MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
The Hardest Part of Parenting
By Dr. Jessie Barrie, Head of School
As I write this, it is hard to believe we are days away from Bosque’s 24th commencement ceremony in honor of the class of 2024 on May 24 (and what an amazing set of numerical coincidences that is!). The past month has been a blur of joy and celebration as we navigated the infamous 100 days of May. As a few examples, we witnessed the confidence and competence of our seniors as they presented their year-long senior capstone original research projects at our Senior Colloquium; an amazing year of athletics culminated with multiple state championships in track and field; three seniors signed athletic commitments to play collegiate sports in track and field, pickleball, and powerlifting; and we launched our third year of immersive courses, adding three new classes, The Rocks Tell Stories (a middle school geology immersive), 3M Cubed (a middle school art immersive focusing on mobiles, mandalas, mosaics, and mindfulness), Querencia (an upper school option focused on sense of place and the relationship between land and culture in New Mexico). Needless to say, the energy on campus is equally effusive and exhausted!
In addition, this spring, we have followed along with educators and parents across the country as Jonathan Haight’s book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness has climbed to the top of the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list. I devoured this book and found the research regarding the confluence of cultural factors, including the shift away from a play-based childhood, at the same time as the arrival of the smartphone, and the evolutionary biology and developmental psychology connections to be incredibly resonant as a parent and educator. For years now, as the research body has grown regarding the impacts of smartphones, social media, and reduced face-to-face relationships on adolescent (and adult) mental health, academic outcomes, and relationships, I have felt a growing sense of impending doom that we will soon look back on the culture surrounding smartphone use as the cigarettes of our time. This has been an incredibly personal realization as my own mum succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 63 due to a lifetime addiction to nicotine that began at the age of 15, at a time when medical doctors were being used to market and encourage cigarette use.
Word on the Bosque
By Zach Lang, Bosque Summer Director
The school year may be coming to a close, but Bosque Summer is just kicking into gear. If you are unfamiliar, Bosque Summer is a camp for rising kindergarten through high school students featuring week-long, age-appropriate activities designed to foster creativity and encourage inquiry. This summer, we celebrate our 10th summer since we launched this format of our camp. In that last decade, the program has been voted the Albuquerque Journal Reader’s Choice best summer camp six times in a row and the best summer camp in the city by Albuquerque the Magazine last year during the inaugural year for the summer camp category.
The current summer camp model offers two options: adventure and flex camps. Those of us familiar with Bosque’s school year schedule will immediately recognize the Adventure Camp schedule as it is nearly identical to our school day from August through April. Each week, campers in rising 1st through 8th grade will rotate through four daily camps that focus on creativity, discovery, performance, and movement. With the options shifting each week, it is impossible to do everything in just one summer. This summer, we have even launched a full-day Kindergarten Adventure Camp that runs alongside the other camps while making sure our youngest campers have the skills and confidence they will need for kindergarten in the fall.
For kids who would like to focus on specific activities, our flex camps have great options for everyone rising in 2nd grade and above. These camps feature half-day options including music, cooking, crafting, filmmaking, theater, sports and so much more. Those who participate in the half-day camps have the option to take a morning session, or afternoon session, or make a full day out of it by taking both. But our flex camps also hold full-day basketball and multiple musical theater camps that will feature performances at the end of camp.
But what makes the camp run from the inside is also noteworthy. A team of 30+ Bosque upper school students are hired and trained to act as teaching assistants who help keep the campers safe and camp fun. They work alongside three alums who work as program coordinators that help with everything from recess, to drop off and so much more. These two groups work with about 40 teachers to create and deliver an amazing summer camp experience.
While camps are filling up fast this summer we still have space and you can learn more by looking at our webpage here or if you have questions you can reach out at bosquesummer@bosqueschool.org. We hope to see you this summer!
Philanthropy News
Founder's Days Recap
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the incredible success of Founder’s Days 2024! Over the course of 48 hours, a total of 319 donors came together to raise an astounding $90,747! Your generosity, commitment, and Bosque School pride were on full display, and together, we continue to make a tangible difference in the experiences of our students and continue to propel Bosque School forward.
Thank you to everyone who attended our grand finale celebration at Electric Playhouse! Seeing our community together at these large events is always a highlight of the year.
Your participation matters! Help us reach our goals.
Each year we ask every member of our community to make a meaningful contribution to the Bosque Fund. High levels of giving participation across all constituent groups demonstrate confidence in and dedication to our school, helping us to secure major gifts from foundations, and individual donors.
This year 97% of our hardworking and dedicated staffulty members have made a financial contribution to the Bosque Fund, in addition to the many contributions of time and talent they make each day to our students and mission. Just as our staffulty lead the way for innovative and transformative educational experiences, they stand as philanthropic leaders in our community inspiring others to give what they can. Additionally, 100% of our Board Members continue to make gifts to the Bosque Fund this year.
Join us in support of our staffulty, and our mission, by making a Bosque Fund gift of any size today. Thank you - your gifts make our extraordinary days possible.
CHALLENGING EDUCATION
Celebrating Excellence: Upper School Awards Ceremony
The annual upper school awards ceremony celebrates Bosque School students’ dedication to academics, sports, arts, leadership, service learning, and our school’s core values. The awards recognize months, and often years, of dedication and creativity by our students, who truly exemplify excellence.
Congratulations to all of our award winners this year!
Outstanding Junior Award: Kayhaan -- The Outstanding Junior Award is given annually to one junior who demonstrates “outstanding personal character and intellectual promise.”
President Gerald R. Ford Character Award: Ariella -- The Gerald R. Ford Character Award honors the legacy of President Ford who was an early supporter of Bosque School. It is given annually to the senior who embodies the school’s mission, demonstrating intellectual curiosity, personal integrity, hard work, and dedication to making a compassionate contribution to a more just world. It is the top award given by Bosque School.
Class of 2005 Enduring Good Award: Will M. -- The Class of 2005 Enduring Good Award is given annually to one senior who reflects the spirit of the class of 2005. That is, it is awarded to the senior who conducts themself in a manner that is most beneficial to the class and to the school, not necessarily because of a specific act or achievement, but because of their sustained positive impact on the community.
Showcasing Excellence at Bosque School's Colloquium
Congratulations to the class of 2024, who recently showcased their completed senior thesis projects at Bosque School’s annual Colloquium. These impressive projects are the culmination of months of dedicated research on topics they are passionate about. Starting in August, the seniors began exploring ideas for their theses. By September, they had refined their broad interests into viable research questions. By mid-fall, they had submitted formal project proposals, selected outside readers, and were deeply engaged in their research.
Throughout the spring, students wrote extensive drafts, participated in individual conferences with their teachers and outside readers, conducted fieldwork, and formally defended their work. Many students submitted final drafts that exceeded the twenty-page requirement.
At the Colloquium on May 1 and 2, the students presented their projects to the Bosque School community, and the results were truly impressive. Their extraordinary theses demonstrate that the class of 2024 is composed of intelligent, insightful, and passionate students.
Student Kudos
Will B. Receives Outstanding STEM Student Award from National Museum of Nuclear Science and History
Senior Will B. was recently honored with the Outstanding STEM Student Award from the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History! We're proud to share that he attended the prestigious Einstein Gala award ceremony alongside his teacher, Tricia Phaneuf. Congratulations Will on this remarkable achievement!
Spotlight on Excellence: Cheyenne A.
In a community of ambitious scholars, Cheyenne A., a sophomore, has secured a spot in the prestigious 2024 Yale Young Global Scholars Summer Program, chosen from over 10,000 applicants worldwide. Her dedication to addressing global challenges like health and gender equality reflects her commitment to making a positive impact. As she prepares to join distinguished professors at Yale, we want to celebrate Cheyenne's remarkable achievement. We look forward to future contributions she will continue to make within our community and beyond. Way to go, Cheyenne!
Josiah '24 Receives UNM's Prestigious Regent's Scholarship: A Full-Ride to Success!
The Regent's Scholarship is the most prestigious award offered by UNM. Josiah underwent a rigorous and fiercely competitive selection process, including submitting essays and a video as part of his application. With only 12 scholarships awarded annually, Josiah's accomplishment is truly exceptional. Congratulations to Josiah for this well-deserved recognition!
Bosque School Celebrates Athletic Commitments!
Bosque School students, families, and coaches came together yesterday to celebrate three athletic commitments. Congratulations to Ariella, who will be continuing her track journey at Macalester College, and Maya, who signed as a shot put and discus thrower for Adams State track. Making history at Bosque School, Kyle became one of the first nationally recruited pickleball athletes and has accepted a scholarship to play for Drury University. Way to go, Bobcats!
Ninth-Grade Poet Marley Takes Two First Place Wins in Statewide Poetry Contests!
Ninth-grade poet Marley clinched first place in not just one, but two statewide poetry contests! Marley's piece, "L'dor V'dor," has earned her the top spot and a cash award in the esteemed New Mexico Earth Day celebration. "Lumen Space II: A Letter to my Space Man," secured her another first place win in the ekphrastic poetry contest, generously sponsored by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs. Way to go, Marley!
Congratulations to Dr. Brannon's Ninth-Grade Seminar Students: A Year of Reading Triumphs!
Students in Dr. Brannon's ninth-grade seminar read a variety of texts this year, including many they chose themselves and read on their own time.
Each of the following students read over 6,000 pages of self-selected texts during this school year: Adie H., Hannah O., Mackenzie T. , Amelie C., Florence W., Sebastian J., and AJ J. Congratulations to these students for their impressive commitment to reading!
CHALLENGING EDUCATION
Bosque School's Junior MRC Unit Excels at the 2024 Preparedness Summit
Bosque School's Junior Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) unit recently had the privilege of attending the 2024 Preparedness Summit in Cleveland, Ohio. This journey was made possible thanks to the generous support of the New Mexico Department of Health and the NM Medical Reserve Corps.
Six Bosque School MRC student first responders attended this event: seniors and co-presidents Ariella R. and Will M., juniors Abigail O. and Ma'ayan B., and sophomores Gray P. and Madison R. Alongside them were MRC adult leaders Amy Dalness, EMT-B, and Justine Gutierrez, RN. This delegation proudly represented Bosque School's Junior MRC unit, the first of its kind in the nation.
During the summit, our students actively participated in various conference presentations focusing on critical topics within public health and emergency management. Discussions ranged from integrating access and functional needs into response plans to enhancing healthcare workforce readiness in higher education. The summit also explored the vital aspect of building mental health resilience in emergency and healthcare workers, shedding light on often overlooked yet essential facets of preparedness.
Challenging Education
Bosque Students Showcase Research Posters
Bosque students recently took center stage proudly displaying their groundbreaking research posters to various field science community members. The event welcomed esteemed guests from New Mexico's scientific community, including representatives from UNM, the Natural History Museum, New Mexico Game and Fish, and more, all eager to witness the innovative work our students have been diligently pursuing.
These young researchers showcased a variety of projects, each showing the depth and diversity of their scientific inquiries. Abigail, a Bosque School senior, showcased her research of small mammal assemblage pre and post-fire and flooding in the bosque. Maximus, Dylan, and Isabel investigated North American porcupine population trends in the bosque across 20 years, shedding light on important ecological dynamics.
Eliot, another standout researcher, delved into the impact of chytrid fungus through a bilingual lens, bringing a unique perspective to a pressing environmental issue.
Their dedication and excellence were further underscored by their recent presentations in Arizona, where they distinguished themselves as the only high school students among a cohort of professionals, graduates, and undergraduates.
Unlocking Data Insights: UNM & Bosque School's Coding Camp Empowers High School Students Across Albuquerque
In a world where data is everywhere, the ability to analyze and interpret information is a vital skill. Recognizing this, the University of New Mexico and Bosque School teamed up with doctoral students Rachel Seddon and Joshua Cortez to launch an innovative coding camp aimed at high school students. We had the opportunity to sit down with Dan Shaw, the Field Science Coordinator at Bosque School, to learn more about this exciting initiative.
"Science involves so much data and analysis, but it doesn’t help anybody if you can't explain it and have other access to it," explains Shaw. Seddon and Cortez saw an opportunity to bridge this gap by creating a training program focused on using the statistical open-source platform "R" to represent data effectively. Their goal was to empower students to make their data more accessible and comprehensible, ultimately enabling them to communicate their findings more effectively.
Building Capstones on a Foundation of Wildlife Research & Community Science
"A primary goal I have for my students is to see them provide our authentic audience of local wildlife biologists and other natural resource scientists with the data and analysis that those professionals need and use to inform their management of hundreds of species and their bosque habitat. For decades now, my students have delivered. We do science that matters beyond the classroom." -Daniel Shaw
Alumni News
Bosque School Alum Excels: Emiliano Embarks on Exciting Opportunities
We are excited to shine the spotlight on one of our Bosque School alums, Emiliano! Recently, Emiliano accepted a prestigious summer internship in Washington, D.C. with Senator Martin Heinrich's office. This incredible opportunity will allow him to immerse himself in the political arena and gain invaluable experience firsthand. With his passion for learning and determination, we have no doubt that Emiliano will make a significant impact during his time in the nation's capital.
He has also been accepted into a coveted study abroad program this fall with Yale University, where he'll be studying in Barcelona, Spain!
Reflecting on Emiliano's achievements, his mom shares, "I am so proud of all his work and his motivation and drive to be all he can be." Congratulations, Emiliano!
CHALLENGING EDUCATION
Reflections and Milestones: Celebrating Seven Years of Mock Trial at Bosque School
By Zach Lang, Mock Trial Coordinator
Bosque School's competitive mock trial team is designed to help students develop their critical thinking, public speaking, and analytical skills, as well as to learn about the legal system and how trials are conducted. Participation in the competition is a valuable experience for students who are interested in pursuing careers in law, but it can also benefit students who are interested in public speaking, debate, or critical thinking. It provides a unique opportunity for students to learn about the legal system and the important role it plays in society while also developing important skills that will benefit them in any career they choose to pursue.
The end of this school year marks the end of Bosque School's 7th mock trial season and my 19th year of being involved with the mock trial program in some way. Over the past seven years, we have seen our program grow to one of the largest in the state. We have had at least one team qualify for state every year between 2019 and 2023, and all three of our teams qualified for the state competition in 2021. One of the highlights of this regular season was Kayhaan '25 winning her first Outstanding Witness Award. This award is voted on by the judging panel based on the best performances. Aside from the New Mexico state tournaments, we have seen a great deal of growth in our program over this year. Last fall, we were invited to attend the Yale Bulldog Invitational. This tournament is hosted by the undergraduate law club at Yale, and everyone is hoping we continue to be invited to participate in the future. In addition to a fall tournament, we are participating in a spring tournament for the first time in program history. MockOn is hosting this online tournament based on the popular board game Clue. Currently, the team is working on figuring out if it was Mr. Green or Ms. White who poisoned Mr. Boddy. The tournament will be held on June 1-2.
Athletics
Spring athletics at Bosque School has been the best way to finish this school year, with students showing exceptional skill and commitment across various sports. From flag football to track, powerlifting to pickleball and baseball, our athletes are making their mark.
Maya '24 recently secured bronze in the STATE powerlifting championships. Pickleball players celebrated as every member of their team earned a podium finish.
Additionally, our Bobcats were on fire at the 2024 State Track Meet. Ariella '24 claimed the state champion titles for both the 200m and 400m runs! Maya clinched the state championship in discus and smashed her own school record with an impressive shot put throw of 33’2” on her first attempt! Our very own Ainsley also showed her strength in the 200m, securing a solid third place!
Congratulations to all our Bobcats for their hard work and dedication this season!
Staffulty Highlight
Get to Know Dr. Becky Bone: Bosque School’s Middle School Counselor
We had the recent honor of interviewing Dr. Bone for a feature in our Bosque Buzz, shedding light on her journey as a middle school counselor as our WELLBEING and neuroscience teacher. Learn about her journey to Bosque School, and her long-term goals by reading the full interview below.
Departing Staffulty
At the end of each school year, we say goodbye to some of our beloved staffulty members who are moving on from Bosque School. Those who are departing this year are embracing career changes, heading back to school, retiring, and moving forward. Regardless of their next adventure, we say thank you to all of them for being friends and colleagues and for exemplifying Bosque School's core values.
Pam Sever, Middle and Upper School Science Teacher, 5 years
Suzie Castilleja, Assistant Enrollment Director, 22 years
Kate Sanchez, Middle School PE Teacher and PE Department Leader, 19 years
Denise Gleason, Middle and Upper School Spanish Teacher and Advisor, 20 years
Tricia Phaneuf, Upper School Math Teacher, 7 years
Tahmina Rahman, Philanthropy Coordinator & BPGA Liaison, 5 years
Justine Gutierrez, School Nurse, 4 years
Emilio Ulibarri, Trainer, Assistant Athletic Director, US Anatomy and Physiology Teacher, 3 years
Thank you all for the knowledge, support and love you have poured into our students and Bosque School over the years. We wish you all the best!
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