Albuquerque Public Schools
Orbit and Espresso
Atrisco Elementary pairs morning coffee for parents with a mascot-fueled lunch for students to boost school attendance.
The morning sun barely skimmed the asphalt when the first cars pulled into the Atrisco Elementary drop-off zone, but the air was already buzzing. Waiting at the curb were smiling staff members armed with hot coffee, handing out fresh cups to parents taking the time to get their kids to class on time. It was a simple, warm "thank you" for a daily effort that matters more than most realize.
The surprise morning treat was part of Atrisco Elementary’s Attendance Pop-Up Day, aligned with the New Mexico Public Education Department’s statewide "Be Here" campaign. The goal: celebrate the families who make attendance a daily priority.
By noon, the energy shifted from caffeine to pure chaos—the best kind. Enter Orbit.
The beloved Albuquerque Isotopes mascot ambled into the cafeteria during lunch, sparking an instant wave of cheers, high-fives and wide-eyed giggles. Orbit worked the room like a seasoned pro, photobombing lunch tables, giving out legendary hugs, and reminding students that showing up to school comes with serious perks.
Every day in class counts, but on days like this, Atrisco Elementary proved that being here is half the fun.
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.