RALSTON VALLEY NEWS

September 8, 2023 EDition

Picture Packet Pick-up and Re-Takes

Picture packets will be available for pick-up in the Main Lobby during I.C.E.  and both lunches on Tuesday, September 12th.

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).

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.

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.

Come Work in our Cafeteria!


Check out the flyer below for volunteer and employment opportunities here at RV.

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" 


We are almost one week away from Homecoming 2023: RV in Paradise!  Our Student Government has done a great job planning and preparing a fun and community-building week that provides opportunities for every Mustang to get involved!  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! 

Ralston Valley Club Fair

Last Friday, students had the opportunity to learn about and sign up for the 30+ clubs that are offered at Ralston Valley.  Please check out our WEBSITE to see all of the opportunities that students have to get involved outside of the classroom!  

Jeffco Marching Band Festival


This weekend, the Jeffco Marching Band Festival will be held on Saturday, September 9th, at Jeffco Stadium (6th and Kipling). It is a way to kick off the season in a relaxed environment and celebrate the students' hard work. The show starts at 4:50 p.m. and the Mustang Marching Band performs at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.00. https://our.show/jeffcomarching2023 

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 


Looking ahead, 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.  

Ralston Valley PTSA

Welcome to the 2023-2024 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 going to the PTSA website (rvptsa.digitalpto.com) and using the link on the right side.  By registering we will be able to contact you to let you know what is happening with the PTSA.

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

I look forward to seeing and/or meeting you throughout the school year.

Scott Cochran

PTSA President

athletics 

Athletic Updates


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


HOMETOWN TICKETING BOX OFFICE


Football has their 2023 home opener tonight at NAAC against Grandview (7:30).  This top ten match up is one of the marquee games in the state this weekend.  This will also be the first chance to see our marching band, dance team, and cheerleaders perform for the home crowd.  If you get there early, check out the tailgate in the parking lot.


Flag Football - The Varsity team ran their record to 6-0 on the season after beating, Littleton, Grandview and Denver West last Saturday.  Thank you to the crowd that came out and supported the team.  JV went 2-1 and continue to play strong.


Boys Golf has their final league tournament on Tuesday at West Woods.  Then they will look to finish strong when they host the CHSAA Sothern Regional at Indian Tree in two weeks.


Boys Soccer knocked off defending 5A champion Denver East on Tuesday night.  Sitting 5-0-1, the Mustangs are off to one of their hottest starts in school history.  Next week, their lone game is Thursday Night, 5:00 p.m. against Liberty at NAAC.  If you haven't had an opportunity to see them play yet, this would be a great chance to watch them in action.


Volleyball swept Rampart last night in front of another great crowd at the Mustang Range.  They also beat Boulder on Tuesday night.  Next week brings a big road matchup for them against the Legacy Lightning.  Good luck.


Cross County ran a great meet last Friday at the Lightning Invite.  The girls finished second and the boys took third.  Up next for the Mustangs, the largest meet of the year, when Heritage hosts the Liberty Bell.  The girls have qualified to race in the highest division, the sweepstakes, and the boys are in the second flight.  Keep running hard.


Tennis is currently 7-1 as they go to the Western Slope for the Western Slope Invite.  When they return next week, they will be in the thick of things to compete for a 5A Jeffco title.  They are currently tied with Valor for first place and will play them on the 18th.  Between now and then they will play at Lakewood (9/12) and at Columbine (9/14).


Softball will play Chaparral tomorrow morning (10:00) here at Ralston Valley.  They turn around and open up league play next Wednesday when they host Dakota Ridge.  Good luck to the Mustangs as they enter the heart of their schedule.  

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 11 - 15, 2023

Monday, Sept. 11th - Silver Day 

Accountability Meeting 3:45 p.m. Library 

Tuesday, Sept. 12th - White Day

Wednesday, Sept. 13th - Blue Day

Thursday, Sept. 14th - White Day

Friday, Sept. 15th - Blue Day

Advisement Corner

Advisement 

This week in 9th grade Advisement, students learned about the benefits of using a planner and making it a habit. Students who used their planner in August were put in a drawing to win Homecoming tickets. 

This week in 10th grade Advisement, students took a Needs Assessment created by the counseling department and explored the Homecoming 2023 website. 

Reminders-

If your student has Advisement during ICE it will be on Thursdays from 8:15 to 9:00 a.m.

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

Counseling Department

Senior Seminar Update

This week, seniors received emails from their counselors about their Senior Seminar class.  Session #1 is next week and students are assigned to classes based on their off blocks.  All seniors will participate in Senior Seminar, where they will meet with their counselor in small groups to discuss college applications and learn about multiple post-secondary pathways. Successful completion of Senior Seminar earns students 0.25 credit on their transcript.  

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:

Regis University - Monday, Sept. 11 - 2:00 p.m.

University of Arizona - Wednesday, Sept. 13 - 1:00 p.m.

Colorado State University, Fort Collins - Thursday, Sept. 14 - 11:30 a.m.

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.

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!

Date: Thursday, September 28, 2023

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

Place: RVHS Gymnasium

Princeton Review Study Skills Week

Next week, September 11-14, Princeton Review will be hosting FREE vritual sessions on topics ranging from College Admissions Essays to Study Skills 101.  All sessions are in the evening.  For more information and to register, click here.

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 you, as a parent, can participate in a FREE training on how to talk to someone about suicide?  To register for a training, click here. 

ralston valley happenings

A Picture is Worth 1000 (German) Words


The III / IV Advanced Placement German class created collages after learning the poem  "Mutter Sprache" ( Mother Tongue) by Austrian poet, Rosa Ausländer. They then used the collage, (their Menschmosaik), to talk about themselves.

Tutoring Club off to a Great Beginning


After school tutoring with National Honor Society is a hit!  They meet every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30, so come join them in the beautiful new RV library for extra help or just a quiet place to do your homework, with help available if needed.

Cartooning Club Gets Professional Guidance


Cartooning Club met for the first time this year, and they are getting the experience of Mr. Vitello, whose previous career was as a political cartoon artist.

U.S Government Class Study Current Events


Students in Mrs. Dean's U.S. Government class discussed in small groups how much individual freedom people should have in society after evaluating current events. 

French Students Work on Vocabulary with Card Games

In this activity, students quizzed each other on childhood activities vocabulary, giving hints in French for their classmates to guess the activity. 

Student Government Retreat

Student Government spent the past two days at La Foret, in Black Forest, CO, at their annual leadership retreat!  The pictures are from the high ropes course!

Administration

Calendar

Important Links