RALSTON VALLEY NEWS

November 10, 2023 EDition

Our school has been selected to participate in the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS) on Tuesday, November 14th.  HKCS is Colorado’s widely-administered survey on the health and well-being of young people and school health policies and practices that support youth health. Families can opt-out of the survey using THIS FORM. (You must complete the Opt-Out form by November 13th.  Participation is voluntary and students can decline to participate or answer questions in the survey. Explore Survey FAQs here. Here is the schedule for that day:


On Wednesday, November 15th we will conduct our annual lockdown drill.  This state mandated drill is conducted during the first semester at every Jeffco School.  Immediately prior to the drill, students will watch a short video from Jeffco's Department of School Safety speaking about the reasons a school would go into lockdown and what to do if they are ever in that situation.  To learn more about lockdowns and other emergency protocols used in schools, visit iloveyouguys.org

In order to limit the impact of this drill on any one class period, adjustments have been made ot the bell schedule for Wednesday.  Please see adjusted schedule below.

Mental, social and emotional wellness of students is a priority that we share with our community and one that we are addressing with layers of support including school counselors, social emotional learning specialists, school psychologists, social workers along with partnerships with outside agencies like Hazel Health. 

This year, we continue our partnership with Hazel Health’s Telehealth services to provide a free telehealth extension of mental and physical health support for Jeffco students enrolled at district-managed schools accessed at home with a parent/guardian. 

Parents/guardians may access these services on behalf of your student by visiting this webpage and following the instructions for – Steps to Access Care. 

activities 

Thank you, Veterans! 


Thank you to the veterans at Ralston Valley and in our greater community!  We appreciate your service to our country!  

PTSA Fundraiser at Chipotle

This Monday, November 13th, head to Chipotle on 64th and Ward from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. to support the PTSA.  33% of sales will go back to the RVHS PTSA.  Use code A3NZ6FC when ordering.  

Also, it's not too late to join PTSA.   You can join by going to the website (rvptsa.digitalpto.com) and using the link on the right side. 

RVHS Area Choir Concert


This past Wednesday, Ralston Valley hosted students from our feeder elementary and middle schools and put on an amazing performance with students from the RVHS choir classes!  We had a full house in the Mustang Range!  Thank you to our community for your support of music!

Speech and Debate Team

The RVHS Speech & Debate had a great tournament on Tuesday 11/7! They competed at the November Cherry Creek Congress Tournament. Our students did a really excellent job working together to research and prepare evidence and speeches on a variety of topics and modeling how our United States Congress actually works!  


The following students were elected as top speakers in their respective chambers:

Daniel Harness

Pragna Yalavarthy

Holden Hanou 


All of the students did a really excellent job preparing and representing Ralston Valley! They each gave great speeches and worked hard. Our next tournament will be at Eaglecrest High School on Nov. 18th. 

athletics 

Athletic Updates

Dance competed last night at Alameda High School in the Jeffco League Championships.  The Mustangs looked strong while hitting a very technical Pom routine.  Their reward...5A Jeffco League Champions.  On top of the Varsity championship, JV also took first place in their division. In addition to a strong showing at the League Championships, Ralston Valley took home multiple awards at last weekend's Regional competition, capturing Game Day division champs and 2nd place in the Poms division.  

Cheerleading performed well at the League Championships on Wednesday.  They finished second to defending state champions Valor and almost 10 points above the third-place team.  They also hosted a competition last Saturday where they did an outstanding job of hosting and competing.  

Boys Soccer had their amazing season come to an end last Saturday following a 2-1 loss in overtime to Broomfield. The Mustangs finished the season with an impressive 15-1-2 record.  They surrendered only 12 goals all season on their way to the 5A Jeffco League Title.  Ryan Mann was honored as the 5A Jeffco Player of the Year and Coach John Doody, in his first year at Ralston Valley, was named 5A Coach of the Year.

Volleyball had a whirlwind week. They hosted Fort Collins and Liberty for Regional Volleyball last Friday.  In route to a Regional Title, they took down Liberty 3-0 and Fort Collins 3-1.  The Regional Title gave the Mustangs a berth in the State Championships yesterday and today at the Denver Coliseum.  The Mustangs played hard and represented their school and community well but ultimately fell to Pine Creek and Liberty, to be eliminated from the tournament.  Congrats on a great season.  

Football will face Rock Canyon tonight in the second round of the state playoffs.  After receiving a first-round bye, they are eager to get back on the field and start a post-season run.  Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the NAAC.  Remember, student activity passes will not be accepted for post-season games.  If you would like a ticket, please purchase them using the below.

Hometown Ticketing - All Jeffco events have gone cashless this year.  When attending games at our schools or stadiums save yourself time by purchasing your tickets ahead of time by using the link below.  You can also purchase punch passes to use for your entire family.  Punch passes will save you money on processing fees.

HOMETOWN TICKETING BOX OFFICE

off campus policy

Due to the nature of our campus, we do not allow students to walk off campus during the school day.  

9th grade students are not allowed off campus at any point during the school day unless they leave with their parents/guardians. 

If your 10th grade student is driving, they may leave campus with parental permission.  They are expected to follow local and state driving laws.  Please click on this FORM to give your sophomore child the ability to leave campus with your permission.  

Our campus is not closed to our 11th and 12th grade students and they may leave campus. 

 Schedule for The week 

November 13 - 17, 2023

Monday, Nov. 13th  - Silver Day

Tuesday, Nov. 14th - White Day

Wednesday, Nov. 15th - Blue Day

Thursday, Nov. 16th  - White Day

Friday, Nov. 17th - Blue Day

Counseling Department

10th Grade ICAP in Advisement

This week in Advisement, 10th graders completed their yearly ICAP (Individual Career and Academic Plan) activity.  Students completed a Career Interest Profiler in Naviance.  The Profiler gave them their Holland Code Type and listed careers that fit with that type.  After exploring a few careers, students did a "deep dive" into one career of their choice.  If you have a 10th grader, ask them what career they learned more about!

PSAT/NMSQT Scores

PSAT/NMSQT scores are now available in students' College Board accounts or the Big Future Mobile App.  Here is a guide to accessing and understanding students' PSAT/NMSQT scores.

Either through College Board's website or the Big Future app, students can view their scores and connect with college and scholarships.  Students are invited to link their College Board account with Khan Academy for free SAT preparation.

Warren Tech Updates

(1) Warren Tech's Round 1 application for next year is NOW OPEN in Enroll Jeffco.  The application will be open until February 9, 2024.  Students are encouraged to apply during Round 1 to have the best chance for their program choice.  Current 10th and 11th graders can apply.

(2) All three Warren Tech campuses will host an Open House on the same evening.  This is the best way for students to experience Warren Tech as a potential student.  Visit one, two, or all three campuses in one night!

Date: Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Time: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Places: Warren Tech North (Arvada), Warren Tech Central (Lakewood), and Warren Tech South (Littleton)

Upcoming College Visits

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

University of Colorado, Colorado Springs - Thursday, Nov. 16 - 11:30 a.m.

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarship

Each year, the DAR awards multiple scholarships to students on the basis of good citizenship, leadership, service, and patriotism.  RVHS is able to nominate ONE (1) senior student to the Arvada DAR Chapter for their scholarship and consideration at the state and national levels.  If your senior is interested in being nominated, please complete this form by December 11.  Students can see their counselor for additional questions.

 Advisement Corner

This Week in Advisement 


Our 9th-grade students explored the peer counseling topic, "Focus on Relationship Building and  Belonging" as a class. 


Our 10th-grade students explored the resources available through ICAP (Individual Career and Academic Plan). Learn more by clicking here! 

Looking Ahead

11/13/23 and 11/16/23 - Friendsgiving and Cookie Decorating 

11/27/23 and 11/30/23 - Bullying and Harassment (9th grade) and Developing an Identity Part 4: Share out thinking of another person (10th grade)

 ralston valley HAPPENINGS

Peer Counseling Students Present Research 

Peer Counseling students presented their research on mental health stigma in schools at a conference in Vail last week.  They represented Ralston Valley in a great way, impressing a full room of mental health professionals from around Colorado

Pajama Day in Science

The Science department started the week accidentally dressing alike,  and then intentionally dressing alike the rest of the week. Ms. Martin's Chemistry class decided to get on board and the result was a pajama day.  Great minds do think alike!

Mustangs Mix Workout Time with Physiology Study

Anatomy and Physiology students hit the gym to film upper and lower body movements, targeting each of the muscle groups learned during the Muscular System unit. 

French Class Celebrates La Toussaint

Madame Frie's French I class learned about La Toussaint, celebrated in France on November 1st-2nd.  Students colored chrysanthemums in honor of someone they know who has passed away.  Traditionally the French visit their family's graves and decorate them with the chrysanthemums. 

Bills Become Laws in U.S Government and Civics Class

Students in Ms. Dean´s class participated in a Mock Congressional Session and worked to pass the bills they wrote. There was a lot of engagement in thoughtful discussion about the issues that were important to them. Students passed a No Homework Law and a law lowering the driving age to 15.

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