Power in Identity

Posted January 21, 2026

Denver Public School district is highlighting students, educators and community members in a campaign that celebrates the DPS experience. We are honored to have Cole Ritter and Kedi Ochs featured in one installment.

How Northfield Educators Help Empower Ninth Grade Voices

At Northfield, the journey toward becoming a “principled and engaged citizen of the world” begins the moment a student steps onto our campus. We believe that providing ninth graders with a strong start is essential for their long-term success in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Recently, Denver Public Schools featured two of our dedicated educators—Cole Ritter and Kedi Ochs—for their impactful work in helping our newest Nighthawks find their voices and lead with confidence.

Identity, Advocacy, and Community Through a focus on social-emotional wellness, self-advocacy, and executive functioning, Cole and Kedi create “intentional spaces” where students learn to break down barriers.

• Cole Ritter emphasizes identity work, helping students identify their needs and develop the communication skills to advocate for themselves.
• Kedi Ochs fosters a culture of belonging, teaching students to navigate the world through collaboration and open dialogue on complex global topics.

By dismantling barriers and providing a trusted environment, these educators ensure our ninth graders are prepared to own their learning and thrive throughout their high school careers.

Read the story on the Denver Public School Site.

Watch their story below: