Weekly Newsletter – 5/1/2026

News from the Nest

More than just a week: Celebrating our Nighthawk Educators

From the classroom to the sidelines, our teachers show up for students in ways that are both seen and unseen. They do the difficult work of holding high expectations while ensuring every student feels truly known. That balance isn’t just “part of the job”—it is what makes Northfield strong.

In a school as large and complex as ours, this work takes more than just skill; it takes a deep, daily commitment to our shared purpose. Our students are better, kinder, and smarter because of the people leading our classrooms.

How can you join us in saying thank you?

Give to the Northfield Foundation Here

Thank you for being part of a community that recognizes the value of our educators. Today, and every day, is a great day to be a Nighthawk.


Key Dates & Events



Weekly Highlights


2026 Finals Week

To help students and families prepare, we have details below. Please view the Spring Finals Schedule for a detailed breakdown of class type (standard, IB, AP and CE) and corresponding exam dates. Quick overviews are listed below.

Grades 9-11 Exam Days/Times

5/22 (Fri)5/26 (Tue)5/27 (Wed)5/28 (Thurs)5/29 (Fri)
8:25-9:25 a.m.Period 1Period 2Period 7*Student Support*Student Support
9:35-10:35 a.m.Period 3Period 4Period 8*Student Support*Student Support
10:45-11:45 a.m.Period 5Period 6Extra time &
Student support
*Student Support*Student Support
11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.Grab & Go
Lunch
Grab & Go
Lunch
Grab & Go
Lunch
Grab & Go
Lunch
Grab & Go
Lunch
1-4 p.m.Extra time &
*Student support
Extra time &
*Student support
Extra time &
*Student support
*Student Support*Student Support
*Student support is by invite only

Quick Reference Table for Seniors/Families

Class TypeLast Day of ClassFinal Exam Dates
IB Classes / Diploma StudentsApril 30Per IB Exam Calendar
Non-IB ClassesMay 11May 12–13
CE (College) ClassesMay 11Per CE Exam Schedule
AP ClassesMay 11*Per AP Exam Schedule
*Unless the student is a Diploma Student, in which case their last day was April 30.

Staying on Campus? Students remaining at Northfield during an off-block must report to the Library or Great Hall for quiet study. To ensure a focused environment for testing, students are not permitted to loiter in the hallways. 

Lunch & Dismissal During Finals


Fees

Senior Fees & Graduation Participation 

As we approach the finish line, we want to ensure every senior is cleared to walk across the stage! Please be aware that students cannot participate in the graduation ceremony if they have outstanding school fees.

Detailed information regarding any due amounts has already been sent to senior families. We encourage you to double-check your student’s status now to avoid any last-minute stress.

Questions? Please reach out directly to our treasurer, Vanessa Piria, for assistance with fee details or payment options.

Let’s make sure our Nighthawks are ready to celebrate this incredible milestone!


Lost/Broken/Stolen Chromebook 

Accidents happen! If your student’s Chromebook is lost or damaged, here is how fees are processed:

Questions? Please contact nhscommunications@dpsk12.net or the main office.



Hawk Happenings

Early Bird ONLINE Registration is Open for the 2026 – 27 school year

IThe district’s Early Bird registration window is the best time to update your student’s information for the upcoming school year. Skip the late-summer rush by completing your updates online today!

Key Dates

Quick Steps to Register

  1. Log In: Visit myportal.dpsk12.org. (Primary guardians must have an active account).
  2. Update Info: Confirm your student’s details and contact information.
  3. Need Assistance? Follow this Step-by-Step Guide or email ana_bustos-soto@dpsk12.net.
  4. Register Now: Parent Portal

Not returning to Northfield?

If your student is moving on, please complete the Not Attending Northfield form so we can support your transition and plan for next year.


We look forward to seeing our Nighthawks on campus Thursday, Aug. 13 or Friday, Aug. 14! To ensure a smooth process, please arrive during your assigned time slot based on grade level and last name. Students may attend independently or with a parent/guardian.

In-Person Northfield Enrollment Schedule

Last Name9th Grade
(Aug 13)
10th Grade
(Aug 13)
11th Grade
(Aug 14)
12th Grade
(Aug 14)
A-IA majority of 9th grade registration takes place during 9th Grade Academy.1:00 – 2:00 PM8:00 – 9:00 AM1:00 – 2:00 PM
J-RParents/guardians, please join from 11a-12p to finish the process.2:00 – 3:00 PM9:00 – 10:00 AM2:00 – 3:00 PM
S-ZFor students who are not attending 9th Grade Academy, there will be a makeup date.  TBD.3:00 – 4:00 PM10:00 – 11:00 AM3:00 – 4:00 PM

August 2026: Back-to-School Timeline

Stay on track with these important dates as we kick off the 2026-27 school year.

Northfield is aligned with the DPS district calendar on the start and end dates, as well as major breaks and national holidays. We are still waiting for final approval on a few remaining Northfield professional development dates throughout the year that require district approval.

Thank you for your patience; we appreciate your understanding as we wait for final confirmation.



Athletics

Weekly Shoutouts

School Principal Appreciation Day 

Happy Principal’s Day! On behalf of the athletics department, thank you for your continued leadership, support, and belief in our programs. Your commitment to our student-athletes, coaches, and overall school community makes a lasting impact both on and off the field. We truly appreciate all that you do to help us succeed!

A Masterclass in Mentorship: Celebrating Our DPS City League Coaches of the Year!  

We are incredibly proud to announce that three Northfield head coaches have been named DPS City League Coach of the Year for the 2025-26 school year!

Please join us in celebrating:

Beyond their impressive records, these leaders are recognized for their integrity, mentorship, and commitment to the holistic development of our student-athletes. From the classroom to the court, they exemplify the professional excellence that defines Northfield. Congratulations, coaches!


Swim and Dive Club Team Diving Success

Pictured:  Morgan Lemmon, Elise Koehler, Emmy Ju, Carter Bachman, Dennis Kolesnikov, Henry Lindner, Jack Justis

Northfield’s divers made a massive splash at a recent high-level regional club meet, with several earning spots at the upcoming Zone Meet (the gateway to Nationals).

Northfield was one of the most represented schools at the event, proving our program is a regional powerhouse. Highlights include:

Congratulations to our talented divers for their elite-level performance!


Upcoming Games & Events –

Good luck to all our athletes as they head into league meets and state playoffs! Let’s show up, show out, and cheer on our Nighthawks.

Upcoming Playoff & Finals Schedule

Tickets & Tuning In

Note: The district has transitioned to ArbiterLive for all real-time scoring updates and last-minute schedule changes.

Let’s show up, show out, and cheer on our Nighthawks!



Community Notice

Should Students Have Access to Communication Devices During School Hours?

The DPS Board of Education is finalizing a new policy for student communication devices (phones, watches, and headphones) set for July 2026.

We want to hear from you! Please take 5–7 minutes to complete our confidential sentiment survey and help guide our upcoming communications.

Take the Survey


Need to Request Graduation Interpretation Services?

To ensure all families and guests can fully experience the ceremony at Magness Arena, interpretation support (including ASL) is available upon request.

Please let us know your desired language by completing the form below no later than May 14, 2026:

 Interpretation Support Request Form

Note: Early requests help us ensure that the necessary technology and interpreters are secured for the venue.



Support Our School

Fuel the Spirit: Our Cheer Fundraiser is Extra (Just like the Guac)

Planning your Monday night dinner? Skip the cooking and support our Nighthawk Cheerleaders! Chipotle is donating 25% of all sales back to our team to help cover competition fees and equipment. Download the Chipotle Fundraiser flyer.

How to Order:

👉 IN-PERSON: Bring the flyer or simply show it on your phone at the register when you pay. 👉 ONLINE / PICKUP: Order via the Chipotle app or website using our unique spirit code: YKWT6AC

Note: Delivery orders do not count toward the fundraiser, so make sure to select “Pickup” if ordering online!


Parents: You Deserve a Night Off. (We’ll Handle the Kids!)

Need an evening to yourself? Whether it’s a quiet dinner, catching a movie, or just some peace and quiet at home, the Northfield Cheerleaders have you covered!

Drop off your kiddos for a high-energy night of fun while supporting our team. We’ll keep them entertained with games, crafts, and a movie in a safe, supervised environment.

🎟️ Space is limited! To ensure a spot for your child, please register today.