Northfield Assessment & Exam Registration Updates
I’m Dr. Cruz, Assistant Principal over school assessments and IB Coordinator. At Northfield, we view assessments as opportunities to learn where we are at, unlock college and career pathways, and celebrate our growth. After we receive the score/data we use them to ensure every student receives the right support to thrive and learn more. Families are important partners in this work, by encouraging your student, helping them arrive prepared on assessment days, and talking with them about their progress all make a difference.
Here is what you need to know about current and upcoming testing and exam registration:
Happening Now
Upcoming Assessments
Note: All students are automatically registered. To opt out for the school year, submit online via parent portal. Directions to opt-out your student. (prior-year opt-outs do not carry over).
Please ensure your student brings a fully charged, school-issued Chromebook on test days.
Afternoon Support & Classroom Make-Ups
Free Colorado College application
AP & IB Exam Registration
Thank you for your partnership
Warmly,
Dr. Reina Cruz
Assistant Principal, Northfield High School
An incredible day for Nighthawks Cross Country! On October 15, 2026, both our Boys and Girls cross country teams put on a masterclass at the Denver Public Schools League Meet, with both the boys and girls winning the varsity league championship. 3rd straight for the boys and 1st for the girls in program history.
BOYS TEAM: A NEAR-PERFECT PODIUM SWEEP!
In the boys varsity race the Nighthawks scored scored 16 points to dominate the field. US #2 ranked runner junior Abdi Hassan won individually with Bridger DeCamp in 2nd, and Noah Leonardo, Chase Baum, and Aidan Reimer finished 1st team All-League
In the open race the boys went perfect with 15 points and placing 7 runners in the top 7 runners with seniors Luke Williams and James Linstrom leading the charge!
GIRLS TEAM: DOMINATING THE COMPETITION!
The Girls Varsity squad captured 1st Place winning their first league championship in program history with 42 points ahead of Denver East’s 47 points. Junior Addy Kail finished 2nd, Sophomore Larsen DeCamp finished 3rd for first team all-league. Josie Blackburn and Sophia Chapton finished 2nd team all-league
In the open race the girls took 2nd by only one point with Junior Keira McCord taking the victory.
Congratulations to all of our student-athletes, Head Coach Joey Bender, Assistant Coaches Robbins, Ochs, and Tartar and the families who came out to cheer them on. Next up: Regionals on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
504 Coordinators play a critical role in championing student access and equal opportunities across our school community. We are excited to announce that Lily Kasanovy, a familiar face at Northfield, has transitioned into this important position. Read on to hear about her journey and advice for students!
The Journey: “For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a 1:1 Special Education Paraprofessional here at Northfield. I’ve loved creating a positive, inclusive environment where our students with disabilities can truly thrive. My work has always been rooted in a ‘Students First’ mindset, and I’m so excited for this new role—and the opportunity it brings to make an even broader impact on our school community.”
Advice & Support: “If there is one piece of advice I wish every student knew about 504 support, it’s the importance of truly knowing your accommodations. Self-advocacy is a lifelong skill, and taking ownership of your accommodations in the classroom empowers you to get the support you need—both now and in the future.”
Quick Hits: “A fun fact about me is that I love fashion, music, and food!”
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to the Parent Pep Rally on September 30th! It was a fantastic evening of fun, connection, and Nighthawk spirit.
Thanks to your incredible generosity, we raised over $16,000 for the Northfield High School Foundation to help fund 2027 senior scholarships, support school needs, and bring this year’s two key initiatives—the Outdoor Oasis and Digital Art Gallery—to life.
Save the Date: Early giving for Colorado Gives Day opens November 1. Keep the momentum going with a tax-deductible donation to the NHS Foundation. Together, we can make a lasting impact at Northfield. Go, Nighthawks!
When the school has a Friday off such as Oct. 30th, the Monday before (Oct. 26) becomes a Late Start NAVY Day.
Join us online for a special parent event presented by Changing Perspectives as part of our Let’s Talk About Mental Health series!
“The Skills Behind Student Success: Executive Functioning” will focus on actionable strategies and tools to help your student navigate high school and beyond.
What You’ll Learn: This workshop provides practical guidance to support high schoolers with:
How to Join: Please scan the QR code on the flyer or register and receive the event link!
On Thursday, Northfield High School had the honor of hosting approximately 70 national educational leaders and superintendents from the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS).
Visitors got an inside look at “The Northfield Way”—exploring how our school achieved the #1 ranking in Colorado by U.S. News & World Report through our IB for All academic model, comprehensive student support systems, and vibrant culture of belonging. Guests were welcomed with a special performance by members of our La Raza student group before diving into interactive pathway presentations, classroom visits, and student-led panels.
We are proud to share our systems, staff dedication, and student brilliance with educational leaders across the country!
Northfield is participating in the district-wide BESS survey to help us better understand and support our students’ social, emotional, and mental health needs. This brief, 5-minute screening—not a diagnostic test—helps shape classroom supports and school-wide wellness programs.
Questions? Please reach out to Assistant Principals Aoi Jackson or Dr. Reina Cruz. Thank you for partnering with us to support our students!
Yearbook Early-Bird Deadline: Prices Rise After Today!
Today, Friday, Oct. 16, is the final day to lock in the lowest price of the year ($85) for the 2026–27 Northfield High School Yearbook.
Relive Homecoming: Watch the Video Recap
Dr. Clarke put together a video capturing the highlights from our recent homecoming week and dance! Catch the school spirit and check out the action on the Northfield High School YouTube Channel.
Get In-Person Assistance from Denver Scholarship Foundation
Questions? Contact Zach Montez at 720.420.3794.
Senior Graduation Requirement: Community Service Hours
Seniors must complete and log 30 approved community service hours by May 3, 2027 to participate in graduation activities. (Note: IB Diploma students complete CAS requirements instead and do not need the 30 hours or Thrillshare updates).
Suggested Local Volunteer Organizations:
Project Cure | Denver Rescue Mission | A Little Help | Sacred Heart House | Clothes to Kids |
Denver Urban Gardens | Book Give | Project Angel Heart
All middle and high school students are invited to the Youth Unity Rising Summit, taking place Nov. 17 from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the University of Denver (2199 S University Blvd, Denver, CO 80208). This event is for young people ready to take action and build community around climate action, justice and healing. It’s hosted in collaboration with Colorado Rising for Communities, DU Student Union, DPS Sustainability and more! Attendees will engage in immersive learning experiences, youth-led breakout sessions, empowering resources — all focused on creating change that matters. Email giselle@corising.org with any questions.
We are excited to launch the 2026–27 Winter Sports Season! We can’t wait to see our student-athletes, coaches, and school community back in action.
NOTE: Northfield does not have Ice Hockey or Skiing which we inadvertently included in last week’s information.
Below are the official CHSAA start dates and the required registration steps to get your athlete cleared to play.
Students will not be permitted to participate in tryouts, practices, or team activities until all steps below are fully completed and approved. Please complete these early!
Thank you for your support, and go Nighthawks!
We strongly encourage families to complete these steps early to avoid delays on day one!
The DPS AI Family and Community Experience meeting has been rescheduled to Nov. 11 at the DPS Acoma Campus (1617 S. Acoma St, Denver, CO 80223). Can’t attend in person? Join via Google Meet. The topic will still be focused on AI Bias and Systemic Issues. All DPS families and community members are welcome to attend — no tech background needed. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Complete the DPS AI Subcommittee Interest Form today! If you have any questions, please contact Felicia Maestas or Aracel O’Clair.
DPS AI Subcommittee Interest Form
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 5:00–7:00 PM @ Mile High Pickleball (3700 Havana St., Suite 305)
Come support the NHS Poms team! Bring the family—kids are welcome, and no pre-formed team is needed. Play for fun or compete in the tournament!
Northfield High School’s annual Turkey Drive is underway! We are accepting non-perishable food items, grocery gift cards to purchase turkeys, and online cash donations.
If your family would like to receive a holiday meal, please submit a request online.
Wanted: 1800s Antiques & Creepy Props for the Fall Production!
The props and set team are looking for donations of the following items. If you have them, or thrift often, (and are okay with it being used) let us know! Email Ms. Al-Naqeeb.
Keep in mind that this all needs to be time period accurate! This show takes place in the early 1800s so we don’t want clean, modern items. Also keep in mind that we will be aging, staining, and dirtying many of these items, so don’t offer up any treasured heirlooms! Share this with your friends and families!
At Northfield, great things happen everywhere our students, staff, families, and volunteers go. We want to hear about it—and celebrate it!
Have a good news story, photo, or shoutout to share? Drop us a line at Share A Story Form so we can recognize the incredible achievements and acts of kindness that make our Northfield community strong.