As we close out the first month of school, I find myself reflecting on how meaningful these first weeks have been. What has stood out most to me is the intentional way our staff has invested in building connections with students. Taking the time to learn who our students are—their strengths, their passions, and even their challenges—lays the foundation for everything else we do. Those relationships create a sense of belonging that allows our students to take risks, grow, and thrive in and out of the classroom. Watching these connections form has been a powerful reminder of why our work matters so deeply.
Looking ahead, I am excited for the upcoming week as we launch into our Homecoming celebrations. Homecoming is more than just a week of events—it’s a time to honor tradition, showcase our Nighthawk spirit, and bring together students, staff, alumni, and families. From the excitement of the pep rally to the connections at the game and dance, it’s an opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Northfield unique. Please make sure you read the Homecoming one-pager for all details and information about each of the events so you don’t miss a moment of the celebration.
I look forward to seeing our community come together in full Nighthawk pride as we make new memories during Homecoming 2025.
Jessica Rodriguez Bracey
Principal
Join us for Northfield’s annual Travel Night to learn about exciting new opportunities for students and families.
📅 When: Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, from 6:30–8:00 pm
📍 Where: Northfield High School
We’ll share:
Travel transforms students—building independence, confidence, and global awareness. Don’t miss out on this chance to open the world to your student!
RSVP here (even if you can’t attend): https://rsvp.eftours.com/d3tgsvv
We’ve updated Homecoming Dance ticket info on our Spirit Week & Homecoming Guide. You’ll find everything there—dance details, Spirit Week events, and the Homecoming game. Check it out at the top of our main webpage, or click here to view it now.
Volunteers from The Northfield High School Foundation helped us celebrate National Guacamole Day in style on Monday—decorating, stocking up our coffee supply, and treating staff to mountains of chips, salsa, and guac. Because let’s be honest, educators run on two things: free food and coffee. And on this day, we had both.
“A big thank you to Illegal Pete’s in Oneida Park for the donation!” said Adie Tate, Foundation Vice President, who helped organize the celebration.
We’d love to see our alumni back in the stands for the big game! Please help spread the word by sharing the message below with former students and families in your circle—it’s ready to copy and paste into a text, email, or social post:
Copy & Share This:
“🏈💙💛 Come join us for Northfield’s Homecoming on Sep. 26! Don’t miss the game and all the school spirit—click here for details. Hope to see you there!
Together, we can make Homecoming a true reunion of past and present!
Showing up daily and on time helps students succeed academically, build social-emotional skills, and stay connected to opportunities. It also makes a big difference for our school.
The October Count Window runs Sept. 24–Oct. 3, with Oct. 1 as the official Count Day. If a student is absent on Oct. 1, their attendance on other days in the window is still considered. Because state funding for schools is based on October Count, strong attendance supports your student’s growth and ensures our school has the resources to serve all students well.
Did You Know?
Date: Wednesday, October 15
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Event Location: Northfield High School Building 5
Click here to RSVP, use the QR code on our Multilingual Info Night flyer or by calling Mrs. Quezada at 720-423-8043.
We will have a session full of valuable information for you and your children. We will discuss how to build a strong foundation to ensure success in high school.
Light dinner and childcare will be provided.
All information will be presented in Spanish. Please indicate on the reservation form if you need translation.
Students are expected to have their school ID every day. Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 23, “I forgot my ID” will no longer be accepted as an excuse for a temporary badge.
Senior Timeline
This living document will continue to be updated as we go along. Click here to access the timeline.
26–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) Form Coming Soon
This year the form will launch by Oct. 1, 2025 (last year it didn’t open until December). Click here to go to the FAFSA website for all the details.
Denver Scholarship Foundation: Financial Aid – 5 Steps to Success
Scholarships
Daniels Scholarship Program – Applications Open!
The Daniels Scholarship Program is one of the most generous college scholarships in the country, covering up to a full ride (or $100,000, depending on college choice). Scholars can attend any college nationwide, gain leadership support, and even receive a new MacBook.
🗓️ Applications are open now through October 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM MT and take less than an hour to complete.
👉 Learn more and apply: DanielsFund.org/scholarships
MEM Scholars – $100,000 Scholarship
The MEM Scholars Program awards up to $100,000 to outstanding graduating seniors in Colorado and Washington. Eligible students must have lived in one of these states during both junior and senior years, hold at least a 3.5 GPA with minimum scores of 28 ACT or 1200 SAT, be a U.S. citizen or have legal status (in-process accepted), and demonstrate financial need (AGI $150,000 or less).
🗓️ Applications are due by October 15, 2025.
👉 Learn more and apply: MemScholars.org
Update to Homecoming Dance Ticket Sales…students can now purchase tickets via MySchoolBucks!
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!
For those attending the HoCo football game against Denver South at 6 p.m. on Sep. 26, at the All City Stadium, please review the game information on our webpage. Tickets for the game are not on sale yet but should go on sale the Monday of game week on GoFan.
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.
Saturday, 9/20
Monday, 9/22
Tuesday, 9/23
Wednesday, 9/24
Thursday, 9/25
Friday, 9/26
* Please keep up to date on our Nighthawk games throughout the season with this link https://dpscalendars.org/public/genie/757/school/1139/
Let’s show up, show out, and cheer on our Nighthawks!
PK-8th grade
Practices: 10/8 and 10/9
Game: 10/10
Cost: $55 per cheerleader
Click here to register or use the QR code on the flyer by October 6th.
We’re excited to share that Coach Elijah Whelchel has officially been named the Varsity Head Coach of the Northfield Boys’ Lacrosse program!
Coach Whelchel is no stranger to Northfield. Over the past two seasons, he has served as JV Head Coach and Varsity Assistant, helping lead the team to a 4A State Championship Game appearance and, most recently, a 5A league championship and playoff berth.
With coaching experience spanning multiple states—including time as a Varsity Head Coach on the East Coast and his current role with Team 91 Colorado—Coach Whelchel has a proven track record of developing athletes who go on to compete at the collegiate level. Guided by his “Get Better” philosophy, he is committed to continuing the growth of Northfield Lacrosse and building on the program’s success.
In addition to coaching, Coach Whelchel serves as a dedicated teacher in our Exceptional Student Services department, where he supports and inspires students every day.
Please join us in congratulating Coach Whelchel on this well-deserved appointment!
We Need You!
Help make the Homecoming dance amazing and volunteer for one of the shifts below:
Click here to sign up and join the fun!
Join Dr. Alex Marrero on Tuesday, October 21, 5:30–7:30 PM at Bruce Randolph School for a special workshop on substance abuse prevention. This event is designed for families to learn how to talk with family members about substance abuse prevention, learn about helpful resources, and support healthy choices.
Dinner and childcare are provided.
Download the flyer and use the QR code or click here to RSVP and save your spot.
Last Week: Nearly 90% of respondents will be leaf peeping!
This Week…
Snack Confession Time! 🥬🍫
When it comes to snacks, do you…