Weekly Newsletter – 12/12/2025

News from the Nest

As I continue my fifth year as Northfield’s Athletic Director and my tenth year at Northfield High School, I have been reflecting on the growth of our athletic program and the collective effort behind it. Since 2015, Northfield has evolved into a large, comprehensive high school, and our athletics programs have grown alongside it. That progress is the result of committed coaches, supportive families, and students who are willing to work, compete, and represent their school with pride.

What stands out most to me is how our teams live out the values of our athletic department every day. Across all programs, students are given meaningful opportunities to compete, to learn discipline and perseverance, and to be part of teams that value equity and belonging. Athletics has become a powerful space for building community, bringing our campus together around shared experiences, and setting high standards for effort and accountability.

Because of this collective work, our programs continue to grow in both performance and purpose. Our teams are achieving at high levels, and more importantly, we are opening doors for student-athletes across all sports to pursue opportunities at the collegiate level, across all divisions. I am grateful for the coaches, athletes, families, and staff who make Northfield athletics what it is, and I am proud of the direction we are moving together as Nighthawk Nation.

Ezekiel Ocansey
Athletic Director


Nighthawks Gave!

A heartfelt thank you to our Northfield community for your generosity on Colorado Gives Day! Together, you helped raise $26,405 to support our students’ learning, growth, and opportunities.

While the Northfield Foundation, a volunteer-run organization, led this effort, we at the school are so grateful for your support and excited for the difference it makes every day.


Key Dates & Events


Weekly Highlights

Finals Week


Northfield Innovation Plan Renewal

Northfield is in a renewal year for the Innovation Plan, which guides how we shape learning, programs, and schedules for our students. Families and community members will have opportunities to share input through surveys and conversations in the coming months—your voice helps shape the next chapter of Northfield’s growth and excellence.” We’ll provide updates in our newsletter on progress and community feedback—your voice helps shape the next chapter of Northfield’s growth and excellence?


ACCESS Testing for English Learners

This winter, our Multiple Language Learners (MLLs) will take the ACCESS for ELLs assessment, a state-required test that measures English language proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Why it matters:

What families should know:

ACCESS results help determine the English support a student may need. Based on their results, students might be placed in additional language support classes or, if they’ve met proficiency goals, may exit English Learner programs—both of which can adjust their schedule to best support academic success.  Testing runs from January 13 – February 13, 2026.

Questions or support:

If you have questions about ACCESS testing or how to help your student succeed, please contact Lisa Alfonso at Lisa_Alfonso@dpsk12.net.


Senior Timeline

Review the senior timeline of events that keep you prepared for graduation!



Hawk Happenings

Community Service Hours Update

As the Fall Semester comes to a close, I wanted to recognize all of the AMAZING students here at Northfield. I have approved over 4,900 hours of community service so far this year and I know there are students that still need to submit their volunteer hours. I’m so proud of all the work we’ve done and I know that we can beat that number next semester!

Friendly Reminder for our Seniors: 

Volunteer Opportunities:

Check out the Northfield website under the Student Life tab for additional assistance. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Ms. Liz Ritter or stop by the Library in Building 3 between the hours of 8am and 4 pm.

Order Your 2025–2026 Yearbook Today!

SAMPLE ONLY!

Don’t miss out — purchase your yearbook online now!

Seniors: Visit the yearbook page for important details and deadlines on submitting your professional photo and ordering a tribute message.



Clubs & Activities

Cheer and Poms

2025 CHSAA State Spirit Championship 

Cheer:  Compete today at 2:55 PM; follow the team’s Instagram @northfieldcheerleading

Poms:  Compete tomorrow at 12:25 PM 

Tickets available at the Denver Coliseum. Schedules and other information available online at the CHSSA Now website.


Athletics

Spring Sports Registration coming up in late January

The district uses the Arbiter system for registration.  It will open about three weeks before the season starts (around late January/early February for spring).  

In order for your student to participate in tryouts and official practices for the 2025-2026 school year, your student must have:

Key Steps for Registration:

  1. Get a Physical – student must have a current physical (valid for 365 days) on file.
  2. Wait for Arbiter to open
  3. Complete Online Registration via Arbiter
  4. Pay Fees; submitted through the online registration system. $92 per sport.  
  5. Get Cleared:  Students must be cleared by the Athletic Director; transcript review for eligibility and approval to participate.

Weekly Shoutouts

Upcoming Games & Events

Stay Connected with Off-Season Workouts

Students interested in off-season sports are encouraged to participate in workout sessions to build strength, improve skills, and prepare for upcoming seasons.

Athletic Sticker Reminder

Be sure to stop by the main office in Building 5–101 Q to see Ms. Shea, Athletic Coordinator, and get your athletic sticker for your student ID.

Don’t miss out—get your sticker today!

Come out and support our athletes as they begin their seasons with energy and dedication.

Good luck to all of our winter student-athletes! We’re proud of you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish this season.

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



Support Our School


Thanks for Serving Up Support for Our Turkey Drive

Because of your generosity, we were able to support nearly 70 families. You all came together in such an incredible way, and your kindness truly made a difference for families in our community during a time when it matters most.

It’s moments like these that remind us how fortunate we are to be surrounded by such a compassionate and giving community. Your willingness to help, share, and uplift others is something we deeply appreciate, and it fills us with pride and gratitude. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Happy Winter Break!



Just for Fun

Last Week:  71% of families bypassed Team AI and are sticking with Team Google.

This Week: In the episode where Spongebob and Patrick build a “snowman” out of sand, what do they call him?

Click here to vote.