Northfield High School

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A Note from the Nest...

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Finding My Place on the Northfield Stage

A Journey in Theater and Leadership

As a senior at Northfield, I am co-president of the NHS chapter of the International Thespian Society. Our troupe recently performed Hadestown: Teen Edition, marking my final Northfield bow as one of the three Fates haunting the principal characters in this hopeful, jazz-infused musical.

A Freshman’s First Steps on Stage

From the moment I set foot on campus, I knew I wanted to be part of the NHS theatre community. In August of my freshman year, I auditioned for the comic-con-inspired fall play. That November, I took the stage with a pink wig and a sword around my waist—a moment I’ll never forget.

Since then, my journey has been filled with incredible opportunities:

  • Nine full-length productions at Northfield

  • Annual Thespian Conference competitions

  • Leadership roles as Troupe Publicist, Secretary, and Co-President

  • Performances at three (soon to be four!) DPS Shakespeare Festivals

Discovering a Passion for Theatre

I had been a performer before high school—years of dance and even the role of Marian the Librarian in a 7th-grade production of The Music Man. But stepping into Northfield’s theatre program, I immediately noticed something different:

💡 For the first time, I was in a room where everyone was excited to be there.

This welcoming, passionate community helped smooth my transition to high school. To this day, my fondest memories are on stage with my fellow performers and closest friends.

Theatre as a Lesson in Leadership

More than anything, Northfield theatre has taught me how to lead. Whether backstage, onstage, in the pit, or in the house—theatre means putting yourself out there.

Through my experience, I’ve learned to:

✅ Make bold choices and advocate for myself
✅ Encourage and support new performers
✅ Foster confidence in others—just as my mentors did for me

I joined the NHS Thespian Troupe as a nervous 14-year-old with high hopes and found a creative family. Now, I get to motivate younger students, passing on the lessons I’ve learned from the Northfield stage.

Looking Ahead

I am excited to continue my passion for theatre and literature by pursuing an English and Creative Writing degree in the fall.

🎭 For incoming performing arts students, I’d say this:

High school will pass more quickly than you imagine. Let yourself fall in love with the uniqueness and beauty of Northfield’s performing arts.

And don’t worry—we’ll catch you.

Cheers,
Sophie Brown ('25)

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Important Dates

March 22 - The Prom Dress Exchange Event
March 24 - March 31: Spring Break
April 1 - Intent to Apply for the Seal of Climate Literacy

Northfield News

Prom Update

🎷 Prom 2025: Jazz After Dark

Get ready for an unforgettable night at Prom 2025, with the theme Jazz After Dark!

🗓 Date: May 17
⏰Time: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
📍Location: Asterisk Event Center, Denver
🚗Parking: Lots Available

Tickets: $45 per person, available for purchase on MySchoolBucks
Who’s Invited: Northfield Juniors & Seniors

  • Outside Guests: Permitted with a completed guest form, available from Mr. Ritter after Spring Break. Forms must be returned by May 9.

Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks! For any questions, please reach out to Mr. Ritter directly.

Jazz After Dark Flyer

Counselor Chat: College Admissions

Counselor Chat

📢 Attention Students & Families!

Join us for a Counselor Chat on College Admissions with a CU Boulder Admissions Counselor! 🎓

Gain valuable insights into the college application process and learn how to make your application stand out.

📅 When: April 9 |🕔 Time: 5:00 PM
📍 Where: Join the Google Meet session here
👥 Who: Students & Families in Grades 9-11

Can’t make it? This session will be recorded and available on the Northfield website. Don’t miss this chance to get expert advice on your college journey!

CMAS Testing Schedule - April 10

CMAS testing is approaching! Here’s the adjusted schedule for Thursday, April 10:

  • 11th Graders: Attend in the morning for CMAS testing, and then classes will begin after lunch.

  • Grades 9, 10, & 12: Classes will begin after lunch, following the testing.

Be sure to plan your day accordingly! 📝

CMAS Schedule

Kudos From Author of HADESTOWN

Hadestown

Sent via text message to Ms. Hanan Al-Naqeeb

"Dear Northfield students putting on Headestown! I'm Ana'i's, writer of Hadestown. I am so honored and thrilled that you are making this story your own because it is in large part a story about young people who can see the way the world could be. That's you! Go conquer the world with truth and beauty and enjoy the unparalleled joy + camaraderie of making art with each other. Break legs, Love Anais"

Collage of eight photos of students at the showcase with their work

The Visual Arts Department proudly congratulates all IB Visual Arts students in SL and HL 2 for their outstanding exhibition at Stanley Marketplace! This showcase highlighted their talent, dedication, and artistic growth, reflecting the depth of their creativity and critical thinking. We extend our gratitude to the students, families, and community members who supported this event, as well as to Stanley Marketplace for providing a professional space to celebrate their work. 

Calling all Seniors! Submit Admissions Decisions

Seniors, as we are approaching April, many of you have heard back about some exciting news. Please make sure make sure to record all of your acceptances and scholarship awarded for any school in which Northfield submitted application materials. You can do so on MAIA Learning yourself, or you can enter the information on the forms found through the QR codes. You only need to record each acceptance/scholarship once.

admissions

Interested in the Seal of Climate Literacy Diploma Endorsement?

Seal of Climate Literacy

Established through Colorado Senate Bill 24-014, this new high school diploma endorsement, the Seal of Climate Literacy, recognizes students’ understanding of climate science and its impact on their communities. Students interested in applying for this endorsement must meet the deadlines below.

🔹 Intent to Apply Deadline: April 1
🔹 Final Application Deadline: May 1

Interested students should contact: dept_sustainability@dpsk12.net.

📌Reminder: Please pay course fees

Families can view course fees by logging into 'MySchoolBucks' through the Parent Portal. Please note that fees must be paid in order for students to participate in school events, including prom and graduation.

For questions about fees or to submit Free and Reduced Lunch (FRL) documentation, please contact Vanessa Piria.

ℹ️ School Directory Opt-Out Information

Families have the option to opt out of the school directory. To do so, you can:

  • Visit the main office in person, or

  • Have your student stop by to request a form to bring home.

Once the form is completed, please return it to the main office to ensure the change is processed.

Please note, under FERPA, directory information is considered an exception, meaning government agencies may request this information.

For more details, please refer to the Family Resource Toolkit.

🛡️Protect Your Student Against Measles: Vaccine Information

With the current measles outbreak affecting nearby states, it is crucial to ensure your child is fully vaccinated against this highly contagious disease. As spring break approaches and travel increases, the risk of exposure is very likely. The best protection is vaccination.

For a list of free clinics available to assist you, please click here. If you have any questions or are unsure of your child’s vaccination status, please contact Nurse Kate at kate_marshall@dpsk12.net.

📖IB Exam Period & End-of-Year Class Schedules

As we approach the IB exam period and the end of the school year, we want to clarify expectations regarding class schedules and final exams to ensure consistency and equity for all students. Please review the information below to help avoid any confusion about course end dates.

Key Dates & Expectations:

  • Non-Senior IB Courses:
    Classes will continue as scheduled through the end of the school year, even while IB exams are taking place. All students are expected to attend and actively participate until their designated course end date.

  • IB Diploma Seniors:
    Seniors completing the IB Diploma will be finished with all coursework after May 2.

  • Other Seniors (Non-IB Exam Courses):
    Seniors not taking the IB exam for specific courses are required to attend class through May 12 and take their final exams on May 13-14.

  • All Other Grades:
    Classes for grades 9-11 will continue through May 23, with final exams held during the week of May 27. Please note, there are a few exceptions in mixed grade-level IB classes, which are detailed in the table below.

Important:

Please refer to this table for the IB testing schedule and specific course end dates to ensure you are aware of attendance expectations and final exam dates for each class.

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a smooth and structured end to the school year.

If you have any questions:

  • For IB-related questions, contact Reina Cruz.

  • For non-IB-related questions, contact Bonnie Martin.

Finals QR code

Finals QR Code

Northfield High School Foundation Scholarship Donations

The Northfield High School Foundation is proud to offer five non-renewable scholarships of $3,000 to the Northfield Class of 2025. Interested seniors must simply write and submit two short essays about their Northfield High School experience, detail plans following graduation and provide a recent transcript, to be considered. The Northfield High School Foundation Scholarship Committee will review applications and announce the winners in late April. If you, or anyone you know, would like to make a donation to the scholarship fund, please do so through Colorado Gives.

foundation
Nighthawk Nation

Spring Athletes

Don't forget to get your Physical completed and submitted to Family ID ASAP!

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.

Northfield Baseball Rockies Fundraiser

Support Nighthawk Nation Baseball by attending a Colorado Rockies game in 2025. Purchase a voucher for two tickets to your choice of one of 75 Rockies home games for $50. Voucher also allows for seat selection. Thank you for supporting Northfield Baseball!

baseball

Northfield Nighthawks Community Golf Tournament

Golf Tournament

Join the Northfield Community for a day of fun, competition and community support at the Northfield Nighthawks Community Golf Tournament! Whether a seasoned golfer or a beginner, this event is perfect for everyone who loves the game and wants to make a difference.

Date: Saturday, May 3
Location: City Park Golf Course (3181 E 23rd Ave, Denver, CO 80205)
Time: Shotgun Start, 7:30 a.m.

Gather your friends, family, or coworkers to form a team, or register individually and be paired with other players. The tournament will feature an exciting 4-person scramble format, with prizes for top teams, longest drive, closest to the pin and more.

All proceeds from the event support The Northfield High School Foundation, helping to enrich the experiences and opportunities for ALL of Northfield students. Last year, the tournament raised more $18,000!

Event Highlights:

  • Fiesta Buffet Lunch + one adult beverage included.

  • Ticket price also includes range balls for warm-up, all greens fees and golf carts.

  • Hole-in-one, marshmallow drive, longest drive challenge and other fun contests.

  • Networking and community-building.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for local businesses and/or individuals looking to support a great cause while gaining visibility.

Registration Fees:

  • Individual Player: $185

  • Team of Four: $740

Signup or learn more. Space is limited! 

Come tee off for a good cause and let’s make this a day to remember while supporting the Northfield Nighthawks!

foundation

Questions / Concerns / Compliments

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

🎉We Want to Celebrate Your Student!

At Northfield, we know our students are achieving incredible things outside of school—whether it’s in sports, the arts, community service, or personal milestones. Since we don’t always get to hear about these accomplishments, we’d love for you to share them with us!

Please take a moment to fill out this quick survey and let us know about the amazing things your student is doing outside of Northfield. Your responses will help us recognize and celebrate their hard work and passions.

Please note: While we will do our best to share and highlight as many student achievements as possible, we may not be able to post them immediately. Thank you for your patience and for helping us celebrate our students!

Submit accomplishment here

Thank you for being part of the Northfield community!

DPS & Community News

Denver Public Schools Family Cultural Festival

DPS invites all families to the Denver Public Schools Family Cultural Festival on Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., at Harvey Park Recreation Center (2120 S. Tennyson Way, Denver, Colo. 80219). The festival offers wellness resources, knowledge on restorative practices, multicultural learning opportunities and fun experiences for the whole family. RSVP to attend. DPS looks forward to celebrating and building connections with you.

family festival
FACE

Guidance for Respiratory Illnesses

DPS Nursing and Student Health Services reminds all families of the following guidance for respiratory illnesses.

How are viruses spread?
Respiratory viruses are primarily spread through contact with droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person, typically via coughing and sneezing. These viruses can also spread when someone touches a surface that has the virus on it, as they can survive on hard surfaces for several hours and on skin for a shorter period. Frequent hand washing is crucial in reducing the spread.

General Health Practices:

  • Hand Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

  • Cough/Sneeze Etiquette: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of tissues in the trash immediately.

  • Surface Cleaning: Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch areas such as doorknobs, mobile devices, countertops, and tables.

  • Avoid Close Contact: Refrain from close interactions, including kissing, sharing eating utensils, or shaking hands with individuals showing cold-like symptoms.

  • Flu Vaccination: Get your flu vaccine to help reduce the spread of illness.

By following these practices, we can help reduce the transmission of respiratory illnesses in our schools and protect the health of everyone in our community.

Additional Resources:

  • CDPHE: Infectious disease guidelines for schools and child care settings | Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and ChildCare_How_Sick_Is_Too_Sick_English.pdf

  • CDC: About Influenza | Influenza (Flu) | CDC 

DPS Nursing Services

Updated Covid-19 Guidelines

In March 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its respiratory virus guidance for people with COVID-19. The updates align with guidance for other respirator viruses, including the flu and RSV. Review the complete guidelines.

DPS Nursing Services

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