Student Government cordially invites our Juniors and Seniors to Prom 2026: A Night Under the Stars. Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
When: April 25, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Where: Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Price: $45 per ticket (Pre-sale only; tickets will not be sold at the door)
Online: Tickets are available TODAY via GoFan through April 21st.
In-Person: Cash-only sales will be held during both lunches from April 16 – April 21.
Note on Guests: Bringing a non-RV guest? Please complete the guest form and return it to the Main Office no later than Tuesday, April 21.
Book Drive for Children's Hospital
Do you remember a book that you loved when you were young? Or do you have a favorite novel you recently read? Ralston Valley is hosting a book drive, for the benefit of Children’s Hospital Colorado from April 6 to 10. We’re collecting new interactive, coloring, or novel books in English or Spanish to bring comfort to patients at the hospital. Donation bins will be located in Mrs. Martin's room, S1113. Please drop off any books for babies, kids, and teens to help us make a difference! Check posters around the school for any questions. Every single item counts — let’s show our community Mustang Pride!
CMAS Science State-Mandated Testing
Beginning the week of April 6th, Juniors will participate in the state-mandated CMAS Science assessment. Testing sessions will primarily occur during scheduled science blocks. Please note that while many students will complete testing during the first week, the testing window will extend into the following week for certain groups.
For more details regarding the goals and importance of this state assessment, please click here for more information.
LOGISTICS & SCHEDULING
Science teachers will provide students with their exact testing dates, any specific changes to their class schedule, and their room assignments. Please be aware of the following alternate arrangements:
Juniors in both Chemistry & Physics: These students will test during their Physics class
Sophomores or Seniors in Physics or Conceptual Chemistry: These students should report to their science class first for attendance, then proceed to the library for the duration of the testing session. Attendance will be taken in both locations. Once testing concludes, students will return to their regular science class for the remainder of the period.
If your student is a Junior and does not have a scheduled science class at RVHS (due to taking classes at Warren Tech), they will test in the Library Classroom during the following times:
Warren Tech AM Students: Thursday, April 16, from 1:00pm - 3:30pm (both sessions).
Warren Tech PM Students: Thursday, April 16, from 8:15am-10:45am (both sessions).
Note: If students miss any regularly scheduled RVHS classes to complete this testing, they will be excused and permitted to complete any make-up work.
If you have any questions about CMAS Science testing, please contact Kristen Hogan, Assistant Principal. Thank you for your continued support of our students and their academic success!
SAT & PSAT State-Mandated Testing
Upcoming Spring Testing Schedule:
Tuesday, April 14th
SAT Test for Juniors
Only 11th graders attend this day
Wednesday, April 15th
PSAT 10 for Sophomores
PSAT 9 for Freshmen
Only 9th and 10th graders attend this day
Students should arrive at 8:00 a.m. with their fully-charged, school-issued Chromebook, school ID, and a pencil. Testing will conclude around 11:00 a.m. for standard testing rooms. Students in testing rooms with extended time accommodations will be released later. Buses will run as normal 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.
Access the latest College Board student and parent guides here for information regarding upcoming SAT and PSAT testing:
Senior Scholarship and Awards Ceremony
SENIOR Parents and Graduates!!
It is time for our senior students to begin gathering their scholarship information so they can be recognized at the Senior Scholarships and Awards Night on May 21st at 6:30 p.m.
Students may use this link to submit academic scholarships (one submission per scholarship) along with the required supporting documentation (students must be logged in to their school Google account.
Students may submit up to seven scholarships, and all submissions must be received no later than May 1st.
This awards ceremony will include recognition of Honors Graduates, Valedictorians and Salutatorians. Determination of these awards will be completed after May 15th and you will receive a separate email invitation if your student will receive one of these distinctions by May 19th.
Please note that athletic awards will be recognized at a separate event on May 18th.
View invitation and RSVP at this link (required by May 4th). Please do not include your student in the RSVP allotted number.
Support the Lisa Nelson Memorial Scholarship
Join us in honoring the legacy of longtime Ralston Valley PE teacher and Head Volleyball Coach Lisa Nelson, whose passion for supporting student-athletes continues through the Lisa Nelson Memorial Scholarship. This year’s Silent Auction will be held on April 11, 2026, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Freedom Street Social in Arvada. Proceeds benefit a $5,000 scholarship awarded to a college-bound RV student-athlete. Families can support by attending, donating an auction item, or participating in remote bidding (text lnms2026 to 855-800-4975).
Calling all Seniors!
RVHS PTSA is offering a scholarship opportunity for those seniors who meet the following guidelines:
1. Graduating senior who has earned at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and who is planning to continue his/her education at a post-secondary institution.
2. Attending RVHS for two semesters as a full-time student during his/her senior year.
3. Student is a current member of PTSA (note: you can still join for $15 online or in the Finance Office).
A total of $3,000 will be awarded to the top applicants. After reviewing the applications and interviewing selected applicants, the RVHS PTSA will determine the number of scholarships and the amounts to be awarded (for example, two $1,000 awards and two $500 awards OR any other combination for a total of $3,000). To apply, please go to the RVHS PTSA Website Ralston Valley PTSA.
Applications are due to the front office by Friday, April 10, 2026. Interviews for selected finalists may occur in early May 2026. Announcements will be made before the scholarship and awards program on May 21st, 2026. If you have any questions, you may contact Melissa Cole, PTSA Scholarship Chair, at
Melissa.Dowling@ymail.com. Good luck to all our applicants!
Student Safety - Railroad Tracks
Please be aware and vigilant about student safety around the railroad tracks. Union Pacific has expressed growing safety concerns about students crossing the tracks and has asked us to reach out to parents to help reinforce this message at home. Railroad Special Agents have emphasized and asked us to share that the railroad tracks are private property.
As always, our number one concern is student safety. At RV, we consistently remind students to avoid crossing the tracks, not only because it is against the law but, more importantly, because it is highly unsafe. We ask for your partnership in reinforcing the message so that together we can keep our students safe.
Thank you for your continued support!
Call for Volunteers: Baccalaureate Planning Committee
We need volunteers interested in planning this ceremony.
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. This event is not sponsored by the school and is parent-volunteer based only.
Please complete and submit this form as soon as possible to volunteer in support of a Baccalaureate ceremony for the Class of 2026.
Senior Bulletin
Another edition of the Senior Bulletin for the class of 2026 has been sent to households of seniors. Be sure to check your inbox for detailed information related to the following:
Jostens Graduation Orders: Any remaining orders should be picked up in the main office
Senior Banners: Click here for additional details to order by April 27.
NOTE: Proceeds benefit RVHS After Prom.
Save The Date: Parent Graduation Meeting Wednesday, April 8 at 6:30 PM.
Save the Date: Senior Scholarship and Awards Night May 21 at 6:30 PM in the Auditorium. More details in email and to follow in the next newsletter
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 for more information.
Alkire Stree Improvement Project Moving to Construction
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.
Mountain Bike Clinic Opportunity
National Letter of Intent Signing Day
Senior athletes, have you committed to participate on a college athletic team? If so, we would like to celebrate with you on Wednesday, April 15th at 2:00 p.m. This will be the last signing day of the year at RVHS. Please drop by the main office to speak with Ms. Beauchamp to reserve your spot.
Girls Lacrosse - The Mustang girls lacrosse team delivered their most complete performance of the season on Tuesday, earning a commanding 20–2 victory over Grandview. The Mustangs showcased a balanced and unselfish offensive attack, with multiple players contributing to the scoring surge, while the defense set the tone with relentless pressure and disciplined play throughout the game.
On Thursday, the Mustangs faced a strong test against Golden and battled until the final whistle in a competitive 15–12 loss. Despite the result, the team demonstrated resilience and continued growth, staying within striking distance against a quality opponent.
The week ahead presents another major challenge, as the Mustangs take on #1-ranked Valor Christian on Monday, April 6 at 6:00 p.m. at Valor. This matchup will be an opportunity for the team to measure themselves against one of the state’s top programs. Good luck to the Mustangs as they continue to compete and improve.
Boys Lacrosse - The Mustang boys lacrosse team showed no signs of slowing down over spring break, continuing to build momentum with a pair of impressive performances. Prior to the break, the Mustangs traveled to Denver East and came away with a hard-fought 9–8 overtime victory in a thrilling contest. The team was led offensively by Colby Kurtz, who found the back of the net four times, while Levi Rillos added three key goals to help secure the win.
Carrying that energy into this week, the Mustangs delivered one of their most complete performances of the season in a dominant 19–5 victory over Green Mountain. The offense was once again balanced and explosive, with Max Bianco leading the way with four goals, while three additional Mustangs each contributed three goals apiece. Defensively, the team set the tone early, and goalkeeper Frank Venezia logged the majority of the minutes, anchoring the effort and limiting scoring opportunities for the Rams.
Next up, the 6-0 and #6 ranked Mustangs face a significant challenge as they take on the #2-ranked Lakewood Tigers on Wednesday, April 8, at 5:00 p.m. at NAAC.
Baseball - The Ralston Valley baseball team is off to its strongest start in recent years, improving to 7–1 with an impressive 14–8 victory over ThunderRidge on Thursday. The Mustangs combined strong pitching with an explosive offensive performance, highlighted by Jake Watts’ dominant outing on the mound, where he recorded 12 strikeouts. At the plate, Mason Gilbreath provided a key spark with a home run, while the team showed depth and persistence by grinding out 16 hits to outlast the Grizzlies.
Over spring break, the Mustangs tested themselves against high-level competition in Arizona and responded with a strong 3–1 record, further demonstrating the growth and potential of this year’s squad.
Ralston Valley will look to keep the momentum going this Saturday as they travel to Boulder to take on the Panthers, with first pitch scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
Girls Tennis - The Lady Mustang tennis team returned from spring break with momentum and focus, picking up right where they left off with a dominant performance on the court. On Tuesday, the Mustangs delivered an impressive 7–0 sweep over Columbine in league play, showcasing depth across the lineup and consistent execution in both singles and doubles competition.
With confidence building, the Mustangs now turn their attention to one of the premier events of the season as they host the highly competitive Full Send Invitational this Friday and Saturday at the Apex Tennis Center. The tournament will provide a strong test against top-level competition and an opportunity for the team to continue elevating its level of play.
Good luck to the Mustangs as they compete for the championship—go get that trophy!
Girls Golf - This past week, the Mustang girls golf team opened league play with an impressive performance, earning a 2nd-place finish at The Ranch in their first league tournament of the season. The Mustangs were led by Addi Hines, who turned in a strong round to finish 3rd individually, setting the pace for the team. Overall, the group demonstrated solid depth and resilience, competing with consistency across the lineup.
Building on that momentum, the Mustangs will look to continue their strong start at the second Jeffco League tournament on Wednesday, April 8, at West Woods Golf Course.
Track & Field - Prior to spring break, the Mustang track and field team delivered an outstanding performance, bringing the water tower trophy back to Ralston Valley with team victories on both the boys and girls sides at the Arvada City Championships. The meet showcased the depth, talent, and competitive spirit of the program, with numerous athletes turning in first-place finishes.
Leading the way for the Mustangs were Phoenix Tomsick, who captured titles in both the 100 and 200-meter dash, and Austin Blattner, who took first in the shot put. On the girls side, Lilly Shatz dominated the sprints with wins in the 200 and 400-meter dash, while Addie Hollmann (1600m) and Siena Salinas (3200m) controlled the distance events. Jessica Cannizzaro showed her versatility and strength by winning both the 100 and 300-meter hurdles, and the girls 4x200 relay team added another first-place finish.
In the field events, Kenzie Brown claimed victories in both the high jump and long jump, Suzie Mayer earned top honors in the triple jump, and Karsyn Kline secured a first-place finish in the shot put.
It was a complete team effort and a strong statement performance as the Mustangs continue to build momentum this season.
Boy's Swim & Dive - After an extended break, the Mustang boys swim and dive team returns to competition this Saturday at the Jeffco Relay meet and dive invitational at the Arvada Aquatic Center. With renewed energy and preparation, the Mustangs are eager to get back in the water and showcase the depth and versatility of their roster.
Relay meets emphasize teamwork, strategy, and depth across events—areas where the Mustangs have continued to improve throughout the season. As they take on strong league competition, the team will look to put together a complete performance with the goal of competing for a first-place finish.
Good luck to the Mustangs as they return to action!
Girls Soccer - The Mustang girls soccer team has climbed to the #2 ranking in the state—and their performances this week showed exactly why. On Tuesday, the Mustangs traveled to Evergreen to face the two-time defending 4A state champion Cougars and earned an impressive 2–0 victory. It was a disciplined, high-level performance on both sides of the ball, highlighting the team’s composure and ability to rise to the moment against elite competition.
They followed that up on Thursday with another dominant showing, traveling to Boulder and defeating the Panthers 6–0. The Mustangs once again displayed a balanced scoring attack, with contributions throughout the lineup, while the defense remained exceptional—continuing their remarkable start to the season with five consecutive shutouts.
Now sitting at 5–0 and yet to concede a goal, the Mustangs will face another strong test on Monday as they take on Broomfield at 5:00 p.m. at NAAC.
Boy's Tennis & Wrestling Coach Wanted
RVHS is seeking a boy's tennis coach and a wrestling coach to lead, organize, and manage all aspects of these two programs. This includes developing student-athletes on and off the field, implementing a program philosophy aligned with Ralston Valley’s values, and fostering a positive, competitive, and character-driven team culture. The coach is expected to model professionalism, sportsmanship, and integrity while preparing the team to perform at a high level within CHSAA guidelines.
Click HERE for the boy's tennis coach job description.
Click HERE for the wrestling coach job description.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Mike Ackerman, RVHS Athletic Director, at mike.ackerman@jeffco.k12.co.us.
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.
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, Apr. 6 - Silver Day
Tuesday, Apr. 7 - White Day
Wednesday, Apr. 8 - Blue Day
Thursday, Apr. 9 - White Day
Friday, Apr. 10 - Blue Day
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs - Wednesday, Apr. 15 - 9:00 a.m.
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Place: RRCC, 13300 West 6th Avenue, Lakewood
Date/Time/Place: Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. at Northfield HS in Denver
Date/Time/Place: Monday, April 27, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at Cherry Creek HS in Greenwood Village
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: MindSpark Learning, 13949 West Colfax Avenue, Suite 200, Lakewood
Advisement
Please click HERE to access the course syllabus for Advisement that explains the purpose, key components, and expectations, including grading and attendance.
This week in Advisement classes, both 9th and 10th grade classes spend time ensuring that their Chromebooks are ready to complete PSAT testing. They will spend the remainder of their time on academic work groups and mental reset activities.
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 March 2026
Each month, 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. Our awarded students for March are:
Natalie Montoya - Perseverance, Edoardo de Cesare - Respect and Motivation, Jett Wingate - Inclusivity, Nyobi Sobanski - Respect and Perseverance, Malachi Mills - Integrity, Perseverance, and Empathy, Annabelle Johnson - Integrity, Respect, and Motivation, Riley DiGiosio - Respect, Sevilla Creasey - Integrity, Respect, Inclusivity, Perseverance, Honesty, Empathy, and Motivation, Rhiannon Taylor - Inclusivity, Lex Lynn - Perseverance and Motivation, Dakota Holt - Integrity, Respect, Inclusivity, Perseverance, Honesty, Empathy, and Motivation, Bryce Francis - Inclusivity, Yanali Gomez - Vasquez - Perseverance and Motivation, Isaac Velasquez - Empathy, Ryleigh Marano - Perseverance, Claire Ables - Motivation, Eclipse McFatridge - Integrity, Respect, Perseverance, and Motivation
Congratulations Mustangs! You make us proud!
#Be The Value Awards
At Ralston Valley, we take pride in recognizing staff members who embody our Mustang Values - motivation, inclusivity, honesty, respect, empathy, perseverance, and integrity. Each month, we highlight one of these core values and honor the team members who bring it to life through their actions and spirit. Honorees are nominated and voted on by their colleagues, making this a meaningful recognition that reflects the genuine appreciation and respect of their peers.
Pictured below: Ms. Parker, Ms. Karabensh, Ms. Romero, and Ms. Beauchamp. Thank you all for being inspiring and amazing colleagues!
RV School Resource Officer Recognized by Jeffco Leadership
Ralston Valley's own Officer Nicole Deering was recognized by Jeffco Community Superintendent Bethany Elmgreen as the "Multiplier of the Week"! This award honors those who serve as leaders who use their intelligence to amplify the smarts and capabilities of people around them. When these leaders walk into a room, the lightbulbs go on, ideas flow, and problems get solved. Thank you,Officer Deering, for all that you do for us!
AP Exam Preparation
The College Board Advanced Placement exams are right around the corner and our Mustangs want to crush them! Twenty-eight 10th grade AP World History students attended an optional early morning review session before school, covering the time period 1200 -1450, and next week will cover 1450 -1750. Students said, "it was worthwhile and not just because of the free doughnuts!"
Egg Hunt in Algebra
Ms. Bierman's Algebra 2 had some springtime fun reviewing transformations of functions for their unit test with an Easter egg hunt!
French Class Holds Float Competition
Ms. Frie's students worked in teams and built Mardi Gras floats.
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