FAQ

What is the Honors Program?

Besides the regular high school academic track, RBV offers the Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. 

What is the Advanced Placement (AP) program?

"Advanced Placement (AP) is a program in the United States and Canada, created by the College Board, which offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students. American colleges and universities often grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high scores on the examinations."

(Quoted from Wikipedia page on Advanced Placement)

You can visit the College Board AP website for more information.

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program?

The International Baccalaureate Program (IB) is a two-year educational program primarily aimed at high school students. The program provides internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education, and is accepted by many universities worldwide.

(Adapted from Wikipedia page on IB Diploma Programme)

You can visit the International Baccalaureate website for more information.

What is a proctor and how can I become one?

A proctor is a person in charge of monitoring students while they take an exam. Proctors ensure that the strict AP/IB test protocols and rules are followed. PATRONS provide all the needed proctors for the AP and IB tests that take place at RBV in May of each year.

Any person over 18 can be a proctor. We train the aspiring proctors a week or two before the first test in a one-hour session conducted by the AP/IB Coordinator. Proctors can sign up for one or more tests; just make sure you do not proctor a test that your child is taking. Proctoring a test requires about four hours of your time.

How can I volunteer?

There are many opportunities for volunteering with PATRONS. Your help is welcomed in any of the events we participate. Please see the events' calendar for opportunities. A good way to get started is by attending any of our general meetings.

Do PATRONS accept donations?

Yes we do. Your monetary donations are always beneficial and appreciated for exam scholarships and supplies. Please check if the company you work for has a matching donation policy.

Other than money, we also need donations of:

Do members have to attend all the Patrons meetings?

No, you are not obligated to attend any meeting. If you provide us with your email address, you will receive updates regarding the organization's events.

I would like to volunteer but don't have a lot of time

Our calendar lists dates and events where we need help. It might help you organize your schedule ahead of time. Also, we send out volunteer reminder emails. Help when you can. We need you the most for proctoring in the month of May.

What is the Holiday Silent Auction?

The Holiday Silent Auction is on hold until a chairperson can be found. It is usually held during the month of December to raise scholarship funds for students taking the AP/IB exams. The auction chairperson, with help from RBV honors parents, asks a variety of local businesses to donate items such as tickets, gift cards or gift baskets to the Patrons. These items are entered in an online auction platform where people can place bids of at least 50% of an item's stated value. The highest bidder for each donated item wins the item. If you are interested in taking on this event, please contact rbvpatrons@gmail.com. If you know a business that might donate an item or service, please tell them about this good cause and ask them to donate. Your gift is tax-deductible.

What kind of items are needed for the silent auction?

In the past we have received gift cards for restaurants, made to order baked goods, hand-made quilt and note cards, golf basket, coffee and tea baskets, toy baskets, spa gift sets, gourmet baskets, teacher essentials, theatre and movie tickets, zoo and Legoland tickets -- to name just a few.

What is Ranch Revue?

Ranch Revue is a talent show organized by the Patrons and put on by the Rancho students, teachers and staff. This is the most important fundraiser event for Patrons. We raise funds by selling tickets to the shows and selling snacks. Staff spend their own time practicing to help raise funds for AP/IB exam scholarships. Parents support by watching the show, donating snacks, and volunteering their time during the shows.

What is the staff appreciation luncheon?

Patrons organize a luncheon for the staff to show their gratitude to those who participate in the Ranch Revue talent show fundraiser. Parents showcase their culinary skills by donating appetizers, salads, cold and hot lunch items, desserts and drinks.