Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!
We begin this year with so much to celebrate. This week, Northfield was recognized as the #1 high school in Colorado. That is an incredible accomplishment, and one that belongs to our entire Nighthawk community.
But what makes this recognition especially meaningful is the story behind it.
It represents our past Nighthawks, who helped build this school, shaped its traditions, and believed in what Northfield could become. It represents our present Nighthawks, the students and staff who show up every day to learn, teach, grow, challenge themselves, and make our community stronger. And it represents our future Nighthawks, who will inherit what has been built and take Northfield places we have not yet imagined.
No ranking belongs to one person, one year, or one group. This recognition reflects years of work from students, educators, support staff, school leaders, families, community partners, and alumni. Some planted the first seeds. Others strengthened the foundation. And every year, a new group of Nighthawks adds something to our story.
We should be incredibly proud of what we have accomplished. But being recognized as the best is not a finish line. It is an invitation to think even more deeply about what being our best requires.
As we enter this school year, our vision is clearer than ever: learning about ourselves and the world while setting the standard for academic excellence and educational equity.
That means creating a school where academic excellence and educational equity are not separate goals. It means ensuring every student is challenged intellectually, has access to meaningful opportunities, experiences a true sense of belonging, and leaves Northfield prepared to navigate and contribute to the world beyond our walls.
That is what we are building together.
So, as we celebrate this incredible moment in Northfield’s history, we are also looking forward. We will honor those who built the foundation, celebrate the Nighthawks carrying the work today, and continue creating an even stronger Northfield for those who will come after us.
Past. Present. Future. We are all part of the Nest.
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year. There is so much to be proud of, and even more ahead of us.
With Nighthawk Pride,
Jessica Rodriguez Bracey
Principal, Northfield High School
Congratulations to Mr. Kedi Ochs for reaching the semifinalist round for the 2027 Colorado Teacher of the Year award! Building on his 2025 DPS Educator of the Year recognition, earning a spot on the state’s top-tier list places him among the very best educators in Colorado.
Mr. Ochs often shares that choosing teaching over a corporate desk job was the best decision he ever made:
“Every student in the room is a reminder that I made the right call. Each student represents an opportunity to build relationships with our Nighthawk community and provide equitable education for all.”
Building Culture in Ninth Grade As a freshman teacher, he focuses heavily on helping students build a classroom culture centered around “Purpose.” He works to get ninth graders thinking critically early on so they can make the most of their high school years. His core advice to every student comes from a favorite quote: “How you do anything is how you do everything.”
“If you consistently put hard work into building relationships, asking questions, getting involved, supporting your peers, and staying dedicated to your studies, you will be rewarded. You can’t half-step if you want a high school experience with no regrets.”
The Story Behind the “Big Stick” If you’ve visited his classroom, you’ve likely seen his favorite item—a six-foot-tall, hand-sanded branch. The story behind it speaks directly to his approach with students:
“A student was having a rough day, so we took a walk to clear their mind. I learned they enjoyed salvaging and sanding branches, so I asked if they’d make one that would make Gandalf proud. A day or two later, the student showed up with a beautiful stick. Shoutout to that student for bouncing back from a hard moment—the stick is a constant reminder of how resilient kids really are.”
Looking Ahead Despite the state-level recognition, Mr. Ochs keeps his focus right where it has always been:
“Nothing changes. I’ll continue showing up the same way, learning from my colleagues, and working to be an asset to the best high school in Colorado.”
Thank you, Mr. Ochs, for your outstanding commitment to Northfield High School!
High school moves fast, but the memories don’t have to. From spirit weeks and game days to the everyday classroom moments, the 2026–2027 Northfield High School Yearbook captures it all.
Order early to score the best deal:
Don’t wait until prices go up or copies sell out—secure your piece of Nighthawk history today!
👉 Order Your 2027 Yearbook Here: Jostens Northfield Store
How to Submit:
(Note: While we use the district app for news and school messaging, official attendance records are managed through Infinite Campus).
How to Submit an Absence:
Submitting online bypasses the attendance phone line and routes your request directly to our staff!
We are excited to support streamlined family communication through Rooms, the direct messaging feature within the official DPS App!
Mark your calendars—we look forward to seeing everyone there!
You can easily view and order your student’s photos online.
Notice: If you received any communications from Lifetouch, please disregard them, they are not our picture vendor for this school year. If you ordered, call 1-800-736-5012 for a refund.
Note from the Nurse: Annual Non-Medical Vaccine Exemption Requirement
If your student requires a non-medical vaccine exemption, a new form must be submitted at the beginning of every school year to remain compliant with state regulations.
Have questions? Reach out to Nurse Kate directly for assistance.
Breakfast & Lunch Menus
Fuel up for the day! Here are the daily meal times and menu details:
View daily breakfast and lunch menus on SchoolCafe (look under Paul Sandoval Campus to find our location).
For the Class of 2027 only on Tuesday, Aug. 25 starting at 5:45 a.m. Students may park in the lot by the tennis courts but vehicles must be off the lot by 7am. Any cars without a parking pass will be ticketed.
Thanks to our community for your support of this event, all donation slots have been filled!
Note: We know this is a big milestone for families, but please remember this event is for Seniors only.
A Northfield tradition returns! Every year, our seniors tackle a Colorado 14er together—and we need parents of the Class of 2027 to help us make this safe, unforgettable experience happen for our graduating class.
(Note: Please hold all specific hike questions for Mr. Berry until after the Sept. 2 informational session!)
Ready to bring a classic tale of monster and mayhem to life? Northfield Theatre is hosting auditions for this fall’s production of Frankenstein!
Grab your packet early, review the materials, and get ready to bring your best energy to the stage. See you at auditions!
Requesting a Schedule Repair
Deadline: The form closes Friday, August 28. No late requests will be accepted.
Welcome back! Ms. Liz Ritter is returning for her second year as Northfield’s Community Service Contact. New to Northfield? Stop by the B3 Library to say hello!
Graduation Requirement
Grade Level Highlights
Upcoming Service Opportunity
Find more non-paid, non-credit service opportunities on x2VOL, Schoology, and in future newsletters!
Upcoming Games & Events
Let’s show up, show out, and cheer on our Nighthawks!
A huge thank you to the Northfield High School Foundation for welcoming back our teachers and staff with a delicious breakfast, and to Carmella’s Eatery & Market for providing the amazing food!
As a reminder, the Foundation directly supports our Nighthawks by funding student critical needs, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, arts, athletics, staff appreciation, and long-term campus projects.
How to Get Involved
Visit the Northfield Support Page to learn more about the Foundation’s impact!