Weekly Newsletter 3/13/2026

News from the Nest

March is Theatre in Our Schools Month

Performing Arts Teachers:  Hanan Al-Naqeeb, Mark Moen and Ms. Barkey.  There is a skeleton in a flannel to represent Mark Miller.
L to R: Hanan Al-Naqeeb, Mark Moen, ‘Mark Miller’, Kelsey Barkey

This is a time to celebrate the creativity, confidence, communication, and collaboration that theatre brings to our students. Through school plays, musicals, and classroom work, students learn how to express themselves and practice empathy.

Theatre offers students the opportunity to learn many important transferable skills. Acting helps students become comfortable speaking in front of audiences, enhancing their public speaking and presentation skills. Classes and productions show students how to work as a team, as students must collaborate to bring a show to life. Learning how to creatively problem solve is a central element in theatre; through improvisation and performance, students learn to think on their feet and develop creative solutions to challenges—all skills that are essential to a productive, successful, and happy life. Moreover, the experiences, friendships, and lessons learned have a lasting, positive impact. Theatre is a beautiful combination of absolute fun and meaningful learning.

Join Us for Urinetown: The Musical

Group photo of theater students on the set.

Speaking of fun, come see the All School Musical Production of Urinetown: The Musical from March 19–21 at 7 p.m. and a matinee on March 21 at 1 p.m. Over 70 of our incredible students—cast, crew, and band—have spent over 150 hours working to create this fun piece. Despite its questionable name, this Tony-winning, high-energy satirical masterpiece brilliantly subverts Broadway conventions. It is a sharp, self-aware, and riotous production that lovingly parodies musicals while simultaneously making a pointed critique of capitalism.

Donation Drive 

In keeping with the themes of the show, we are conducting a hygiene drive. Products will go to the St. Francis Center, a nonprofit providing care for adults experiencing homelessness, and the Denver Rescue Mission. Donation details are at the bottom of the newsletter.

Hanan Al-Naqeeb
Theatre Arts Teacher/Director


Key Dates & Events



Weekly Highlights

Girls Basketball Team – Championship Bound!

Our Nighthawks (24-3) are headed to the 6A State Championship! After a thrilling 67-57 semifinal win over top-seeded Cherokee Trail at the Denver Coliseum, our girls are ready to take the final step.

Championship Game Details:

Let’s bring the energy and support the “Flock” as they play for the title. Go Nighthawks!


K.I.N.D. Week: Kindness Inspires Nighthawks Daily

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Next week is K.I.N.D. Week at Northfield! We invite all students to participate in our daily spirit themes and special events as we celebrate our community.

Daily Themes & Events:

NOTE:  Bring actual money to school on Friday if you’d like to donate during the ‘Miracle Minute’!


Establishing a Legacy: The Inaugural DECA State Champion Banner ‘Signing”

Pics of DECA state champion students holding their banner.

Last week, our school’s DECA took a significant step in recognizing academic achievement by hosting our first-ever State Champion ‘Signing’ Ceremony.

We believe that the grit and expertise required to win a State Championship in business should be celebrated with the same prestige as any varsity sport. To honor this achievement, our five champions gathered to sign their “DECA State Champion 2026” banners before hanging them in our main corridor—transforming the hallway into a Gallery of Champions.

This year’s winners have added four new titles to our existing six, marking a decade of excellence for our chapter:

These banners serve as a permanent reminder to all students that hard work and professional skill lead to tangible success. We are incredibly proud of these students for cementing their place in our school’s history.


Northfield High School IB Visual Arts & Film Annual Showcase

A collage of student art; decorative.

You’re Invited: IB Visual Arts & Film Annual Showcase

An immersive exhibition celebrating the creativity, dedication, and artistic vision of International Baccalaureate (IB) Visual Arts and Film students. This gallery-style showcase features a diverse collection of works created by SL and HL Visual Arts students, alongside a special IB Film presentation highlighting original student films and cinematic storytelling.

Developed through the rigor and inquiry of the IB program, these works reflect students’ exploration of ideas, personal perspectives, and technical skill across a range of media. The exhibition celebrates not only the final artworks and films on display, but also the thoughtful process, experimentation, and artistic growth that define the IB creative journey.

Event Details

Location: Building 5 Lobby


Innovation Edge:  Developing Service-Oriented Leaders

A core part of our mission is producing graduates who understand the value of giving back. Through our Innovation Plan, we are moving beyond the four walls of the classroom to ensure every student feels a deep connection to their community.

To support this growth, our curriculum includes a 30-hour community service requirement paired with mentored Advisory experiences. This ensures that by the time our students walk across the graduation stage, they aren’t just academic achievers—they are practiced leaders ready to make a difference.


Community Service Update

Since August, 850+ Nighthawks have logged over 14,000 hours of service! We are incredibly proud of your efforts and the positive impact on our community.

Class of 2026: Graduation Requirements

Upcoming Opportunities

Local Partners

Need more hours? Consider: Project Cure, Denver Rescue Mission, A Little Help, Sacred Heart House, Clothes to Kids, Denver Urban Gardens, Volgistics, or Book Give.

Questions? Visit the Student Life tab on our website or see Ms. Liz Ritter in the Building 3 Library (8am–4pm).


Final Call: 2027 International Travel Opportunities

Informational Meeting

We have a few spots remaining for our 2027 educational tours to Asia, Great Britain, and Europe! Join us to learn how these trips build independence and global perspective.

Join us on Wednesday, March 18 from 6-8 p.m. in Building 1 for our travel night presentation. Learn about itineraries, hands-on learning, and total costs. If the trips fill up at this meeting, a waitlist will be opened.

Scholarship Opportunity

Northfield is awarding four $500 scholarships to be applied directly to tour costs.

Note: You do not need to be enrolled in a tour yet to win!

Stay in the Loop

Parent FAQ: Visit our partner, EF Tours, for answers to common travel questions.

Future Trips: Join the Northfield Travel VIP Group to get first priority on future travel dates and scholarships.


Earn the Seal of Climate Literacy

Are you a 10th-12th grader passionate about the environment? If you qualify for the Seal of Climate Literacy this year, there are two important steps to take:

Need help? If you need support or want to request a class visit to learn more about the seal, please email Abigail Harkey.


Senior Timeline

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



Hawk Happenings

Northfield Foundation Scholarship – DEADLINE TODAY!

Northfield Class of 2026: This is THE last chance to grab one of five $3,000 scholarships! If you haven’t finished your application on Scholarship360, do it NOW. The window closes tonight at midnight!  .

$3,000 for college or trade school. Just need your transcript and short responses.

Don’t miss out—apply before it’s too late!

Apply Now! 


Free CSU First-Generation Business Summit (Earn College Credit!)

Ever wondered what it’s actually like to live on a college campus? This free, week-long summer program at Colorado State University gives high schoolers a head start on college life and business skills.

What You’ll Do:

Who Can Apply:

📅 Important Dates:

How to Apply: Complete application form or email: cob_1st_generation_business_summit@colostate.edu for more info



Athletics

Weekly Shoutouts

Shoutouts to Delaney Dennis, whose 22-points along with 16 points each from juniors Madison Bethel and London Taylor, led our No. 5 Nighthawks to a gritty 67-57 upset over top-seeded Cherokee Trail and a shot at the state championship against Highlands Ranch.

Highlands Ranch will be playing for its eighth state championship in girls basketball, which would be its first since 2011. We are attempting our first girls basketball state title.

Upcoming Events

The Spring Season is now in full swing! Good luck to all our Nighthawk athletes as they take the field, court, and track. Let’s show up, show out, and cheer them on!

Can’t Attend? Most games are available to watch via a HUDL subscription.

Stay Up to Date: Check the Full Nighthawk Schedule Here.

Note: Starting this season, the district is switching to ArbiterLive for real-time updates and schedule changes.

Tickets: Purchase online or in person via GoFan; for regular season events.

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




Support Our School

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Support our Community at Urinetown Performance

Donations benefit the Denver Rescue Mission and St. Francis Center.


Give Your Instruments a “Second Act“

The Northfield Tri-M Music Honor Society is halfway through our March Instrument Drive! If you have a dusty clarinet in the closet or a trumpet taking up space under the bed, now is the perfect time to help keep the music playing in our community.

What We’re Looking For:

Where & When to Drop Off:

If you are a…Drop-Off LocationBest Time
Parent / VisitorBldg 5 Front OfficeSchool Days (8:25 AM – 4:00 PM)
CommuterStudent Lot (off 56th)Tues & Fri (3:25 PM – 3:50 PM)
Current StudentBldg 1, Room 116Passing Periods or Final 30

Just for Fun

Two weeks until break.  If you’re staying local and want to help save water, consider these options:

Actually Helpful Tip: If you’re looking for real inspiration, the Denver Botanic Gardens is a great staycation spot to see how “Xeric” plants like Blue Flax and Lavender stay beautiful even when it’s dry!