Albuquerque Public Schools: Heinrich Champions Outdoor Learning at Polk Academy

Standing amid vibrant murals and hoop houses, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich announced the reintroduction of the Revitalizing America's Schoolyards Act on Thursday at Polk Academy of Agricultural Science. The legislation aims to provide schools nationwide with the resources to transform traditional asphalt playgrounds into living, learning ecosystems like the one thriving in Albuquerque's South Valley.

Polk Academy - a middle school that's part of Albuquerque Public Schools' Sustaining the Future magnet program - served as the backdrop for Heinrich's announcement. Sustaining the Future is a K-12 environmental STEM pathway that teaches students to care for land, water and the environment while exploring real-world solutions and future careers.

Student leaders guided the senator through Polk's Jardin de Los Sueños, or Garden of Dreams, showcasing a STEAM lab equipped with aquaponic and hydroponic systems and an orchard where 40 fruit trees were planted last year.

Student Alllyson Bojorquez touted the mental health benefits of outdoor learning spaces.

"Students work hard on the farm, but they also get to walk around, enjoy themselves, talk with friends, and just have time to enjoy the space and help improve our mental health," she said.

Heintrich said he wanted to announce the reintroduction of the legislation at Polk "because you're such a great example of what I would like to see be the norm, not the exception, in school campuses all across this country." Reflecting on his own education, he noted the stark contrast between the "packed dirt and concrete" of his youth and the interactive environment at Polk.

Heinrich, who began his career running outdoor education programs, emphasized that these landscapes are vital for mental health and diverse learning styles. "We know that some of the kids who were the most challenged to sit at their desk and focus, in that environment, just absolutely thrive," he said.

The proposed Act would fund the conversion of school grounds into spaces that clean the air, provide organic food and offer "learning by doing" opportunities.

At Polk, this philosophy is already deeply ingrained. Principal Ben Bustos described the campus not as an extension of the classroom, but as the classroom itself.

"Rooted in our community's farming and ranching traditions, our students learn by doing," Bustos said. "Whether it's working in the garden, studying soil health, or understanding water systems through our acequia and community partnerships."

Teacher Travis McKenzie highlighted the cultural significance of the program, noting that the Living Schoolyards Act represents an opportunity to scale Polk's success across the state. He announced a new partnership with the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District to build acequia infrastructure on campus, allowing students to learn firsthand about water rights and traditional flood irrigation.

"We want to cultivate the next generation of water warriors," McKenzie said.

Also speaking at the event were Gael Torres and Rosita Moreno. Torres spoke to the school's transformation and its improved reputation driven by the agricultural program.

"Our school environment is very different from other schools," Torres said. "... We have the opportunity to include outdoor learning into our classes. It's amazing how we are all able to get together and maintain the garden."

Closing in Spanish, Moreno emphasized that the work at Polk is about more than green spaces-it is about cultivating local, healthy products and forming the leaders of tomorrow.

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