Nighthawk Navigator – 9/12/2025

News from the Nest

Dear Northfield Families,

I’m Mrs. Brenda Quezada, and I’m so grateful to be your Community & Engagement Specialist here at Northfield. My role is all about connecting with families, supporting our multilingual community, and creating opportunities for everyone to come together. Whether it’s hosting events, building partnerships, or simply reaching out to make sure all voices are heard, I’m here to help in any way I can. I’m passionate about this work because I know how much stronger we are when we support one another.  On a personal note when I’m not at school, I’m spending time with my family. 

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s take a moment to honor and appreciate the rich cultural contributions that make our community unique. Whether you’re Hispanic, Latinx, or from any other background, this is a time for all of us to learn from each other, celebrate together, and uplift the beautiful diversity that surrounds us. I encourage you to join us in the upcoming events, share your stories, and engage with one another as we celebrate this special month.

Thank you for being such an important part of the Northfield family. I’m so grateful to walk alongside you as we continue to build a welcoming, inclusive community for all.

With warmth and gratitude,

Brenda Quezada
Engagement Team Specialist


Key Dates & Events


Weekly Highlights

Why We’re Green: A Celebration of Our Data

At Northfield, being a Green School is more than a rating—it’s a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and excellence of our students, staff, and community. We want to continue the celebration from last week by sharing the data that highlights why Northfield shines:

Click here to view and download a copy of this data sheet.

Homecoming Countdown!

We’re just two weeks away from one of the most spirited weeks of the year! Get ready for themed dress-up days, friendly competitions, and a chance to show your Nighthawk pride in full force. Mark your calendars, because the energy, the traditions, and the memories are about to take flight!

Click Here for all the homecoming week details. 


NAVY Late Start Day on Monday, Sep. 15

If there’s no school on a Friday (such as on Sep. 19), the Monday earlier that same week will be a Navy Day (even schedule) instead of the usual Stripe Day.


Make the Most of Final 30

Parents, please take a moment to discuss with your student how they are using Final 30. The final 30 minutes of each school day (3:25–3:55 PM) are designed to support student success. This time gives teachers and staff the chance to provide extra help, host 1:1 check-ins, allow assignment make-ups or retakes, meet with students or parents, hold restorative conversations, club meetings, or simply give students quiet time for independent study and enrichment. Student-athlete practices don’t begin until after Final 30, so this time remains focused on academics and student support. 


National Honor Society Invitations

Invitations for the National Honor Society have been sent to student emails. Please remind your students to check their inboxes for these invitations and follow the next steps. For questions or more information, please visit our page on the Northfield website.


Travel Information Night – Sep. 30

We’re thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Travel Night on September 30th from 6:30-8PM! This exciting event will feature a final opportunity to enroll in our 2026 tours, as well as the official launch of our 2027 travel destinations.

We’ll be showcasing a diverse range of domestic and international itineraries, designed to offer inclusive, enriching experiences for all students. Our goal is to build a well-rounded travel program that inspires exploration, connection, and lifelong memories. To join us and learn more, please scan the QR code or click the link to RSVP. We can’t wait to see you there! https://rsvp.eftours.com/d3tgsvv

Destinations include: Japan, New York City, Western Europe, Thailand/Vietnam/Cambodia, Greece, Central Europe, and Great Britain

Northfield partners with EF Tours to offer these enriching experiences. Join us to learn about upcoming student travel opportunities!


You Can Still Order Student Pictures!

It’s post-picture day, and you can still order your student’s photos online! Visit mylifetouch.com and enter your Student ID # to view your student’s image and place your order. Packages are shipped directly to your home and include a complimentary digital image to share with family and friends.


Hybrid Fall Conferences – Oct. 8 and 9; SAVE THE DATES

Wednesday, Oct. 8 – In Person (Northfield High School, 5–8 p.m.)
Drop in to meet teachers in their classrooms. Sign-up sheets will be posted outside each classroom. Families who cannot secure a spot during drop-in can sign-up to let the teacher know they still want to schedule a conference.

Thursday, Oct. 9 – Virtual (Google Meets,5-8 p.m.)
Conferences will be by appointment only. Details for signing up for virtual conference slots will be shared with families as soon as they are available. 


BESS Screening

What is the BESS ?

DIRECTIONS:  

1. Scan or click the QR code below or follow this link: tinyurl.com/bessparent

2. Enter your student’s DPS ID and date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY). 

3. Complete the screening form.  


Safety Updates

Student Safety Drills at Northfield

In light of this week’s tragic event, we recognize that families and students may feel concerned. Situations like this underscore why safety is a top priority at Northfield and why we practice drills.

Our teachers guide students through the five DPS safety protocols—Hold, Evacuate, Shelter, Secure, and Lockdown—so everyone knows what to do and what to expect from others. Our next Lockdown drill is scheduled for September 18.  Click here to access parent resources on Standard Response Protocols.

Respectful Riding: E‑Bike & Neighborhood Safety

As a large school in a residential neighborhood, we ask for your support in encouraging safe and respectful riding. Students must walk bikes and e-bikes on campus and, off campus, follow traffic laws. Thank you for helping keep both students and neighbors safe.



Hawk Happenings

HOSA Student Blood Drive – Sept. 17

Vitalant will here for a student-only blood drive hosted by HOSA. Students who want to donate must:

  1. Pick up a screening form in Bldg. 2, Room 236.
  2. Complete the form with a parent at home.
  3. Return the form to reserve a donation slot — no form, no slot.

Eligibility: Students must be 16 or older and meet Vitalant’s health requirements.


Fall Internship Opportunities for Northfield Students

Northfield students now have the chance to participate in three fall internships, with options in Biomed and Business pathways. Students do not need to be enrolled in a CTE course to apply.

How to get started:

These opportunities are a great way for students to gain real-world experience, build skills, and explore career paths before graduation.

Internship Descriptions:



Athletics

Athletic Sticker Reminder

Be sure to stop by the main office in Building 5 and see Ms. Shea, the Athletic Coordinator, to get your athletic sticker for your student IDs.

*Stickers are currently available to in season fall sports athletes at this time 

*If you do not have your sticker on your ID, you will be required to pay an entry fee at games. No Exceptions.

 Don’t miss out—get your sticker today!

Stay Connected with Winter Sports Off-Season Workouts

Students interested in participating in winter sports are encouraged to stay engaged and take advantage of off-season workout opportunities. These sessions are designed to help athletes build strength, improve skills, and prepare for the upcoming season. Staying involved not only supports physical development but also fosters team connection and readiness.

For specific workout dates and contact information, please visit the Athletics Programs tab on our school website and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Upcoming Games & Events

Guidelines for Entry into Athletic Events

USA Soccer Discounted Ticket Opportunity

Denver Public Schools Discounted Ticket Offer
USA Soccer vs Australia
October 14, 2025 at 7:00p
Dicks Sporting Goods Park

Click here to purchase your tickets today!

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



Staff Spotlight

Keeping Northfield Connected: Thank You, IT Team!

Pictured LtoR:  William Bowen and Excier J. (EJ) Rodriguez.  Not Pictured:  Xavier Jones

Thousands of devices. One mission: keep our school running. 

Our small IT team does it all—diagnosing issues on the spot, performing repairs on out of warranty devices, and knowing exactly who to call when something needs to move up the chain. They keep our classrooms connected, our devices working, and our school running smoothly. We tend not to notice them until something breaks and then we know who they are.  They call that job security!

It’s not quite IT Professional Day, that’s on September 16 be we’re getting started early celebrating these superheroes behind the screens. Thank you for everything you do!

CHSSA and Denver Broncos Recognize Coach Startzer!

We’re proud to share that Head Football Coach Ben Startzer has been recognized by CHSAA and the Denver Broncos as the Broncos High School Tackle Coach of the Week! This honor shines a spotlight not only on Coach Startzer’s leadership but also on the culture of growth, resilience, and teamwork being built within our football program and across Northfield athletics.

Take a moment to get to know Coach Startzer and learn more about the exciting work happening in the program by reading the interview. 



Community Notice

Street Safety Meeting – Sept. 18

The Denver Police Department is holding a Commanders Meeting focused on street safety around 56th Ave and Central Park Blvd. Guest speakers include DPD Traffic Unit, Right of Way Enforcement, and Metropolitan Community Association



Volunteer Opportunities

Parents

Volunteer with the Northfield Nightbots!
Anna Noble, Nightbots club sponsor, is seeking volunteers with experience in engineering, manufacturing, or business to serve as FIRST Mentors, as well as team parents to support our students. Mentors and volunteers help students learn, make decisions, and take ownership as they design, build, and compete.  Email Anna Noble with any Nighbot questions.

All volunteers must complete this questionnaire and may need a background check.  Email Brenda Quezada if you have any questions about the questionnaire and background check.

Students

Finding Volunteer Opportunities and Logging Hours with x2VOL

Now that Fall Semester is in full swing, it’s time to make sure that students have completed their registration on x2VOL. This is the website through which they will log all their community service in order to fulfill Northfield’s graduation requirement of 30 verified volunteer hours. 

Please scan the QR code and select “Complete Registration.” Click here to download a “How-To Guide” that will walk you through the steps needed to get logged into x2VOL. 

If you receive an error message stating that you already have an account or user name on x2VOL, please go back to the homepage and login with your DPS email address or choose to “Reset Password.” 

Make sure to check x2VOL regularly for new volunteer opportunities. 

Volunteer Hours Club meets next week during Final 30 on 9/18 in B5-231. Stop by for even more community service opportunities!

Please email Liz Ritter if you have any questions or concerns or stop by the Library to chat!



Support Our Students (SOS!)

Define Generosity: Give a Dictionary to Northfield

We’re in need of a good old-fashioned dictionary (yes, the kind with pages you flip, not a search bar you click). If you’ve got one gathering dust on a shelf, consider donating it to Northfield. Please have your student drop it off at the front desk.



Just for Fun

Poll
Leaf peeping season is almost here—are you in?

Click here to vote.

Last week pickleball won as a favorite over tennis.