November 21, 2025 EDition
November 21, 2025 EDition
Embedded Files
The Cameron Holland family adopted this toy drive tradition in 2019 when Cameron Holland, an RV student and athlete, passed away before the holiday season. The Holland family is deeply involved in the RV community, granting a scholarship to a senior student athlete each year, raising awareness for vehicle safety, and sponsoring a toy drive in memory of Cam, making it really more than just about toys!
Our 9th and 10th grade Advisement classes, as well as National Honor Society, will be collecting toys for the Cameron Holland Toy Drive, benefiting Santa’s Workshop at Lutheran Hospital and Judi’s House, starting Monday, December 1st , until Friday, December 12th.
Students can bring their unwrapped donations and or gift cards to their Advisement teacher or to the main office. Even though this is presented mainly in 9th and 10th grade Advisement classes, we encourage our entire community to get involved.
Here is a list of acceptable items.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Jenny Braketa: jenny.braketa@jeffco.k12.co.us
Support Ralston Valley Business Students
I’m reaching out from the Ralston Valley High School Business Program! Our students are learning marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and personal finance and they’re eager to apply those skills with real organizations right here in our community.
Two great ways to partner with us:
1) Host an Intern - If you own or work at a company that could use fresh ideas and extra hands, consider hosting a Mustang intern. We’ll match you with a student aligned to your needs (marketing, social media, customer research, operations support, etc.). We provide teacher oversight and clear goals so the experience is valuable for you and for the student.
2) Sponsor an Industry Project - An industry-sponsored project is a short, scoped challenge your business wants help solving; completed by a student team with a teacher as project coach. It's like a mini-consulting engagement that lasts a few weeks. Typical projects include:
Market research and customer surveys
Social media content plan and 30-day calendar
Competitor and pricing analysis
Store layout or process-flow improvement ideas
Lightweight brand refresh (logo tweaks, messaging guide)
Event or promotions plan tied to a real deadline
What partnering looks like:
Timeframe: 3–6 weeks for projects; internships typically last a semester.
Commitment: One kickoff meeting, a mid-point check-in, and a final presentation (projects); interns typically work 5 hours/week, flexible to your schedule.
Deliverables: A concise brief at kickoff and a final readout with recommendations, assets (e.g., content calendar), and next steps.
Support: We handle student preparation, project management templates, and reflection rubrics; you provide the real-world context and feedback.
If you’re interested—or even just curious—I’d love to chat about what would be most helpful for your business and meaningful for our students.
Thank you for supporting Ralston Valley’s future business leaders!
Jen Newhouse
Ralston Valley High School – Business Program
Ralston Valley PTSA - Gift Cards for Teachers and Staff
This holiday season we would like to gift our teachers and staff with gift cards. Gift cards will be delivered to teachers and staff on 12/19. Gift cards can be donated to the office letting them know that it is for the holiday distribution. Thank you for your continued generosity and support of the hard working staff and faculty at Ralston Valley.
Alkire Street Construction
The City of Arvada has begun construction on a new sidewalk along Alkire. Work is scheduled to last into March. Work will be mostly on the east side of Alkire St. from 78th to 80th. The bike/pedestrian lane on the west/southbound side will be closed during construction as this project builds a real sidewalk along that side. All pedestrian and bike traffic will be directed along the east/northbound side and the lane will be marked with traffic cones for the duration of the project. Students are directed to use the Alkire St. to the east side only.
There will be one-lane closures with flaggers on Alkire during much of the project. Work hours will be 8AM to 2:30PM and 3:30PM to 6PM. For more information about the project, visit arvadaco.gov/alkirestreet
Thank you for your patience and understanding as this important improvement project is completed.
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 or Tony Pergola for more information.
Pre-Arranged Absences
Pre-Arranged Absences
In accordance with district policy, absences of one or more days require a Pre-Arranged Absence Form . Criteria for approved absences are listed on the form, and printed copies are available in the attendance office. Submit documents to Elizabeth.Abrams@jeffco.k12.co.us
Parking Information
Parking Information
Any student who wishes to park their vehicle in the RVHS student parking lots, must have a parking tag. All school registration requirements must be met before obtaining a parking tag, including any fees and fines paid. Due to the limited number of parking spaces available, there are a limited number of tags available to purchase.
Seniors and juniors will be allowed to park in the west and southwest parking lot, as long as there are available tags. The north parking lot (off of Alkire) will be available for sophomores and overflow for juniors and seniors.
At this time, parking tags for all lots are sold out. Seniors and juniors should fill out this parking registration form to be put on a waitlist.
Students who have filled out the registration form online and paid the parking fee in Campus, can pick up their parking tag during their off block in the campus security vestibule.
Sophomores who would like to park on campus should fill out this parking registration form. We are currently sold out but students who fill out the registration form will be added to a waitlist and will be contacted if more spaces become available. If a student has paid and filled out the registration form, they can pick up their parking tag during their off block from the campus security vestibule.
All concerns regarding parking passes should be addressed with campus supervisors.
Parking will be enforced and tickets issued for vehicles not properly tagged began on Monday, September 8.
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
Speech and Debate
Speech & Debate has been busy! After hosting our Mustang Madness Invitational on November 8th, we headed to Cherry Creek for Congressional Debate on November 11th, where Cambrei Dains, Ellis Thompson, and Joelle Blatt received top finalist awards.
On Friday and Saturday, the team made their way to Denver East High School to compete. Our students did a great job representing RV and many of our novice team members earned awards on Friday night for their hard work.
Get Your Yearbook Baby Ads
Recognition ads (aka baby ads) are a wonderful way to let your student know how proud you are of his/her accomplishments. Graduation from high school is a major milestone which should be celebrated! For more information on pricing and how to submit your ad, please visit www.TheYearbookCompany.com.
The deadline is November 18th. Don’t delay, as space may be limited!
If you have already purchased a recognition ad for your senior, THANK YOU!
Be sure to purchase your 2025-26 yearbook soon, the price will increase to $85.00 on December 1st.
athletics
athletics
Volleyball - The Mustang volleyball team proudly represented RVHS at the 5A State Tournament last weekend at the Denver Coliseum, showcasing their trademark grit and competitive spirit on the sport’s biggest stage. After a hard-fought win over Niwot in Friday’s elimination match—highlighted by composed playmaking and relentless defense—the Mustangs advanced to face eventual state runner-up Chaparral.
Despite battling point for point and leaving everything on the court, the team ultimately came up short, bringing an end to a truly remarkable season. Their journey was defined by growth, resilience, and a toughness that stood out in every match.
Congratulations to Coach Geissler and the entire Mustang volleyball community on an outstanding year. Your commitment, teamwork, and passion made RV proud every step of the way!
Boy's Soccer - The boys soccer team came so close to capturing the first state championship in program history, concluding an unforgettable season with a hard-fought battle in Colorado Springs. Despite generating multiple scoring opportunities and controlling the pace of play throughout the second half, the Mustangs were unable to break through in regulation.
In overtime, Regis capitalized quickly, finding the net in the opening minute to secure the win. While the result was heartbreaking, it does nothing to diminish what this team achieved.
We are incredibly proud of our Mustangs—their determination, poise, and relentless competitive spirit defined one of the most successful seasons in RV soccer history. They shattered school records, reached new milestones, and represented Ralston Valley with class and pride every step of the way.
Congratulations to the players and coaches on a historic season that has raised the bar for Mustang soccer!
Football - The Mustang football team kept their momentum rolling with a dominant second-round victory last Friday night at the NAAC, defeating Columbine 35–12! From the opening kickoff to the final whistle, RV controlled every phase of the game—executing with precision on offense, swarming defensively, and maintaining their trademark discipline and toughness. The performance underscored exactly why the Mustangs earned the #2 overall seed and why they remain a serious contender for this year’s state title.
Up next is a high-stakes quarterfinal showdown against Mullen High School this Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at the NAAC. RV will look to secure another win over the Mustangs of Mullen—this time with a trip to the state semifinals on the line.
Come pack the NAAC and help fuel our Mustangs as they continue their championship pursuit! To avoid long lines, purchase your ticket ahead of time through the GoFan link below.
Hockey - The season officially drops today for our Mustang Hockey team, and energy around the program is running high! After two weeks of focused preparation, conditioning, and sharpening their systems, the Mustangs are eager to hit the ice for their first meaningful action of the year.
Tonight, they open the season against Grandview High School at 6:00 p.m. at Big Bear Ice Arena—an opportunity to set the tone early and showcase the hard work they’ve put in during the preseason.
The momentum continues tomorrow with their home opener at the Apex, where they’ll take on Chatfield at 7:45 p.m. in what promises to be a packed and spirited atmosphere.
Come out and support Mustang Hockey as they launch into what looks to be an exciting and competitive season!
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.
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.
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, Nov. 24 - Friday, Nov. 28: Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL
Monday, Dec. 1- Silver Day
Tuesday, Dec. 2 - White Day
Wednesday, Dec 3 - Blue Day
Thursday, Dec. 4 - White Day
Friday, Dec. 5 - Blue Day
Counseling Department
Counseling Department
Warren Tech Open House
Warren Tech Open House
10th and 11th graders who are interested in attending Warren Tech next year are strongly encouraged to attend their Open House night. All three campuses will be open at the same time so that students and families can visit multiple campuses in one evening. Click here for a flier.
10th and 11th graders who are interested in attending Warren Tech next year are strongly encouraged to attend their Open House night. All three campuses will be open at the same time so that students and families can visit multiple campuses in one evening. Click here for a flier.
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Time: 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Places: Warren Tech North (Arvada), Warren Tech Central (Lakewood), Warren Tech South (Littleton)
Internship Opportunities
Internship Opportunities
Jeffco has updated internship opportunites for second semester. The current list includes internships at IX Power, Arvada Chamber of Commerce, St. Anthony Hospital, Office of Senator Cutter, and more! To view the list of internship sites, follow these steps:
Jeffco has updated internship opportunites for second semester. The current list includes internships at IX Power, Arvada Chamber of Commerce, St. Anthony Hospital, Office of Senator Cutter, and more! To view the list of internship sites, follow these steps:
Visit jeffcopublicschools.org/community
Scroll down to "Partner Offers" and select "View Partner Offers"
Change the category at the top to "Internships" to view the current opportunities
Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteer Opportunity
Standley Lake Library is hosting a drop-in volunteer day for 6th - 12th graders. This is a casual volunteering opportunity that does not require any sign up ahead of time - teens can just show up at the library for part or all of the program.
Standley Lake Library is hosting a drop-in volunteer day for 6th - 12th graders. This is a casual volunteering opportunity that does not require any sign up ahead of time - teens can just show up at the library for part or all of the program.
Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
FAFSA/CASFA Information Session for Jeffco Families
FAFSA/CASFA Information Session for Jeffco Families
Red Rocks Community College is hosting a virtual event to provide information and support for students and families in the process of completing the FAFSA or CASFA. This event is for anyone, regardless of the college a student plans on attending. For a flier and Zoom link to the event, click here.
Red Rocks Community College is hosting a virtual event to provide information and support for students and families in the process of completing the FAFSA or CASFA. This event is for anyone, regardless of the college a student plans on attending. For a flier and Zoom link to the event, click here.
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
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
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
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.
When students return from Thanksgiving break, 9th grade classes will watch a presentation on bullying and harassment, led by 9th grade administration and the Ralston Valley dean of students. Students in 10th grade classes will share out their belonging slides, voicing their goals, what they take pride in, and what makes them feel energized. In both 9th and 10 grade Advisement classes, students will begin studying and preparing for finals.
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
Mustang Merit Awards - November 2025
Each month, teachers nominate students for our Mustang Merit Award, which is meant to recognize and celebrate students who exemplify the values of our school: integrity, respect, inclusivity, perseverance, honesty, empathy, and motivation. The following students were recognized this month:
Ariel Korkmaz - Inclusivity, Mason Schroeder - Respect, Lauren Cahalan - Perseverance, Ellie Martin - Motivation, Kendall Conley - Perseverance, Tracen Allred - Respect, Sydney Stocker - Motivation, Nina Renk - Motivation, Avery Wheeler - Perseverance, Gianna Soderfelt - Motivation, Tag Edwards - Respect, Charlotte Moir - Integrity, Natalya Behrendt - Perseverance, Sophia Verrone - Perseverance, Bryce Delmonico - Perseverance, Rahlen Gilhooly - Integrity, Eclipse McFatridge - Inclusivity, Reagan Beaver - Motivation, Arianna McClaflin - Perseverance, Alexys Murphy - Motivation, Jacob Latino - Motivation, Chloe Lopez - Respect, Baydon McQuaid - Perseverance, Logan Mahan - Respect, Blake Lanterman - Motivation, Reese Latimer - Respect, Nathaniel Joselyn - Perseverance, Andrew Clifton - Perseverance, Tyler Engelking - Inclusivity, Sawyer Easton - Integrity, Eleanor Lytle - Respect, Logan Mahan - Perseverance, Brady Warren - Motivation, Lex King - Motivation, Jiayi Zhang - Perseverance, and Natalie Montoya - Integrity
Congratulations and thank you for living the Mustang values!
Writing Class Takes Their Work to Van Arsdale
Mr. Lieberman's Creative Writing class brought their work to beginning writers! Students developed a unique theme to educate a young audience and wrote a narrative which delivered the theme while keeping readers engaged. Then, they partnered with Art Students in Ms. Buhr's drawing class to illustrate their children's books and brought them to Van Arsdale's classrooms to test in front of the target audience!
10,000 for The Troops Challenge Send Cards of Appreciation to Veterans
Ms. Silburn's Significant Special Needs class participated in 10,000 For Troops, sending cards that they created to both active military members and veterans around the world. They included former Jeffco bus driver Alan Oleson, who transported students to special needs programs, and is the father in law of Ralston Valley paraeducator, Anna Oleson.
Gratitude on the Walls at RV
The hallways at Ralston Valley are decorated with Gratitude Graffiti posters! Students in 9th and 10th grades worked on these posters in their Advisement classes, as an exercise to acknowledge and embrace the things in their lives for which they are grateful.
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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