Word on the Bosque
Breakthroughs on a Wednesday Morning: Another Relationship to Learning
By Dr. Spree MacDonald, Upper School Division Head
It is a quiet Wednesday morning, just a few days after winter break, and the students in my Senior Humanities Capstone class are hard at work. Today, they are eating donuts and finalizing fieldwork research plans for their thesis projects. It is clear from their occasional groans and commiserations that this is a really challenging phase in this yearlong research and writing process. Their projects span the gamut, from studies on the impacts of casinos on indigenous economies to the possibilities of psychological interventions in treating dementia to the possible impacts of artificial intelligence on the middle class. Now, they are all reaching out of their comfort zones to connect with experts and community partners for insights about the topics they have been researching on their own for several months. I can feel the discomfort in the room, and even the donuts I have bribed them with have not lifted their spirits much.
One student, who I will call K. here, has expansive knowledge of drone technology and its implications for the current conflict between Russia and the Ukraine. K. is starting to form a very compelling project, but given that this is an ongoing military conflict with rapidly developing technological dynamics outside the scope of most traditional scholarly sources, we know K. needs to find quality interview subjects to provide enough information for him to complete his research. There is a lot riding on these interviews. He has just reviewed with me the draft of an email that he would like to send out, requesting an interview with someone who has deep knowledge in this field. Because I know virtually nothing about this topic, the best way I can support K. is to settle into the role of thought partner, asking questions and helping unlock ways forward in response to challenges in his research process. This is one of those moments, and while we both know his request to interview this source might be a long shot, we cross our fingers as K. sends his email off into the digital unknown.
Philanthropy News
A Million-Dollar Milestone
Bosque School has received a $1 million dollar unrestricted gift directed by Jenny Plane, a trustee and alumni parent of Warren Hartman ‘14, from the estate of her parents Bob and Mary Plane. This is the first million-dollar gift the school has received since Michael and Sheril Budagher's capital gift nineteen years ago and the largest unrestricted gift the school has ever received from an individual! When celebrating the news with the staffulty, Jenny shared:
“My son, Warren Hartman, came to Bosque as a sixth grader in the fall of 2007 and graduated in 2014. Throughout those seven years, Warren was energized by being in the bosque, by hands-on learning outdoors, and by creative and dedicated teachers. When Warren’s father and I came for a parent-teacher meeting in middle school, we were impressed by how well each teacher knew him, cared about his progress, and saw his potential.
Save the Date for Founder's Days 2024
Founder’s Days is coming: March 25-26! This annual two-day event honors our school’s founding by raising support for the Bosque Fund while cultivating community! The celebration culminates in a grand finale party on Tuesday, March 26 at Electric Playhouse. All are invited and welcomed to attend! Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information.
ALUMNI NEWS
Bosque School Alums Inspire Next Generation Through College Panel
In a heartwarming reunion, Bosque School welcomed back several accomplished alums for a college panel event, where they generously shared their post-high school experiences with current upper school students. The panel aimed to provide valuable insights into college life and offer guidance on how Bosque School prepared them for the challenges and successes that awaited our alums in higher education.
The alums engaged in an open dialogue with eager upper school students, sharing anecdotes, experiences, and invaluable advice. The atmosphere was one of inspiration and mutual understanding, as the panelists discussed how their time at Bosque School laid the foundation for their academic and personal growth.
Important Update to One of Bosque School’s Signature Programs
After much consideration, we are renaming the WILLDS program the WELLBEING program. This change comes for several reasons, including changes to the curriculum for the 2024-25 school year. The name WELLBEING more succinctly encapsulates Bosque School’s commitment to whole-child education and our recognition that to support our students properly, we must see and nurture them as whole people, not just scholars. Thus, the WELLBEING department delivers a holistic educational curriculum in wellness, education, leadership, life skills, belonging, engagement, inquiry, neuroscience, and growth.
Special Highlight
Bosque School Seniors Ariella and Will Champion Mental Health in EMS Through Transformative Event
We are proud to share the extraordinary efforts of two Bosque School seniors, Ariella and Will, who recently organized a groundbreaking event focused on mental health in emergency medical services (EMS). The event, titled "Mental Health in EMS: From Patient to Provider," aimed to address critical issues within the EMS field and provide valuable education for both providers and the community.
Ariella and Will, co-presidents of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) at Bosque School highlighted the importance of mental health in EMS, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to patient care. They discussed the challenges faced by EMS professionals and expressed their commitment to creating a healthier and happier New Mexico community.
Bosque Students Engage in BLS Training for MRC: Prioritizing Community Health
Bosque School students participated in Basic Life Support (BLS) training as an integral part of their ongoing involvement in the Bosque School Medical Reserve Corps/Emergency Response Team (MRC/ERT). This unique program, fully integrated into Bosque School's academic and hands-on learning approach, empowers students to provide essential medical care on-campus and within the broader community.
As a key component of Bosque School's Service Learning Program, MRC students not only deliver public health services but also actively participate in health education initiatives. Led by students and supported by staffulty mentors, this student-led program plays a pivotal role in fostering community well-being.
Challenging Education
Exploring, Learning, and Connecting: The 7th-Grade Experience with Service Learning
Service learning has long been at the heart of the Bosque School experience, evolving over the years to become a cornerstone of our curriculum. Rooted in learning from and about our community while actively serving it, the program takes on various forms to enrich students' understanding and connection to the world around them.
As part of the 7th-grade WELLBEING program, students recently explored the multifaceted world of food, examining its role in our individual lives and within the greater Albuquerque community. They focused on hands-on experiences, emphasizing the cultivation of the school garden, exploring issues of hunger and access to healthy food, and understanding the concept of food justice.
During an eventful week, 7th-grade students engaged with two community partners: Tres Hermanas Farm and the ECHO Food Bank. Tres Hermanas Farm, a program of Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains Refugee & Asylee, collaborates with a community of refugee farmers to enhance integration and self-sufficiency. At the farm, the students worked with individuals from many countries, including Ukraine, Cuba, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As they toiled alongside farm manager Becca Marshall, the students not only learned about agriculture but also gained insights into the challenges faced by these communities, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.
7th-Grade Bosque School Students Showcase Journalism Skills in Inaugural Bosque Newseum
In a dynamic exploration of journalism, 7th-grade students at Bosque School recently participated in the first annual Bosque Newseum. This interdisciplinary journey into the world of journalism allowed students to explore newsworthy topics affecting New Mexico, demonstrating their skills in both print and audio storytelling.
The students engaged with a variety of topics relevant to their local community, including the new APS schedule, solutions to the stray animal issue in Albuquerque, the expansion of the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, and the ongoing controversy surrounding the use and appropriation of the Zia symbol. Under the guidance of teachers Ms. Jenkins, Ms. Gegg, Ms. Pedrick, and Mr. Etigson, students explored journalistic techniques, gaining insights into effective interviewing, source evaluation, research methods, and the development of newsworthy ideas.
The interdisciplinary approach extended beyond traditional print journalism, as students also learned about audio storytelling and podcast production.
Reflecting on the experience, 7th grader Iris expressed the enjoyment of interviewing people, stating, “It’s really fun to interview people because you get different insights. I didn’t really know a lot about my topic beforehand, but once I did the interview I knew a lot more.” This sentiment echoed that of many students who found the hands-on experience to be both educational and enjoyable. In addition, Aryanna, a 7th-grade writer, reflected on her learning process, stating, “I learned more about how to use primary and secondary sources and that there’s a difference between how and when to use them.”
Read Josie's article about the expansion of the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum here.
Listen to Coen's Podcast: How is New Mexico’s severe lack of healthcare workers affecting accessibility to healthcare, and how can we fix it?
Listen to Lorenzo's podcast: "What are the effects of post-pandemic learning?"
Middle School Robotics Club Shines in Statewide Competition
Members of the middle school robotics club showcased their engineering prowess and teamwork at a competitive robotics meet on Saturday, December 9, held at La Cueva High School. The event brought together students from across the state to participate in this year's robotics game designed by Vex Robotics.
The club was well-represented, with one 7th-grade team and one 8th-grade team each bringing a robot they had meticulously built for the contest. The challenge was not only against other middle schools but also against high schools from various regions.
In a demonstration of skill and dedication, the 8th-grade team, consisting of Lucas, Cole, Lola and Selah, emerged victorious in two out of three matches. The 7th-grade team, composed of Rowan and Sagan, mirrored this success by also winning two out of three matches.
Exploring Horizons: Bosque School Student Takes on the Netherlands!
Elia '26, with the support of our school and the Youth for Understanding program, is embarking on a unique and enriching experience by studying abroad in the Netherlands for the spring semester of 2024!
Studying abroad is a transformative experience that opens doors to new perspectives, cultures, and opportunities for personal growth. At Bosque School, we believe in providing our students with the tools and experiences they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Through partnerships with programs like Youth for Understanding, we aim to make these experiences accessible and impactful. Elia's journey to the Netherlands exemplifies our commitment to fostering global awareness and preparing our students for success beyond the classroom.
Elia's dream of studying abroad dates back to her elementary school years, and we couldn't be more proud to see her turning this dream into a reality. Currently residing in the charming northern town of Dedemsvaart, Elia is living with a local family and attending a school in the heart of the community, providing her with a deep understanding of the Dutch way of life.
Bosque School Students Engage in Mock Trial of Fidel Castro
Bosque School sophomores and juniors recently participated in a trial simulation about Fidel Castro. The trial not only served as a dynamic final exam for their Cuba class with Professor Rekow, but also provided students with hands-on understanding of legal proceedings and historical events.
The students dedicated considerable time and effort to prepare for the trial, diving into the complexities of Fidel Castro's leadership and the historical context surrounding the Cuban Revolution. The project aimed to foster critical thinking, research skills, and an in-depth understanding of the socio-political landscape during Castro's era.
Unveiling the Medieval West African Empires through Digital Timelines
In Dr. Zavitz's 9th-grade humanities class, the dynamic fusion of technology and historical exploration opened new avenues for students to engage with the past. Students recently undertook a Digital Timeline project where the rich history of major medieval West African empires – Ghana, Mali, and Songhay – came to life in a vibrant and interactive format.
The project, designed to foster both historical understanding and technological proficiency, challenged students to embody the role of historians. Their task was to meticulously research their assigned empire, drawing not only from class sources but also delving into external references. The goal was to distill the empire's intricate history into six major events, showcasing the students' ability to discern historical significance, order events chronologically, synthesize information, and construct a cohesive narrative – essential skills for emerging scholars in the humanities.
Dr. Zavitz Publishes Chapter in "The Cambridge History of the Age of Atlantic Revolutions"
We are proud to highlight the remarkable achievement of our very own upper school humanities teacher, Dr. Zavitz. Five years ago, Dr. Zavitz received an invitation that would not only contribute to the academic world but also leave a lasting impact on our school community.
Dr. Zavitz was invited to write a chapter for Volume II of "The Cambridge History of the Age of Atlantic Revolutions." This three-volume compilation delves into revolutions worldwide from the 1680s to the 1820s. Volume II specifically explores the revolutions of France, Europe, and Haiti, with a keen focus on the French Revolution and its transformative effects. The volume examines various aspects, including changes in family life, religious practices, socio-economic relations, and the prevalent themes of violence and terror during the revolution.
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