Weekly Newsletter – 10/23/2026

News from the Nest

At Northfield High School, students have many opportunities to gain relevant experience and prepare for life after graduation. As the school’s CTE Director, I’m proud of the success of our Biomedical, Business, Computer Science, and Engineering pathways—and especially of how these programs complement our IB courses.

Students in the Business pathway build foundational knowledge in introductory CTE courses, then can advance to upper-level courses and earn an industry certification. They may also take IB Business Management, where they can earn college credit and gain focused preparation for studying business in college. Biomedical students can complete the pathway and earn an EKG industry certification, or take IB Biology and IB Sports, Exercise, and Health Science to prepare for further study and careers in medicine and health.

Our Computer Science pathway builds students’ skills through successive AP Computer Science courses and culminates in IB Computer Science, preparing them to pursue college degrees and careers in the field while providing opportunities to earn college credit. Students interested in Engineering develop math skills through IB Math: Applications and Interpretations and gain engineering-specific experience in CTE Introduction to Engineering and Principles of Engineering. The pathway culminates in an Autodesk Fusion professional certification.

Many students complete both a CTE pathway and its corresponding IB courses, graduating with a strong foundation in college preparation and career readiness. These integrated opportunities are part of what has helped Northfield earn the No. 1 ranking among schools in Colorado. 

Brad Kizer
Assistant Principal
CTE Director


Key Dates & Events


Weekly Highlights

Cross Country Teams Charge into State Championships!

Following a stellar performance at the 5A Region 3 Championships on October 22, our cross country runners are officially state-bound!

How Cross Country Scoring Works

If you’re new to cross country scoring, think of it like golf—the lowest score wins.

Next Stop: State!

Our teams will join an elite field of runners at the 2026 CHSAA State Cross Country Championships.

Huge congratulations to Coach Bender, Coach Ochs, Coach Robbins, and all our state-bound student-athletes! 


Friendly Faces Around Campus

L to R: Jose Luna, Tyler Hayes, Santos Maguina, Aaron Jones, Tony Lim

A welcoming smile and a steady presence can make all the difference in a student’s day. Across our campus, hallways, and common spaces, you’ll find our Student Support Liaisons serving as trusted adults, familiar faces, and reliable anchors for our community.

Far beyond simply monitoring our campus, our Liaisons prioritize building genuine, positive connections. By greeting students and learning their names and daily routines, they are uniquely attuned to our school’s climate—recognizing when a student needs an extra word of encouragement, a quiet space, or a supportive check-in. This visible, everyday presence fosters an environment where students feel seen, supported, and secure, while ensuring our campus remains a safe, structured, and welcoming place to learn.


Seal of Biliteracy Applications Due Dec. 1

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Please encourage 11th and 12th-grade students proficient in an additional language—especially Redesignated and Exited Multilingual Learners—to apply for the Seal of Biliteracy.


Opening Night is Two Weeks Away: “I Am Frankenstein”

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Artwork: Emily Bell, Class of 2028

The Northfield Drama Department presents I Am Frankenstein by John Haman—a fast-paced, eerie adaptation that flips the classic monster story on its head.

Running for four performances over three days, this production weaves the downfall of scientist Victor Frankenstein together with the story of Mary Shelley, the brilliant teenage author who created the legend. Expect a haunting ensemble performance, dramatic staging, and high suspense.

Showtimes & Details:

Support our Nighthawk cast and crew behind the scenes and on stage. Seats are limited for this short run!

👉 Purchase Your Tickets Today


Three Upcoming College & Financial Aid Events

Northfield is host to three major college-planning opportunities over the next few weeks. Review the details below and make sure to complete any required prep or sign-ups.

  1. Strive College Fair at Northfield

List of Participating Schools

  1. 1:1 FAFSA & CASFA Support Workshop

Mandatory Prep Before You Arrive:

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

3. ECMC College Night – Monday, November 19 | Chance at $1,000 Scholarship

Translation services available; please indicate support needed on the response forms for each event.


Virtual Care & Emergency Medications: Scripts to Schools

Through our partnership with Denver Health School-Based Health Centers, Northfield students have access to virtual care and no-cost emergency medications delivered directly to Nurse Kate.

How It Works:

Available No-Cost Medications:

If your student needs an updated action plan or emergency medication on campus, you can complete the quick e-consent process online.

👉 Submit the E-Consent Form 

Have questions? Reach out directly to Nurse Kate or call Denver Health at 303-602-8958.


Nighthawk Thanksgiving Student/Family Lunch at School

Join us on campus for a traditional Thanksgiving lunch with our students and staff! While high school schedules move fast, parents, guardians, and family members are welcome to dine with us.

Event Details:

Campus Security Reminder: All campus visitors must check in at the Building 5 main entrance with a valid government-issued ID before entering the cafeteria.


Don’t Miss Out on School Fee Waivers & Campus Funding

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Submitting the confidential YouBenefit! form unlocks major financial benefits for your family and secures critical funding for our school.

Direct Savings for Your Household

Direct Funding for Northfield High School

Take 5 minutes to complete your form today:

👉 Complete the Confidential DPS YouBenefit! Form Online; provide a copy of the approval to our treasurer, Vanessa Piria.

(Note: Only one application is needed per household. The form is completely confidential and never asks for citizenship or immigration status.)


Help Us Support Your Student: 5-Minute BESS Screener

Want to ensure your student gets the right support at school this year? The brief 5-minute BESS (Behavioral & Emotional Screening System) survey gives our team insights into your child’s emotional well-being so we can tailor school resources, classroom environments, and support systems directly to their needs.

How to complete it by Friday, Oct. 30:

  1. Grab your student’s ID Number (found in Parent Portal) and their Date of Birth.
  2. Complete the BESS Parent Survey (Takes under 5 minutes).


Hawk Happenings

Monday, Oct. 26 – NAVY Late Start Day

TimePeriod
9:30 AM – 10:42 AMPeriod 2
10:48 AM – 12:00 PMPeriod 4
12:06 PM – 1:20 PMPeriod 6 + 2
1:26 PM – 2: 07 PMLUNCH
2:13 PM – 3:25 PMPeriod 8
3:25 – 3:55 PMFINAL 30

Calling All Student Artists: Submit Design Work for the 2026 DPS Holiday Card

Denver Public Schools Logo

DPS is accepting student artwork submissions for this year’s official district holiday card. We encourage Nighthawk artists—across drawing, painting, digital art, and photography—to submit work inspired by winter traditions, seasonal landscapes, family gatherings, or personal winter reflections.

All artistic traditions and cultural perspectives are welcome.

Selected artists will be notified directly by the district using the contact information provided on the form.



Athletics

Nighthawk Athletics Shoutouts

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.

Open Gym Dates & Times:

Girls Basketball: 10/26 and 10/28 Main Gym 6:30-8pm

Boys Basketball 10/28 Aux gym 6:30-8pm

Below are the official CHSAA start dates and the required registration steps to get your athlete cleared to play.

Official Tryout & Practice Start Dates

Pre-Season Action Checklist (Required Before Day 1)

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!

  1. Register Online: Submit completed registration via the Arbiter platform.
  2. Pay Fees: Pay the mandatory Pay-to-Play fee through Arbiter.
  3. Upload Current Physical Exam: Upload a signed copy to Arbiter or submit directly to the Athletic Director.
    -Important CHSAA Policy Update: Only the official CHSAA Physical Exam form is accepted as valid documentation.
  4. Academic Eligibility: Complete a transcript review for athletic eligibility.
  5. Final Approval: Receive official clearance from the High School Athletic Director.

Thank you for your support, and go Nighthawks!

We strongly encourage families to complete these steps early to avoid delays on day one!

Schedules & Digital Ticketing



Clubs & Activities

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Bring the Family to HOSA’s Halloween Town: Wed, Oct. 29

Support Northfield HOSA and treat younger kids to an afternoon of fun!

HOSA will have over 40 different stations including face painting, pumpkin painting, cupcake decorating, pin the hat on the witch, and many more! 



Support Our School

Support Northfield Families: 2nd Annual Turkey Drive

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Northfield Student Council partnered with our school social workers to launch our 2nd Annual Turkey Drive! Together, we are collecting donations to ensure every Nighthawk family can enjoy a complete holiday meal this season. 

How You Can Help (Oct. 22 – Nov. 13):

We are collecting non-perishable food items and grocery gift cards (used by families to purchase turkeys and fresh meal items).

Need Holiday Meal Support?

If your family could benefit from a holiday meal basket this season, please submit a request by Friday, Nov. 13.

👉 Request a Holiday Meal


Dine Out to Support NHS Poms on Oct. 26!

Skip cooking dinner next Monday and support our NHS Poms team! 

Join us at Noodles & Company (7401 E 29th Ave) on Monday, October 26th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Noodles & Company will donate 20% of sales directly to the team when you mention Northfield Poms. 

Ordering online or through the app? Use promo code Giving20 at checkout to ensure your order counts toward the fundraiser!



Community Notice

Upcoming Parent Webinar:  Raising Resilient Kids

Denver Public Schools Logo

How to Talk, Set Boundaries, and Prevent Substance Use

In honor of Red Ribbon Week, join the DPS Substance Use Prevention and Intervention Team for an exclusive, highly informative webinar. Gain actionable, real-world tools to help your children make safe and healthy decisions.

Key Topics:

Register for the Webinar


Free Parent & Student Academy: Boettcher Scholarship Secrets Unlocked

Looking ahead to college? Lincoln Hills Cares is hosting a free monthly workshop series at CU Denver to help K–12 families prepare for higher education.

The next session focuses on navigating major scholarship opportunities:

(Future sessions will take place on Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 13, and April 10).

Questions? Contact Chris Denmark, Program Manager, at chris@lhcares.org.