Albuquerque Public Schools
Van Buren Hosts Multicultural Night
Middle school event strengthens community and student belonging.
Van Buren Middle School came alive last week as families and community members gathered for the school's 5th Annual Multicultural Night, an evening rooted in connection, culture and community.
The event, grounded in VBMS’s Community Schools framework, highlighted the school's commitment to building strong, authentic partnerships with students, families and the broader community. Led by Community School Coordinator Amanda Carbajal-Sanchez and Family Liaison Barbara Sanchez, the night reflected an intentional focus on ensuring every family felt welcomed, valued and supported.
The success of the evening also reflects VBMS's continued growth in Goal 4: Skills, Habits and Mindsets, APS' priority focused on student well-being and engagement. This year, VBMS has seen growth across every Goal 4 measure, including a 10-point increase in school safety and meaningful gains in students’ sense of belonging. Events like Multicultural Night are a key part of that progress.
With over 40 classic and lowrider cars on display, the event brought excitement and energy to campus. A standout highlight of the evening was the lowrider model car contest, made possible through a strong partnership with the Ranflitas Car Club. Members Sal, Joe and Dominic worked closely with the VBMS team and generously donated more than $350 in cash prizes for student winners, along with thousands of dollars in raffle prizes for families and community members. They also sponsored a family trip to Great Wolf Lodge for one of the participating students. Their continued support over the past five years has helped build a strong sense of pride, excitement and cultural connection within the school community.
Families also had the opportunity to connect with a wide range of community partners, including the International District Healthy Communities Coalition (IDHCC), First Nations Youth Mentoring Program, Together for Brothers, the National Guard, Explora, and many others, all sharing valuable resources and support. The evening also featured culturally connected performances from East San Jose and the Vahn Han Lion Dancers, further celebrating the diversity and traditions within the VBMS community. These partnerships and experiences reinforced VBMS's role as a true community hub.
"This wasn’t just an event, it was a reflection of who we are as a school community," said Principal Moises Padilla. "Every detail was intentional, from how we welcomed families to the opportunities we created for connection and access to resources."
VBMS continues to lean into the Community Schools model, which integrates academics, health and social services, youth development, and family engagement. Multicultural Night brought that vision to life in a powerful way. Throughout the evening, families were not just attendees—they were active participants. The leadership of Amanda Carbajal-Sanchez and Barbara Sanchez was evident in the way families were engaged, supported, and connected, ensuring that everyone who walked through the doors felt a true sense of belonging.
"When students see their cultures celebrated and their families included, it directly impacts how they feel about being at school," school leadership shared. "Belonging doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through moments like this."
As the evening came to a close, one thing was clear: VBMS is not just hosting events—it is building a stronger, more connected community. Multicultural Night stands as a powerful example of what happens when schools lead with purpose, center families and stay committed to the success of every student.
At Van Buren Middle School, culture is celebrated, voices are valued and community is at the heart of it all.
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.