Weekly Newsletter – 4/17/2026

News from the Nest

Picture of Ethan Aelabouni
Ethan Aelabouni

Arab American Heritage to me as a Palestinian-American student at Northfield High School, is about holding onto my identity in a world that doesn’t take nearly as much time as it should to try and understand or recognize it. It’s a reminder that although I live in Denver, my culture is not something that stays in the background-its something that I hold close and carry with me everyday, whether people recognize it or not. 

One of the primary things that I take pride in is the way that Palestinian culture and identity is centered around community and resilience. My family gatherings are loud, full of laughter, and always include more food than I can stomach. I have distinct memories of spending every holiday at my grandparents house in the village of Eilabun, where the house would be filled with relatives(including the several people who weren’t technically related to us but were still considered family).

As is in many cultures, food and shared meals are key parts of Palestinian culture. Most if not all of our dishes are based around meats such as lamb and beef, rice, olives, and grape leaves. My favourites included my father’s Kafta and my grandmothers Kousa w Warak and Shish Barak. These meals and recipes have been passed through generations of my family, and every bite is not only delicious but possesses history. 

Being Palestinian-American can feel like I am living in two worlds sometimes. There are several times where I have to explain parts of my identity to people who have never learned about it or have preconceived notions about it and that can be frustrating. But it also makes me aware of how important it is to share my culture and represent it in a real way, one that goes beyond stereotypes or headlines. 

Arab American Heritage Month gives me that opportunity. Being Palestinian is not just about conflict, it’s about culture, pride, and connection. It’s about the traditions that make me smile and the sense of identity that I carry with me wherever I go. 

Ethan Aelabouni
Class of 2027


Key Dates & Events


Weekly Highlights

Community Service Hours Update

As the Fall Semester comes to a close, I wanted to recognize all of the AMAZING students here at Northfield. I have approved over 4,900 hours of community service so far this year and I know there are students that still need to submit their volunteer hours. I’m so proud of all the work we’ve done and I know that we can beat that number next semester!

Friendly Reminder for our Seniors: 

Volunteer Opportunities:

Food Bank of the Rockies 

Project Angel Heart

A Precious Child

Metro Caring

Ronald McDonald House Charities

Check out the Northfield website under the Student Life tab for additional assistance. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Ms. Liz Ritter or stop by the Library in Building 3 between the hours of 8am and 4 pm.


How to Get Your Student’s PSAT/SAT Scores

Scores for in-school testing typically take 4–6 weeks to release. 

1. The Fastest Way: BigFuture School App If your student provided a mobile number during setup, they’ll get a text when scores are ready. Have them download the BigFuture School App and sign in with that number to view scores instantly.

2. The Detailed Way: College Board Website Log in at studentscores.collegeboard.org using the student’s personal account.

3. Contact College Board

For non-urgent inquiries, College Board typically responds within 3–5 business days via their online forms:


Northfield’s Urinetown Production is Now on YouTube!

If you missed the curtain call or simply want to relive the magic of our incredible student performers, we have great news!

A huge thank you to Dr. Dan Clarke, who captured the entire production of Urinetown from start to finish. He has officially uploaded the full performance to YouTube for our community to enjoy. Whether you want to watch it again with your family or share the link with friends and relatives across the country, the front-row seat is now just a click away.

Grab some popcorn and enjoy the show! 🍿🎬


REMINDER:  Military Service Academy Virtual Info Night!

Is your student considering a future at one of the U.S. Service Academies?

Colorado’s Congressional delegation, in partnership with each of the Service Academies, is hosting a Joint Virtual Information Night to guide students and families through the admissions and nomination processes. This is a vital resource for any student planning to apply this upcoming fall or winter.

Registration is required. To receive the meeting link, please pre-register at the following link: Register for the Service Academy Info Night

Don’t miss this comprehensive look at the path to serving as a future leader!


Senior Timeline

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



Hawk Happenings

Class of 2026: Graduation & Senior Awards Essentials

Please complete the following actions to ensure your student is ready for graduation:

Key Deadlines & Actions

Upcoming Events

Questions? Email Allison Cetak at allison_cetak@dpsk12.net.


Senior Spirit Week | April 20 – 24

Everyone is invited to participate in our upcoming spirit days:


Alternate Bell Schedule for Friday, April 24 Pep Rally

NavyPep Rally Bell Schedule
8:25 – 9:40amPeriod 2
9:46 – 11:01amPeriod 4
11:07-11:48amLunch
11:54am -1:12pmPeriod 6 (+3)
1:18 – 2:33pmPeriod 8
2:33 – 2:40pmTransition to Gym
2:40 – 3:25pmPep Assembly
3:25 – 3:55pmFinal 30

Prom 2026: A Garden Gala

The night we’ve been waiting for is almost here! Join us for an evening of elegance and celebration at the historic Mile High Station.

Behavior Expectations

Prom is a school-sponsored event, and all school expectations apply. Students are expected to conduct themselves with respect and integrity throughout the evening. Any behavior that compromises safety or the experience of others may result in removal from the event, additional school consequences and may impact ability to participate in the graduation ceremony.

Attendance Requirements

To ensure a safe and celebratory environment, the following must be met to purchase a ticket:

Night-of Logistics

Parking & Safety

Ample free parking is available for students, limos, and buses. To ensure student safety, DPD officers and Northfield staff will be patrolling the interior and exterior of the venue throughout the night.


Northfield After Dark: Junior & Senior After Prom Party

Get ready for the 2nd Annual After Prom! This event is hosted by Northfield parents/guardians and is not a school-sponsored event.

Event Details

Entry Requirements

How to Get Tickets

Note: If the ticket cost is a barrier, please contact the High School Counseling Office to access donated tickets.



Athletics

Weekly Shoutouts

Our spring teams are absolutely on fire right now! Let’s hear it for our athletes who are putting in the work and dominating the competition. Here is the latest from the field, the diamond, and the screen:

Girls Soccer: The Wall Remains Unbroken

Our Girls Varsity team is still undefeated! With a gritty 6-0-2 record, they currently hold 1st place in the League. These athletes are proving that their defense is a total wall and their hustle is unmatched. Let’s keep the streak alive, Nighthawks!

Baseball: Powering Through the Season

Talk about a dominant start! Our boys are sitting at a strong 10-4 overall, but more importantly, they are undefeated in League play (1st place). Whether it’s big swings at the plate or lockdown pitching, the energy in the dugout is electric. Keep swinging big!

E-Sports: Champions on the Track

Huge congratulations to our E-Sports team! They showcased incredible focus and skill to take home 1st place in the recent Mario Kart Tournament. Way to represent Nighthawk gaming on the podium!

Way to represent Northfield—let’s keep those Ws coming!


Upcoming Games & Events

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 to victory!

Tickets & Attendance

Planning to catch the action in person?

Can’t Attend?

Don’t miss a play even if you can’t make it to the stands.

Stay Up to Date

To ensure you have the most accurate information for game times and locations:

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



Staff Spotlight

LtoR: TJ Cafferty, Makala Woods, Tamara Campbell, Eric Hill, Eno Ocansey

This week is Dean Appreciation Week, and we are taking the opportunity to recognize the five individuals who serve as our Deans of Culture.

At a large comprehensive high school, the daily environment is managed by a team that stays highly mobile and highly visible. This week, we are recognizing the work of our five Deans of Culture.

The Deans serve as a primary layer of support for our students and a direct line of communication for our families. Their work isn’t centered behind a desk; instead, they are the staff members you see in the hallways, the cafeteria, and at the front doors, working face-to-face with students throughout the day.

Student Assignments

To ensure every student has a specific point of contact, our Deans divide their responsibilities to cover the entire student body:

What the Work Looks Like

The role of a Dean of Culture is about being present where the students are. They are responsible for the daily flow of the building and the resolution of issues as they arise:

Our Deans manage the complexities of a large campus with a focus on direct communication and accountability. We appreciate the work they do to keep our hallways safe and our students supported.

Thank you to our five Deans for your work and your presence on campus.



Community Notice

The Northfield Foundation Golf Tournament & Friday Mixer

Join the Northfield Nighthawks community for two days of fundraising fun:

Birdies & Brews Happy Hour

Not a golfer?  No problem, this event is for you too. Grab your tickets now!

Northfield Golf Tournament

It’s time to par-tee! Register now!



Support Our School

Power the Party: Support the 2026 After Prom

Northfield parents and guardians are hard at work hosting this year’s After Prom celebration! Please note that while this event celebrates our students, it is not a school-sponsored event.

The committee has expanded capacity to 1,000 students this year, but they need your help now to secure decorations and prizes. Please consider supporting in the following ways:

Questions? Email northfieldafterdark@gmail.com

Financial Note: If the ticket cost is a barrier, please contact the High School Counseling Office to access donated tickets.


Rockies Ticket Fundraiser!

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Baseball team at Coors Field this week. Playing in front of a crowd on an MLB field is an experience our players will never forget.

Get a great deal on baseball tickets while supporting the Class of 2026! We are selling Rockies Fundraising Vouchers that offer huge savings for the 2026 season.

The Deal:

How it Works:

  1. Purchase your voucher (each comes with a unique offer code).
  2. Redeem online at rockies.com/hsbb.
  3. Pick your preferred game and select your own seats!

Vouchers are valid until 09/24/26. Subject to terms and availability.


Fuel the Streak: Support NHS Women’s Soccer at Esters!

20% of food and non-alcoholic drinks will go back to Northfield High School Women’s Soccer Program from 4:00-9:00pm when mentioning the NHS Soccer Program to your server. Can’t dine in, take out orders count towards the donation too!

Event details:

When: Tuesday, April 21st, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Where: Esters Oneida Park – 2201 Oneida Street