DECember 5, 2025 EDition
DECember 5, 2025 EDition
Embedded Files
Round 1 Choice Enrollment Open
The Cameron Holland family adopted this toy drive tradition in 2019 when Cameron Holland, an RV student and athlete, passed away before the holiday season. The Holland family is deeply involved in the RV community, granting a scholarship to a senior student athlete each year, raising awareness for vehicle safety, and sponsoring a toy drive in memory of Cam, making it really more than just about toys!
Our 9th and 10th grade Advisement classes, as well as National Honor Society, will be collecting toys for the Cameron Holland Toy Drive, benefiting Santa’s Workshop at Lutheran Hospital and Judi’s House, starting Monday, December 1st , until Friday, December 12th.
Students can bring their unwrapped donations and or gift cards to their Advisement teacher or to the main office. Even though this is presented mainly in 9th and 10th grade Advisement classes, we encourage our entire community to get involved.
Here is a list of acceptable items.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Jenny Braketa: jenny.braketa@jeffco.k12.co.us
Teacher Spotlight - Steve Annest
Our teachers bring incredible passion and talent to the classroom every day and that’s just the beginning of who they are. Each month, we’ll spotlight one of our amazing staff members to celebrate their lives beyond school walls; their hobbies, interests, talents, families, and the things that make them who they are. We’re excited to share the whole person behind the profession!
This month, we’re thrilled to highlight one of our talented science teachers, Mr. Annest! Mr. Annest in the classroom, Coach Annest on the lacrosse field, and proud dad at home, wears many hats in life. A mainstay in Ralston Valley's Science department, Mr. Annest is a passionate Biology teacher who works hard to implement life lessons into his daily instruction.
Those who know Mr. Annest know how proud he is of his family. This Thanksgiving break, he had the opportunity to travel to Australia to visit his daughter, Mari. Mari is currently playing professional soccer overseas for the FC Brisbane Roar and serves as the team's captain. Mari's soccer career has taken her to Northwestern University, before transferring to, and graduating from, Alabama. She has also played in Salzburg, Austria, and for Salvia Praha in Prague.
Mr. Annest and his wife Nicole, enjoyed spending time with Mari and her husband, Tommy Seidt. Below is one of their favorite family photos from the trip in front of the city skyline.
Ralston Valley PTSA - Gift Cards for Teachers and Staff
This holiday season we would like to gift our teachers and staff with gift cards. Gift cards will be delivered to teachers and staff on 12/19. Gift cards can be donated through the office by letting them know that it is for the holiday distribution. Thank you for your continued generosity and support of the hard working staff and faculty at Ralston Valley. Please click on the link below to see how you can contribute.
Ralston Valley PTSA - Dine-outs
Thank you for your support of the PTSA by participating in the recent dine-outs. Due to your efforts approximately $300 was raised during these events. The next dine-out event is on Thursday December 18 at Freedom Street Social. During that entire day make sure you mention RV PTSA and Freedom Street will donate back to the PTSA for every purchase. The PTSA would like to extend our thanks to Julie Eaton for putting these together.
It's never too late to join the PTSA, please follow this link and become a member, Join PTSA
Alkire Street Construction
The City of Arvada has begun construction on a new sidewalk along Alkire. Work is scheduled to last into March. Work will be mostly on the east side of Alkire St. from 78th to 80th. The bike/pedestrian lane on the west/southbound side will be closed during construction as this project builds a real sidewalk along that side. All pedestrian and bike traffic will be directed along the east/northbound side and the lane will be marked with traffic cones for the duration of the project. Students are directed to use the Alkire St. to the east side only.
There will be one-lane closures with flaggers on Alkire during much of the project. Work hours will be 8AM to 2:30PM and 3:30PM to 6PM. For more information about the project, visit arvadaco.gov/alkirestreet
Thank you for your patience and understanding as this important improvement project is completed.
Sponsor Partnerships
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
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. Submit documents to Elizabeth.Abrams@jeffco.k12.co.us
Parking Information
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
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
activities
Make-A-Wish 2026
Ralston Valley Student Government is beginning to seek donations for our 2026 Make-A-Wish Silent Auction. If you or your company would like to donate a gift certificate or other product/service to our fundraising efforts to be used on our Silent Auction platform, please reach out prior to Monday, January 12th, 2026. To find out more about our donation opportunities and sponsorship program, please contact:
Committee Chair, Benjamin Brown 2199884@jeffcoschools.us
Student Government Sponsor, Jenny Braketa: jenny.braketa@jeffco.k12.co.us
athletics
athletics
State Championship Football Game Saturday, December 6
Mustang Football will play this Saturday against Cherry Creek for the 5A title!! Here is information for parking and stadium section seating. Come cheer on our team as they compete for the first state football title in RV history!
Our Mustang spirit teams, students, and parents brought incredible energy on Thursday morning as they gathered to send off the football team to the state championship game. With loud cheers, signs, and plenty of Mustang pride, our school helped create a memorable and motivating send-off for our team. Their enthusiasm set the tone for a special day and showcased the unity and support that make the RV community so strong.
Football - The Mustang football team delivered one of the most unforgettable performances in program history, completing a stunning comeback to earn their first-ever trip to the State Championship game. In a true team effort, all three phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams—rose to the moment, making key plays throughout the night to keep the Mustangs within reach. Trailing late, the team showed remarkable resilience and poise, battling back before Landon Plichta drilled a last-second field goal to secure the 31–28 victory over Mountain Vista. It was a historic, all-around effort that showcased the heart and determination of this group. Congratulations to the Mustangs on an incredible win! Beat Creek!
Hockey - The Mustang Hockey team opened the season in impressive fashion before the Thanksgiving break, rolling to two dominant victories. They exploded for an 8–2 win over Grandview in the opener and followed it up the very next night with a commanding 6–0 shutout against Chatfield.
Offensively, the Mustangs are off to a hot start. Bridger Laychak leads the way with four goals, while Nolan Feir has added three of his own. Brayden Faulhaber has been a major playmaker early, tallying six assists to spark the Mustang attack. The strong defensive effort and depth across all lines have also been key contributors to the team’s early momentum.
Up next is a Friday night road matchup against Resurrection Christian in Greeley, followed by a Saturday home game against Cherry Creek. Come out and support the team as they look to keep building on their early success!
Girls Basketball - The Lady Mustangs tipped off their season this week at the Best in the Nest Tournament at Horizon High School, showing early signs of grit, talent, and competitive fire. In their opener against Chaparral, the team put together a dominant second half, surging past the Wolverines for an impressive 62–44 victory.
Their second matchup against a strong Northfield squad was a hard-fought battle from start to finish. Despite a determined push and key plays down the stretch, the Mustangs came up just short, falling 57–50—but showed plenty of promise and toughness in the effort.
Leading the charge is Santana Sabus, who is off to a remarkable start to the season, averaging 34 points and 18 rebounds per game, setting the tone on both ends of the court.
Next up, the Mustangs take on host Horizon on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Come out and support the team as they continue to build momentum early in the season!
Boys Basketball - The Mustang boys basketball team opened their season in impressive fashion, earning a statement win at the Fossil Ridge Tournament with a 53–32 victory over St. Francis Prep out of New York. From start to finish, the Mustangs showcased disciplined defense and balanced scoring, setting a strong tone for the year ahead.
Offensively, Caiden Braketa led the way with 18 points, while Frank Psaute added 12 and Alec Sungy chipped in 11—each playing a key role in a true team performance. The group’s unselfish play, energy on the boards, and defensive pressure proved too much for their out-of-state opponent.
Tonight, the Mustangs face host Fossil Ridge in a highly anticipated matchup, with the opportunity to build even more momentum before closing out the tournament on Saturday. Best of luck to the boys as they continue their strong start!
Wrestling - Our Mustang wrestlers open their season this weekend at the Fairview High School Tournament, launching into competition after months of dedicated offseason training. This group has worked tirelessly to build strength, refine technique, and elevate their competitive mindset. We wish them the very best as they take the mat and look to build on last year’s progress. Go Mustangs!
Girls Swim and Dive - Our girls swim and dive team also kicks off their season this weekend as they co-host Big Dave’s Sprint Eliminator at the Arvada Aquatics Center. After a strong year capped by a league championship, the team is eager to continue its winning tradition and set the tone for another standout season. We look forward to seeing their hard work, camaraderie, and competitive spirit on full display. 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 online ticketing system.
Sports Performance Support:
Please see our new FREE Sports Performance support information below. Lindsay Anderson will be available on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. in the gym area.
off campus policy
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
Schedule for The Upcoming week
Monday, Dec. 8- Silver Day
Tuesday, Dec. 9 - White Day
Wednesday, Dec 10 - Blue Day
Thursday, Dec. 11 - White Day
Friday, Dec.12 - Blue Day
Counseling Department
Counseling Department
Warren Tech Open House - RESCHEDULED!
Warren Tech Open House - RESCHEDULED!
10th and 11th graders who are interested in attending Warren Tech next year are strongly encouraged to attend their Open House night. All three campuses will be open at the same time so that students and families can visit multiple campuses in one evening.
10th and 11th graders who are interested in attending Warren Tech next year are strongly encouraged to attend their Open House night. All three campuses will be open at the same time so that students and families can visit multiple campuses in one evening.
NEW Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Places: Warren Tech North (Arvada), Warren Tech Central (Lakewood), Warren Tech South (Littleton)
Internship Opportunities
Internship Opportunities
Jeffco has updated internship opportunites for second semester. The current list includes internships at IX Power, Arvada Chamber of Commerce, St. Anthony Hospital, Office of Senator Cutter, and more! To view the list of internship sites, follow these steps:
Jeffco has updated internship opportunites for second semester. The current list includes internships at IX Power, Arvada Chamber of Commerce, St. Anthony Hospital, Office of Senator Cutter, and more! To view the list of internship sites, follow these steps:
Visit jeffcopublicschools.org/community
Scroll down to "Partner Offers" and select "View Partner Offers"
Change the category at the top to "Internships" to view the current opportunities
Jeffco Teens Workgroup
Jeffco Teens Workgroup
Jefferson County Communities That Care (Jeffco CTC) is looking for new Jeffco Teens members! Youth aged 11-22 who are interested in working to improve health, safety, and wellness in Jefferson County are encouraged to apply. Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. and students may get paid for their participation. Click here for a flier and link to the interest form.
Jefferson County Communities That Care (Jeffco CTC) is looking for new Jeffco Teens members! Youth aged 11-22 who are interested in working to improve health, safety, and wellness in Jefferson County are encouraged to apply. Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. and students may get paid for their participation. Click here for a flier and link to the interest form.
Volunteer Opportunity
Volunteer Opportunity
Standley Lake Library is hosting a drop-in volunteer day for 6th - 12th graders. This is a casual volunteering opportunity that does not require any sign up ahead of time - teens can just show up at the library for part or all of the program.
Standley Lake Library is hosting a drop-in volunteer day for 6th - 12th graders. This is a casual volunteering opportunity that does not require any sign up ahead of time - teens can just show up at the library for part or all of the program.
Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
FAFSA/CASFA Information Session for Jeffco Families
FAFSA/CASFA Information Session for Jeffco Families
Red Rocks Community College is hosting a virtual event to provide information and support for students and families in the process of completing the FAFSA or CASFA. This event is for anyone, regardless of the college a student plans on attending. For a flier and Zoom link to the event, click here.
Red Rocks Community College is hosting a virtual event to provide information and support for students and families in the process of completing the FAFSA or CASFA. This event is for anyone, regardless of the college a student plans on attending. For a flier and Zoom link to the event, click here.
Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Outdoor Education & Park Ranger Career Fair
Outdoor Education & Park Ranger Career Fair
The largest Outdoor Education Career Fair in Colorado will take place in January in Lakewood. Around 45 organizations, ranging from land management agencies to national parks to local guiding companies, will be in attendance. There will also be information on RRCC's Outdoor Education and Park Ranger Technology programs.
The largest Outdoor Education Career Fair in Colorado will take place in January in Lakewood. Around 45 organizations, ranging from land management agencies to national parks to local guiding companies, will be in attendance. There will also be information on RRCC's Outdoor Education and Park Ranger Technology programs.
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Place: "The Bridge" on Red Rocks Community College Campus, 13300 West 6th Ave, Lakewood
DAR Scholarships
DAR Scholarships
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) offers multiple scholarships to students showing dedication to the pursuit of higher education. Each scholarship has it's own requirements and award amounts. The deadline to apply for any of them is January 31, 2026. Click here for a full list of scholarships.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) offers multiple scholarships to students showing dedication to the pursuit of higher education. Each scholarship has it's own requirements and award amounts. The deadline to apply for any of them is January 31, 2026. Click here for a full list of scholarships.
UNC's Future Teacher Conference
UNC's Future Teacher Conference
The University of Northern Colorado is hosting their 11th annual Future Teacher Conference with Steve Spangler as the keynote speaker. Aspiring teachers will attend presentations and workshops to learn more about the eduation field. Three attendees will be selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend UNC in the fall of 2026. For more information and to register, click here.
The University of Northern Colorado is hosting their 11th annual Future Teacher Conference with Steve Spangler as the keynote speaker. Aspiring teachers will attend presentations and workshops to learn more about the eduation field. Three attendees will be selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend UNC in the fall of 2026. For more information and to register, click here.
Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Place: UNC University Center, 2101 10th Avenue, Greeley
Girls Lead the Way STEM Conference
Girls Lead the Way STEM Conference
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at Colorado School of Mines is hosting an event designed to introduce 9th-12th graders to STEM, engineering, and applied science at Mines. Participants will engage in interactive learning activities, attend panel discussions and connect with peers who share a passion for STEM. For more information and to register, click here.
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at Colorado School of Mines is hosting an event designed to introduce 9th-12th graders to STEM, engineering, and applied science at Mines. Participants will engage in interactive learning activities, attend panel discussions and connect with peers who share a passion for STEM. For more information and to register, click here.
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Place: Colorado School of Mines Green Center, 924 16th Street, Golden
Jeffco Open Space Foundation Scholarship
Jeffco Open Space Foundation Scholarship
The Jeffco Open Space Foundation is offering a scholarship to graduating seniors with an intent to study and work in the field of natural resources. The scholarship may be used for educational expenses at an institution of higher learning. For more information and a link to the application, click here. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.
The Jeffco Open Space Foundation is offering a scholarship to graduating seniors with an intent to study and work in the field of natural resources. The scholarship may be used for educational expenses at an institution of higher learning. For more information and a link to the application, click here. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026.
Advisement Corner
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 are the final Advisement classes for the first semester, for both 9th and 10th grades. Both classes will learn about ways that they can ethically use AI technology to help them prepare for their finals. They will also unwind and celebrate with some decorating cookies and gingerbread houses!
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.
Ralston Valley Happenings
Ralston Valley Happenings
This week, the Robotics and Drones students moved the classroom into the hallways of Ralston Valley for a hands-on application of their flight skills. Participating in a specialized Obstacle Course Series, students were challenged to maneuver drones through a complex environment of barriers and tight turns. This exercise tested their manual dexterity, depth perception, and understanding of flight dynamics in a real-world, controlled setting.
We are thrilled to announce that the RVFX Media Production II students at Ralston Valley High School have been named the 2025 Daktronics National Classroom of the Year and were recently featured on 9News NEXT with Kyle Clark .
You can learn more about the Daktronics classroom here
Physics Tests Trajectories
Mr.Bradley's students in Physics tested their understanding of trajectories by launching water balloons at their teacher. This is a tradition that dates back to 2010, and the launch happens no matter the weather!
Genetics Study in Biology
Ms. Reid's Honors Biology students are sorting fruit flies to be used in their genetics investigations.
German Students at Christkindl Market
Frau Blum's German II through Advanced Placement classes attended the Denver Christkindl Market on Tuesday, using grants from the German Cultural Foundation and the German American Chamber of Commerce (GACC). Transportation was funded and students were each provided with a $10 voucher to purchase a wide variety of German food. The RV students sang three German holiday songs that they had memorized. This year, the Christkindl Market is in a new location - the Tivoli Quad on the Auraria Campus. Vielen Dank to the German Cultural Foundation and GACC for providing our students with such a rich experience.
Business Students Headed to DECA Conference
We are excited to share some amazing news from the RV DECA chapter. 27 DECA members competed at the district conference, representing Ralston Valley with outstanding professionalism, confidence, and leadership. We are thrilled to announce that 11 students qualified for the Colorado DECA State Conference! Congratulations to: Ram Yalavarthy, Christian Mundt, Jacob Havlin, Taylor DiGiosio, Jackson Prew, Gavin Snyder, Addelyn Jelsma, Jack Hubbard, Claire Tufts, Mason Schroeder, and Elana Campo. A huge shoutout to all 27 competitors for your hard work, dedication, and Mustang pride. Your commitment to excellence makes our business program stronger every day. Way to go, DECA!
Wellness Collective Brings Kindness and Treats
Mustangs in the Wellness Collective (formerly Peer Counselors) delivered Gratitude Grams to friends, teachers, and staff members. Each Gratitude Gram included a kind note and Oreo truffles, crafted by RV's Baking and Pastry students.
Administration
Administration
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. Trione, Dean 303-982-7760
Important Links
Important Links
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