Northfield High School

An International Baccalaureate World School
Nighthawk Navigator

A Note from the Nest...

Jessica Rodriguez Bracey
Jessica Rodriguez Bracey

Hello Nighthawks,

As we prepare to wrap up November with a well-deserved break, it’s the perfect time to reflect on all the things we appreciate about our Northfield community. I’m especially thankful for our incredible staff, who pour their hearts into supporting our students every day, and for our families and community members, who always show up with thoughtful gifts, kind gestures, and endless support - you remind us how strong we are together.

Gratitude connects us in powerful ways, and I’d love for students, families, and staff to take a moment to share about a staff member they are thankful for. Use this form to give a shout-out to someone who has made a difference.

Jessica Rodriguez Bracey
Principal
Northfield High School

Native American Heritage Month
November is National Native American Heritage Month.

Upcoming Events

Sunday, Dec. 1: FAFSA 2025/26 Opens
Monday, Dec. 2: Late Start/Stripe Day
Thursday, Dec. 5: ThesCon Previews
Monday, Dec. 9: Late Start/Stripe Day; Spring Musical Auditions 
Tuesday, Dec. 10: Colorado Gives Day; Spring Musical Auditions 
Wednesday, Dec. 11: DSF Financial Services Speed Networking Event; Spring Musical Auditions 
Saturday, Dec. 14: DECA/HOSA Fun Run & Maker Market
Monday, Dec. 16: Late Start/Stripe Day
Tuesday, Dec. 17: Finals periods 1 and 3
Wednesday, Dec. 18: Finals periods 2 and 4
Thursday, Dec. 19: Finals periods 5 and 7
Friday, Dec. 20: Finals periods 6 and 8
Monday, Dec. 23 - Friday, Jan. 3: Winter Break
Monday, Jan. 6: No School; District Professional Learning Day

Northfield News

International Baccalaureate Exam Charges

In the coming weeks, charges for International Baccalaureate (IB) exams will appear within the MySchoolBucks accounts of juniors and seniors enrolled in IB classes. IB exams are available to seniors as they complete their two-year IB classes, as well as juniors completing one-year IB classes. Students registered for IB exams in October, and confirmed their registrations during the week of Nov. 11.

IB exams cost $123 per subject and offer students the opportunity to earn college credit with qualifying scores. Most students leave Northfield with at least three college credits, and some with as many as 30 credits based on their achievement on IB exams. 100 percent of the cost of exam fees is paid to IB; Northfield retains $0 of exam registration fees. 

We are pleased to be able to offer no-cost IB exams for students who receive free and reduced price lunch. Students also had the opportunity to apply for scholarships during the registration process and we are pleased to be able to grant these scholarships. Scholarship discounts are reflected on MySchoolBucks.

Students who wish to sign up for exams that they did not initially sign up for will be charged a $39 late fee for each late exam until Wednesday, Jan. 15. Conversely, students wishing to withdraw from an exam can do so until Tuesday, Jan. 14 to receive a full refund. After this date, no refunds will be given, and no additional registrations can be made. 

For late registrations, withdrawals, or other issues, please contact Northfield IB Coordinator, Mr. Peter Wright.

First Semester Final Exam Schedule; Tutoring Options

The first semester of the 24/25 school year ends on Friday, Dec. 20. Nighthawks in all grades will participate in final exams the week of Dec. 16. Monday, Dec. 16 is a Late Start/Stripe Day. Tuesday through Friday, students will take two exams each day, if they have class during the specified periods (see the schedule below). On these days, students will finish the school day at 10:35 a.m., followed by a Grab and Go Lunch option available until 11:30 a.m. Students may use the time between 10:35 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. for extended test time, makeups and/or support from teachers.

First Semester Finals
Nighthawks in all grades will participate in final exams the week of Dec. 16.

In preparation of final exams, Nighthawks are encouraged to participate in Northfield's Final 30 offering. The Final 30 is held 3:25-3:55 p.m., Monday through Friday, when school is in session. The time is devoted to assisting students with assignments, assessments and tutoring, as well as mental health check-ins and club meetings. During this time, students should arrange a time and location to meet with their teacher, counselor and/or club sponsor.

Tutoring with City Year, an education nonprofit, is also available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-5 p.m., in the Library. Northfield students are invited to take advantage of this tutoring option following the completion of a permission slip signed by a parent/guardian.

DSF Financial Services Speed-Networking Event

DSF Financial Services

Northfield's Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) will host a financial services speed-networking event for all students on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 9:59-11:30 a.m., in Building 5 Room 119. Encourage your student to sign up. Students in attendance will connect with professionals who manage money and support individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals. Lunch is provided. Attendees have the opportunity to win a $25 gift card of their choice! For questions, please email DSF Events Manager, Cendy, or connect with DSF College Advisors in the Northfield Future Center. 

Northfield header

Northfield Career Partnerships; Mentor Opportunity

Participating in an informational interview or job shadow gives students an opportunity to explore their professional interests and prepares them to make informed decisions about their career and college plans. Listening to experiences, asking questions and seeing work happen first-hand can make a huge difference for career trajectories. To make this service accessible to more students, Northfield is looking for volunteers to support our students' career development and interests. Complete the Northfield Career Partnerships Interest Form.

Senior Portrait Submission Deadline Extended

The senior portrait submission deadline was just EXTENDED! You now have until Sunday, Jan. 26, to submit your favorite senior portrait for inclusion within this year's Northfield High School yearbook. Each senior is allotted one vertical, rectangle portrait, 2” wide by 3” high, at 3000 dpi and saved in JPG format. Submission of a senior portrait is optional. More information and submission detail is available within the Class of 2025 Senior Timeline.

Senior Portrait extension

Weekly Northfield Grade Email

grade email

New this year, each Friday, families receive a weekly grade email summarizing their student’s academic progress, including current grades and attendance in class. This email is a valuable tool to help support a student’s success.

Five Ways to Use the Weekly Grade Email

  1. Encourage Advocacy: Review the email with your student(s) and encourage them to reach out to teachers with questions or concerns.

  2. Encourage Final 30 Attendance: Remind your student(s) to utilize Northfield's daily "Final 30" from 3:25-3:55 p.m., where they can meet with teachers for extra help or to improve grades.

  3. City Year Tutoring: Take advantage of City Year tutoring in the Northfield Library, offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. Learn more about this opportunity.

  4. Check the DPS Portal: Regularly review grades and attendance in the DPS Student/Parent Portal to stay up-to-date on your student's academic progress.

  5. Reach Out for Support: Contact your student’s support liaison or dean, if you need additional support related to attendance or behavior.

Thank you for partnering with us to support your student’s journey at Northfield High School! For questions about weekly grade check emails, contact Northfield Principal Resident, Mr. Brian Cochran.

College Financial Aid: FAFSA Open Sunday, Dec. 1

FAFSA
The 2025–26 FAFSA® Form opens on Sunday, Dec. 1.

The 2025–26 FAFSA® Form officially opens on Sunday, Dec. 1. Any high school senior, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs, should complete the FAFSA. The form takes most people less than one hour to fill out; this includes gathering personal documents and financial information needed to complete it. Materials needed to complete the FAFSA include a username and password; parent/guardian contributor name, date of birth, social security number and email address; plus, income and asset information, if required. For questions about the 2025–26 FAFSA® Form, college applications and more, contact Northfield's Denver Scholarship Foundation Advisor, Mr. Zack Montez.

Northfield Students Receive DPS Foundation Grant

DPS Foundation Grant winners
Northfield Seniors, Melissa Roman-Giles and Chloe Mann, named recipients of DPS Foundation Student Grant Fund.

Congratulations to Northfield Seniors, Melissa Roman-Giles and Chloe Mann, who each received money from the DPS Foundation Student Grant Fund. Melissa received $600 to support her small business, and Chloe Mann $2,000 to support the Northfield Women in Business Club. 

The DPS Foundation Student Grant Fund opened last spring and is continuing this year as a pilot program. Learn more about the Student Grant Fund and/or make a donation.

Student Council Food Drive Recap

Food Drive
Junior Student Council members, Charles Easley and Andrew Spector, deliver food donations to the Food Bank of the Rockies.

Northfield Student Council’s Annual Food Drive brought in more than 700lbs of non-perishable food items collected during the month of November. Donations were given to the Food Bank of the Rockies. The English teacher with the most donations was Ms. Altepeter. Each of Ms. Altepeter's class periods will receive donuts after break.

ThesCon Preview on Stage

Northfield Theatre

Northfield Theatre invites the Nighthawk Community to attend ThesCon Previews on Thursday, Dec. 5, 4-6 p.m., in Building 1. Northfield student actors will perform the scenes they’ll use for the Colorado Thespians Thescon expo, Dec. 12-14, at the Colorado Convention Center.

For questions, please contact Northfield Theatre Teacher, Ms. Hanan Al-Naqeeb.

Spring Musical 'Hadestown: Teen Edition;' Audition Packet

The Nighthawk’s spring musical is Hadestown: Teen Edition, a jazz-inflected folk opera following Orpheus’ mythical quest to overcome Hades and regain the favor of his one true love, Eurydice. Auditions begin Monday, Dec. 9; callbacks are Wednesday, Dec. 11. All Northfield students are invited to audition, whether they have theatre experience or not. Prior to auditioning, students should review the Hadestown: Teen Edition audition packet.

Hadestown
Spring musical auditions begin Monday, Dec. 9
DECA Youth Business Market

DECA/HOSA Fun Run and Holiday Maker Market

Sign up to participate in the Northfield DECA/HOSA Fun Run on Saturday, Dec. 14, 9-11 a.m. Participants can run a 1k or 5k, and afterward visit the DECA market, including booths and food trucks. Participation fees go toward upcoming DECA and HOSA club competitions.

Learn more about HOSA, DECA,  and all student clubs at Northfield.

DECA/HOSA

Don't Forget to Order School Pictures

Jostens

School pictures taken earlier this school year are available for families to view and order online. To access your student's photo, use NORTHFIELD HIGH SCHOOL and event code: FE301324.

Please contact Jostens Customer
Care at 877-515-1447, for questions.

Give to The Northfield High School Foundation

Colorado Gives Day: Give to the Northfield Foundation
Colorado Gives Day is Tuesday, Dec. 10, and it’s easily the best day to give.

Colorado currently spends less per pupil for education than the national average. It's up to us to make a difference for students at Northfield High School.

If every Northfield family contributes $200, we would hit our goal each year and be able to say yes to every request from teachers and admin. You can join the statewide Colorado Gives movement and make a big impact at Northfield. This year, Colorado Gives Day is Tuesday, Dec. 10, and it’s easily the best day to give. Please consider contributing $25, $50, $100 or $250 to the Northfield Foundation.
Give today!

How to Get Started
Visit
the Foundation’s donation page.
Choose the option for monthly giving.

Thank you for your support and making this the most successful Northfield Colorado Gives Day yet. For questions about The Northfield High School Foundation, please reach out to Foundation President and Parent, Dawn Owens. Questions about Colorado Gives Day can be directed to Northfield Fundraising Chair and Parent, Kelly Hogan.

Nighthawk Nation

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.

Champions: Northfield Cheer and Poms Teams

Introducing your DPS League Champions! Northfield Cheer and Poms teams took first place in their categories last weekend; plus, a second place finish in the jazz category. Shout out to the teams and coaches for their dedication and unending Northfield spirit.

poms
poms
cheer

Flag Football 5A Playmaker Award

Caroline Cumming
Caroline Cummings is a 2024 Playmaker's Corner 5A All-Freshman Wide Receiver.

Shout out to Northfield Flag Football Player Caroline Cummings for being named a 2024 Playmaker's Corner 5A All-Freshman Wide Receiver! The award was presented to Caroline by Nighthawk Flag Football Coach and Northfield Teacher, Mr. Garrett Hayes, and by Team Captain, Izzy Puckett. Congrats, Caroline!

Nighthawk Volleyball Call Outs; First Team All City League Placement

Nighthawk Volleyball is proud to announce six All City League Conference honors. Congratulations to:

Mariah Lindsay (L/DS) ('25) - 1st Team All City League
Kandice Kountz (S) ('25) - 2nd Team All City League
De'Ja Lewis (OH) ('28) - 2nd Team All City League
Grace Rodgers (RH) ('25) - All City Honorable Mention
Jaia Daniels (MH) ('25) - All City Honorable Mention
Emma Keuler (OH) ('27) - All City Honorable Mention

As a 1st Team honor, Mariah will play in the City League All-Star match; date is pending.

All City League
All City honorable mention

Varsity Soccer Players Named to City League All Conference

Soccer
Twelve Northfield Men’s Varsity Soccer players awarded All Conference recognition.

Congratulations to our Northfield Men’s Varsity Soccer Team with 12 players earning City League All Conference!!! Nighthawk Nation is extremely proud of this group's hard work and ongoing dedication to the game.

1st Team All-Conference
Zander Kosmas ('25)
Caden Gard ('25)
Isaias Bonilla ('26)
Ethan Cruz ('26)
Adrian Rodriguez ('26)

2nd Team All-Conference
Brody Douglas ('26)
Seven Green ('25)
Evan Holsinger ('26)
Ari Druck ('26)

Honorable Mention
Colton Chalker ('26)
Calvin Georgeson ('26)
Logan Saenger ('25)

A special congratulations to our DPS ALL CITY PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Isaias Bonilla!

Holiday Shopping: Poms Team Fundraiser

kendra scott

Save your holiday shopping for the Northfield Poms event at Kendra Scott!

In-store shopping is Friday, Dec. 6, 5-7 p.m. at Kendra Scott's Cherry Creek North location (175 N. Fillmore St., Denver, Colo.). Online shopping is Dec. 6 AND Saturday, Dec. 7, using code: GIVEBACK-IBLDY.

On both days, 20% of sales will be donated to the Poms Team to help with the cost of uniforms, competition fees and travel.

Poms

Questions / Concerns / Compliments

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

DPS & Community News

Food Bank Resources (English)
Food Bank Resources (Spanish)

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