A Note from Student Council Advisor

Happy Friday Nighthawks,

On Wednesday evening, we hosted the Class of 2029 for Welcome to The Nest. It is one of the only nights where there are five graduating classes on campus together. It was truly an energizing moment to see the range of students.

Class of 2025 is currently counting down the days to the beginning of their next chapter but still finding nostalgia in all corners of the campus.

Class of 2029 walked around the same corners of the campus visualizing their upcoming adventure.

Next week, we celebrate our Seniors with Senior Week full of spirit days and events. The week begins with our Athletic Signing Day on Monday at 8 am where we celebrate all of our Nighthawk athletes as they commit themselves to their college careers. On Wednesday, all Seniors are expected to sign our 2025 banner with their names and future plans. The week ends with our Spring Pep Assembly and Senior Field day on Friday afternoon.

Prom week begins May 12 with more spirit days leading up to Prom on May 17 from 8-11 pm. The theme for Prom is Jazz After Dark and we hope to offer our Junior and Senior Nighthawks a night full of music and memories. It is an honor to usher in our newest group of students and watch as our current Nighthawks begin to wrap up another great year at Northfield.

With Love,
Cole Ritter
Student Council Advisor

Northfield News

Northfield Poms Parent Meeting / Tryouts

Are you ready to show your spirit and join the Northfield Poms? Tryouts for the 2025 season are coming soon! Check out the key dates below:

📝 Pre-Tryout Parent Meeting

Date: Friday, April 25, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Northfield Building 5, Room 119

💃 Poms Try-It Nights

Get a feel for the team and learn the basics before tryouts!
Dates: May 5th, 6th, and 7th
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Northfield Building 3, Dance Room

✅ Official Tryout

Date: Thursday, May 8th
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Northfield Building 3, Dance Room

Johanna Zablocki Honored with 2025 DPS HERstory Award!

Ms. Zablocki holding a copy of her award

We’re thrilled to share that Johanna Zablocki, one of our outstanding high school English teachers, was named a 2025 DPS HERstory Award recipient! Nominated by Principal Jessica Rodriguez Bracey, Johanna was recognized for her exceptional leadership, innovation, and unwavering dedication to students and our school community.

Johanna leads with heart, integrity, and an unwavering belief in what’s possible for every student,” said Principal Rodriguez Bracey. “She brings creativity, empathy, and purpose to everything she does—and we are better because of her.”

The third annual Women’s HERstory Awards, held in March in honor of Women’s History Month, celebrated women across Denver Public Schools who are making history every day. School and department leaders throughout the district were invited to nominate women on their teams who go above and beyond in their roles—those who rise despite systemic barriers, who build where there’s no blueprint, and who inspire those around them.

Johanna’s recognition is a reflection of the impact she makes not just in the classroom, but in the lives she touches. Congratulations to her and to all the women across DPS who are shaping the future—rising, building, and overcoming—for such a time as this.

Women in Business Club Presents: Spring Networking Event

Tuesday, April 22 | 12:00–2:00 PM

Are you a female-identifying student looking to explore career paths, build your professional network, or simply get inspired? Join us for an empowering afternoon of connection, conversation, and opportunity.

🔹 Keynote Speaker: Dana Chorpenning, CEO of Wet Paint Group
🔹 Who You'll Meet: Local entrepreneurs, lawyers, and business professionals excited to connect with the next generation of women leaders

“According to LinkedIn, 85% of jobs are filled through networking. Whether you're applying for an internship, apprenticeship, or your first job, the connections you make now can open doors later.”

For Students:
You don’t need to be planning a business career to benefit—if you're curious about what’s out there, this event is for you.
To attend:
✅ Fill out this form
✅ Pick up a permission slip from Ms. Buckner’s old office (B2-140) or B2-115
✅ Get your 5th period teacher’s signature
✅ Return the slip at the Pre-Event Briefing: Monday, April 15 | Lunch | B2-115

For Community Members:
Are you a current Woman in Business interested in attending? We’d love to have you!
📌 Please fill out this form and mark your calendars for April 22, 12–2 PM.

Additional event details and parking information will be sent out the week of the event.

Let’s build a future where women lead, together.

Kedi Ochs awarded 'Educator of the Year'

Mr. Ochs and a 10th grade student — Mr. Ochs and Janelle, a junior at Northfield, celebrate his win!

We’re thrilled to celebrate Kedi Ochs, one of our exceptional educators, who was named the 2025 Educator of the Year by the Denver Public Schools Foundation. Kedi was honored at the Achieve Gala on April 17, where his energy, heart, and profound impact on students were recognized alongside fellow awardee Grand Peaks, this year’s Community Champion.

Each year, the DPS Foundation recognizes individuals and organizations whose work significantly advances the success and well-being of students across Denver. This year’s recipients truly embody the values of dedication, excellence, and commitment to the DPS community.

Kedi often credits the support of his own teachers and mentors for helping him find stability and success early in life. In turn, he brings that same passion and purpose into his work—creating a classroom that radiates joy, connection, and possibility.

“Kedi’s energy is contagious,” said Principal Jessica Rodriguez Bracey. “He brings positivity, creativity, and a deep love for his students into every moment. Whether he’s leading a lesson or just greeting students in the hallway, he makes everyone feel seen, supported, and excited to learn. His impact is undeniable, and this recognition is so well deserved."

Congratulations to Kedi on this incredible honor, and thank you for everything you bring to our school community!

Mock Interview Volunteers Needed!

The Northfield High School finance teachers are excited to invite you to a meaningful volunteer opportunity that can make a real difference in students’ learning journey!

As part of our Personal Finance course, students are building essential skills in financial literacy, interviewing, and networking. To wrap up the semester, they’ll participate in a mock interview round table as their final exam—and we’re looking for professionals from a diverse cross-section of industries to serve as interviewers.

Volunteer Dates:

Tuesday, May 13 | 8:00–10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, May 14 | 8:00–11:00 a.m.

If you’re interested in supporting our students, please sign up using the form below:
👉 Spring 2025 Volunteer Sign-Up

Your time and expertise will offer students invaluable real-world experience and feedback. Thank you for considering this opportunity to help our students grow and succeed!

Northfield Artists Featured in MCA Denver's Topography Exhibit

Aletsy standing next to her drawing — Aletsy Maldonado and her artwork entitled, 'Abel City'

Picture of student artwork. — Artist is AKIRA:3333 and the artwork is entitled 'Calamity'

We’re proud to share that two Northfield High School students were selected to showcase their artwork in the Topography exhibit at the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA Denver). This powerful exhibition features pieces from just 20 high school artists across the Denver Metro Area—and our Nighthawks are among them.

Students were invited to submit works that reflect their authentic selves and how they are growing through personal expression. Topography highlights the voices and stories of young people—many of whom are rarely given space to be seen and heard. The exhibit captures themes of identity, struggle, growth, and confidence, showing how each artist is shaping their world through creativity and resilience.

One of our featured students, Aletsy Galarza-Maldonado, took initiative and applied independently after hearing about the opportunity outside of school. Her work was selected, and she is now part of a professional museum exhibition—a remarkable accomplishment.

“Through our journeys, we overcome obstacles and from those we gain confidence, allowing us to shape our land the way we so choose.” — Topography Exhibition Statement

The exhibit opened on April 2 and runs through May 4 at MCA Denver, located at 1485 Delgany St., Denver, CO 80202.

🎨 Admission to MCA Denver is ALWAYS FREE FOR TEENS!
The museum offers a welcoming space for teens that celebrates risk-taking and exploration—a place to connect with peers, share experiences, and discover the art of our time through their own creations and interactions with contemporary artists.

🕒 Museum Hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
🚗 Public parking is available nearby.

🔗 Learn more about the Topography exhibit here: mcadenver.org/exhibitions/topography

We encourage the community to visit and experience the stories our students—and their peers—are telling through their art. Congratulations to Aletsy and our other featured artist for this incredible honor!

Dancing into the Future Powwow - Tomorrow, Saturday the 19th!

Exciting event happening at Northfield!

Celebrate culture, community, and the graduating class of 2025 at the Dancing into the Future Powwow! All are welcome to attend, participate, and support this meaningful event filled with music, dance, and tradition. Come be part of the celebration!

📅 Date: Saturday, April 19
⏰ Time: Grand Entry at 12PM
📍 Where: Building 3; Northfield High School Campus
👥 Who is invited: General Public
💲Cost: FREE; donations accepted

Special Events
- Hat & Boot ($200 winner takes all!)
- Easter Bunny Tiny Tot Special
- Others TBD

Click here to download a copy of the event flyer.

Nighthawk Athletics Soaring This Spring!

Teams Making Major Moves Statewide:

⚾ Boys Baseball is currently ranked #3 in the state and riding an incredible 12-game winning streak under new Head Coach Dave Miller.
🥍 Girls Lacrosse jumped to #8 in 5A after an impressive week, earning big wins over Rock Canyon and Cherokee Trail.
⚽ Women’s Soccer remains undefeated with a 6-0-3 record, placing them in the top 20 statewide in 5A competition.

🎓 Northfield's Athletic Signing Day is Monday, April 21
We’re also thrilled to celebrate a record-breaking milestone—19 Northfield student-athletes will sign letters of intent to continue their athletic and academic journeys in college. This is the highest number of college-bound athletes in school history!

Signing Day is a powerful moment that highlights the dedication, discipline, and perseverance of our student-athletes. It represents years of hard work, both in the classroom and in competition, and opens the door to exciting opportunities at the next level.

Let’s hear it for our Nighthawks—on the field, in the classroom, and beyond!

🎉 Get Ready for Senior Week! 🎉

From April 21st to 25th, we're celebrating Northfield's Class of 2025 in style! It's almost time to celebrate four years of hard work with a week full of spirit days, fun activities, and plenty of school pride.

We’re encouraging all seniors to get involved and show how proud they are to be a Nighthawk! The week will wrap up with an exciting pep rally and a field day exclusively for seniors.

🟦 Monday, April 21 — Senior Overalls Day
Pull out those overalls and show off your senior style!

⚪ Tuesday, April 22 — Walking Yearbook Day
Wear a plain white shirt and let your classmates leave messages and memories.

🧒 Wednesday, April 23 — Throwback + Banner Day
Dress as your younger self, then stop by to sign the Class of 2025 banner!

👵 Thursday, April 24 — Senior Citizen Day
Time to break out the cardigans and canes—dress like a senior citizen!

🎓 Friday, April 25 — College & Career Day + Senior Field Day
Rep your college or post-high school plans with pride!
We'll wrap up the week with a pep assembly and a Senior Field Day celebration!

Click here to download a copy of the flyer.

📖IB Exam Period & End-of-Year Class Schedules

As we approach the IB exam period and the end of the school year, we want to clarify expectations regarding class schedules and final exams to ensure consistency and equity for all students. Please review the information below to help avoid any confusion about course end dates.

Key Dates & Expectations:

Non-Senior IB Courses:
Classes will continue as scheduled through the end of the school year, even while IB exams are taking place. All students are expected to attend and actively participate until their designated course end date.
IB Diploma Seniors:
Seniors completing the IB Diploma will be finished with all coursework after May 2.
Other Seniors (Non-IB Exam Courses):
Seniors not taking the IB exam for specific courses are required to attend class through May 12 and take their final exams on May 13-14.
All Other Grades:
Classes for grades 9-11 will continue through May 23, with final exams held during the week of May 27. Please note, there are a few exceptions in mixed grade-level IB classes, which are detailed in the table below.

Important:

Please refer to this table for the IB testing schedule and specific course end dates to ensure you are aware of attendance expectations and final exam dates for each class.

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a smooth and structured end to the school year.

If you have any questions:

For IB-related questions, contact Reina Cruz.
For non-IB-related questions, contact Bonnie Martin.

Finals QR Code

Northfield High School Foundation Scholarship Donations

The Northfield High School Foundation is proud to offer five non-renewable scholarships of $3,000 to the Northfield Class of 2025. Interested seniors must simply write and submit two short essays about their Northfield High School experience, detail plans following graduation and provide a recent transcript, to be considered. The Northfield High School Foundation Scholarship Committee will review applications and announce the winners in late April. If you, or anyone you know, would like to make a donation to the scholarship fund, please do so through Colorado Gives.

Community Happy Hour - Hosted by Northfield Foundation

Tickets are only $25!
This is a great way to support Northfield while connecting with community members.

Click here to Buy Tickets Now

Ticket includes:

Complimentary light appetizers
Cash bar
Exciting games
Optional use of Stick & Feather’s state-of-the-art golf simulators!

Following this event, you can hit the links on Saturday, May 3 at the 7th annual Nighthawk Community Golf Tournament.

7th Annual Nighthawk Community Golf Tournament

This is a 4-person scramble-style format and is fun for all levels of players. Register individually or as a team. Tournament registration also includes a post-game luncheon, fantastic prize opportunities and lots of playing time on one of Denver’s most beautiful city golf courses.

Registration: Click here to register
Fees: $185/person or $740 for a team of 4
Date: Saturday, May 3
Location: City Park Golf Course (3181 E 23rd Ave, Denver, CO 80205)
Time: Shotgun Start, 7:30 a.m.

Event Highlights:

Fiesta Buffet Lunch + one adult beverage included.
Ticket price also includes range balls for warm-up, all greens fees and golf carts.
Hole-in-one, marshmallow drive, longest drive challenge and other fun contests.
Networking and community-building.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses and/or individuals looking to support a great cause while gaining visibility.

Funds raised directly support:

Arts, Athletics, and Academic Programs at Northfield
Last year, we raised over $18,000 for:
- Lockers for sports equipment
- Musical instruments
- Student scholarships
- And much more!
- Last year, the tournament raised more $18,000!

Thank you for supporting the Northfield High School community!

Northfield Nighthawks Community Golf Tournament

Northfield Baseball Rockies Fundraiser

Support Nighthawk Nation Baseball by attending a Colorado Rockies game in 2025. Purchase a voucher for two tickets to your choice of one of 75 Rockies home games for $50. Voucher also allows for seat selection. Thank you for supporting Northfield Baseball!

Northfield Nighthawks Game Schedule

Share the Action. Coaches and/or Families: Please share photos of Northfield student-athletes in action, along with a sentence or two, and we'll include your content in this section! The deadline for submissions is 8 a.m. on Thursdays. Remember to tag @nighthawk.nation in your social media posts.

Questions / Concerns / Compliments

Do you have questions, comments or compliments for Northfield High School? We want to hear your feedback.

🎉We Want to Celebrate Your Student!

At Northfield, we know our students are achieving incredible things outside of school—whether it’s in sports, the arts, community service, or personal milestones. Since we don’t always get to hear about these accomplishments, we’d love for you to share them with us!

Please take a moment to fill out this quick survey and let us know about the amazing things your student is doing outside of Northfield. Your responses will help us recognize and celebrate their hard work and passions.

Please note: While we will do our best to share and highlight as many student achievements as possible, we may not be able to post them immediately. Thank you for your patience and for helping us celebrate our students!

Submit accomplishment here

Thank you for being part of the Northfield community!

DPS & Community News

Denver Public Schools Family Cultural Festival

DPS invites all families to the Denver Public Schools Family Cultural Festival on Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., at Harvey Park Recreation Center (2120 S. Tennyson Way, Denver, Colo. 80219). The festival offers wellness resources, knowledge on restorative practices, multicultural learning opportunities and fun experiences for the whole family. RSVP to attend. DPS looks forward to celebrating and building connections with you.

Guidance for Respiratory Illnesses

DPS Nursing and Student Health Services reminds all families of the following guidance for respiratory illnesses.

How are viruses spread?
Respiratory viruses are primarily spread through contact with droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person, typically via coughing and sneezing. These viruses can also spread when someone touches a surface that has the virus on it, as they can survive on hard surfaces for several hours and on skin for a shorter period. Frequent hand washing is crucial in reducing the spread.

General Health Practices:

Hand Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Cough/Sneeze Etiquette: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of tissues in the trash immediately.
Surface Cleaning: Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch areas such as doorknobs, mobile devices, countertops, and tables.
Avoid Close Contact: Refrain from close interactions, including kissing, sharing eating utensils, or shaking hands with individuals showing cold-like symptoms.
Flu Vaccination: Get your flu vaccine to help reduce the spread of illness.

By following these practices, we can help reduce the transmission of respiratory illnesses in our schools and protect the health of everyone in our community.

Additional Resources:

Updated Covid-19 Guidelines

In March 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its respiratory virus guidance for people with COVID-19. The updates align with guidance for other respirator viruses, including the flu and RSV. Review the complete guidelines.

Northfield High School
5500 Central Park Blvd.
Denver, Colo. 80238

Northfield High School