RVHS NEWSLETTER - Oct. 3, 2025

OCTOBER 3, 2025 EDition

There are countless reasons to feel proud as the principal of RVHS, but our incredible school spirit stands out year after year, and it was on full display during this past Homecoming week. Our students, staff, and families came together in such a meaningful way, reminding me once again what makes RV truly special. The energy, connection, and sense of community that filled our school is a powerful reflection of what we value most.

This year’s Homecoming Week was truly exceptional. It captured everything we stand for at RV - joy, inclusivity, connection, community, and pride. While these events involve the participation of our entire school, I want to give special recognition to our Student Government and their advisor, Mrs. Braketa, for their outstanding leadership and planning. From after-school festivities to daily lunchtime activities, their work ensured there was something for everyone. Their thoughtful approach reflects our mission of "Supporting the Whole Child", making sure every student feels included and celebrated.

Whether it was the Movie on the Field, Lisa Nelson 5K, the Kickball or Pickleball Tournaments, the ever-popular Foam Party, or the upcoming Homecoming Dance, our students have countless opportunities to make lasting memories with friends and staff alike. And the fun didn’t start at the end of the day as our Spirit Week brought energy into our classrooms and hallways, with dress-up days, Hershey Kiss Relay Race, sidewalk chalk art, photo booths, trivia contests, the Race for the Golden Ticket, Spirit Market, Candy Trivia, and our Just Dance Lunch Party. We capped it all off with an all-school assembly that brought everyone together in celebration.

A big thank-you goes out to our Dance Team and Student Government for transforming our hallways with colorful, creative decorations that welcomed students with excitement each morning. Another highlight was seeing our students bring that same RV energy to our friends at Three Creeks K–8. Our Cheer and Dance Teams, Band, and Student Government led a Spirit Assembly that lit up the faces of elementary and middle schoolers, building bridges across our wider school community.

To our incredible staff…thank you! I’m continually inspired by your willingness to step up, volunteer your time, and support our students at every turn. Whether you’re chaperoning an evening event, joining in on spirit days, dancing in the staff performance at the Homecoming Assembly, or helping behind the scenes, your involvement plays a vital role in making sure our students feel safe, supported, and have fun throughout the week. Your commitment is the heartbeat of RV, and I’m so grateful for all you do.

Homecoming Week is a reminder of how powerful it is when a school community comes together with purpose, positivity, and pride. I feel so lucky to be part of this remarkable community. Please take a few moments to enjoy the slideshows below and relive the highlights of this unforgettable week.

With appreciation,
Mica Buenning
Principal

PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test - Tuesday, October 7th

Students in grades 9-11 will take the required PSAT/NMSQT on Tuesday, October 7th from 8:15 a.m. to approximately 11:00 a.m. for standard time test takers. Buses will run on this day at normal times and lunch will be served. Any students who remain on campus after they have completed testing will be supervised in the gymnasium until dismissal at 3:30 p.m. Seniors will not attend school on this day.

Students will need to arrive with a fully-charged, school-issued Chromebook, school ID, and a pencil. For additional College Board information regarding digital readiness and the upcoming PSAT, click here.

The $14 fee for the test has been placed on 9th-11th grade student accounts and can now be paid online. Please pay by October 3rd if you haven't already.

Jeffco Budget Labs

Ralston Valley community – you’re invited to participate in a Jeffco Budget Lab this fall. Budget Labs are interactive, self-guided experiences that invite staff and community members to explore the realities of district and school budgets.

These labs allow you to build your understanding of our budgets through explainer videos, a hands-on budget simulator and opportunities to share your voice. For more information on the virtual budget labs, please click here.

ASVAB Test for interested Juniors and Seniors

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test (ASVAB) is a standardized aptitude test that measures skills in science, math, and language. It is required for U.S. military enlistment and helps predict success in future careers, including miliary and civilian occupations. We will be able to provide test scores to recruiters for students interested in enlisting in the miliary after graduation.

The ASVAB test will be offered at Ralston Valley on October 14th during Access. The test will start at 8:15 sharp. Interested students should register via this form by October 10th. Please bring a charged computer and student ID.

2024-25 Student Score Reports in Student Insights

Student Insights is a resourceful tool for K-12 families and students in grades 6-12 to view current and historical assessment data and plans that are applicable to your student.

2024-25 student score reports are now available electronically in Student Insights.

Log in to Student Insights here using your Infinite Campus parent portal login credentials to view the following applicable* information:

PSAT & SAT results - 2024-25 results now available
Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) - 2024-25 results now available
Colorado Alternate Assessment/Dynamic Learning Maps (CoAlt/DLM) - 2024-25 results now available
ACCESS for ELLs results - 2024-25 results now available
MAP Growth results
READ Plan goals and supports
Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) goals and programming supports
Graduation requirements progress report
High School Transcript Grades

Click here to learn more about Student Insights and here to learn more about our state and district assessments.

*Available data listed above is based on student grade levels and programming.

If you would prefer to receive a paper score report, please email Kristen Hogan, School Assessment Coordinator, at kristen.hogan@jeffco.k12.co.us. The deadline to request a paper report is Friday, November 21st.

Alkire Street Construction

The City of Arvada will soon begin construction on a new sidewalk along Alkire. Work is scheduled to begin in late August or early September, with crews working Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. During this time, Alkire will often be reduced to a single lane, and traffic delays are expected. Please plan accordingly when traveling to and from school.

For more information about the project, visit arvadaco.gov/alkirestreet

Thank you for your patience and understanding as this important improvement project is completed.

25th Anniversary Celebration

Please join us to help celebrate Ralston Valley’s 25th year of excellence! All events are open to the entire community and supported by the RVHS Alumni Association. Proceeds from the weekend will go directly back to the school by helping to replace the existing technology in all classrooms and funding scholarships for seniors. Our hope is that the entire community will get involved – students, parents, staff, and alumni – to make this a momentous celebration!

Click on the individual links below for information about each event.

Friday, October 3rd - Tailgate & Homecoming Football Game

Saturday, October 4th - 25th Anniversary Gala @ Freedom Street

Sunday, October 5th - Open House @ RVHS

**NEW**

Silent Auction Goes Live Oct. 1 - 8

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

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.

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

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

Senior Photos and Baby Ads for Yearbook

Senior photos are due October 31. Our website contains detailed information - start there with any questions AND to submit your photo! Yearbook Website: https://bit.ly/RVHS_YRBK

The early bird deadline for baby ads is also October 31, so don't delay to get the best pricing. We accept baby ads throughout November as long as there is space.

Visit www.theyearbookcompany.com for all the details and to purchase your ad.

Concert Tickets

Tickets are on sale for our "Evening with Kiana Weber and the Howley Brothers". Please go to this website to purchase tickets. Oct 8 at 7p.m. https://our.show/rvorchestra

Kiana June Weber is a once-in-a-generation musician and public figure who fuses her classical training with a profound love for American and Irish folk music. Graduating early with a BM in violin performance from the University of Michigan SMTD, she delivered the commencement address to her class. At 19, she was scouted by the renowned violin troupe Barrage and spent three years touring internationally, including a live televised performance at the Beijing Olympic Water Cube witnessed by 50 million viewers. In 2012, she made her mark as the fiddler for Celtic music favorite Gaelic Storm, recording four Billboard world No.1 albums. In 2017, Kiana ventured into her solo career, touring as a special guest with Grammy-winning Carlos Núñez, and in 2018, she originated the fiddle role on the first national tour of Broadway’s hit Come From Away. As an educator and arts leader, her innovative teaching philosophy empowers students of all learning styles. Founder of a pioneering company that redefines contemporary violin education, American-born and now based in the west of Ireland, Kiana continues to tour internationally, inspiring audiences and fostering creative freedom worldwide.

PTSA Information

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year. The Ralston Valley PTSA is looking forward to another great school year supporting the students and staff at Ralston Valley. Please take a moment and register for the PTSA by following the link at the bottom of the page. By registering we will be able to contact you to let you know what is happening with the PTSA. Please register by using this link: https://www.givebacks.com/causes/rvptsa/shop

In addition to registering for the PTSA we are looking for volunteers to serve this year and hopefully beyond. We have positions that may be ideal for parents of freshman students as they can serve for the entire time their student is at the school. Please look at the Board page to see if there are any open positions that interest you. Should you find a position that interests you please email the PTSA at rvptsa@gmail.com and we can get you in touch with the previous person to get you trained up and pass along the needed information.

As of now we will be having meetings in person at the school. By registering we will have your email address, and we will contact you through email with the same information should things change.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the PTSA at rvptsa@gmail.com

athletics

The Mustangs continue to compete with heart, pride, and determination—always representing RV with class on and off the field. Here’s a look back at the past week in Mustang athletics:

Football - The RV football team earned one of the biggest wins in program history last Friday with a dominant 38–14 victory over Valor Christian. The Mustangs now head into league play in a great position as they take on Chatfield tonight in the Homecoming game. After leading 21–14 at halftime, RV took complete control in the second half with an efficient offense and a lockdown defense. Let’s Pack the NAAC tonight at 7p.m. and cheer on the Mustangs as they look to keep rolling!

Boys Tennis - RV tennis earned a spot in the state team tournament with a #10 ranking, a tremendous accomplishment after a season of hard work and steady improvement. In the opening round, the Mustangs battled tough against Fairview, ultimately falling 2–5 in a highly competitive match. They wrapped up the regular season with a strong 3rd-place finish in league play, showing depth and resilience across the lineup. Now the focus shifts to the individual regional tournament next week, where several players will compete for a chance to qualify for the state championships. Good luck, Mustangs!

Boys Golf - The Mustangs capped off a strong season with a 3rd-place finish in league play and the exciting news that four golfers have qualified for the state tournament: Noah Ramsey, Alec Sungy, Mason Meyer, and Liam Braketa. This talented group has been consistent all season long, with big moments along the way—including a team championship at the Fossil Ridge Invite, where Noah led the way with a 2nd-place finish. The Mustangs now turn their focus to the biggest stage of the year, as they travel to Grand Junction next week to compete for state honors. Let’s wish our golfers the best of luck as they represent RV!

Flag Football - The Mustang flag football team kept their momentum rolling this week with impressive wins over Dakota Ridge, 42–6, and Chatfield, 40–12! These dominant performances highlight their explosive offense and tough, lockdown defense. With the victories, the Mustangs improved to 11–2 on the season and currently sit at #4 in the MaxPreps state rankings. Looking ahead, RV takes on Columbine on October 8, then wraps up the regular season against Valor Christian on October 11. Let’s cheer them on as they continue their push toward a deep playoff run!

Volleyball - The Mustang volleyball team opened league play with a dominating sweep of Arvada West, winning 25–20, 25–21, and 25–16. The first two sets were back-and-forth battles, but the Mustangs dug deep, finished strong, and then completely controlled the third set to close out the match in style. With a 10–2 overall record and momentum on their side, RV now sets its sights on two big road matchups next week at Lakewood and Chatfield as they continue their push for a league title.

Boys Soccer - The Mustang soccer team had just one game this week, but they made it count—dominating from start to finish in a 6–0 win over Lakewood. Sophomore Noah Kapustka led the way with a hat trick, while the Mustangs’ relentless defense notched yet another shutout, allowing only three goals all season. Next up is a pivotal league showdown with Valor Christian on October 7th at 7pm at the NAAC.

Cross Country - Both the boys and girls cross country teams are having a strong season, showcasing grit and consistency with standout performances each week. At the Dave Sanders Invite, Addi Holmann ran to an impressive 11th-place finish in a very competitive girls’ field, while Drake Fankhauser placed 18th in the boys’ race. The teams continue to push their limits in training as they prepare to peak at the league meet on October 15th. Before then, they’ll test themselves today at the Pat Amato Classic at Northwest Open Space.

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 new online ticketing system.

Ralston Valley Hockey Tryouts Coming Soon!

RV Hockey Tryouts will be in November (dates to follow). To confirm your interest in the 2025-2026 CHSAA Hockey Season and to ensure your player will have a uniform, please complete the google form below. This google form needs to be completed by October 3rd.

Please complete the form in its entirety to ensure the correct sizes, names, and numbers are ordered for your player:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSMb2qLqjA_vX8_lDkE9632E5ujt_9r48T4JriZU68gxjW9A/viewform?usp=header

Winter sports registration is now open. If you would like to participate in boys' or girls' basketball, girls' swim & dive, ice hockey or wrestling...please visit the RV Athletics website to register: https://jeffco-ralstonvalley.rst7.rschooltoday.com/

Click on 'REGISTRATION' and choose '2025-2026 Athletic Registration' to register. Please read the instructions and remember that you will need to upload a valid CHSAA physical to the registration.

Deadlines to Register:

Ice Hockey: 3pm Friday, Nov. 7th

All other winter sports: 3pm, Friday Nov. 14th

Preseason RVHS Girls Swim & Dive Parent and Athlete Meeting

Monday, October 6 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in the RVHS library

This meeting is for all interested and returning swimmers and divers and their parents to get information about the upcoming season and try on suits for proper team gear ordering.

Jersey Mike's Student-Athlete of the Week - September 26th

"Ashlynn Callahan is an amazing person on and off the court. She lifts up those around her and is always willing to lend a hand. She is absolutely one of the best flag athletes in Colorado and holds herself and her teammates to the highest standards!" -- Head Coach Greg Johnson

As of today, Ashlynn averages 102 yards receiving a game, has 23 touchdowns and nine interceptions for the #3 team in the state!

Congratulations Ashlynn!

Jersey Mike's Student-Athlete of the Week - October 3rd

"Jake Sweeney is an amazing student and a thoughtful, kind athlete and leader! On the pitch he is a senior captain and anchors the back line on a team that has only conceded 3 goals in 10 matches! Very deserving of this honor!" -- Head Coach, John Doody

Congratulations Jake for representing Ralston Valley in such a positive manner!

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

Monday, Oct. 6 - Silver Day

Tuesday, Oct. 7 - PSAT / NMSQT Testing, NO SCHOOL for 12th Grade Students

Wednesday, Oct. 8 - Blue Day

Thursday, Oct. 9- White Day

Friday, Oct. 10 - Fall Break, NO SCHOOL for All Students

Counseling Department

RVHS Financial Aid Night

RVHS will host a College Financial Aid Night for students and families in the Class of 2026. Brooke Geraghty, a senior college admissions professional, will be speaking about how to apply for financial aid and the various ways to pay for college (including loans, merit aid, scholarships, and work study). In addition to an informative presentation, there will be a Q&A session.

Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Place: RVHS Library

AP Test Fees

AP test fees have been posted to student accounts for students in first-semester or year-long AP classes. The fee this year is $99/test and is set by College Board. Fees are due by Tuesday, October 14, 2025. After the due date, a $25 late fee will be added.

Upcoming College Visits

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

University of Alabama - Tuesday, Oct. 7 - 11:45 a.m.

Miami University, Oxford - Tuesday, Oct. 7 - 11:45 a.m.

University of Chicago - Tuesday, Oct. 7 - 1:30 p.m.

University of Colorado, Denver - Tuesday, Oct. 7 - 1:30 p.m.

University of Denver - Wednesday, Oct. 8 - 9:00 a.m.

John Carroll University - Wednesday, Oct. 8 - 9:00 a.m.

Colgate University - Wednesday, Oct. 8 - 11:45 a.m.

Iowa State University - Wednesday, Oct. 8 - 11:45 a.m.

Purdue University, Main Campus - Wednesday, Oct. 8 - 1:30 p.m.

Westminster University, Utah - Wedsnesday, Oct. 8 - 1:30 p.m.

Elon University - Wednesday, Oct. 15 - 9:00 a.m.

Univeristy of Oklahoma, Norman - Wednesday, Oct. 15 - 11:45 a.m.

Texas Tech University - Wednesday, Oct. 15 - 11:45 a.m.

Arizona State University, Tempe - Wednesday, Oct. 15 - 1:30 p.m.

Colorado Mesa University - Wednesday, Oct. 15 - 1:30 p.m.

Denver Area College Fairs

College Fairs of Greater Denver offers three large in- and out-of-state college fairs next month. Click here to register for any of the fairs.

Saturday, Oct. 4 - Mountain Vista HS, Highlands Ranch - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 8 - Monarch HS, Louisville - 5:30 - 7: 30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 9 - Denver South HS, Denver - 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

University of California Info Night

The University of California system is hosting an information night for Denver area students and their families to learn more about UC schools and gain a better understanding of the UC application process. Click here to RSVP.

Date: Monday, October 6, 2025

Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Place: Cherry Creek High School, 9300 E Union Ave, Greenwood Village

Colorado Free Application Days

From Tuesday, October 7 through Thursday, October 9, all public colleges and universities and several private institutions in Colorado will waive their application fees, making it free for Colorado high school students to submit an application. For instructions on how to use the fee waiver for each school, click here.

Scholarship Opportunities

Click on the links below for more information on the following scholarship opportunities:

MEM Scholarhip (for seniors from CO and WA; merit and financial-need based)

Boettcher Scholarship (for seniors; merit-based)

Daniels Fund Scholarship (for seniors; merit and financial-need based)

NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing (for females in grades 9-12 interested in computer science)

Scholarship Webinar

The Boettcher Foundation is hosting a webinar regarding "Everything You Need to Know About Scholarships." They will discuss how students can "ACE" their college and scholarship applications, including tips on how to make their applications stand out. The webinar is offered on two more dates in October. Click here to register - scroll about half way down the page and click on the date you would like to attend.

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.

Next week in 9th Grade Advisement classes, students will meet with their Mustang Mentor peers and sharpen their time management and academic skills as they focus on the impact of missing assignments. In 10th Grade Advisement, the RV Counselor team will come to classrooms for ICAP, Individual Career and Academic Plan. This tool focuses on connecting education to post-secondary opportunities, exploring career options, and identifying resources for student success.

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.