Weekly Newsletter – 12/19/2025

News from the Nest

As we wrap up the first semester of 2025, we want to take a moment to say thank you to our Nighthawk community. This semester was full, busy, and meaningful. We are proud of the way our students showed up for their learning and passions, supported one another, and continued to grow. We are equally grateful for our staff, whose care, consistency, and belief in our students make Northfield the place it is, and for our families, who entrust us with their children and walk alongside us throughout their time at Northfield. As we head into 2026, it is hard to believe how quickly the second semester will move; before we know it, we will be celebrating milestones, achievements, and the Class of 2026 as they prepare to graduate.

We hope this break brings rest, time with loved ones, and space to recharge. We look forward to seeing everyone back in the new year.


Key Dates & Events


Weekly Highlights

First Semester Grades Now Available within DPS Parent Portal

First semester grades are now available in Infinite Campus via the DPS Parent Portal. Northfield High School does not mail home report cards. Once in the portal, click on ‘See All Apps’ at the top of the page, and then ‘Infinite Campus.’ From here, select ‘Grades’ located within the left column. Transcripts will reflect first semester grades in January.

For questions about specific grades, contact your student’s teacher. Please note: Northfield staff are on Winter Break until Monday, Jan. 5; they will not check email during this time. If you experience issues with the Parent Portal, please contact Parent Portal support.


IB for All In Action

Johanna Zablocki and Nathania Cores were recently highlighted by the district for their work in our IB for All program that ensures every student has access to rigorous, engaging, and meaningful learning. Their story reflects what IB for All looks like in practice at Northfield: high expectations, strong relationships, and support for every learner.

This district feature explores how IB for All opens doors for students of all backgrounds and learning styles, preparing them for success in college, careers, and life.

👉 Read the full district story here


Gold Helmet Honor for Northfield Senior

Northfield High School senior Elian Oliva has been named the 2025 Gold Helmet Award winner—one of Colorado’s most prestigious honors recognizing excellence in football, academics, and citizenship.

Elian is the first Denver Public Schools student to receive the award since 1999 and the first in Northfield’s history. His accomplishments exemplify excellence in the classroom, on the field, and beyond.

For the full story, written by The Denver Post (paywall), visit: https://www.denverpost.com/2025/12/14/elian-oliva-gold-helmet-winner-northfield/


Spring 2025 Northfield Academic Awards 

The Northfield Leadership Team would like to congratulate all students who earned academic honors for the Spring 2025 term.

We are proud to recognize students who achieved:

These achievements reflect outstanding dedication, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence. Each awardee received a certificate in recognition of their hard work.

We commend all honorees on their accomplishments and encourage them to continue striving for success.


Free SAT Prep for Students

Over winter break and into the second semester, students can use Khan Academy for free, personalized SAT preparation as they get ready for PSAT and SAT testing in March. Here’s how:

Step 1: Go to Khan Academy

Step 2: Sign in (or create an account)

Step 3: Go to SAT Prep

Step 4: Link College Board for personalized practice

👉 This step connects your PSAT/SAT scores and unlocks personalized practice.

Step 5: Start practicing

Khan Academy’s official SAT practice is aligned with the College Board and helps students build confidence and readiness through consistent, low-pressure practice.


Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention – Family Resource

We encourage families to review a Suicide Prevention presentation designed for high school parents. This resource supports families in recognizing warning signs, having caring conversations, and accessing free supports like 988, Safe2Tell, and I-Matter. We recommend reviewing the slides before a concern arises, and reaching out to our counseling or mental health team if you need support.


Fees

DPS schools use MySchoolBucks, a secure online tool, to track and pay student fees.

Legal guardians: Access MySchoolBucks through your Parent Portal account.

Non-legal guardians, educators, and community members: Visit MySchoolBucks.com to view and pay fees.


Senior Timeline

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



Hawk Happenings

It’s Not Too Late to Order Your 2025-2026 Yearbook!

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.



Athletics

Nighthawk Nation

Weekly Shoutouts

Coach Startzer named the 4A Denver Metro Conference Coach of the Year for a second year in a row! 


Esports – Northfield Sophomore receives Honorable Mention for Rocket League

The Colorado Activities Association has released its inaugural Esports All-State Teams for its fall esports championship: Rocket League, League of Legends and Splatoon.  Northfield Sophomore Ziyad A. received Honorable Mention For Rocket League.  Read all the details.


Upcoming Games & Events

Stay up to date: Check the full schedule of Nighthawk games here.

Tickets: Purchase online or in person via GoFan.

Can’t attend? Most games are available to watch through a HUDL subscription: https://www2.hudl.com/

NOTE: Starting this Spring season the district will be switching over to a new platform for fans to stay connected with real time updates to our sports schedules for all teams.  https://www.arbiterlive.com/School/42928 

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


Stay Connected with Winter Sports 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.



Community Notice

District Family & Community Engagement Resources

Our school will be closed for winter break. If you or your family need support or resources during the break, please visit the Denver Public School’s 

Family & Community Engagement online resource page

Tasty Food Winter Break Schedule

Tasty Food sites are open during Winter Break to provide free meals and/or snacks for youth ages 3- to 18-years-old. This critical resource helps families when schools are closed during annual breaks. No registration or ID is required. Find a location near you. *This institution is an equal opportunity provider. All Tasty Food sites are closed Dec. 24  and 25, and Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, in observance of the holidays. Regular operations will continue on all other days during Winter Break.

Flyer for Tasty Food Holiday Schedule at https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Office-of-Childrens-Affairs/ProgramsInitiatives/Tasty-Food
Flyer for Tasty Food Holiday Schedule at https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Office-of-Childrens-Affairs/ProgramsInitiatives/Tasty-Food

Note: Tasty Food will transition to the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) in January 2026. The program will continue to operate and will be administered by DDPHE. 


All RTD bus and rail routes – as well as Access-a-Ride and FlexRide services – will be provided at no cost to customers from 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 31 through 7 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1.

Go to RTD site for all the details.