofan.co/event/5285168?schoolId=CO16364
Passes (CHSAA, CHSCA, Jeffco, Lifetime Senior Passes) will be accepted at the gate (no GoFan ticket needed) but will be limited so entry is not guaranteed.
Tickets will be available until they are sold out. No more spectators can be admitted into the games once we have reached capacity. We recommend pre-purchasing tickets as they may not be available at the door.
The doors will open at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, 2/21, one hour before the first game.
Boys Basketball - The boys basketball team has found its rhythm again, putting together another undefeated week with three commanding performances. They opened with a dominant 81–45 win at home over Chatfield High School, followed by an impressive 64–40 victory over Valor Christian High School. The week concluded with a strong road performance, defeating Columbine High School 81–59. Across all three games, the Mustangs showcased balanced scoring, defensive intensity, and the kind of execution that reflects a team hitting its stride at the right time.
The challenge level rises this week with a top-10 showdown at home Tuesday night against Mountain Vista High School at 7:30 p.m. Then comes the highly anticipated rematch with Arvada West High School—with the league title on the line. Expect high-level basketball and a playoff-type atmosphere as the Mustangs continue to raise the bar.
Wrestling - The Mustang wrestlers are competing this weekend at the regional championships at Horizon High School, stepping into one of the most important stages of their season. After months of preparation, training, and competition, everything now comes down to these matches.
Their goal is clear—earn a top-four finish in each weight class to secure a spot at the state championship tournament at Ball Arena. Every match matters, and the Mustangs are ready to battle for the opportunity to compete on the state’s biggest stage.
Good luck, Mustangs—compete with toughness, focus, and pride!
Girls Swim and Dive - The Mustang girls swim team made history last weekend, capturing their third consecutive league championship—a tremendous accomplishment that reflects their hard work, depth, and commitment to excellence all season long!
The team delivered an outstanding overall performance, placing swimmers in the top 10 in every event but two—and even in those events, finishing in the top 20. That level of consistency across the board speaks to the strength of the entire roster and the culture of preparation and support that defines this program.
A special congratulations to all of our finals competitors who represented the Mustangs at the highest level:
Kenzie Ammon, Evee Arnold-Renicker, Eira Barber, Lillia Barlow, Anna Countryman, Sofie Cox, Sophia Ganong, Laura Hanake, Abigail Hopkins, Emma Johnson, Olivia Kemper, Sarai Kilgore, Kacie Kirchhevel, Emily McQuitty, Taylor McQuitty, and Heather Thome—along with our teammates from JA: Kiera Daly, Grace Kingen, and Olivia Williams.
Your dedication, teamwork, and competitive spirit continue to raise the bar and set the standard for Mustang swimming. Congratulations on an incredible championship performance!
Next week, this talented group of Mustang swimmers and divers will represent the program at the state championships—an incredible achievement that reflects their hard work and outstanding performances all season long. Best of luck to Adelyn (Addy) Dickerson, Kara Sundbye, Evee Arnold-Renicker, Lillia Barlow, Anna Countryman, Sofie Cox, Kiera Daly, Sophia Ganong, Emily McQuitty, Taylor McQuitty, Heather Thome, and Olivia Williams as they compete on Colorado’s biggest stage!
Hockey - The Mustang hockey team wrapped up the regular season last weekend with two tough matchups against top-10 opponents. While the results didn’t fall their way, the team delivered strong, competitive performances that reflected their resilience and continued growth heading into postseason play.
Now, attention turns to the state playoffs. The Mustangs will learn their playoff seed this week and begin their postseason run next weekend. Stay tuned for more details as they prepare to compete for a championship opportunity!
Girls Basketball - The Mustang basketball team faced a challenging stretch this week as their eight-game winning streak came to an end. They opened with a strong 57–38 win over Chatfield High School last Saturday, continuing the momentum they had built over the past several weeks. However, they followed with two hard-fought battles against Valor Christian High School and Columbine High School, coming up just short against both quality opponents.
With a few days to regroup and refocus, the Mustangs now turn their attention to a big rivalry matchup. They’ll host cross-town rival Arvada West High School next Saturday, 2/21 at 1:30 PM—a great opportunity to bounce back and finish strong at home.
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.
Mustang Unified Field Hockey played against Standley Lake High School this week.
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, Feb. 16 - Presidents' Day Holiday - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, Feb. 17 - White Day
Wednesday, Feb. 18 - Blue Day
Thursday, Feb. 19 - White Day
Friday, Feb. 20 - Blue Day
Counseling Department
Counseling Department
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:
Metropolitan State University of Denver - Tuesday, Feb. 17 - 1:30 p.m.
Texas A&M University - Tuesday, Feb. 17 - 1:30 p.m.
University of Arizona - Tuesday, Feb. 24 - 11:45 a.m.
AP Exam Fees
AP Exam Fees
The $99 exam fee for spring-semester-only sections of AP courses (U.S. Government and Politics and Microeconomics) was posted to student fee accounts this week. The AP exam fees are due on Friday, February 20th. After that date, a $25 late fee will be added.
The $99 exam fee for spring-semester-only sections of AP courses (U.S. Government and Politics and Microeconomics) was posted to student fee accounts this week. The AP exam fees are due on Friday, February 20th. After that date, a $25 late fee will be added.
Lateen College Prep Seminar
Lateen College Prep Seminar
Red Rocks Community College is hosting a seminar designed to support Latin students and their families, while welcoming anyone interested in learning how to prepare for college. Topics covered include the college application process, financial aid, and supportive resources. Click here for a flier and a link to RSVP.
Red Rocks Community College is hosting a seminar designed to support Latin students and their families, while welcoming anyone interested in learning how to prepare for college. Topics covered include the college application process, financial aid, and supportive resources. Click here for a flier and a link to RSVP.
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Place: Red Rocks Community College, Community Room #1280, Lakewood
RYLA Summer Leadership Program
RYLA Summer Leadership Program
Girls Who Code Summer Pathways Program
Girls Who Code Summer Pathways Program
Girls Who Code is offering a FREE on-line summer program for high school girls, including graduating seniors, who want to learn coding at their own pace. Participants will learn about Web Development, Cybersecurity, AI, Game Design, and more. For more information and to apply, click here.
Girls Who Code is offering a FREE on-line summer program for high school girls, including graduating seniors, who want to learn coding at their own pace. Participants will learn about Web Development, Cybersecurity, AI, Game Design, and more. 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 7-13, 2026 at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO. Applications are due May 1, 2026. 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 7-13, 2026 at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO. Applications are due May 1, 2026. Click here for more information and to apply.
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 May 31 - June 6, 2026 at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO. Applications are due May 1, 2026. 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 May 31 - June 6, 2026 at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO. Applications are due May 1, 2026. for more information and to apply, click here.
Jefferson County Counselor Association Scholarship
Jefferson County Counselor Association Scholarship
Graduating seniors with a 2.5 or higher GPA who will be attending an intitute of higher education next school year are welcome to apply for a $1,000 scholarship from the Jefferson County Counselor Association (JCCA). Students must be willing to share a story of how a school counselor positively impacted them. Click here for an application. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.
Graduating seniors with a 2.5 or higher GPA who will be attending an intitute of higher education next school year are welcome to apply for a $1,000 scholarship from the Jefferson County Counselor Association (JCCA). Students must be willing to share a story of how a school counselor positively impacted them. Click here for an application. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.
JCEA Scholarships
JCEA Scholarships
Jefferson County Educators Association (JCEA) offers multiple scholarships for Jeffco students. To view the different scholarships and to apply, click here. Applications are due February 16, 2026.
Jefferson County Educators Association (JCEA) offers multiple scholarships for Jeffco students. To view the different scholarships and to apply, click here. Applications are due February 16, 2026.
West Woods Elementary Scholarship
West Woods Elementary Scholarship
Graduating seniors who attended West Woods Elementary for at least one school year are invited to apply for one of their four $1,000 scholarships. Candidates should be in good academic standing and a proven record of good citizenship and positive community service experiences. For more information, click here and click here for an application. The deadline to apply is Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Graduating seniors who attended West Woods Elementary for at least one school year are invited to apply for one of their four $1,000 scholarships. Candidates should be in good academic standing and a proven record of good citizenship and positive community service experiences. For more information, click here and click here for an application. The deadline to apply is Sunday, April 19, 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 the week of February 23.
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.
Ralston Valley Happenings
Ralston Valley Happenings
Valentines for Senior Citizens in French Classes
Madame Frie's French I students crafted over 100 Valentine cards in French to distribute to the residents at Covenant Village Senior Living Center.
Biology Measures Skulls
Ms. Reid's Honors Biology students are measuring and comparing hominin skulls to see how physical traits evolved over time.
Future Insights Speaker Series in Science
Professional Engineer Brad Bijold visited Chemistry classes this week as part of the Future Insights Speaker Series. He works at Tetra Tech and came to discuss civil engineering and sustainability. Brad is also a proud parent of Mustang Senior Liz Bijold and alumni Becca Bijold.
The vision of the speaker series is to inspire and engage students by connecting them with professionals from both academia and industry. The goal is to broaden the insights students have into the diverse career and research paths available in the scientific fields, beyond the commonly discussed professions. The speakers share their unique educational and professional journeys, their discovery of their passions, and highlight current projects and research. Their valuable experiences ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of thinkers.
If you're interested in being a speaker, please email Melissa Geinitz at melissarizzutogeinitz@jeffco.k12.co.us
Work-Based Learning
Ms. Silburn's students are participating in work-based learning, both at school in the RV cafeteria and off campus at Randy's Pizza. They are learning to apply some of the durable skills that they have learned in class.
From Cologne, Germany to RV: A Modern Twist on Carnival
Thursday, February 12th, 2026 is Weiberfastnacht (women's carnival day). Historically in Germany, any man wearing a tie that day gets it cut off to show that the women are in power. At Ralston Valley, we do this differently. Teachers, administrators, and staff (any gender) volunteer to wear a paper tie provided by Deutschklub. Students greet you with the carnival greeting "Alaaf." The adults reply with “Helau” thus giving permission for the students to rip off the bottom half of the tie.
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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