December 2025

The Bard at Bosque

There’s a reason William Shakespeare has been, for over 400 years, a giant presence in English literature. The great tragedies, the pointed histories, and the charming comedies have been considered part of a literary education for generations and are still in most school curricula. While Bosque School is proud of the wide variety of diverse, contemporary literary voices our students read, there is always a place for the Bard. Five teachers from different grade levels and departments (Sean Etigson, Jasmine McSparren, Meghan Bode, Emily Kratzer, and Katie Proctor) met with the Buzz to discuss how and why they teach Shakespeare, both as literature and as theater. Find a seat in the fashionable “Gentlemen’s Stalls,” or perhaps up with the patrons in the galleries, or, for you rowdier groundlings, pay just a penny to stand in the yard, and enjoy the show.

In 7th grade, says teacher Sean Etigson, a highlight of the yearlong study of the power of stories is exploring “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” By reading the play aloud, scene by scene, in large and small groups, students focus on strategies for understanding Shakespeare, such as understanding the context and plot, and considering the relationships and motivations of the characters. Analyzing the text from multiple perspectives and asking questions about what motivates these characters helps the students develop empathy and self-awareness. Similarly, they focus on making relevant connections between the text and their own lives. Once, when reading one of the mixed-up romantic scenes about who likes whom, a future Bosque School graduate reflected, “They’re just like 7th graders!”

Their study of Shakespeare also centers on building vocabulary — forsooth! — and playing with the rich language of the script and sonnets. Students are asked what they think is the most important word or phrase Shakespeare brought into English; they investigate those 2,000-3,000 words and phrases, and practice writing them with a quill and ink on parchment. They then write a paragraph about why this word is so significant, and these posters in our hallways advertise Shakespeare’s lasting influence on language: gossip, bet, champion, and football. Whether it is drawing inspiration from the Hip-Hop artist Akala and playing “Hip Hop or Shakespeare?” or writing an analytical response sheet in rhyming couplets, the students delight in the power of Shakespeare’s words.

Hard Work, a Little Luck, and Triumph at Model UN

Model United Nations (Model UN) has a long, successful history under the guidance of Humanities Department Leader, Dr. Erin Zavitz. But with increased responsibilities in the Senior Capstone Program, she needed to take something off her plate this academic year, which meant a replacement sponsor. Model UN student leaders Marcus (‘26) and Gavin (‘26) made their case to a few staffulty members. Who would step up to the challenge and keep this much-acclaimed program alive and thriving? As luck would have it, an unexpected duo emerged: new Head of Upper School, Chip Miller, and Upper School Administrative Assistant, Diego Garcia. Mr. Miller had some experience with Model UN at his previous schools. Still, it was all new to Diego, so, despite their trepidation, they knew they had to develop an immediate, intense partnership with the students. They learned by doing, as so much good education requires. Dr. Zavitz provided guidance on a timeline and organization, as well as other helpful recommendations. And she wasn’t the only help. Dr. Kathy Powers, a Bosque School parent and UNM professor, invited the Model UN students to visit one of her International Relations 300-level classes. There, the students watched a real-world United Nations speech, listened to two professors discuss their UNM programs, and, most impressively, asked sharp, informed questions. It was a good sign, especially because our students distinguished themselves by asking more questions than the college students.

(Thank you to Diego Garcia and Katrina Murphy for their collaboration on this article.)

Bosque School is proud to recognize Maya F. ('26) as a recipient of the Davis New Mexico Scholarship! This full-ride scholarship is annually awarded to approximately 50 first-generation college students from New Mexico. Students who receive the scholarship are selected based on success in rigorous high school courses, school involvement, and the ability to articulate their resiliency for success in higher education.  The Davis New Mexico Scholarship partners with six schools for recipients' higher education: the University of Chicago, the University of Denver, the University of Portland, Occidental College, Southwestern University, and St. Edwards University. Maya’s top school choice is the University of Chicago, and she will be the ninth Bosque School Bobcat to receive the Davis Scholarship. Since its founding in 2014, the Davis New Mexico Scholarship has awarded more than $54 million in scholarships and $3.7 million in grant awards. Congratulations, Maya! 

CHECK IT OUT

Despite the buzz of upper school finals, December in the library feels like an invitation to slow down, gather close, and reconnect through story. This season, more than any other, reminds me why reading together matters. One of the highlights of this fall was our middle school book club reading “Project Hail Mary.” What made it magical wasn’t just the science or the suspense; it was the collective experience of puzzling through big ideas, laughing at unexpected moments, and discovering how a shared story can spark curiosity and connection across grade levels. That same sense of wonder filled the room when we began reading “The Eyes and the Impossible” aloud together. There is something powerful about being read to, about letting language wash over us and experiencing a story as a group. These moments, gathered around a book, feel joyful, calm, and deeply human. December is also a time when stories find us through one another. Some of the books I treasure most are books from friends, offered with a note, a smile, or a simple “I thought you’d like this.” Over winter break, I’m especially looking forward to reading “Eager: The Surprising Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter,” a gift from a friend that feels perfectly suited to this reflective season. It’s a reminder that reading connects us not only to ideas, but also to the people who share them with us. As we head into winter break, I hope our community finds time for rest, curiosity, and story, whether that’s through a favorite reread, a new recommendation from a friend, or a book read aloud together. The library will be waiting, full of stories, when we return. Wishing you a restful and story-filled winter break.

Seminario with Mica Faull⁠

By Profe Rafa

Our Seminario in Spanish class had a powerful pre-trip orientation meeting this week as part of our Migración y Sociedad unit. We are grateful to Mica Faull, our associate and Educator Coordinator from Border Servant Corps, for guiding an honest, humane discussion. Her visit connected directly and prepared our Bobcats for the immersive experience we will live on December 4–6, in Las Cruces and El Paso. Her words and insight now travel with us—helping students understand migration through dignity, service, community, and critical reflection.⁠ ⁠ We are ready to learn, listen, and show up with open minds and brave hearts.⁠ ⁠ The conversation is already underway. The experience is about to begin.

Exchange Student Panel

By Profe Rafa⁠ ⁠ What a tremendous first Intercultural Exchange Immersive Student Panel!⁠ During our advisory time, Maya and Julius - who are also Co-Presidents of WORD, Bosque's dialogue club - took the lead in creating an inspiring, friendly space for our 10th- and 11th-graders to learn from recent participants and hear their real stories about this life-changing immersive experience. So much gratitude to our Exchange Bobcats panelist and, again, to Maya, Julius, and their leadership! Enrollment is open!