Weekly Newsletter – 3/6/2026

News from the Nest

March is Women’s History Month—a time to recognize the women who have shaped our communities, expanded opportunities, and redefined leadership and excellence, including in athletics. Sports have long been a powerful space where girls and women develop confidence, discipline, teamwork, and resilience. While opportunities for women in athletics were once limited, progress accelerated after the passage of Title IX, which helped open doors for generations of girls to compete, lead, and thrive in sports.

At Northfield, we see the impact of those opportunities every day through the dedication, talent, and determination of our student-athletes. Our girls who participate in athletics represent the very best of what sports can teach: perseverance, leadership, commitment to teammates, and the courage to compete at the highest level.

We are proud of all of our girls’ teams who have represented Northfield at the highest levels, competing in City Championships and State Championships since 2015. Their dedication, teamwork, and perseverance represent the very best of Nighthawk Nation.

Because of their recent win, we are especially proud of our women’s basketball team, who have advanced to the Final Four in the state tournament this Thursday, March 12 (Time TBD). Their success is the result of countless hours of practice, strong coaching, and the belief they have in one another. They are not only competing for a championship; they are also representing the legacy of women who fought for the chance to play, and they are inspiring the next generation of Nighthawks who will follow in their footsteps.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the women who paved the way, the coaches and mentors who guide our athletes today, and the incredible young women who continue to lead, compete, and inspire.

Congratulations to all of our female athletes and teams who continue to make Nighthawk Nation proud. 🏀💙💛

Jessica Rodriguez Bracey
Principal


Key Dates & Events


Staff Spotlight

Our City Year AmeriCorps Team

Picture of three members of the team standing against a brick wall.
L to R: West Schirmer, Guadalupe Zuniga Torres and Ashlley Torres. Not pictured: Stephanie Gonzalez

This AmeriCorps Appreciation Month, we are highlighting the City Year corps members who serve our students every day. As young adults committing a year to serving their community, these team members provide a unique “near-peer” support system that is integral to the Northfield experience.

The “Northfield Spark” in Action

The City Year team brings the “Northfield Spark” to life through consistent, daily action—from morning greetings to late-afternoon tutoring. This impact is most visible in our “hallway learning moments,” where corps members help students work through problems piece by piece. This success is built on a direct partnership with our Math 2 teachers, working together in real time to respond to student needs.

The Near-Peer Connection & The RISE Room

Because they are only a few years older than the students they mentor, corps members build a level of trust that allows for unique growth. This is especially vital in the RISE Room, a mental health and reset space. Throughout the day, they help students:

A Lasting Footprint

Their influence extends far beyond the gradebook. By facilitating a vibrant, inclusive after-school space and checking in during lunch, the City Year team helps maintain a school climate where students of all backgrounds feel seen and valued.

We are grateful for their commitment to our students and their continued partnership in our classrooms and hallways.


Weekly Highlights

Student Spotlight: Elian Oliva’s Journey to the Air Force Academy


We are thrilled to share that DPS recently highlighted one of our very own, Senior Elian Oliva, for his outstanding contributions to the Northfield community.

Elian is the definition of a student-athlete. A standout in the classroom and on the field, he was recently awarded the 2025 Denver Post Golden Helmet Award, recognizing Colorado’s most outstanding football player, student, and citizen. From leading the National Honor Society to helping our Nighthawks capture the 2024 4A Boys Track and Field State Championship, Elian’s impact has been felt across our entire campus.

This fall, Elian will be attending the United States Air Force Academy to pursue his dreams of becoming a pilot or entering the medical field.

Click here to watch the full video of Elian’s story!

“Follow your passions and stay fully committed to what you love.” — Elian Oliva


What Students Learned at the Senior Meeting

We recently met with the Class of 2026 to cover important milestones for their final months at Northfield. Since this deck is packed with crucial dates and graduation details, we are sharing it here for families of seniors to review.

Please take a moment to look through the slides with your student to ensure you’re both prepared for the busy months ahead:

Access the Senior Meeting Slides Here


Spring Musical: Urinetown (Trust Us, It’s a Must-See!)

Don’t let the title fool you—Urinetown: The Musical is a hilarious, high-stakes Broadway satire that is as clever as it is entertaining. Our theater department has been working incredibly hard to bring this ambitious production to life, featuring an impressive, custom-built set and a powerhouse ensemble cast.

Building on the momentum of our award-winning theater program, this year’s production showcases the incredible teamwork and dedication of our students both on stage and behind the scenes. Come see why this show is a modern favorite!

Performance Schedule

Tickets

Support the Nighthawk Cast Hygiene Drive

In connection with the themes of the show, the cast and crew are hosting a Hygiene Product Drive. They invite you to bring donations to the theater doors when you attend a performance. They are specifically looking for travel-sized:

Your contributions will go directly to supporting members of our community in need. Thank you for helping our students make an impact beyond the stage!


Library vs. Great Hall: Finding Your Perfect Workspace

To ensure our library remains a productive space for everyone, we’d like to share a few quick reminders regarding library usage:

Thank you for helping us keep the library a great place to study!


Preparing Principled Citizens for a Global Stage

At Northfield High School, we don’t just meet standards—we set them. As an Innovation School, we have intentionally designed graduation requirements that go above and beyond state minimums to ensure every Nighthawk is truly world-ready.

The Innovation Edge

Our elevated requirements are a strategic investment in your student’s future. This “cornerstone experience” translates into significant college credit and real-world savings for our families.

What Makes the Northfield Diploma Different?

To graduate, every Nighthawk completes a rigorous curriculum designed for 21st-century demands:

By mastering these subjects, our students become the critical thinkers and effective communicators that top-tier universities and global employers demand.


Final Call: 2027 International Travel & Scholarships

Interested in Asia, Great Britain, or Europe for the 2026/2027 school year? We have a few spots left, and we are hosting our final information meeting to get your student on board!

The Highlights:

Can’t make it? RSVP anyway to receive the info and be notified of future “VIP” travel opportunities. Questions? Contact Bonnie Martin at bonnie_martin@dpsk12.net


Senior Timeline

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



Hawk Happenings

Prom 2026: Key Dates & Ticket Info

Tickets: $50 Each Tickets are purchased via MySchoolBucks (credit/debit). Before visiting Mr. Ritter, please ensure all fees are settled:

Important Timeline

Where to Buy (Building 5) Students must bring their school ID and approved guest form (if applicable) to:


Holmes Omega Scholarship Opportunity

We are pleased to share a scholarship opportunity dedicated to expanding access to higher education for young Black men from historically underrepresented communities in the Metro area.

If you are a student who demonstrates strong academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community involvement, we encourage you to apply.


New Northfield Foundation Scholarship Platform is Active

The Northfield Foundation transitioned to a new scholarship platform effective today, March 6. This is the exclusive portal for seniors to apply for five $3,000 scholarships.

Important Note: Because the previous platform shut down on March 5, any incomplete applications did not transfer. If you did not complete an application before today, you must start a new one on the updated site.



Athletics

Weekly Shoutouts

GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM SOARS INTO THE FINAL FOUR!

Huge congratulations to our Girls Basketball team for their thrilling 66-59 victory over the Riverdale Ridge Ravens at the Denver Coliseum this morning! In a high-stakes battle between two 22-3 powerhouses, our Nighthawks proved their mettle on the big stage, officially securing a spot in the CHSAA 6A Final Four.

The journey continues next week back at the Coliseum! We now await the winner of the Cherokee Trail vs. Legend matchup (tipping off at 4:00 PM today) to see who we face in the semifinals. We are so proud of this team’s grit, talent, and heart. Let’s keep this momentum going all the way to the championship! 


Upcoming Games & Events

The Spring Season Has Officially Started! 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!

Women’s Soccer:  Home Opener This Saturday

Join us Saturday, March 7th as our Women’s Soccer team hosts Fossil Ridge High School for the home opener!

Go Nighthawks!!!


Community Notice

Measles Preparedness

With multiple measles cases recently reported in Colorado, we want to ensure our students are prepared. Because measles is highly contagious, local public health officials have strict protocols for school environments.

What You Need to Know: In the event of a measles exposure at school, public health officials may require students without documented immunity to remain home for a 21-day quarantine (or longer). This is a standard safety measure to prevent further spread, but we want to help our students avoid missing three weeks of classroom time.

Next Steps for Families

Questions? Please reach out to Nurse Kate at kate_marshall@dpsk12.net or call 720-423-8125.


SchoolChoice Round 2: Opens March 10

For families new to DPS or those who missed Round 1, Round 2 of SchoolChoice begins Tuesday, March 10 at 10 a.m. * First-Come, First-Served: Applications are processed in the order received within school priorities.

Moving On?  Help a Future Nighthawk!

If your student is currently enrolled at Northfield 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.

Action Requested

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!



Support Our School

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

Save the Date: The 2026 Nighthawk Community Golf Tournament!

The Northfield High School Foundation is headed back to the green! Join us for a day of fun, prizes, and community support.

Registration is NOW OPEN. Grab your spot as an individual or gather a team of four. Local businesses—ask us about sponsorship opportunities!

Register Here



Just for Fun

Don’t forget: Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday, March 8! While we’ll all “lose” an hour of sleep, we’re gaining that glorious extra hour of evening sunlight.

Did you know that the idea of Daylight Saving was first suggested by Benjamin Franklin? He jokingly proposed it in an essay as a way to save on the cost of candles. Nearly 250 years later, we’re still following his “bright” idea!