Weekly Newsletter – 10/2/2026

News from the Nest

Coaches Are The Heart of Nighthawk Athletics

At Northfield High School, our coaches do far more than teach plays and run practices. They are extensions of our teachers in the classroom, reinforcing the same lessons of responsibility, effort, and respect that students hear throughout the school day. Our coaches are central to creating a sense of belonging, and they bring to life the core values of our athletic department:

Through their guidance, student-athletes learn to handle both victory and defeat with character, and every young person who steps onto a court or field knows they have a place on the team. Our coaches make sports a safe space where athletes and student spectators alike can take pride in being part of Northfield.

Impact Beyond the Game

That impact reaches well beyond the playing surface. For the past six years, we have had more than 1,000 student-athletes participating in sports each season—representing half of our school population—and our coaches make that reach possible.

Although a season lasts only three to four months, our coaches spend seven to nine months preparing for it. That commitment shows not only in the number of athletes who choose to participate, but also in our results against school programs that have been established for a century.

Our coaches hold rigorous workouts that challenge athletes to push past what they thought was possible. They teach accountability by expecting every player to show up, give full effort, and own their actions—whether they are in the weight room, in the classroom, or on game day.

Building Community & Culture

Many of our teams create themes for each game, which raises student engagement and fills the stands with energy, school spirit, and pride. Coaches also hold offseason workouts that build camaraderie and team bonding, creating friendships and a sense of purpose that carry into the school year and beyond.

When students, families, and neighbors gather to cheer on our teams, they become part of something bigger than any single game. Our coaches build that community one practice, one workout, and one game at a time, and their commitment makes Northfield a stronger school and a stronger neighborhood.

Ezekiel Ocansey
Athletic Director


Key Dates & Events



Weekly Highlights

Student Spotlight: Healing and Heritage in “Oaxaca” 

Oaxaca by Andrea Gonzalez, Class of 2027

Award Highlight: Last year, this artwork earned a prestigious Gold Key Award at the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, recognizing exceptional technical skill, original voice, and artistic vision. 

Artist’s Statement

“This work is titled “Oaxaca.” I examine emotional transformation through memory and heritage. The piece reflects how memories tied to loss change over time—fragile, imperfect, but still meaningful. By referencing traditional Oaxacan Alebrijes, I connect personal emotion to cultural remembrance. The bright colors and patterns celebrate life while acknowledging grief, showing how culture can bring peace.” Andrea Gonzalez, Class of 2027

Cultural Spotlight: What Are Oaxacan Alebrijes? 

Originating in Mexico, Alebrijes (ah-leh-BREE-hes) are brightly painted folk-art sculptures depicting fantastical, dreamlike creatures—often blending characteristics of different animals, such as a jaguar with wings or a dragon with rabbit ears.


Parent / Teacher Conferences – Oct. 6 and 7

Conferences are open from 5 – 8 PM and each conference will last 10 minutes. If you need more time with a teacher, please schedule a follow-up conversation directly.

Complimentary Babysitting During Conferences!

La Raza is excited to offer complimentary babysitting during Parent-Teacher Conferences so you can meet with teachers hassle-free!

⚠️ Limited Space: our capacity is strictly capped at 30 kids. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis!
👉 Click Here to Register Your Child
We look forward to seeing you there!

Important Guidelines

Check Your Student’s Class Schedule Before You Arrive

To make the most of your time, families are encouraged to log into the DPS Parent Portal before attending to:

  1. Review your student’s current class schedule.
  2. Check their academic progress.
  3. Identify which teachers you would like to meet with during the event.

Parking Reminder for In-Person Conferences

Parking on campus is very limited. Families may use the spaces on the 56th lot, near the tennis courts. Please do not park in the south lot or in spaces reserved for staff, DPS officials, or Denver Parks & Rec. If lots are full, parking is available on neighborhood streets.

And a huge shout-out to the Northfield High School Foundation for snacks—your support always goes above and beyond. We’re grateful for this thoughtful boost to our team!


Hey Seniors and Families – SAVE THE DATES

College Fair at Northfield

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 27 | Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Location: Cafetorium

Join us on October 27th to meet representatives from colleges and universities!

📌 Action Required: Please register for a student barcode before arriving at Strive College Fair. Reps will scan your barcode during the event to send you direct information about admissions, majors, and campus life.

Attending Colleges & Universities:

1:1 FAFSA & CASFA Support Workshop

FAFSA Logo

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 28 | Time: 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Location: Building 5, Rooms 119/120

Get free, professional support completing your financial aid forms! Trained volunteers from the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) Future Center will be on hand to walk you through the process step-by-step.

Before Your Appointment:

  1. Create Accounts: Both the student and one parent/contributor must create separate accounts at studentaid.gov.
  2. Gather Required Documents: Bring physical or digital copies of the following:
    • Tax returns
    • Records of child support received
    • Current bank account balances (if total savings/checking exceeds $1,000)
    • Net worth/debt records for non-retirement investments, businesses, or farms

Nominate a Nighthawk: #MyPlanDPS Student Achievement Award Applications Open!

Denver Public Schools Logo

The Denver Public Schools #MyPlanDPS Student Achievement Award application is now officially open!

This award program celebrates excellence across our district by honoring students’ accomplishments, perseverance, and unique success stories. Selected student recipients will receive:

We want to make sure our school community is fully represented. If you know an outstanding student, dedicated staff member, or impactful DPS program that deserves district-wide recognition, please take a moment to submit a nomination or encourage students to share their stories.

How to Apply:

Let’s showcase the hard work, talent, and bright future of our Nighthawks—submit your nominations today!


Artwork by Emily Bell, Class of 2028

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: FALL PLAY PREMIERE! 🎟️

Get ready for an eerie, captivating evening of theater as the Northfield Drama Department presents “I Am Frankenstein” by John Haman!

Forget what you think you know about the classic monster. This thrilling, fast-paced adaptation tells a dual story: the downfall of scientist Victor Frankenstein and his forgotten creature, alongside the fierce story of Mary Shelley—the brilliant teenage writer who birthed the legend. Packed with suspense, dramatic staging, and a haunting ensemble chorus, this is a show you won’t want to miss.

📍 Where: Bldg 1
📅 When: Nov. 5 – 7
🎟️ Tickets: On Sale Now! $10 for adults, $5 for students

Plan to bring your friends, support our student cast and crew, and buy your tickets now to secure your seats!


Lock In the Lowest Price on the 2026–2027 Yearbook!

Order your 2026–2027 Northfield High School yearbook today for $85 before prices increase to $90 after Friday, Oct. 16!


2026 Mini Nighthawk Cheer Clinic (Pre-K – 8th Grade) 

Mini Nighthawk Cheer Clinic Flyer

Join the Northfield High School Cheerleaders for the 2026 Mini Nighthawk Cheer Clinic! Participants will learn cheers, receive cheer gear, and perform alongside the NHS squad during halftime at All City Stadium.

(Note: All participants must be potty-trained).

Registration Options:

Schedule:

How to Register & Pay: Complete the online registration form to secure your spot. Coach Lauryn will send a payment link once your registration is submitted.

Questions? Email Coach Lauryn at lauryn_williams@dpsk12.net.


Upcoming Assessments: PSAT 9 and PSAT/NMSQT 

All students are automatically registered, there is no sign-up needed. Although we do not encourage it, families may choose to opt out through the Parent Portal. Click here for the opt-out form. Please note that an opt-out lasts for the entire school year, and if you opted out in a previous year, you must complete the process again.

Students will receive an email around mid-October with their assigned testing room and reminders of testing expectations. Please remind your student to bring their school-issued Chromebook, fully charged, on test day.

Lunch is available 11:30 – 12:10 p.m. for students not testing and for those testing who do not receive extended time.  Lunch is available from 12:45 – 1:30 p.m. for students with extended time.


Virtual Parent Workshop: Helping Your High Schooler Master Executive Functioning

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!


Share Your Input: DPS Behavioral & Emotional Screening System (BESS) 

Decorative

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!



Hawk Happenings

Paid Student Opportunity: DPS is Hiring a Chat Program Apprentice

Are you a high school sophomore or junior who loves leadership, public speaking and community impact? The Denver Public Schools Career Development Team is hiring a Chat Program Apprentice!

Our student-led Chat Program connects DPS students with diverse professionals (especially BIPOC+ LGBTQIA+) who share their authentic career journeys, challenges and advice. We are looking for an equity-driven student leader who is:

A Great Communicator: Excited to host, introduce speakers and facilitate events.

Social Media Minded: Ready to create engaging content that reaches students.

Organized and Growth-Minded: Able to manage event details, communicate professionally and learn on the job.

Apply for the Chat Program Apprentice position by Wednesday, Oct. 7.


Colorado Free Application Days

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College Bound: Tuskegee Airmen Inc. Scholarship Opens Oct. 5

Applications for the Hubert L. “Hooks” Jones Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen Inc. 2026–2027 Academic Scholarship open on Monday, Oct. 5! Up to five $2,000 awards are available to graduating high school seniors planning to attend any accredited college or university.

Eligibility & Requirements:

How to Apply: Access the application online or contact Scholarship Committee Co-Chair Candace Moon at vorrycandacemoon@outlook.com with any questions.



Athletics

Unified Bowling Hits the Lanes for Season Opener! 

Team photo.

The Northfield Unified Bowling Team and Head Coach Sidney Olejniczak officially kicked off their season this week on Wednesday, September 30th, competing in their very first meet!

It was an electric start for the squad, who brought high energy, great sportsmanship, and plenty of strikes to the lanes. Competing against neighboring schools for the first time, the team set the tone for an incredible season ahead.

“This was the perfect way for us to kick off Disability Month and celebrate inclusion, empowerment, and fun across our school community!”-Coach Olejniczak

Congratulations to Coach Olejniczak and all of our student-athletes on a fantastic opening meet. 


CHSAA Physicals

To participate in the 2026–27 school year, parents/guardians must complete these steps for their student:

  1. Submit a completed registration in the Arbiter platform.
  2. Pay the Pay-to-Play fee through Arbiter.
  3. Upload a current physical exam to Arbiter or provide a copy to the Athletic Director.

Only the official CHSAA Physical Exam (PPE) forms will be accepted.

Students who have not completed these requirements will not be permitted to participate in tryouts, practices, contests, or team activities.


Athletic Stickers & Passes

Schedules & Digital Ticketing



Support Our School

Performing Arts Team Seeking Costume Help – Seamstress

Ms. Hanan Al-Naqeeb and her team are looking for parent and community volunteers to assist with costumes for our upcoming productions!

If you have sewing skills and a little time to lend a hand with costume prep, please reach out directly to Ms. Al-Naqeeb. Thank you for supporting our student performers!

We would love your assistance!



Life Update: Tell Us Something Good!

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.