Last week, our Model UN team traveled to the University of Wyoming for the Model Arab League Regional Conference. Over three intensive days, we stepped into the roles of international diplomats representing Sudan and Saudi Arabia. Model UN is easily one of the best clubs Northfield offers because it forces us to tear down cultural walls and develop deep empathy. By taking on the roles of ambassadors to discuss global issues, we aren’t just practicing public speaking; we are learning how to collaborate and relate to others—skills that are essential for any future career.
The work in our committees was high-stakes and fast-paced. Representing Sudan with Gavin Grimsley, I worked alongside delegates from Yemen, Syria, and Egypt to find ways to protect financial aid from being wasted during conflict. My teammates Salma Hanine and Mattie, representing Saudi Arabia, successfully led three resolutions focused on humanitarian aid oversight and creating vocational training programs to help develop skilled workers across the Middle East. Whether we were debating the “blue economy” or cross-border infrastructure, we were constantly challenged to find innovative forms of aid for war-torn regions.
A major highlight for us was hearing from guest panelists who shared their real-world experiences stationed in dangerous locations around the globe. Hearing how they connected with people to make a difference was incredibly inspiring. As my teammate Mattie reflected, experiences like this help grow a “kinder, more educated world” by forcing us to step into shoes that have a completely different cultural perspective. We left Wyoming not just as better debaters, but with a much stronger understanding of the world we are preparing to lead.
Carson Gurley
Class of 2026
A familiar face in the halls and on the pool deck, Olivia Allen plays a dual role at Northfield as both an English 1 Honors teacher and the leader of our Nighthawk Swim and Dive programs (men’s and women’s). Whether she is analyzing literature or pacing the sidelines, Olivia’s dedication to student growth is evident in everything she does.
Olivia earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Redlands before moving to Colorado to complete her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Denver. Five years ago, she began her teaching career right here at Northfield. Her coaching journey followed a similar trajectory; after two years as an Assistant Coach, she stepped into the Head Coach role last year, recently wrapping up an incredible season with the girls’ team.
In the classroom, Olivia’s mission is to make challenging content approachable. “My goal is to create an environment where students are comfortable sharing ideas, taking risks in their writing, and building confidence in their skills,” she explains.
That same philosophy of growth and support carries over to the water. “With the swim and dive program, my focus has been on supporting a culture that values both competitiveness and inclusion.” The results speak for themselves—this past season, the girls’ team placed second at the league meet and shattered nine school records. “What stood out most, though, is the way athletes at all experience levels continued to improve and support one another.”
For Olivia, the “Nighthawk way” is all about the people. “I feel grateful to work at Northfield because of the strong sense of community and the way students show up for each other, whether in the classroom or at competitions.”
With School Choice results arriving in late February, we know some families may be preparing for a transition to a different public or private school.
If your student is currently enrolled for the 2026-27 school year but will not be attending Northfield, please let us know immediately. By notifying us now, you allow us to offer that spot to a student currently waiting for a seat in our community.
If you are attending a different school next year, please complete this brief notification form:
NOT Attending Northfield 2026-27 Form
Note: Once submitted, our team will contact you directly to officially confirm the details and finalize the process. Thank you for helping us support our waitlisted families!
From February 13–15, 185 Northfield students traveled to the Gaylord Rockies for the HOSA State Leadership Conference. Competing against over 2,300 students from across Colorado, our Nighthawks proved themselves to be the future leaders of the healthcare industry.
What is HOSA? It is a global student-led organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Students compete in rigorous events that test their knowledge and clinical skills in areas like Biochemistry, Medical Law, and Anatomy. For our students, this isn’t just an extracurricular; it is a months-long commitment to mastering advanced biomedical content.
Our students’ hard work paid off in a big way. Northfield earned 44 Top 10 finishes and 22 Top 3 placements. Even more exciting: every student who placed in the Top 3 is now eligible to compete at the International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis this June!
State Champions (1st Place)
2nd Place Medalists
3rd Place Medalists
Top 10 Finalists: Congratulations also to our 20+ additional Top 10 finalists in categories ranging from Medical Spelling and Sports Medicine to Forensic Science and Veterinary Science!
We are incredibly proud of the professionalism and academic excellence our students displayed. A huge thank you to our HOSA advisors—Angela Cannava, Abby Cox, and Jef Brown—for their tireless support of these future health professionals.
Denver Public Schools is developing a new district-wide policy regarding student communication devices (cell phones, smartwatches, etc.), as required by Colorado State Law HB25-1135. Your input is vital to ensure this policy is equitable and supports the needs of all students.
Why it matters: This policy will impact daily school life, including rules for classroom use and accommodations for students with health or learning needs.
Take Action by Feb. 27
Please share your perspective via the community feedback form before it closes next Friday.
If you are interested in observing the Communications Devices Advisory Committee (CDAC) at work, their fourth meeting is on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the 14th floor of the Emily Griffith Campus (1860 Lincoln St.) Childcare and Spanish interpretation services will be available for meeting observers. If interpretation services are needed for languages other than Spanish, email CDAC.groups@dpsk12.net.
Visit the CDAC web page for more information about CDAC meetings and public comment.
Did you know every Northfield student has access to a premium, district-linked Khan Academy account? As part of our IB for All mission, we want to ensure every Nighthawk has the tools to master their coursework and prepare for the future.
Why should your student log in today?
Whether your student is aiming for the IB Diploma or looking to shore up foundational skills, Khan Academy serves as a 24/7 personal tutor.
Get Started: Find our step-by-step setup guide and login instructions on our website: 👉 Visit the Northfield Khan Academy Resource Page
Please mark your calendars for the upcoming state science assessment.
The window to opt out your student closes at the end of February. Requests are submitted via the DPS Parent Portal. Follow this guide for details. Only a parent or legal guardian may submit this request.
A massive thank you to The Northfield Foundation for supporting our staff with milk and cookies during our recent Professional Development day!
It turns out the thrill of a cold glass of milk and a fresh cookie doesn’t actually fade after elementary school—if anything, it’s even better when you’re an adult (and especially when it’s free). Bringing these treats in on a PD day was a stroke of genius, ensuring every teacher had an equal opportunity to hit the snack bar between sessions.
Beyond the sugar fix, it was a sincere reminder that our community has our backs. Being recognized and supported makes the “work” part of the day a lot sweeter. Thank you for the thoughtful—and delicious—surprise!
Looking for a fun, high-energy way to get active this spring? Northfield officially launched its first-ever Girls Ultimate Frisbee club, and we want you to be a part of the team! Ultimate is a fast-paced, inclusive sport that is incredibly easy to learn. No experience is needed—just bring your energy and a desire to build an amazing new community.
The Details
How to Get Involved
Ready to play? Take one of these two simple steps:
Come help us build this team from the ground up!
We are thrilled to announce Brad Howard as our new Head Tennis Coach! Coach Howard joins us with impressive experience as a former collegiate coach at Johns Hopkins University. His energy and commitment to building a strong team culture will undoubtedly elevate our program.
Find out more or meet the coach at an informational meeting on Wednesday, February 18 at 4:15 p.m. on the Northfield High Tennis Courts.
Registration is OPEN. You must complete these two steps before participating in the tryouts which start this Monday, Feb. 23rd:
Questions? See Mr. Ocansey or Ms. Shea in the Athletics office.
Dates: Feb. 23 – Feb. 25 | Time: 4:00 PM – 5:45 PM Location: NHS Main Field
Gear Needed: Cleats, shin guards, tennis shoes, and an NHS-branded top.
All athletes must be cleared via Arbiter by Feb. 23 to step onto the pitch.
Starting this spring, the district is moving to a new platform for real-time schedule updates. Bookmark it now:
Join us on May 16 at 6:45 PM to watch the Denver Summit take on the Orlando Pride! A portion of every ticket sold directly supports the Northfield Women’s Soccer program.
Last Week: By a thin margin, respondents would rather wrestle Honest Abe than John Adams’ pet alligator!
This Week…Humble Your Playlist
You may not like the music your student listens to, but are you ready to confess that you once unironically sang along to LFO (“Billy Shakespeare wrote a whole bunch of sonnets”), knew every word to Sisqó’s “Thong Song,” or—heaven forbid—owned the Chumbawamba CD single? Or is this a bit of history that you’re revising?