Albuquerque Public Schools
Literacy and Community Converge at Adobe Acres
Families enjoyed a "Read Across America" evening with dinner and Dr. Seuss.
At Adobe Acres Elementary School, the belief is that when you open a book, you open a mind.
Earlier this spring, the South Valley school transformed into a vibrant family learning center during its Dr. Seuss-themed Literacy Night. The event was presented as part of Read Across America, the largest annual reading celebration in the United States.
Literacy Night focused on a simple but powerful goal: ensuring every student incorporates literacy as a joyful part of their daily life. Valerie Fernandez, Community School Impact Coordinator at Adobe Acres, said that "the event was designed to center students at the heart of the experience. Families gathered to share a community meal and explore the world of literacy together, reinforcing the school’s role as a welcoming neighborhood resource."
The inviting atmosphere was made possible by the support of the Adobe Acres team. More than 20 faculty and staff members stayed after hours to run activity tables, serve meals, and dress in Seussian costumes like The Lorax and The Cat in the Hat.
The night also highlighted local collaboration. Through the support of partners, Adobe Acres offered tangible resources to help families grow their own home libraries. Libros for Kids & Read To Me!, two community-based literacy nonprofit organizations, provided a wide selection of books for students to take home and keep.
By combining these elements under one roof, Adobe Acres continues to strengthen its role as a hub. As a proud Community School, Adobe Acres operates on the belief that when students, families, educators, and neighbors work together, student success follows. The evening served as a reminder that when a community is "all in" for its students, the path to literacy becomes a shared adventure.
About APS Community Schools
With almost 70 Community Schools across the district, APS and the ABC Community School Partnership are building a network of schools that serve as community hubs. By weaving together rigorous classroom instruction, expanded learning opportunities, integrated support systems, and the voices of families and students in decision-making, these schools create conditions where every child can learn, grow and thrive.