My name is Reina Cruz, and I am one of the assistant principals at Northfield. A large part of my role is supporting our school’s assessments. At Northfield, we view assessments as more than just tests, they are opportunities to celebrate growth, open doors to college and career pathways, and better understand how to support every student. Assessments help us ensure that each learner is on track, challenged, and equipped with the right tools to thrive. Below, I’ve highlighted some important assessments currently happening and upcoming at Northfield.
Happening Now: BESS Screening (Open until October 31st)
Right now, families are invited to complete the BESS, a quick screening that helps us identify and support students’ social, emotional, and behavioral well-being. This tool allows us to act early, provide resources, and build safe, supportive schools for every child. The survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete (I even did one for my own kiddo) you will need your student’s ID number. Take the survey here.
Upcoming Assessments: PSAT/NMSQT & PSAT 9
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 on October 14th 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.
After testing, students who currently have a D or F will be invited to a support session to get extra help in their classes.
Looking Ahead
Registration for AP and IB exams will begin soon. More details will be shared with students and families in the coming weeks so you can plan ahead.
Thank you for partnering with us to support every student’s success!
Warmly,
Reina Cruz
Assistant Principal, Northfield High School
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.
Before attending, families are encouraged to review their student’s schedule in the DPS Parent Portal to review your student’s progress and decide which teachers to meet with.
Parking Reminder for In-Person Conferences: Parking on campus is very limited. Families may use the student lots on the north side of campus. 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.
Parking Reminder for In-Person Conferences: Parking on campus is very limited. Families may use the student lots on the north side of campus. 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.
A big thank you to Mici Authentic Pizza and Pasta for generously donating a huge amount of delicious food for our teachers and staff during Wednesday’s conferences.
And a huge shout-out to the Northfield High School Foundation for making it happen—your support always goes above and beyond. We’re grateful for this thoughtful boost to our team and for making our conference day extra special!
When there’s no school on a Friday (such as on Oct. 10),
the Monday earlier that same week will be a Navy Day (even schedule) instead of the usual Stripe Day.
Students may want to pack a snack as lunch is late on this day.
During this time, all 32 public colleges and universities in Colorado and several private institutions will waive their application fees, making it free for anyone to submit an application.
Undergraduate programs include undergraduate level certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. This means all of the following applicants are eligible:
Click here for all the details.
Register for a 1-hour appointment on October 9 at 3 PM, 4 PM, 5 PM, or 6 PM with the Denver Scholarship Future Center for professional support: Sign up here.
Before your appointment:
Students who missed the original Picture Day or need a retake will be photographed on Picture Retake Day. Bring your original package if available.
Students should to to B5, Room 119 during their off period between 10:30AM – 1:30PM. If they do not have an off period during that time, they should get a pass from their teacher.
You can still order online at mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: N7BGTSTVE.
Questions? Call 1-800-736-4753 or email colorado@lifetouch.com
Date: Wednesday, October 15
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Building 5, Northfield High School, 5500 Central Park Blvd, Denver, CO 80238
What to expect:
Thanks to Dr. Dan Clarke, we have a fun video capturing all the excitement from this year’s Homecoming Dance! 🕺💃 Check out the music, dancing, and school spirit by watching the full video on our YouTube channel.
Click here to review the timeline of events that will prepare you for graduation!
Insert InfoFor LGBTQ+ Youth, BIPOC Youth & Allies
What: A 3-part workshop series to build resilience, practice self-care, and explore activism. Participants will:
When: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM on Saturdays:
Where: Manual High School Cafeteria, 1700 E. 28th Ave., Denver, CO 80205
Extras: Snacks & beverages provided!
Register: Queer Community Care Workshops Registration Form
English
We hope you’ll join us for our fair on October 14th from 6PM to 7PM! Please register for a barcode before the event at www.StriveFair.com.
During the fair, representatives will scan your barcode to connect with you further. The day after the fair, you will receive a report with information on the institutions with which you scanned.
Spanish
¡Esperamos que se una a nosotros en nuestra feria universitaria el 14 de octubre de 6 a 7 horas! Regístrese para obtener un código de barras antes de la feria en www.StriveFair.com.
Durante la feria, las universidades escanearán su código de barras para enviarle más información sobre sus colegios. El día después de la feria, recibirá un informe con información de las universidades con las que se escanea.sert info
HOSA would like to thank all Northfield students for making the Fall 2025 blood drive a success! Your generosity not only supports Vitalant but also helps our local community—truly making a difference for our neighbors.
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!
Tryouts and official practices for CHSAA-sanctioned Fall sports begin on the following dates:
To participate in the 2025–26 school year, parents/guardians must complete these steps for their student:
⚠️ Important: Beginning July 2025, 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.
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.
Happy National Coaches Day!
A huge thank you to all of our Nighthawk coaches for the time, passion, and dedication you pour into our student-athletes. Our coaches do far more than teach the X’s and O’s of their sport. They inspire teamwork, build character, and create lasting memories that go beyond the field, court, track, or pool. Their leadership helps shape not only better athletes but also stronger individuals.
On behalf of the entire Nighthawk community, thank you to each and every one of our coaches for your commitment, patience, and endless support. We are grateful for the positive impact you make every single day.
* Please keep up to date on our Nighthawk games throughout the season with the athletic event calendar.
* Tickets for Northfield High School Games can be purchased online or in person. Please visit the GoFan website to purchase https://gofan.co/app/school/CO67949
* Can’t make or attend a game. Most games can be watched through a HUDL subscription. Here is the link: https://www2.hudl.com/
Let’s show up, show out, and cheer on our Nighthawks!
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!
It’s not too late to jump in—or even start—your own club or activity this year! Today, the Continental Cuisine Club served up a delicious trip through Central America, featuring pupusas and homemade mole. Word on the street? The mole was so popular, it vanished faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Fun fact: this was the only student club meeting that actually started on time—so if you rolled in late…sorry, no mole for you!
Don’t miss out—find a club, bring your friends, and maybe even start one of your own. Who knows what tasty adventures await?
Congratulations to Cooper Barr, a senior at Northfield High School, who was accepted into the 2025 Access Mode AI Innovation Challenge in Denver, a program for high school students interested in AI, technology, and entrepreneurship. Cooper applied to participate and was assigned to a team tasked with creating an AI tool to help blue-collar workers start their own businesses.
During the two-day event, Cooper worked with teammates, received mentorship from AI industry leaders and startup founders, and gained hands-on experience in problem-solving, innovation, and real-world AI applications.
We’re excited to see Cooper take on challenges and turn ideas into real-world solutions!
Please use this form to confirm attendance, request interpretation services, or indicate if you’d like to speak at the CSC. Your responses help us plan food and seating.
The event will be co-moderated by Chalkbeat Colorado and CBS Colorado.
It is a free event, but please RSVP for the in-person session to let them know you’re coming or tune in online at CBS Colorado’s YouTube page. Light refreshments will be served. Interpretation in Spanish and American Sign Language will be available.
Tuesday, Oct. 7
7-9 PM
Regis University
3333 Regis Boulevard Denver, CO 802217-9 PM
For PK–8th Grade – Cheer at the Game!
Registration Deadline: Oct 6
Practices: Oct 8 & 9
Game: Oct 10 | 5:15PM | Evie Dennis Stadium
Cost: $55 per cheerleader (includes a t-shirt, bow, clinic, performance, admission to the football game and one extra ticket)
✅ Sign Up: Register by: Registration Link or use the QR code on the flyer.
❓ Questions? Coach Lauryn: lauryn_williams @dpsk12.net
For Kids K–14 yrs – Perform at Halftime!
Registration Deadline: Oct 10
Practices: Oct 15 & 16 | 5:30–7:00 PM | Northfield HS Bldg 3 Dance Room
Game: Oct 17 | 7:00 PM | All City Stadium, 1500 S Franklin St, Denver
Cost: $75 (includes mini poms shirt, pom poms, 1 spectator ticket, full game day experience)
✅ Sign Up:
❓ Questions? Jamie: jlynn.nally@gmail.com | 720-363-1849
Ms. Hanan Al-Naqeeb and her team are looking for donations for their fall show! The show is set in the 60s and costumes are inspired by Twiggy, Katharine Hepburn, Gail Partrick, and Mad Men. Additionally, some characters dress 40s or are ghosts from the gold rush. In the linked document below, you can see their general vibe, along with specific items they are looking for! Please bring donations to Building 1-114 and clarify if you will be needing them returned. Anything you want to bring in is greatly appreciated!
List of donation items needed for the fall play.
Come support Nighthawks Softball as they raise awareness and funds to support research and services for people impacted by breast cancer.
Last Week: Two-thirds of respondents would absolutely switch places for a day with their student!
This Week…Would you rather: