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.
PTSA Staff Dinner Thank You!
To the incredible Ralston Valley PTSA, thank you so much for the delicious dinner you provided for the staff during Parent Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, September 24th! Your thoughtful gesture gave us all the energy we needed to connect with our students' families, and we are so grateful for your continued support and generosity. We feel truly lucky to have such an amazing community behind us!
Homecoming 2025
Homecoming Week is here, beginning this Saturday, September 27! This document, along with the 2025 Homecoming Site, will help you stay up-to-date on all the events! All Homecoming Week activities are FREE for students, with the exception of the dance itself. Proceeds from dance ticket sales make it possible for us to offer all the other amazing events throughout the week at no charge. Your ticket purchase helps fund a fantastic Homecoming experience for everyone!
Here is how students can purchase tickets for the dance.
$25 (Presale | Cash Only): Available in the lobby during both lunches from September 29th to October 3rd.
$30 (Online | Card Only): Available for purchase on the GoFan App/Website through October 3rd. Your Access code is your Student ID.
$35 (At the Door | Cash Only): Available upon arrival. Please note that only cash will be accepted at the door.
***A maximum of two tickets can be purchased per student.
Jeffco 10th Grade Career Expo - Last Call!
10th grade students are invited to attend Jeffco's annual Career Expo on Wednesday, October 15th, at the Jeffco Stadium. We will leave Ralston Valley at 9:30 a.m. and return by 1:30 p.m. Bus transportation will be provided and students will need to bring lunch. Students will have the opportunity to explore different career possibilities and interact with industry professionals. Click here to view the flier.
If your 10th grader would like to attend the Expo, please download and complete all parts of the permission form located here. Students can also pick up a permission form in the Counseling Office.
All permission forms are due by Friday, September 26th in the Counseling Office or the Main Office.
Retake Pictures
Retake Lifetouch Pictures will be happening on Monday, September 29th from 10:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. in the main lobby. Students can stop by during their lunches. If your student attends Warren Tech in the afternoon, the photographer will be set up by 10:30 for them to stop by before they leave.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Area Middle Schools Gather At Ralston Valley
Future Mustang instrumental and vocal musicians from our feeder middle schools visited the RV auditorium on Thursday for the Tenor Bass Festival.
To kick off Homecoming Week 2025, we invite you to participate in the Lisa Nelson 5k on Saturday, September 27th. 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 such an amazing woman’s life.
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
RV Athletics continues to shine this week, with Mustangs demonstrating excellence, pride, and competitive spirit in every contest. With impressive performances behind us and key games coming up, here’s the latest from Mustang Nation:
Softball - Mustang Softball once again battled the weather this week, forcing a couple of postponements. The team fell to Chatfield 4–0 but is back in action today in a make-up game against Fort Collins. The Mustangs continue their season this weekend with a home matchup against Lakewood on Saturday at 10:00 a.m., followed by key games next week against Arvada West, Bear Creek, and Valor Christian. Best of luck to our ladies as they power through a busy stretch of the season!
Boys Tennis - Another team battling the elements this fall is Boys Tennis. Coming off a strong showing at the Full Send Tournament last weekend, the Mustangs faced a tough test against Valor Christian, dropping a key match. They’ll look to bounce back today against Denver South and again on Saturday versus Chatfield. The regular season wraps up Monday against Bear Creek as the team eagerly awaits the release of the postseason bracket.
Boys Golf - Boys Golf heads into their final tournament of the season on Monday, competing for the league title at Fox Hollow Golf Course. The Mustangs enter the event just eight strokes back in the team standings and are aiming to make a strong push for the prestigious Jeffco League Championship. Individually, four golfers—Noah Ramsey, Mason Meyer, Alex Sungy, and Liam Braketa—are currently in position to qualify for state. Best of luck to our Mustangs as they battle for the title on Monday!
Flag Football - The Mustang Flag Football team bounced back in a big way last week after their lone league loss, shutting out Arapahoe 20–0 and edging Valor Christian 13–12 in a thrilling win. With those victories, the Mustangs remain tied with Arvada West at the top of the league standings. Next week brings key matchups against Dakota Ridge and Chatfield as they continue their push toward the program’s first league championship trophy!
Volleyball - The Lady Mustangs Volleyball team enjoyed a bye week to recharge and prepare for the start of league play. They open on Tuesday with a cross-town showdown against Arvada West in a battle of two state top-10 teams. Best of luck to the Mustangs as they kick off their quest for a league title!
Boys Soccer - The Boys Soccer team kept their strong momentum rolling this week, opening league play with a gritty 1–0 win over Chatfield in rainy conditions on Monday, followed by a commanding 3–0 victory over Arvada West on Thursday in front of a packed crowd at the NAAC. Now ranked No. 3 in the state, the Mustangs will look to keep their undefeated season alive when they face Lakewood next Tuesday.
Cross Country - The Mustang runners are in for a busy weekend, with athletes competing in the Dave Sanders Race and the Lightning Invitational today, followed by the Lisa Nelson 5K tomorrow. Best of luck to our cross country team as they continue working to improve their times and build momentum throughout the season!
Football - The Mustangs Football team continued to impress with a 41–21 road win over ThunderRidge last Friday in Highlands Ranch. The offense was nearly unstoppable, while the defense delivered key plays at critical moments. Up next is a top-five showdown with Valor Christian tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the NAAC. This highly anticipated matchup between two powerhouse programs has drawn plenty of attention—RV was featured on CBS4’s Football Friday, it’s the 9News Game of the Week, and the game will also be broadcast live on Altitude 92.5 FM. Good luck, Mustangs!
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
Preseason RVHS Girls Swim & Dive Parent and Athlete Meeting
Monday, Oct. 6th from 6:30 – 8pm 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
"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!" As of today, Ashlynn averages 100 yards receiving a game, has 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions for the #3 team in the state!
Congratulations Ashlynn!
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.
Monday, Sept. 29 - Silver Day
Tuesday, Sept. 30 - White Day
Wednesday, Oct. 1 - Blue Day
Thursday, Oct. 2- White Day
Assembly Schedule:
Access: 8:15-8:30
Block 2 8:35
Block 4: Lunch A: 11:40-12:10 Class A: 12:15-1:50
Class B: 11:40-1:15 Lunch B: 1:20-1:50
Block 6: 1:55-3:30
Friday, Oct. 3 - Blue Day
Grand Canyon University - Tuesday, Sept. 30 - 9:00 a.m.
Northern Arizona University - Tuesday, Sept. 30 - 9:00 a.m.
Western Colorado University - Tuesday, Sept. 30 - 11:45 a.m.
Red Rocks Community College, Arvada Campus - Tuesday, Sept. 30 - 11:45 a.m.
Willamette University - Wednesday, Oct. 1 - 9:00 a.m.
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.
Date: Friday, October 3, 2025
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Place: Chamberlin Observatory, 2930 E. Warren Avenue, Denver
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.
Date: Monday, October 6, 2025
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Place: Cherry Creek High School, 9300 E Union Ave, Greenwood Village
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)
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
Please click HERE to access the course syllabus for Advisement which explains the purpose, key components, and expectations, including grading and attendance.
In 9th Grade and 10th Grade Advisement this week, lessons are centered around the fun of Homecoming! Students will start with their Weekly Academic Reset, and end class with an expedition to Gumdrop Mountain and a Kahoot game. They will also meet RV's Jefferson Center for Mental Health therapist, Ms. Katie Wainwright, to learn about the types of assistance available for them.
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.
Mustang Merit Awards September 2025
Each month, Ralston Valley 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. This award recognizes their hard work and dedication, way to go!
Our September winners are: Drake Fankauser - Respect, Sam Gallardo - Perseverance, Logan Yeager - Empathy, Gia Valverde - Inclusivity, Raegan Bass - Integrity, Kingston Folkerts - Integrity, Nico Lombardi - Perseverance, Evan Shirazi - Empathy, Abby Rillos - Inclusivity, Corgan Webb - Empathy, Zakku Oaks - Inclusivity, Emily Johnson - Motivation and Inclusivity, Aviva Martin - Motivation, Sophia Miranda - Motivation, Mason Berman - Perseverance, Vann Andrews - Motivation, Lars Jergensen - Motivation, Isaac Espinoza - Perseverance, and Lila Narraci - Integrity
German Students Celebrate Fall
Ralston Valley High School's Deutschklub spent time in the kitchen cooking for their Herbstfest (Fall-fest). Using German recipes, teams baked Streuselkuchen (peach and plum crumble cakes). They prepared Bavarian potato salad, cucumber salad, tomato salad, sauerkraut as sides for the Bratwurst. Tables were decked out in Bavarian colors. The food was lecker (yummy).
Vielen Dank to Boulder Sausage for the sausages.
Mrs. Buenning came to the German II class this week to present certificates and medals to the students who performed well in the National German Examinations in Level 1 at the end of the last school year. Gratuliere!
Honors Astronomy Takes Class Outside
Mr. Pennell's Astronomy students enjoyed some gorgeous fall weather, taking pictures of the sun through their telescopes.
Ms. Reid's Biology students craft the organic mosaic of the cell membrane organelle using a variety of supplies and teamwork.
Art Students Mentor Their Peers
Sophomore Mia Gordon, AP Art, and Senior Cade Rulle, Intermediate Ceramics, have been teaching beginning students how to make pots on the pottery wheel.
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. Duplice, Dean 303-982-8274