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July 2026: Events, Updates, and Resources in the ABC Network

  • Jul 3
  • 4 min read


Have a resource, event, or something inspiring you want to share with the network?

Use this form to tell us more so we can include it in next month's newsletter.


Announcements & Updates


ABC Network Community Schools' End-of-Year Transformation Stories


Community School Transformation Story poster for Van Buren Middle School, with colorful charts, goals, initiatives, and outcomes for 2025-2026
An example of an ABC End-of-Year Community School Transformation Story from Van Buren Middle School

At the end of every school year, we work with Community School Coordinators to develop End-of-Year Transformation Story posters for each school in the ABC network. These posters offer a snapshot of the work and progress happening across Bernalillo County's community schools - capturing how each school is putting its theory of action into practice to improve conditions for student learning through strategic community partnerships and collaborative practices with stakeholders.


We invite you to browse the posters and learn more about the incredible work our community schools are doing by visiting the SharePoint link below, and keep an eye out for an update to our website as we work on creating easier access to these stories through their own page.




🎉 Congratulations, NMPED Community School Grantees! 🎉


This past spring, many of our community school coordinators submitted NMPED Community School grant applications for the upcoming fiscal year. We're incredibly proud of the high-quality work they put forward to represent their sites - and as always, they delivered. We'd also like to extend a special shoutout to administrators covering coordinator vacancies and to brand new community schools applying for the grant for the very first time!


We are pleased to share that the following schools were awarded their full amount requested, for a total sum of $1.21 million across all ABC-APS grantees:

  • Alameda Elementary

  • Alamosa Elementary

  • Apache Elementary

  • Carlos Rey Elementary

  • Chamiza Elementary

  • Edward Gonzales Elementary

  • Garfield Middle

  • Inez Elementary

  • Kirtland Elementary

  • La Mesa Elementary

  • Lyndon B. Johnson Middle

  • Lew Wallace Elementary

  • Longfellow Elementary

  • Los Ranchos Elementary

  • Marie Hughes Elementary

  • Matheson Park Elementary

  • Mountain View Elementary

  • Navajo Elementary

  • Polk Middle

  • Rudolfo Anaya Elementary

  • Tres Volcanes Elementary

  • Valle Vista Elementary

  • Whittier Elementary

  • Zuni Elementary

Key: Implementation Year 1 Implementation Year 2 Implementation Year 3 Renewal Planning


What We've Been Up To

BernCo Community Conversation to Inform Planning of New South Valley Park


Community meeting in a classroom with a speaker beside a screen reading West Gun Club Community Conversation, attendees seated.

In an ongoing series of community conversations to plan the design of a new park in the South Valley, Polk Middle School hosted BernCo's Department of Community School Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and Department of Parks and Recreation and Open Spaces. A total of 26 community members were in attendance to continue evaluating potential park sites and identifying priorities for future park amenities and programming.


People discuss a park design on a tabletop map at a community meeting, with posters and easels.

So far, major themes that have emerged include residents' preferences for plenty of trees and shade structures, community-gathering amenities like food truck spaces, recreation features like playgrounds and walking paths, and community-centered programming.


As design progresses, these priorities should guide park development to create a welcoming space that serves residents of all ages and reflects the unique character of the South Valley community.




BernCo Hosts 3rd Annual 100% BernCo Thrives Summit



Infographic of interlocking gears around a center circle reading 100% NEW MEXICO, with labels for housing, food, medical and dental care, behavioral healthcare, transportation, parent supports, early childhood learning, community schools, youth mentors, and job training.
Ten surviving and thriving services

This year's BernCo Thrives Summit brought together over 150 community members to keep pushing forward on the ten surviving and thriving services (see graphic) for residents across the county.


At the Summit, attendees worked on action plans for the 100% Impact Teams, which center around the ten services, and left with renewed energy and excitement to continue this essential work.


We want to extend gratitude and kudos to our teammate and 100% Bernalillo project lead, Cynthia Grajeda-James, for planning another great Summit - and to the rest of our team and partners who helped make it a truly worthy investment of attendees' time!


If you would like to learn more about the 100% initiative or get involved, visit the website here.



Events for Community School Coordinators & Practitioners

July 27-31

8:30-4:00pm


2026 ABC Coordinator Institute

July 27-29: CNM Workforce Training Center (5600 Eagle Rock Ave NE) July 30-31: APS M-Building (912 Oak St SE)

We can't wait for the 2026 Institute with coordinators where we will focus on strategies developed by Marshall Ganz (Harvard Kennedy School, former community organizer with the United Farm Workers) for building community action around issues that matter in community schools. Coordinators will receive a full agenda and other logistical details by email in advance.

Upcoming Community Events

If available, flyers are included and downloadable.

Saturday

August 1

10am-12pm

South Valley Back to School Bash

Open to all students and families in the Rio Grande High School feeder pattern - come and enjoy community, stock up on school supplies, and get access to various resources!


Colorful flyer for South Valley Back to School Bash at Rio Grande High School, Aug. 1, 2026 from 10am to 12pm.

Saturday

August 8

10am-1pm


100% BernCo Mobile Community Health Event

Van Buren Middle School (700 Louisiana Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108)

Free services for all, including:

  • Blood pressure & Blood Sugar Screening

  • BMI & Cholesterol Check

  • Health Education and Resources

  • Sports Physicals

  • Vision & Dental Screenings

  • Immunizations

Opportunities & Resources for Students & Families

If available, flyers are included and downloadable.

BernCo Summer Lunch Program

Free meals will be served on-site during the summer months for children and teens ages 1 -18 at over 40 site locations in the unincorporated areas of Bernalillo County. No registration required. Click here to view a complete list of sites.

CABQ Summer Lunch Program Program

Free meals for children and teens ages 1-18 within Albuquerque city limits. Visit CABQ's website above for a complete list of sites and menus.


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