RALSTON VALLEY NEWS

September 29, 2023 EDition

October Count Day for School Funding

It's official, October Count Day for 2023-24 is Monday, October 2.  The most important action you can take to support school funding is to make sure your student attends school on that day. Much of public education funding from the State of Colorado is based on student count, so we encourage you to make sure your student comes to school that day.

The “count window” the state observes is from Monday, September 25 through Monday, October 9, but the most important student count day is Monday, October 2. Help us get an accurate count by having your student participate in learning that day.

If your student will be absent on Monday, October 2 due to illness, please call our attendance line, 303-982-5550 to report the absence. Attendance during the “count window” will help counteract an absence on Monday, October 2.

Thank you for your support of Ralston Valley. Every student counts!

Congratulations to Ralston Valley's National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists and Commended Students!


The National Merit Scholarship Program, conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation, is an annual academic competition for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships.  To be a semi-finalist, a student must score in the top 1% on the PSAT/NMSQT in the United States.  Ralston Valley has six semi-finalists, pictured below.  From left to right are Isaac Ousterhout, Jake Rodriguez-Ashe, Alexander Kubacki, Avery Schuster, Alexander Direzza, and Luke Cervera.

In the same Scholarship Program, a student must score in the top 3% on their PSAT/NMSQT to earn Commended status.  These students also scored high enough to potentially earn large merit-based scholarships among top colleges and universities.  Ralston Valley has six Commended students, pictured below.  From left to right are Declan Walsh, Brock Mast, Olivia Lane, Joshua Alschuler, Ellison Namba, and Zayne Yeager.

Ralston Valley Students Honored Through College Board's National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP)


The NHRP recognizes students who identify as Hispanic/Latino with a high GPA and are in the top 10% of PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT10 assessment takers or have earned a score of three or higher on two or more AP exams.  Nine Ralston Valley students have been Recognized.  Pictured from left to right are Sebastian Alfaro, Avery Clark, Jarod Lovato, Seraphina Jager, Claudia Mendez, and Lylie Ayala.  Not pictured are Rylee Diebold, Waverly Puckett, and Isabella Toledo Howlett.

Jeffco Career Expo


Our 10th-grade students will be going on a field trip to attend the annual Jeffco Career Expo on Wednesday, October 18th, at the Gold Crown Fieldhouse in Lakewood.  We will leave Ralston Valley at 10:00 a.m. and return by 1:00 p.m. Bus transportation will be provided, and students will need to bring a lunch or eat when we return to RVHS.  Students will have the opportunity to explore different career possibilities and interact with industry professionals.  Click HERE to view the flier.  

Please download and complete all parts of ​the permission form located HERE.  All permission forms are due by October 2nd in the Counseling Office. 

CMAS Science Test Reports


CMAS Science individual test reports, taken as 11th graders last year, are now in and are being passed out to current 12th graders who have a science class this year.  If your 12th-grade student does not have a science class, they can stop by the Counseling Office to pick it up.  Each test report has a QR code at the bottom which helps explain the results.  

Sophomore Parking Passes Now on Sale! 


We have completed parking pass sales for our juniors and seniors and parking passes will be on sale for sophomores, who have their driver's license, beginning September 25th.  At this time, Sophomores are asked to complete the below steps, and should only visit the security desk during their off block in order to purchase a pass.


All registration requirements must be met before obtaining a parking permit.

1. Complete the Parking Registration Form – the form will automatically be submitted directly to campus security.

2. Within a few days, the Finance Office will place a $125 parking fee on the student's Campus account, please go online and pay. 

3. Once paid, visit the security desk during the student's off block in order to purchase a pass.


All concerns regarding parking passes should be addressed with campus supervisors.


Parking will be enforced and tickets issued for vehicles without a proper parking tag.  

Picture Re-Takes

Picture re-takes will take place during both lunches on Wednesday, October 4th.  (UPDATED Information: Students who would like a retake must bring their original portrait packet to the camera and return it to the photographer. New students or students who were absent during the original picture day/s should come to the camera on Re-take Day.)

Families may order picture packages on mylifetouch.com with their Student ID or Picture Day ID (EVTN8S43G).

Click here for a printable version of the order form.

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. Students will need to bring their fully charged, school issued device on this day.  


Buses will run as normal 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.  


Please click HERE for a letter regarding the required and optional data fields that students will be asked to fill out when they complete registration next week in their ELA class.  

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. 

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.

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.

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 

RV Mountain Bike Team 


Despite competing right after Homecoming, the Ralston Valley Mountain Bike Team showed up and posted some strong results at the Haymaker Classic in Eagle, CO last weekend. Clara Appel won in the Sophomore Girls category again (she is leading the series so far) and Mia Ryder improved up to 3rd place. August Yousse, team co-captain, had an excellent race that put him only a few points away from qualifying for the State Championship in the Varsity category. Lots of other racers, including Logan Ziebold and Oliver Yousse, finished their races in under one hour which is an average speed of over 12 miles per hour! The team again holds strong in 3rd place overall and we're all looking forward to the final race of the regular season in Nathrop! 

RV PTSA Fundraiser at Freedom Street Social 


Come out for dinner on October 27th, and support the RV PTSA! Freedom Street Social will donate 15% of your total purchase, when you mention that you are from Ralston Valley when ordering.  

athletics 

Athletic Updates


Another 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 Good luck to Grayson Miller and Mikian Maydew at State on Monday and Tuesday!


Boys Soccer currently is sitting #1 in the CHSAA seeding index.  They have a big game tonight at NAAC.  The game against Arvada West will start at 5:00 p.m. in front of 127 Mini Mustang Dancers. Good luck to the Mustangs as they kick off league play.


Softball scored 10-0 and 13-0 victories this week over Legacy and Bear Creek respectively. They finish the regular season with some tough competition: at Chatfield Saturday, hosting Arvada West on Monday, and finish by hosting the defending 5A champions, Columbine, on Wednesday. Good luck with the last week of the season.


Volleyball has won seven straight including three straight on the road. Big Jeffco league games loom ahead over the next few weeks. The Mustangs return home on Tuesday to host Dakota Ridge and then welcome cross-town rival Arvada West on Thursday.


Cross County had a quiet week resting up for the Pat Amato Classic next week. They will follow that up with the league championships on October 11th out at NAAC.


Flag Football is 14-1 and currently #2 in the State of Colorado. One final jamboree this Saturday at Lakewood Memorial and then it is time for the postseason.  The Mustangs will face defending champion Chatfield on Saturday. 


Tennis is the 5th seed in the CHSAA State Dual Championships. They beat Castle View on Wednesday 5-2 and will play in the quarterfinals today at Fossil Ridge.  As a top team in the State, they will also host regionals next Wednesday and Thursday at the APEX Tennis Center. This is the first step towards individual titles. The top two players at each step of the ladder will qualify for State.


Football survived the toughest non-conference schedule in the state with an impressive 4 -1 record and a number two ranking with CHSAA.  Conference play begins tonight at Jeffco Stadium against Lakewood at 7:30 p.m.  Next Friday night will be a huge matchup at NAAC against Columbine.  Can't wait to see you all there.

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 

October 2 - 6, 2023

Monday, Oct. 2nd - Silver Day 

Tuesday, Oct. 3rd - White Day

Wednesday, Oct. 4th- Blue Day

Thursday, Oct. 5th  - White Day 

Friday, Oct. 6th - Blue Day

Advisement Corner

Advisement 

Students did not have advisement this week. Next week our 9th graders will be provided guidance around Signs of Suicide (SOS). Parents received communication regarding this through School Messenger.  Our 10th-grade students will continue to work on Developing Identity using a core values bracket. 

Reminders:

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

Counseling Department

Upcoming College Visits

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

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Monday, Oct 2 - 9:30 a.m.

University of Miami - Monday, Oct 2 - 1:00 p.m.

Davidson College - Monday, Oct 2 - 2:00 p.m.

Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus - Tuesday, Oct 3 - 9:30 a.m.

Grand Canyon University, Traditional Campus - Tuesday, Oct 3 - 1:00 p.m.

Soka University of America - Tuesday, Oct 3 - 2:00 p.m.

Roger Williams University - Wednesday, Oct 4 - 9:30 a.m.

Augustana College - Wednesday, Oct 4 - 11:30 a.m.

Loyola University Chicago - Wednesday, Oct 4 - 1:00 p.m.

Westminster University, Utah - Wednesday, Oct 4 - 2:00 p.m.

University of Colorado, Boulder - Thursday, Oct 5 - 9:30 a.m.

Belmont University - Thursday, Oct 5 - 1:00 p.m.

Baylor University - Friday, Oct 6 - 9:30 a.m.

Portland State University - Friday, Oct 6 - 11:30 a.m.

University of San Diego - Friday, Oct 6 - 1:00 p.m.

University of Colorado, Colorado Springs - Monday, Oct 9 - 9:30 a.m.

University of California, Irvine - Monday, Oct 9 - 2:00 p.m.

University of Colorado, Denver - Tuesday, Oct 10 - 9:30 a.m.

University of St. Thomas, MN - Tuesday, Oct 10 - 1:00 p.m.

University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus - Thursday, Oct 12 - 9:30 a.m.

Northern Arizona University - Thursday, Oct 12 - 1:00 p.m.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott - Friday, Oct 13 - 11:30 a.m.

Binghamton University - Friday, Oct 13 - 2:00 p.m.

Upcoming College Fairs

Multiple College Fairs are happening around the Denver Metro area and virtually:

College Fairs of Greater Denver


Date: Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Time: 5:30 p.m.

Place: Monarch High School, Louisville


Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023

Time: 5: 30 p.m.

Place: Denver South High School, Denver


Date: Saturday, October 7, 2023

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Place: Mountain Vista High School, Highlands Ranch

NACAC Virtual College Fair


Date: Sunday, October 15, 2023

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

NACAC National College Fair - Denver


Date: Sunday, November 5, 2023

Time: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Place: Colorado Convention Center

Colorado Free Application Days

Is your senior applying to a college or university in Colorado?  From Tuesday, October 17 to Thursday, October 19, 2023, students will be able to apply to any public college or university in-state and many private institutions in Colorado for FREE.  For a list of colleges as well as instructions on how to apply for free, click here.

Free Virtual Financial Aid Events

uAspire is offering multiple, free virtual events to assist students and families through the financial aid process.  Upcoming topics include Scholarship Basics, Affording College 101, and a FAFSA Walkthrough.  For a complete list of topics and dates, click here.

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. 

 ralston valley HAPPENINGS

Mustangs are Hard at Work

Ms. Reid's Honors Biology students are practicing their titration skills for the enzyme lab.

These students in Ms. Berry's AP Psychology lab are celebrating as the winners of the "Golden Lobe" award for the best hormone amusement park, as they study the effects on the body and behavior of the hormones and chemicals made in the thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas.

Ms. Martin's Anatomy and Physiology students perform various tests to gather data on what types of sensory receptors are the most sensitive, while wearing their senior togas.

Students in Ms. Hayes' Spanish Level I class collaborated to prepare for the unit exam, and their efforts paid off, evidenced by a class average score of 93%.  Bien hecho!

Culinary Class Holds a Special Tailgate

Culinary I students had their Homecoming Tailgate lab this week. Buffalo wing dip, frito pie, and Oreo truffles were on the menu.

Significant Special Needs Students on the Soccer Field

Our SSN students had a fantastic time at Unified Sports Soccer Day at Trailblazer Stadium. Way to go Mustangs! 

Engineering 2 Students Launch into the School Year

The Engineering 2 classes have been busy learning about rocket design over the past few weeks. They have been researching aerodynamics, thrust, drag, Newton's 3rd Law of motion, center of mass, and center of propulsion. Below are pictures of them testing out their unique design ideas in order to maximize height. Next week we'll give them a raw egg to launch and bring back to earth safely! Stay tuned...it'll be very egg-citing!

Administration

Calendar

Important Links