Word on the Bosque
By Valery Galanter, Director of Philanthropy
Every year, as we begin making plans to celebrate Founder’s Days, the inside jokes begin flowing within the Marketing, Communications, and Philanthropy teams as we remind each other of the event's title — Founders Days, Founders’ Dazes, Founder’s Daisies, These are the Days of our Founders.
The behind-the-scenes truth is that naming an event is often more complicated than it looks. Even after careful thought, workshopping, and wordsmithing, it may not always roll off of the tongue or resonate as it should. For this event, I always give myself a little reminder: It’s the possessive (of the founder) and then the plural (multiple days).
As a relatively young institution, our community is smaller compared to other schools simply because we haven't had as much time to graduate a large number of students. However, this dynamic serves to strengthen our network, with each student, alum, staffulty, and family member contributing significantly to our numbers. Much like any small but mighty team or organization, every contribution, whether it be through time, resources, or support, holds immense value and impact. In this sense, every member of our community can be seen as a founder, building on the continual growth and success of Bosque School.
While the Founder’s Days two-day celebration recognizes the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of Dr. Peggie Ann Findlay, without whom Bosque School would likely not exist, the event is really a celebration of all of us — community members past and present — who have all been significant to the success of Bosque School and made it the institution it is today. The possessive doesn’t solely reference Dr. Findlay — the event belongs to us all. And in this way, the plurality is not just in reference to the multiple days in the event but also recognizes each of you as multiple founders.
Founder’s Days is grounded in our core value of Cultivating Community. Everyone is invited to participate throughout this two-day celebration. Whether you’re making a gift to the Bosque Fund, grabbing a cookie at drop-off, or joining us at Electric Playhouse on March 26 from 7-9 pm, we hope you, our founders, will join us!
CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR DOLORES LANDAVAZO
On Sunday, February 25, we suffered the heartbreaking loss of one of our beloved staffulty members, Dolores Landavazo, to a health-related incident. Dolores has been a dedicated member of the Bosque community since 2009 and was the Schoolhouse administrative assistant. More importantly, she was a trusted confidant, best friend, and steady presence who very tenderly and thoughtfully supported our students, colleagues, and families for fifteen years.
As a school, we are so honored to have the opportunity to host Dolores’s celebration of life on Saturday, March 9, at 10:30 am in the gym. The ceremony will be followed by a reception in Budagher Hall. Dolores’s family does not intend this to be a formal affair and they are planning to wear Elvis and Sonic shirts to honor Dolores’s true loves, and they welcome others to do the same.
We have been overwhelmed by requests to help from individuals in our community. The family would be grateful for donations of food and drinks for the reception following the service (these can be dropped off in Budagher Hall from 9:30 am onwards on Saturday, March 9). Should you wish to make a donation, per the obituary, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association New Mexico Chapter, a charitable organization that was meaningful to Dolores, as her own mom experienced Alzheimer's.
The celebration of life is open to everyone who loved Dolores, and her family is eager to get to know Dolores’s extended Bosque family. Please spread the word.
Philanthropy News
Save the Date for Founder's Days March 25-26, 2024
You won’t want to miss this! All members of our community are invited to participate in this annual two-day event which honors the history of our school while building support for the future.
What is Founder’s Days? Founder’s Days is an online giving campaign that is highlighted by in-person activities for everyone! Last year, we raised over $100,000 for the Bosque Fund in just 48 hours. Over 70% of donors who contributed during Founder’s Days made gifts less than $250 - demonstrating the power of participation and how every gift makes a difference! Matching and challenge gifts will be available allowing you to double and triple the impact of your donation.
Throughout the celebration you can expect a variety of experiences: follow along on our campaign page and social media accounts for fun updates, see our students in special morning meetings, and ALL are invited to join us for the grand finale event at Electric Playhouse on Tuesday, March 26 from 7-9 pm. Many thanks to Electric Playhouse, and board member Brandon Garrett for donating the space to us for the evening!
Due to limited space, pre-registration is required. Click below to register today!
Philanthropy Announcement
The WaFd Foundation recently awarded Bosque School a $5,000 grant to support our Field and Community Science program. This signature program brings applied, hands-on science to life with experiential learning opportunities for our students and aligns with our deep commitment to broader community engagement. We partner with local K-12 schools (many of which are designated as Title 1 schools) to provide a comprehensive science education unit that includes a field study trip and the opportunity to learn alongside our students. Thank you, WaFd, for your belief in our mission and support of our school!
CHALLENGING EDUCATION
From Stable Isotopes to DNA, Bosque School's Original Wildlife Research Ignites Success at JAM Conference
Bosque School students, teachers, and alums recently showcased their wildlife research at the 57th Joint Annual Meeting of the Arizona and New Mexico Chapters of The Wildlife Society and American Fisheries Society (JAM) in Flagstaff, Arizona. This marked Bosque School's 16th consecutive year participating in this respected conference, and this year, several of the students’ outstanding contributions were notably enhanced by their collaboration with the University of New Mexico's Center for Stable Isotopes.
Kim Fike, Bosque School field and community science educator; Donny Kelley-Currens, art and ecology educator; Conrad Padilla, facilities; and Dan Shaw, science teacher and field science coordinator, led the trip, emphasizing the collaborative and authentic nature of the experience. The JAM conference provided a unique platform for Bosque School students to present their wildlife research, offering an invaluable opportunity for interaction with professional biologists, university faculty, and fellow students specializing in fish, wildlife, and related subjects.
Ms. Fike praised the students, emphasizing the exceptional nature of their participation as the sole high school representatives in an audience typically composed of undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals. Bosque School students showcased work that rivaled their more experienced counterparts, a testament to their commitment and preparation.
Dan Shaw highlighted the multi-year projects and collaborations that extend beyond graduation, emphasizing Bosque School's commitment to mentoring across generations. This commitment was further exemplified by Donny Kelley-Currens, an advocate for wildlife filmmaking and Bosque School alum, who passionately shared his own insights at JAM. Donny's emphasis on visual storytelling and multimedia integration in environmental education resonated with the audience. His presentation covered filmmaking techniques, from trail cameras and smartphones for beginners to professional methods, showcasing a sandhill crane video designed to support students from visiting schools in Bosque School's field and community science program.
Reflecting on his leadership role at JAM, Donny expressed pride in leading students who not only excelled but competed successfully against college participants. His ongoing commitment to wildlife projects, including collaboration with the state herpetologist Leland Pierce, highlighted the lasting impact and continuity fostered by Bosque School's programs. Donny's involvement in mentoring kids as they capture and microchip turtles showcased the multi-generational aspect of Bosque School's wildlife initiatives, creating a bridge between past and present endeavors.
Challenging Education
Exploring the Bosque: A Glimpse Into BEMP's Ecological Adventures
In our ongoing commitment to environmental education and hands-on learning, our 6th-grade students have been participating in monthly ecological data collection through the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program (BEMP). This initiative allows our students to explore the bosque's rich biodiversity and contribute valuable data to aid in the conservation efforts of this vital ecosystem.
Pam Sever, Bosque School's 6th-grade dean, science department leader, and middle school science teacher, shares her excitement about the exploration facilitated by BEMP: "With BEMP, we have explored the bosque near the school and oriented ourselves to the BEMP site maps and data collection tools." In addition, Kim Fike, Bosque School Field and Community Science Teacher, emphasized her other role as an employee of the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program. Her dual capacity underlines the collaborative efforts between Bosque School and BEMP, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the bosque's ecological dynamics.
Bosque School is partnering with UNM Biology to bring a FREE Coding in Biology workshop on Saturday, April 6th, starting at 9:00 am.
🚀 Coding is a vital skill in the world of biology, and we're dedicated to inspiring the next generation of young scientists. This workshop is open to high school students aged 15-18 who have a background in biology.
Join us for a dynamic session led by Rachel Seddon and Joshua Cortez, talented Ph.D. students from UNM Biology. They'll guide you through coding languages like R, providing a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of biology and technology.
At Bosque School, we believe in providing diverse opportunities for our students. That's why we're proud to support this workshop, offering a chance for students from various backgrounds to learn coding at no cost.
Don't miss out! Participating students are also invited to attend Research Day, an incredible opportunity to tour multiple labs and delve into the latest in biology research.
🗓️ Save the date: April 6th, 9:00 am
📍 UNM Biology Department
Ready to embark on this coding adventure with us? Secure a spot now by RSVPing!
Alumni News
Bosque School Alum, Donny KC, Releases Children's Book, "Oxbow Wildlife Adventure: From Desert to Wetland"
Bosque School takes immense pride in celebrating the achievements of its students and alums, and this time, we are thrilled to showcase the remarkable work of Donny KC. In his latest publication, Oxbow Wildlife Adventure: From Desert to Wetland, Donny combines his passion for drawing, videography, and teaching into a unique children's activity book that introduces young readers to the rich biodiversity of the bosque ecosystem.
"I'm super happy to be releasing my book through Bosque School," says Donny. The book, written and illustrated by Donny, showcases local animals found in the bosque ecosystem through Donny's vivid illustrations. What sets this book apart is the inclusion of QR code videos, providing an interactive experience for readers to witness these animals in action.
Student Kudos
Nurturing Hearts and Minds: A Look Into Bosque School's Transformative Service Learning Program
At Bosque School, where academic rigor is the norm, a vibrant and transformative aspect exists that goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. Bosque School’s service learning coordinator, Zach Lang, provides insight into the service learning program and how it helps students pursue meaningful community engagement.
"In a heavily academic school like this, with a lot of time spent doing heavy-duty work, it's nice to be able to flex a different part of their brain," reflects Mr. Lang. "By the time they get into high school, they get to develop that kind of passion into a program, and that's kind of the point of the wellbeing part of Bosque School. Service learning fits well within Bosque School for that reason."
The program, evolving from guided experiences in middle school to independent groupings in upper school, has faced challenges post-pandemic. Many pre-existing partnerships did not survive, prompting Mr. Lang to embark on an investigative journey, preserving the essence of service learning. "I am essentially like an archaeologist, going through all the old service director’s Google Classrooms and finding out what she used to do," Mr. Lang shares.
CHALLENGING EDUCATION
Exploring Melanin: Genetics and Evolution in 9th-Grade Biology
In Holly Briggs' 9th-grade biology class, students have embarked on a fascinating exploration of melanin, a unit that explores the genetics behind evolution, seeking to answer the question: why do we observe varying melanin levels across the globe?
The unit commenced with a case study featuring a family from Brazil. The family, comprising six children—three with albinism and three without—paved the way for an in-depth examination of the genetic underpinnings of melanin production. Curious about the origins of albinism in their lineage, the family sought answers from their dermatologist.
As students began to discover the intricacies of melanin's function—its role in protecting individuals from the sun while potentially hindering vitamin D production—they confronted the delicate balance between sun protection and vitamin synthesis. The study extended to the challenges faced by individuals with albinism, from the necessity of sunscreen use to heightened susceptibility to melanoma. Two girls in the family, both with albinism, illustrated the impact on eyesight, compelling them to sit closer to the board in school.
Bosque Middle School Shines in STEAM-Hack Chain Reaction Challenge, Secures 3rd Place
In an impressive display of innovation and teamwork, four Bosque middle school students, accompanied by Bosque School's upper school physics teacher, Mr. St. John, recently secured 3rd place in this year's STEAM-Hack Chain Reaction Challenge. Malia, Lola, Iris, Tristin, and Viola demonstrated exceptional creativity and problem-solving skills in crafting a chain reaction machine that not only met the challenge's criteria but also told an engaging story.
St. John, reflecting on the students' performance, commended the group, stating, "They built a machine that told the story of the United States trying to take back over the moon from rats who had invaded the cheese moon. They sent a cat in the Lunar Lander to take over the planet. The chain reaction challenge worked perfectly; it did exactly what it was supposed to. They were a really good group of kids that worked well together."
Challenging Education
Wildlife Educators Visit Bosque School
Bosque School recently had some special visitors that brought joy and learning to our community. An aplomado falcon and a peregrine falcon made an appearance in our middle school, thanks to master falconer David Biddinger. Mr. Biddinger, who collaborates with wildlife rehabilitation groups, shared exciting insights into falconry, the art of handling wild birds, and the importance of rescue and rehabilitation.
Our students had a unique hands-on experience, getting up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Ms. Sever and Mr. Biddinger for making this captivating encounter possible and enriching our community with the wonders of falconry.
Strom Usrey, the Conservation Education Manager from New Mexico Game and Fish, also recently paid a visit to the Bosque School. He brought along a collection of wildlife trunks, offering some of our upper school students an engaging opportunity to learn about various species, their life histories, and how they adapt to living on our New Mexico landscapes.
During this interactive session, students got to touch and explore specimens like skins from red and gray foxes, elk, feathers and fans from wild turkeys, as well as horns and antlers from various animals across New Mexico.
These experiences provide unique opportunities for our students to connect with nature, fostering a love for the environment and the incredible creatures that share our world.
Discover the Award-Winning Bosque Summer Camp Experience!
Join us at Bosque Summer, and find out why we’ve been voted "Best Summer Camp" for six consecutive years in the Albuquerque Journal Reader's Choice Awards and honored as the "Best Summer Camp" by ABQ the Magazine in 2023!
With Bosque Summer, the possibilities are endless as students craft their own adventure with our weeklong half and full-day programs tailored for students entering grades K–12. Whether they’re craving academic enrichment, creative exploration, skill development, meaningful movement, or simply looking for some fun, Bosque Summer has something for everyone!
Full-Day Camps (Grades 1–8):
Our students immerse themselves in a world of creativity, discovery, movement, and performance with our full-day camps. Designed for students entering grades 1–8, these camps offer a dynamic mix of classes each day, culminating in a Friday showcase on the Bosque School campus for parents and families to enjoy.
Half-Day Camps:
Bosque Summer also offers half-day camp options. These weeklong programs provide students with the opportunity to explore their favorite subjects and topics.
Ready to Embark on Your Summer Journey?
When you're ready to register, simply visit our registration portal. Click on "reservations" in the menu to explore a comprehensive listing of full-day camps, half-day camps, and more, all organized by grade. Secure your spot now and embark on an unforgettable adventure at Bosque Summer!
Start Your Bosque Summer Adventure
Athletics
Senior night, academic triumphs, and Coach Kate "Sunshine" Sanchez take the spotlight in this month's Bobcat Bulletin. Celebrate our basketball seniors, applaud Winter teams' GPA victories, and get to know the inspirational Coach Kate. Read all the exciting updates from our Athletic Director Jeaney Garcia for a quick snapshot of our athletic successes!
Empowering Excellence: The Bosque School Powerlifting Team and Coach Nicholas Soleyn
Bosque School is proud to introduce the new Powerlifting Team under the expert guidance of Coach Nicholas Soleyn, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach. The initiation of this unique team was not just a professional venture for Coach Soleyn, but a personal one rooted in his commitment to the Bosque School community.
With 12 years of experience as a private strength and conditioning coach, Coach Soleyn brings a wealth of knowledge. He is also the Editor in Chief and a staff coach at Barbell Logic Online Coaching, focusing on safe practices and benefits of strength training.
"As a parent with two kids at Bosque School, I wanted to be more involved in the community. When I learned about the initiation of a powerlifting team, I seized the opportunity to contribute," says Coach Soleyn.
Family Spotlight
The Bell/Dettweiler Family
Meet the Bell/Dettweiler family — Molly, Josh, Maddy, Leo, and Hazel — as they tell us a bit about their experience at Bosque School. Discover why they chose Bosque for their children, what sets the school apart, and the remarkable growth they've witnessed over the years.
Staffulty Highlight
Julia Manganaro
Meet Julia Manganaro, our talented Middle School Director of Music at Bosque School! Did you know that outside of school, Ms. Manganaro has a passion for jazz singing and antique shopping? She also serves as the Director of Music at St. Chad's Episcopal Church.
When she isn't making magic in the music room, you'll find her enjoying hobbies like working out, paddle boarding with her daughters, and playing the accordion in a country band. With a master's degree in music from UNM and seven years of teaching experience in New Mexico's public schools, Ms. Manganaro brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to Bosque School.
Leave a review about Bosque School, and you could be a winner!
Want to help other families who are wondering if Bosque School would be a good fit for them? If you are a current parent, student, or recent alum, leave us a review on Niche.com, and you could win $1,000 in scholarship!
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