Albuquerque Public Schools
Valle Vista Students Celebrate Route 66 with Annual Car Show
Pre-K creations and community classics come together for a schoolwide celebration of learning and culture.
Valle Vista Elementary School recently brought the spirit of Route 66 to life with its fourth annual car show, a celebration that started with the school’s youngest learners and grew into a full community event.
As part of a transportation unit, New Mexico Pre-K students worked with their families to design and build creative boxcars that reflected their interests, talents and cultures. The project culminated in a drive-in style experience, where students watched the movie Cars while seated in their handmade vehicles.
The excitement continued as motorcycles and a mix of modern and vintage cars paraded onto campus, greeted by cheers from students across grade levels. Older students joined the celebration by rotating through activities including car-themed art galleries, vintage car displays and hands-on lessons exploring forces and motion.
Student learning was on full display throughout the event. In addition to Route 66-themed projects and tin art, some upper-grade students explored history by learning about Rosie the Riveter and the contributions of women during World War II, even dressing the part for the occasion.
The celebration extended into the evening, welcoming families and community members to enjoy music from a local duo, along with classic treats like hot dogs, root beer floats and aguas frescas. Community car clubs also joined in, showcasing restored vehicles alongside student creations.
What began as a Pre-K project has grown into a beloved tradition that brings together students, staff and the broader community. At Valle Vista Elementary, students truly got their kicks near Route 66!
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.