RALSTON VALLEY NEWS

September 15, 2023 EDition

Picture Re-Takes

Picture re-takes will take place during both lunches on Wednesday, October 4th.  Families may order picture packages on mylifetouch.com with your Student ID or Picture Day ID (EVTN8S43G).

PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test - Wednesday, October 11th 


Students in Grades 9-11 will be taking the required PSAT/NMSQT on Wednesday, October 11th from 8:15 a.m. to approximately 11:00 a.m. Buses will run on this day 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 be attending school on this day. 


The $14 fee for the test has been placed on 9th-11th grade student accounts and can now be paid online.  The fee was originally thought to be $18.  If you paid the $18 fee, $4 has been credited back to the account.  Please pay by September 29th if you haven't already.  

Hazel Health Information for Families

Jeffco Public Schools has partnered with Hazel Health, Inc. to provide a telehealth extension of mental and physical health supports to Jeffco students enrolled at district-managed schools, through evidence-based, culturally responsive, on-demand integrated healthcare services, accessed at home with a legal parent/guardian. Visit the Hazel Health webpage for more information about accessing services for your student, opting out, etc. 

Parent Teacher Conferences


Parent Teacher Conferences will be Wednesday, September 27 from 4:00-7:00 p.m.  This is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet and check in with your student's teachers. All teachers will be in the main gym and the small gym.  Please make every effort to keep your conferences to 5 minutes.  If you have topics that you would like to discuss that will need more time, feel free to set a follow-up appointment or phone call.

Run With the Wolves 5K


Come for the run, stay for the fun! Don't miss WWE's 19th annual Run With the Wolves 5K, Sunday, September 17th at 9:00am!  All high school students qualify for discounted pricing (use code WWEALUM23). Enjoy an inflatable obstacle course, post-race awards, snacks, smoothies, and music following the race! Visit westwoodsptsa.membershiptoolkit.com to register. 


STRIDES FOR SIERRA 5K


Join the Sierra Elementary community for this super fun event on Sunday, October 8th at 9:00 a.m.!  Enjoy a beautiful run through the Sierra neighborhood then stay after for music, food trucks, and vendor booths.  All proceeds go to the Sierra Elementary PTA. Click here for additional information and to register!


Classes Added to Students' Schedules


The RVHS community works together to ensure high levels of learning for all.  Over the course of the last few weeks, a few adjustments were made to students' schedules to support these efforts.   


A class titled 'Tutorial' has been added during I.C.E. for each of a student's teachers.  This placeholder course facilitates the taking of attendance for required, additional support for students earning a D or F in a class.  Beginning September 12, students earning a D or F are required to attend I.C.E. during the portion of dedicated to the class in which they are earning a D or F (a detailed I.C.E. schedule is included in this newsletter and on the school website.)

  

Additionally, another class titled 'Standardized Test Prep' has been added to students' schedules under Block 8.  This is NOT a new course for students to attend, but is a placeholder course that is being used to effectively roster students for the SSIS SEL screener.  Information regarding this screener was sent to households earlier this week.

Bell Schedule for 2023-24

Start Time: 8:15 a.m. 

End Time: 3:30 p.m. 

Thursday/White Days: Late start for all students - I.C.E begins at 9:05 a.m. 

Call for Volunteers: Baccalaureate Planning Committee 

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.  

Thanks to a committed group of parents, a Baccalaureate Ceremony was held for the Class of 2023.  However, we would like to begin earlier this year and establish a committee dedicated to cultivating this tradition for years to come.  

Please click here or scan the QR code to the left to express interest in volunteering to celebrate the Class of 2024.  

NOTE:  You do not need to be related to a member of the Class of 2024 to participate in the coordination of the ceremony.

Job Opportunities in our District


Check out the flyer below for employment opportunities as an education support professional.  

Healthy School Meals for All 2023-24


Thanks to the passage of Healthy School Meals for All, meals will be available at no cost to all students.  Families are still strongly encouraged to complete a Meal Benefits Application, which helps RV with additional funding and may allow waivers for school-related fees.  For the fastest processing, online applications can be completed at: www.SchoolCafe.com/JeffcoSD 

activities 

Homecoming 2023 - "RV in Paradise" 


Homecoming 2023: RV in Paradise, is here!  Click HERE for the Homecoming Week website which provides a calendar and more information.  Here are a few important notes that parents/guardians should be aware of:  


Please encourage your student(s) to participate in the activities this week, it's a fun and exciting week at Ralston Valley! 

Lisa Nelson 5K - 10th Anniversary


To kick off Homecoming Week 2023, we invite you to participate in the Lisa Nelson 5k on Saturday, September 16th, 8:00 a.m. This year is the 10th Anniversary of this race since starting this tradition in 2013, and we are hoping to continue it for many years to come. The Lisa Nelson 5k is a community event where we walk, jog, and run in loving memory of former Ralston Valley volleyball coach, Lisa Nelson. There will be a pancake breakfast and fun activities after the race and during the awards ceremony. We encourage all members of the community to participate in this fun event and help us celebrate this amazing woman’s life.   


Registration Forms

Schedule Adjustment - Homecoming Week 


As a reminder, we will have an adjusted Assembly Schedule to accommodate our Homecoming Assembly.  On Thursday, September 21st, ICE will take place between 8:15-8:30 a.m. and Block 2 will start at 8:35 a.m.  The assembly will take place during that block, we will then resume our normal White Day schedule.  

athletics 

Athletic Updates


A great week to be a Mustang!!!


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


Boys Golf finished their regular season at West Woods on Tuesday.  The boys are all moving in the right direction as they get ready for regional next Thursday at Indian Tree.  As the host site, the Mustangs are looking to push forward to state on one of their home courses.


Boys Soccer keeps things rolling.  Last night between rainstorms, they cruised to a 6-0 victory over Liberty High School at NAAC.  On Monday they will look to finish their non-conference schedule undefeated when they take on Rocky Mountain at NAAC (7:00 p.m.).


Softball had a great week.  On Saturday, Senior Ava Bachman drove in Freshman Stella Emnot for the walk off 6-5 win over Chaparral.  Pitching and hitting stayed hot, when the Mustangs won their league opener 10-1 over Dakota Ridge.


Volleyball had a lively matchup with Legacy on Tuesday.  After dropping the opening set, the Mustangs turned it on and won the next three to take the match 3-1.  They play at Golden next Tuesday before entering league play.


Cross County ran their best times of the year last week at the Liberty Bell.  The most impressive PR set came from senior Owen Eicher.  Owen finished 8th running a 16:07.  Both teams are out at Stenger today for the Wildcat Invite.  Good luck runners.


Flag Football dropped their first game of the year last weekend and then came back with two impressive wins.  They are currently rated among the top teams as they sport an impressive 8-1 record at the midpoint of the season.


Tennis finished 2nd out of sixteen teams at last weekend's Western Slope Invite.  With five of our seven lines finishing in the top three, the Mustangs had a very strong showing.  Brody Colwell finishes the weekend as the team's MVP for the tournament thanks to his good effort.


Football had their most impressive win of the year last Friday night in front of a huge crowd at NAAC.  The #5 Mustangs ran up a 30-0 over #4 Grandview before pulling their starters and finishing with a 30-15 win.  Things don't get any easier as they have top ten opponents Regis and Valor coming up.  The 7:30 p.m. kick off for Regis is tonight at NAAC and next week's Homecoming game will be against Valor on Thursday (7:30 p.m.).

Ralston Valley is pleased to announce the hiring of our next Head Swim Coach, Amanda Waters.  Her experience as a coach and advocacy for kids makes her the right person to lead our young ladies and our program into the future.  


In order for Coach Waters to get to know your student athlete better, please fill out THIS FORM with your athlete.


Your first chance to meet Coach Waters and hear her vision and direction for the program will be on Monday, October 2nd at 6:00 p.m. in the  RV Library.  Please plan on attending this meeting with your athlete.  There is a lot of important information that will be shared about the upcoming season.

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 

September 18 - 22, 2023

Monday, Sept. 18th - Silver Day 

Tuesday, Sept. 19th - White Day

Wednesday, Sept. 20th - Blue Day

Thursday, Sept. 21st  - White Day - Assembly Schedule - Block 2 starts at 8:35am.  

Friday, Sept. 22nd - Staff Development Day, No School for Students

Advisement Corner

Advisement 

This week in 9th grade Advisement, students learned how to send a professional email to their teachers, and then had a one minute check in with their counselor to discuss what they hope to accomplish this year. 

This week in 10th grade Advisement, students took a True Colors Personality Test and focused on making connections to self awareness and developing empathy. 

Reminders:

We will NOT have Advisement the Week of September 25th due to Blue/White schedule Rotations 

There will be no Advisement the week of October 9th due to PSAT testing.

Counseling Department

Senior Seminar Session #1 Make-Up

Counselors sent emails to seniors who missed Session #1 this week.  If your student  missed, please ask them to check their email for the time and date of the make-up session.

RVHS College Fair 

All students and parents are welcome, but especially 11th and 12th graders, to RV's College Fair!  Get more information on colleges in which you are interested and meet the college reps who might be reading your application.  Click here for a current list of the colleges that are registered to attend.

Date: Thursday, September 28, 2023

Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Place: RVHS Gymnasium

AP Exam Information

The $98 exam fee for AP testing was posted to student fee accounts on Infinite Campus this week.  The AP exam fees are due on Wednesday, October 18.  After October 18, a $25 late fee will be added.  These fee deadlines are set to ensure adherence to the College Board's practice of handling AP registration and exam logistics in the fall rather than the spring, which was common practice until changes were instituted a few years ago.  Please direct any questions or concerns about AP exam fees or deadlines to Mr. Merkel (Counselor) at scott.merkel@jeffco.k12.co.us. 

Upcoming College Visits

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

San Diego State University - Monday, Sept. 18 - 9:30 a.m.

Colorado School of Mines - Tuesday, Sept. 19 - 9:30 a.m.

University of Wyoming - Wednesday, Sept. 20 - 9:30 a.m.

Colorado Mesa University - Wednesday, Sept. 20 - 11:30 a.m.

Elon University - Wednesday, Sept. 20 - 1:00 p.m.

Palm Beach Atlantic University - Thursday, Sept. 21 - 11:30 a.m.

Montana State University - Monday, Sept 25 - 1:00 p.m.

Colorado College - Tuesday, Sept 26 - 1:00 p.m.

Merrimack College - Friday, Sept 29 - 9:30 a.m.

Financial Aid Webinar

Due to changes in the FAFSA and the federal government's timeline for publishing the updated FAFSA, we are pushing back our RV Financial Aid Night until later this fall when more information has been released.  In the meantime, Red Rocks Community College is offering an "Introduction to Financial Aid for ALL Jeffco Families" webinar.  Click here for more information.

Date: Thursday, September 28, 2023

Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Throughout the month of September, we will be promoting awareness, action, and education about suicide prevention.  

Did you know that 988 is now the three-digit dialing code that routes callers to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline?  When people call, text, or chat with 988 Lifeline, they are connected to trained counselors. These counselors are equipped to provide free and confidential support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, and connect them to resources.  These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

ralston valley happenings

English Studies "The Great Gatsby

Ms. Davis and Ms. McDowell's 11th grade English classes are tracking a literal web of lies with their reading of "The Great Gatsby".

Drones in the Halls


Students from Robotics and Drones class do initial drone testing indoors

Mustang Senior in the Halls of Government


Senior Gia Miller was one of 30 high school students from across the country who had the opportunity to work as a Senate page last spring, serving alongside U.S. Senators while living and going to school in Washington D.C.  She was able to see laws being debated and passed every day, and also attended the State of the Union address and saw many world leaders speak as well.  Gia and her fellow pages began their days at 5:00 a.m. and often worked until 7:00 p.m. at night, balancing their school work, senate work, exploring a new city together, and forging great friendships. Great work, Gia!

Clothing Vocabulary in French

Ms. Frie's French 2 students are learning clothing vocabulary. Students dressed up their partners and described what they were wearing to each other.

Drawing and Painting Students Create Still Life Drawings

9th - 12th grade Beginning Drawing and Painting students worked together on learning in-process constructive feedback on the still life drawings.

Labs in Ms. Penn's Science Classes

This lab is titled, "Thick as a Brick".  Students are practicing their skills of measurement and knowledge of water displacement to determine the thickness of a piece of foil. 

Administration

Calendar

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