Over the past month, we welcomed prospective families to our two Open Houses. These evenings gave us the opportunity to share what is exceptional about Northfield, starting with our focus on ninth grade. Our 9th grade programming model, which includes dedicated counselor support, a structured advisory program, and intentional systems of care and community-building, has created impactful opportunities to support student success. Northfield currently has the strongest ninth grade outcomes in the district; For the Class of 2028, ninety-five percent of students were on track to graduate by credit, and seventy five percent were on track overall, which includes competency, ICAP completion, and credit. Research is clear that a strong ninth grade year significantly increases the likelihood of success throughout high school and beyond, and we are proud of the work our students and staff have done to reach this milestone.
Our academic programming continues to set Northfield apart. We operate on a model that is intentionally different because it is designed to give all students three things: rigorous and relevant coursework, a focus on the skills and mindsets needed for college, career, and life, and access to college credit through IB courses that provide college-level expectations with high-school-level support. IB for All means exactly what it says; it is not a program students apply to- it is accessible to every student at Northfield. IB coursework does more than open the door to college- prepares students to succeed once they get there because it builds critical thinking, inquiry, problem solving, and academic stamina. Last year alone, the Class of 2025 earned 2,946 college equivalent credits through IB and saved more than $500,000 in college tuition.
We look forward to continuing to share our story and the accomplishments of our students and staff with our community.
Jessica Rodriguez Bracey
Principal
We’re excited to share that three NHS seniors have been named semi-finalists for the prestigious Boettcher Foundation Scholarship! Congratulations to: Kate W., Cordelia P., and Ari B.
Founded in 1952, the Boettcher Scholarship helps Colorado students pursue higher education in-state. It’s highly competitive and life-changing, providing full tuition, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. Only a small number of applicants reach the semi-finalist stage, making this a huge honor.
Next up: interviews and final selection. We’re proud of our students and can’t wait to see who becomes a Boettcher Scholar!
The DPS SchoolChoice window opened Dec. 2 with students entering ECE, kindergarten, middle school, or high school for the first time. Current Northfield students do not need to submit a SchoolChoice form.
For more details, visit the DPS SchoolChoice website.
When: Monday, Dec. 8 | 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Where: Virtual — all community members are welcome
How to join:
Join us virtually on Wednesday, December 10 at 6:00 PM to learn about the exciting educational travel opportunities available to Northfield students. We’ll cover trip details, destinations, and how to enroll.
Bonus: Three $500 scholarships will be awarded to families who attend the meeting and enroll.
Register here: https://rsvp.eftours.com/b2e74f2
As finals and the new semester approach, consistent attendance is critical. Missing just 2 days per month can put your student at risk of falling behind and affecting graduation.
Research shows that students who attend school regularly earn better grades, stay on track, and graduate on time.
Tips for parents:
Every day matters — help your student show up and succeed!
Don’t miss out — purchase your yearbook online now!
Seniors: Visit the yearbook page for important details and deadlines on submitting your professional photo and ordering a tribute message.
Review the senior timeline of events that keep you prepared for graduation!
Varsity crushed it with a 2nd place finish, and JV brought the energy and captured 4th place at the Road2State competition in late November.
YOU’RE INVITED TO THE ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN!
The moment we’ve been working for is finally here…
Our Varsity Cheer Team is headed to the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, and we need you in the stands to help push them to the top!
Varsity State Championship
-December 12th
-Denver Coliseum
-Performance Time: 2:37 PM
Come experience the ENERGY, the SKILLS, and the HEART of our athletes as they take the mat in one of the biggest moments of their season. Stay afterward as we await finals announcements at 4:45 PM.
Bring your voices, your spirit, and your pride. Let’s fill the Coliseum and show the state what our community is made of!
Both teams are heading to the Flip and Shout State Spirit Challenge at the Denver Coliseum and they’re ready to light up the floor once again!
Check the schedule for POMs performance dates and times.
Here’s the link to purchase a ticket: https://regchamp.com/Public/Details.aspx?COID=414&EventID=8441
Can’t make the event? Here is a link to watch the event live: https://www.vidzing.tv/flipandshout
Be sure to stop by the main office in Building 5–101 Q to see Ms. Shea, Athletic Coordinator, and get your athletic sticker for your student ID.
Don’t miss out—get your sticker today!
Our winter sports season has officially kicked off! Basketball, wrestling, and swimming & diving all opened competition this week, with several home and away matchups scheduled.
Come out and support our athletes as they begin their seasons with energy and dedication.
Good luck to all of our winter student-athletes! We’re proud of you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish this season.
Students interested in off-season sports are encouraged to participate in workout sessions to build strength, improve skills, and prepare for upcoming seasons.
Let’s show up, show out, and cheer on our Nighthawks!
Cami Jensen is retiring at the end of this school year after nearly 30 years in education. She will be leaving behind a legacy of curiosity, confidence, and connection. She originally planned to become a dermatologist but a last-minute nudge from her parents led her to earn a teaching certificate—and one DPS job fair later, her career was set.
Cami began teaching 6th grade math, science and reading at Cole Middle School, then spent 17 years teaching science at Kennedy High School. She loved seeing nervous Chemistry students transform into confident learners. “We blew stuff up and it was fun to see their confidence grow!” she recalls. Marine Biology also brought her joy, letting her share the wonders of the ocean with land-locked Colorado students.
Beyond academics, Cami treasures the relationships she’s built. “You never know what impact you have on a student,” she says, “just know you do.” Former students still stop to say hello in her neighborhood, at the grocery store, and even on Halloween to let her know the difference she made in their lives.
Cami met her husband while teaching and coaching track, and they’ve been married 16 years. As she steps into retirement, she looks forward to traveling and fostering dogs that are difficult to place. Northfield wishes her adventures, joy, and plenty of well-deserved fun.
Join the Multilingual Education (MLE) District Advisory Committee (DAC) on Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 9-11 a.m., at the Lowry Conference Center. We will discuss ACCESS testing, state testing and attendance, focusing on their importance for language development, academic progress and preparation. Additionally, we’ll highlight how regular school attendance directly contributes to your child’s success and social well-being. Breakfast, childcare and interpretation will be available. View the flyers in the eight most common DPS languages. Attendees are encouraged to pre-register. Staff are also highly encouraged to attend. For more information, visit the MLE website or contact Sary Portillo at 720-423-2661.
We’re showing our appreciation in a sustainable and equitable way: each staff member will receive a thoughtful goody bag filled with community-donated treats and items, including:
We plan to gift all 207 NHS team members, including teachers, coaches, counselors, cafeteria staff, facilities staff, communications staff, and office/administration staff.
How You Can Help:
Thank you for helping us show our NHS staff how much they are appreciated this holiday season!
We’re grateful for supporters like you who make a difference for our Nighthawks.
Your gift provides:
Help us reach our $100,000 goal on Colorado Gives Day, Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Give today: https://www.coloradogives.org/donate/NorthfieldHighSchoolFoundation
With gratitude,
The Northfield Foundation
Looking for holiday gifts this year? Shop at the Northfield POMS Kendra Scott fundraiser and support the team!
20% of sales go back to the Northfield POMS team—so you can give gifts and give back!
Before Fall Break: Respondents predicted breakfast burritos, not coffee and regret, will fuel exam mornings!
This Week…The battle for the search crown is on—team AI or team Google?