CMAS Science Testing
Beginning the week of April 6th, Juniors will participate in the state-mandated CMAS Science assessment. Testing sessions will primarily occur during scheduled science blocks. Please note that while many students will complete testing during the first week, the testing window will extend into the following week for certain groups.
For more details regarding the goals and importance of this state assessment, please click here for more information.
LOGISTICS & SCHEDULING
Science teachers will provide students with their exact testing dates, any specific changes to their class schedule, and their room assignments. Please be aware of the following alternate arrangements:
Juniors in both Chemistry & Physics: These students will test during their Physics class
Sophomores or Seniors in Physics or Conceptual Chemistry: These students should report to their science class first for attendance, then proceed to the library for the duration of the testing session. Attendance will be taken in both locations. Once testing concludes, students will return to their regular science class for the remainder of the period.
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 in the Library Classroom during the following times:
Warren Tech AM Students: Thursday, April 16, from 1:00pm - 3:30pm (both sessions).
Warren Tech PM Students: Thursday, April 16, from 8:15am-10:45am (both sessions).
Note: If students miss any regularly scheduled RVHS classes to complete this testing, they will be excused and permitted to complete any make-up work.
If you have any questions about CMAS Science testing, please contact Kristen Hogan, Assistant Principal.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and their academic success!
Support the Lisa Nelson Memorial Scholarship
Join us in honoring the legacy of longtime Ralston Valley PE teacher and Head Volleyball Coach Lisa Nelson, whose passion for supporting student-athletes continues through the Lisa Nelson Memorial Scholarship. This year’s Silent Auction will be held on April 11, 2026, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Freedom Street Social in Arvada. Proceeds benefit a $5,000 scholarship awarded to a college-bound RV student-athlete. Families can support by attending, donating an auction item, or participating in remote bidding (text lnms2026 to 855-800-4975).
Calling all Seniors!
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 two 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 Ralston Valley PTSA.
Applications are due to the front office by Friday, April 10, 2026. Interviews for selected finalists may occur in early May 2026. Announcements will be made before the scholarship and awards program on May 21st, 2026. If you have any questions, you may contact Melissa Cole, PTSA Scholarship Chair, at
Melissa.Dowling@ymail.com. Good luck to all our applicants!
Day Without Hate 2026
A Day Without Hate is a student-led, grassroots organization that promotes non-violence, respect, and unity within our schools. It started 20 years ago. Help your student join their classmates in ending school violence and promoting peace. By encouraging students to be tolerant, friendly, and kind, we can create a better world. The price of the T-shirt is $6 for S-XL, $8 for 2XL, and $10 for 3XL-5XL.
Use this link to order your shirt today. Orders are due by March 27th. We will wear them as a school community on April 23rd.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A5L32YQdoZxyr3fx3uKGovxqzJpnIMkl/view?usp=sharing
MS Awareness Month and Fundraising
March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. Ralston Valley is helping raise awareness with announcements throughout the month. Senior Haley Porter is helping lead the charge to raise funds to support research in diagnosing, curing, and treating Multiple Sclerosis through the Accelerated Cure Project. Please consider donating through the link below. There will also be an opportunity on March 19th during Access for students to make donations to support this cause.
Student Safety - Railroad Tracks
Please be aware and vigilant about student safety around the railroad tracks. Union Pacific has expressed growing safety concerns about students crossing the tracks and has asked us to reach out to parents to help reinforce this message at home. Railroad Special Agents have emphasized and asked us to share that the railroad tracks are private property.
As always, our number one concern is student safety. At RV, we consistently remind students to avoid crossing the tracks, not only because it is against the law but, more importantly, because it is highly unsafe. We ask for your partnership in reinforcing the message so that together we can keep our students safe.
Thank you for your continued support!
Business Pathway Opportunity
Ralston Valley’s Business Pathway is looking for community and business partners to join us for an upcoming Practice Interview and Networking Event. This is a fantastic opportunity to help our Business students sharpen their professional communication and interviewing skills in an authentic setting.
When: Tuesday, April 7th from 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Where: Ralston Valley High School
Details: No experience is necessary; we provide the questions and instructions. Students will bring their resumes and questions about your industry!
Interested? SIGN UP!
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. This event is not sponsored by the school and is parent-volunteer based only.
Please complete and submit this form as soon as possible to volunteer in support of a Baccalaureate ceremony for the Class of 2026.
Senior Bulletin
Another edition of the Senior Bulletin for the class of 2026 has been sent to households of seniors. Be sure to check your inbox for detailed information related to the following:
Jostens Graduation Orders: Any remaining orders should be picked up in the main office
Senior Banners: Click here for additional details to order by April 27.
NOTE: Proceeds benefit RVHS After Prom.
Save The Date: Parent Graduation Meeting Wednesday, April 8 at 6:30 PM.
Save the Date: Senior Scholarship and Awards Night May 21 at 6:30 PM in the Auditorium. More details in email and to follow in the next newsletter
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.
Alkire Stree Improvement Project Moving to Construction
**UPDATE**: Alkire will be closed on March 23rd and March 24th, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., to install the pedestrian bridge over the highline canal. The closure is coordinated with spring break and reduced school traffic. Thank you for your patience.
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.
Speech and Debate at National Qualifier Tournament
The Ralston Valley Speech and Debate team had a great tournament performance at the National Qualifier! Earning top brackets are Edoardo de Cesare (top 16 finalist in Lincoln Douglas), Joelle Blatt and Lucia del Bano Edwards (finalists in Public Forum), Lillian Radovich and Bea Ryan (semi-finalists in Duo), and Lillian Radoch and Pragna Yalavarthy (semi-finalists in Original Oratory). Great efforts, Mustangs!
Shoutout to our RV coaches Ms. McDowell and Mr. Berry, who were nominated by their peers in the Speech and Debate National District as the 2026 Coach and Assistant Coach of the Year!
Les Mis Ends a Great Theater Season
A fantastic four nights of theater have come to an end, and we are so proud of our thespians! Congratulations to the cast and crew of Les Mis for an amazing run, and a special thank you to our graduating seniors for a great performance.
Mountain Bike Clinic Opportunity
National Honor Society Membership 2026-27
Attention families of the 2026-27 NHS membership applicants. All applications have been reviewed and evaluative letters have been mailed in the envelope the applicant provided. If your child applied to NHS, but does not receive a letter in the mail by the end of Spring Break, please have him/her speak with Mrs. Reid (Access rm S1116) or Mrs. Rosenthal (Access rm S1119) upon return from break. Thank you.
National Letter of Intent Signing Day
Senior athletes, have you committed to participate on a college athletic team? If so, we would like to celebrate with you on Wednesday, April 15th at 2:00 p.m. This will be the last signing day of the year at RVHS. Please drop by the main office to speak with Ms. Beauchamp to reserve your spot.
Boys Basketball - Congratulations to the Mustangs boys basketball team on an outstanding season and a runner-up finish at the CHSAA 6A Boys Basketball State Tournament last weekend!
On Friday night, the Mustangs faced a talented Rangeview High School team in the Final Four, battling through a tightly contested game that saw momentum swing back and forth. In the second half, the Mustangs found their rhythm, knocking down key three-pointers and tightening up defensively to create separation and secure a 61–49 victory. Caiden Braketa led the way with 26 points, while Zeke Andrews added 19, delivering a composed and clutch performance on the big stage.
With the win, the Mustangs advanced to the state championship game for the first time in over 15 years — and notably, the first appearance in the 6A/5A era for the program.
In the championship, the Mustangs took on a formidable Rock Canyon High School team that had suffered just one loss all season in-state. After facing adversity in the second quarter, the Mustangs responded with resilience, battling back and even taking a fourth-quarter lead. Despite their effort and determination, Rock Canyon capitalized down the stretch, hitting key shots and converting free throws to secure a 68–58 victory and the state title.
While the final result fell just short, this season will be remembered as one of the most successful in program history. The Mustangs demonstrated toughness, unity, and competitive excellence throughout their playoff run, setting a new standard and creating momentum for the future.
A tremendous accomplishment and a season to be proud of — congratulations, Mustangs.
Girls Soccer - The Lady Mustangs soccer team continued its impressive start to the season with a 3–0 victory over a competitive Jefferson Academy squad on Wednesday at the North Area Athletic Complex.
The Mustangs set the tone early, scoring all three goals in the opening 40 minutes and controlling the pace of play throughout the first half. Once again, their offensive balance was on full display, with goals coming from Lauren Sabus, Santana Sabus, and Sonja Engelking — a testament to the team’s depth and unselfish approach in the attacking third.
On the defensive side, the Mustangs continue to be dominant. Anchored by senior goalkeeper Maddie King, the back line delivered another shutout performance, maintaining a perfect defensive record with zero goals allowed through the opening stretch of the season. Their organization, communication, and discipline have been key factors in the team’s early success.
After a strong run of games, the Mustangs will take a short break before returning to action on March 31, when they face defending back-to-back 4A state champions, the Evergreen Cougars, at 6:00 p.m. on the road.
Good luck to the Mustangs as they continue building momentum!
Girls Lacrosse - The Mustang girls lacrosse team faced a challenging week of competition, dropping road contests to Denver East High School (18–8) on Friday night and Evergreen High School (19–15) last night.
Despite the results, the Mustangs showed resilience and continued to compete with energy and determination, particularly in the matchup against Evergreen where the offense found a rhythm and kept the game competitive. These experiences against strong opponents will serve the team well as they continue to grow and develop throughout the season.
A major highlight of the week came on Thursday night, as senior captain Barrett Walker reached an incredible milestone, recording the 100th goal of her career. This achievement is a testament to her consistency, leadership, and impact on the program.
Congratulations to Barrett on this outstanding accomplishment — and keep competing, Mustangs!
Boys Lacrosse - The Mustang boys lacrosse team continued its strong start to the season with two impressive wins, defeating Denver South High School 15–8 last Friday and following it up with a 13–10 road victory over Pine Creek High School on Wednesday.
Across both games, the Mustangs showcased a balanced and efficient offensive attack, creating opportunities through strong ball movement and unselfish play. In the win over Pine Creek, seven different players found the back of the net, highlighting the depth of the lineup. Levi Rillos led the way with four goals, continuing his strong early-season form.
Beyond the scoring, the Mustangs demonstrated composure and toughness, especially in a challenging road environment, executing key possessions and maintaining control late in the game.
Next up, the Mustangs face a tough road test against Denver East High School tonight at 7:30 p.m. as they look to keep their momentum rolling.
Baseball - The Mustang baseball team is off to an outstanding start, improving to 3–0 on the season with a pair of dominant home victories. The Mustangs opened at home with a 12–2 win over George Washington High School last Saturday, then followed it up with an explosive 27–0 victory against Hinkley High School on Tuesday.
Through the first three games, the Mustangs have shown a complete approach — offensive firepower paired with strong pitching and defense. The team has been highly productive at the plate while allowing just five total runs, demonstrating their ability to control games on both sides.
A unique highlight came this morning, when the Mustangs had the opportunity to play a scrimmage at Coors Field against Dakota Ridge High School. In a memorable experience, the Mustang pitching staff combined to throw a no-hitter, showcasing their depth and dominance on the mound.
Next up, the Mustangs will travel to Arizona to take on strong out-of-state competition — a great opportunity to test themselves and continue building momentum.
Keep it rolling, Mustangs!
Girls Tennis - The Mustang tennis team continued its strong run this past week with a dominant 7–0 sweep over Cheyenne Mountain High School. From top to bottom of the lineup, the Mustangs controlled every match, showcasing their depth, consistency, and competitive focus.
Whether in singles or doubles play, the team executed at a high level — combining strong serves, disciplined rallies, and confident net play to secure victories across all seven positions. It was another complete team performance that reflects the standard this group has set early in the season.
After a well-earned break, the Mustangs will return to action following spring break to open league play against Columbine High School on March 31.
Keep it going, Mustangs!
Girls Golf - The Mustang girls golf team has been putting in valuable time on the practice course, fine-tuning every aspect of their game in preparation for the season’s first all-Jeffco tournament. With a focus on accuracy, distance control, and course management, the team is sharpening both their individual skills and overall strategy as a squad.
The Mustangs will take their game to The Ranch Country Club on Monday, March 30, ready to compete against some of the top programs in Jeffco.
Best of luck, golfers — keep swinging strong!
Track & Field - The Mustang track and field team had a strong showing this week at the non-qualifying meet at Jeffco Stadium, where athletes gave maximum effort across the board. Several Mustangs posted personal bests, demonstrating growth, determination, and the early-season progress of the team.
Today, the focus shifts to the annual Arvada City Championships, where the Mustangs will face the rest of Arvada’s top programs. Competing at Jeffco Stadium, the team is aiming to excel in every event and assert themselves as the premier track and field program in the city. With a combination of talent, depth, and competitive drive, the Mustangs are looking to dominate and bring home the city crown.
Go Mustangs!
Boy's Swim & Dive - The Mustang swim and dive team returned to action this week at a dual meet hosted by Littleton High School, showing determination and heart despite missing several of their swimmers. Every athlete gave their best effort, competing with focus and intensity throughout the meet.
Leading the way, Brady Bengston captured first place in the 50 Freestyle, while Leif Johnson excelled on the boards, taking first in the diving competition. In addition, many other Mustangs recorded season-best times, highlighting their continued growth and progress in the early stages of the season.
After a busy couple of weeks, the team will enjoy a well-earned break before returning to competition on April 4 for the Jeffco Relays at the Arvada Aquatic Center. With this momentum, the Mustangs are looking to make a splash and continue improving as a team.
Boy's Tennis & Wrestling Coach Wanted
RVHS is seeking a boy's tennis coach and a wrestling coach to lead, organize, and manage all aspects of these two programs. This includes developing student-athletes on and off the field, implementing a program philosophy aligned with Ralston Valley’s values, and fostering a positive, competitive, and character-driven team culture. The coach is expected to model professionalism, sportsmanship, and integrity while preparing the team to perform at a high level within CHSAA guidelines.
Click HERE for the boy's tennis coach job description.
Click HERE for the wrestling coach job description.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Mike Ackerman, RVHS Athletic Director, at mike.ackerman@jeffco.k12.co.us.
Unified Basketball
Ms. Silburn's Unified Basketball team played a fierce match against Arvada West this week.
Sports Performance Support:
Please see our new FREE Sports Performance support information below. Lindsay Anderson will be available on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. in the gym area.
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.
Monday, Mar. 23 - Friday, Mar. 27 - Spring Break - NO SCHOOL
Monday, Mar. 30 - Staff Professional Learning Day, No School for Students
Tuesday, Mar. 31 - Students Return, White Day
Wednesday, Apr. 1 - Blue Day
Thursday, Apr. 2 - White Day
Friday, Apr. 3 - Blue Day
University of Denver - Wednesday, Apr. 1 - 1:30 p.m.
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Place: RRCC, 13300 West 6th Avenue, Lakewood
Date/Time/Place: Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. at Northfield HS in Denver
Date/Time/Place: Monday, April 27, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at Cherry Creek HS in Greenwood Village
**UPDATE** MORE COMPANIES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE INTERVIEW LIST! Check PIE for the updated list.
Jeffco will sponsor an Interviewing Event for summer and fall internships on April 2.
If your student is interested in an internship, please follow these instructions:
Complete the Student Interest Form
Finding & Applying for Internships:
Visit jeffcopublicschools.org/community.
Click “View Partner Offers” and filter the Category to “Internships.”
Students should apply directly in PIE (Parterns in Education) by following the "Learn More" instructions.
Partners will contact students directly to schedule interviews either at the interviewing event or at another time/place.
Applying does not guarantee an interview, and an interview does not guarantee an offer. You should keep checking PIE for new postings!
Important Event Details (April 2)
Location: 581 Conference Place.
Check PIE: Each posting will specify if the interview is at the event or scheduled independently.
Open Invite: Based on feedback, students who are highly interested in these businesses are welcome to attend the event to network, even if they don't have a pre-scheduled interview.
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: MindSpark Learning, 13949 West Colfax Avenue, Suite 200, Lakewood
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 April 6th. Have a great spring break!
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.
Geometry in Construction Builds Custom Designs
Spring has arrived, and GIC students are hard at work building outside to fulfill their orders! Mr. Pangallo and Mr. Porter received numerous requests for custom items such as chicken coops, cornhole boards, benches, shelving units, and sheds. Students research material costs and create bids, and then once their clients approve the bids, students get to work building for delivery later in the spring.
Trading Places in English Classes
Juniors in their English class had the opportunity to be the "teacher" for part of the class! They worked in groups to read a nonfiction novel and do research to build and create a lesson to help their peers learn something new.
In Ms. McDowell's class, a group read "Devil in the White City" and had us practice our own architectural skills with marshmallows and spaghetti noodles.
Significant Special Needs Class Hosts Activist Speaker
This week, Ms. Silburn's class hosted a very prestigious speaker during Access in the RV auditorium. Her name is Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins, and she grew up in the Denver area. Jennifer was born with cerebral palsy and has used a wheelchair to get around since she was a young child. Due to the lack of wheelchair ramps at that time, she was unable to access her neighborhood school, public buses, libraries, museums, and various other places in the community.
On March 12, 1990, when Jennifer was eight years old, she joined the "Capitol Crawl" in Washington, D.C. with other activists to lobby for the passage of the ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act. The initial purpose of this law was to make public spaces accessible to everyone. Although this law was passed, people with disabilities continue to face challenges in accessing their community and Jennifer continues to be an activist for this cause.
Homemade Bagpipes in Music Class
Ms. Watts' class made bagpipes out of straws and ziplock bags.
Culture Study in Spanish Classes
This week Spanish 3 students demonstrated mastery of an important topic related to the culture of the language. In Sra. Hayes’s class, they presented to their peers in small groups. The conversations were impressive!
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