Teacher Spotlight

Our teachers bring incredible passion and talent to the classroom every day and that’s just the beginning of who they are. Each month, we’ll spotlight one of our amazing staff members to celebrate their lives beyond school walls; their hobbies, interests, talents, families, and the things that make them who they are. We’re excited to share the whole person behind the profession! This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight the "man on the run," Mr. Cengia!

A mainstay at Ralston Valley, Mr. Cengia has spent the last seven years chasing a dream: the Boston Marathon. What started as an ambitious "what if" has transformed into a master class in resilience. After years of steady progress, he officially clocked an April 2025 qualifying time and has been accepted into the prestigious 2026 Boston Marathon!

When he’s not in the classroom, Mr. Cengia is a dedicated dad to his 7-year-old daughter. His training often requires a touch of creativity, so you’ll likely spot him logging miles around the RV campus before school pickup. Whether he’s navigating the Colorado trails or the school hallways, he consistently models the commitment, humility, and gratitude we strive to instill in our students.

Mr. Cengia plans to sport his Mustang gear for the big race on April 20, 2026. If you see him out training, be sure to give him a wave and a loud "Go Mustangs!"

Register for 2026-27 School Year

If you have not yet logged into Enroll Jeffco to register your child(ren) for the next school year, we strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible. It is very important that all families indicate their plans for the upcoming school year—even if you plan to return to your current school.

Accurate enrollment information is essential for our school as we plan for staffing, classroom resources, and programming. The more accurate our numbers are now, the better we can support students and families next school year.

Please visit www.enrolljeffco.org to register your child(ren) and confirm your plans for the 2026–27 school year.  Need help accessing your account? Families who have forgotten their username or password can use the Personal Account Manager to regain access.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this important step and for helping us plan for a successful school year.  

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.

Ralston Valley's Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Ms. Watts, gave a performance at the conference. Ralston Valley is one of three high school orchestras that were chosen for this incredibly high honor. The students worked with composers and clinicians, and had a piece written for them. It was an amazing concert! 

Basketball at Arvada West - Saturday, January 31st

We’d like to share some important information for the upcoming Girls and Boys Varsity Basketball Doubleheader this Saturday, January 31, at Arvada West HS.  

Game times:

• Girls Varsity: 5:00 p.m.

• Boys Varsity: 6:30 p.m.

We strongly encourage anyone planning to attend to purchase tickets in advance through the GoFan App. You can also use the following link: AWest vs. RV Tickets. Doors will open at 4:00 p.m.

Please note that there will be two lines outside the gym:

• One line for spectators who still need to purchase tickets

• One line for those with passes or pre-purchased tickets

Register for Mustang Spring Sports

Spring sports registration is now open.  Please register on the RV Athletics website: 

https://jeffco-ralstonvalley.rst7.rschooltoday.com/

Deadline to register for Boys Swim & Dive: 3:00 p.m. Thursday 2/12

Deadline to register for all other spring sports: 3:00 p.m. Friday 2/20

Hockey - The Mustang hockey team responded to a challenging stretch in the best way possible this week—by bouncing back with three decisive wins over Dakota Ridge (7-1), Castle View (7-2), and Standley Lake (5-2). The week started on a meaningful note as we honored our seniors prior to the Dakota Ridge game, and it was a great tribute to their commitment and impact on the program.

This group continues to find ways to win by playing fast, physical, and disciplined hockey—competing hard in all three zones and setting the tone on both ends of the ice.

Next up, the Mustangs are back at home tonight as they take on Chaparral at 8:00 PM at the Apex, followed by their final home game tomorrow night against Regis Jesuit at 7:45 PM at the Apex. Come out and support the team as they close out the home schedule strong!

Girls Basketball - The girls basketball team is playing some outstanding basketball right now, riding a four-game win streak with impressive victories over Lakewood (65-26), Doherty (62-53), Evergreen (70-43), and Fountain-Fort Carson (63-36). This stretch has been a great reflection of who they are—balanced scoring, tough defense, and a true team-first mentality where everyone is contributing in meaningful ways.

Their momentum couldn’t come at a better time as they prepare for a big test on Saturday, traveling to face cross-town rival Arvada West at 5:00 PM. Best of luck to the Mustangs—keep playing together and keep setting the standard!

Boys Basketball - The boys basketball team has continued their outstanding run, picking up two more convincing wins last weekend over Lakewood (74-34) and ThunderRidge (67-48). This group continues to raise the bar with their intensity, discipline, and unselfish play—bringing consistent effort on both ends of the floor and finding ways to separate from teams with great defense and execution.

Now, all eyes turn to one of the biggest match-ups of the season as the Mustangs prepare for a rivalry showdown at Arvada West this Saturday at 6:30 PM. With both teams sitting at an undefeated 15-0, fans can expect a high-level, high-energy game featuring two of the best teams in the state. Good luck, Mustangs—protect the standard and compete for every possession!

Wrestling - The Mustang wrestlers stepped onto the mat this week for a high-energy home dual against cross-town rival Arvada West, and it delivered everything you’d expect from a rivalry match-up. The team battle was tight from start to finish, with both sides trading big takedowns, hard-fought points, and momentum-shifting pins throughout the night. In the end, the Mustangs found a way to finish strong and came away with an exciting 41-38 victory!

Next up, the Mustangs turn their focus to the 5A Jeffco League Tournament this Friday at Pomona. Come out and support our wrestlers as they compete for league titles and continue to raise the bar!

Girls Swim and Dive - The Mustang swimmers had a great weekend competing against Standley Lake on Senior Night—a special evening dedicated to honoring and celebrating the seniors who have invested so much into this program over the past four years. Their leadership, commitment, and impact have helped set the standard for Mustang swimming, and it was great to recognize them in front of teammates and families.

The team also delivered some outstanding performances in the pool. Sofie Cox earned her first state cut in the 500 freestyle, and Lucy Bashford qualified for state in diving. Penelope Lee, Eira Barber, and Olivia Kemper continued to build momentum as well, adding to their league cuts in the 200 freestyle, 100 butterfly, and 100 breaststroke.

The Mustangs are now preparing to defend their league championship next weekend at the Arvada Aquatics Center. Best of luck as you continue to raise the bar!

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.

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. 

Upcoming College Visits

Representatives from the following colleges will be in the RVHS Counseling Office on these dates and times:

University of Northern Colorado - Wednesday, Feb. 4 - 9:00 a.m.

Colorado State University, Pueblo - Wednesday, Feb. 4 - 1:30 p.m.

Ohio University - Wednesday, Feb. 4 - 1:30 p.m.

Colorado Mesa University - Tuesday, Feb. 10 - 9:00 a.m.

Western Colorado University - Tuesday, Feb. 10 - 9:00 a.m.

University of Massachusetts, Amherst - Wednesday, Feb. 11 - 9:00 a.m.

Jeffcon 2026 Registration Open

Jeffcon is an annual, one-day student technology conference hosted by Jeffco's IT Department that allows students to learn about various IT careers from experienced industry professionals. The day is filled with speakers, sessions, prizes, an eSports competition, and a free lunch. Students register for the event at www.jeffcon.net .  Parents should fill out this form (after the student is registered) to excuse attendance for RVHS.

This year’s event will take place on Friday, February 6th, 2026 at Bear Creek High School. 

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.

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Place: Red Rocks Community College, Community Room #1280, Lakewood

Colorado Health Careers Sumer Academy

The Colorado Health Careers Collaborative is offering students ages 15-24 a summer program where they can learn more about a variety of fields within the health care industry.  Sessions are offered at Arapahoe Community College from June 8-26 and at Community College of Denver, Lowry Campus from July 6-24.  The program features career exploration, virtual job shadowing, career panels, medical labs and more.  Click here for more information and to apply.

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. 

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.

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.

Advisement 

Please click HERE  to access the course syllabus for Advisement that explains the purpose, key components, and expectations, including grading and attendance.  

To kick off the month of February, our Wellness Collective students will come to 10th grade Advisement classes next week to speak about the topic, Turning Goals into Habits. Students in 9th grade will work with their Weekly Grade Trackers to help them stay connected to their academic progress and goals.

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.