Summer break is coming to an end, and the City of Albuquerque has announced several programs aimed at helping students and families get off to a strong start.
“Liz and I know how busy back-to-school season is,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a Tuesday news release, referring to his wife. “And for families who don’t have access to the supplies they need, we know it can be even more stressful. Whether kids need backpacks, school supplies or a place to go after school, the city is ready to provide those necessary resources to families as they map out the new school year.”
The city will be hosting two major events before school starts Aug. 7. Thursday’s Back to School Health Fair will take place at Los Griegos Health & Social Service Center, 1231 Candelaria Rd. NW. It will include a school supply giveaway, a mobile clothing bank, a climbing wall, free vaccines for kids and free blood-pressure testing for seniors. The first 50 children to arrive will receive backpacks.
At Saturday’s Cruzin Into the School Year event, the city’s Youth & Family Services Department will give out school supplies and 3,000 backpacks. Attendees will also be treated to a car show. Preregistration is required.
Cruzin’ into the School Year will take place at:
- Mesa Verde Community Center, 7900 Marquette Ave. NE.
- West Mesa Community Center, 5500 Glenrio Road NW.
Events at each location will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Youth & Family Services spokesperson Brianna Gallegos said kids will be able to pick out their own supplies, including notebooks, folders, pencils, markers, glue, scissors and watercolors.
She said donors include Sandia National Labs, Bank on Burque, Presbyterian Turquoise Care and United Way of North Central New Mexico.
A Better U Beauty Barber Academy donated 1,000 free haircut vouchers.
G. Bryan Garcia, community schools development specialist at Albuquerque Public Schools, said the district is for the community’s aid and hopes to work with community partners throughout the school year.
Once the school year starts, there will be city before- and after-school programs at 18 community centers and three multigenerational centers. APS will also host Play + programs at multiple elementary schools during the school year.