Albuquerque Public Schools remains committed to literacy and creating a strong culture of reading for students. The district works with community partners and other stakeholders to expand reading opportunities, including during summer. Those efforts have generated a positive response from students and families.
This year, APS announced that summer reading reached new heights. Students joined thousands of young readers across New Mexico through Club Read. Dion’s Pizza and the Albuquerque Isotopes presented the annual summer reading program.
The 2026 program set a record, with students from 226 schools redeeming 8,639 first scorecards. Participants reported reading more than 59,000 books throughout the summer. Club Read encourages pre-K through fifth grade students to read during the break by rewarding their progress.
Four students earned Grand Prize honors and will throw honorary first pitches at an Albuquerque Isotopes game. Among them are APS students Dante Hodges, a fourth-grader at Manzano Mesa Elementary, and John Sternat, a kindergartner at Desert Willow Family School.
More Summer Reading Success
Two East San Jose Elementary leaders received the 2026 Laura Rasmussen Love of Reading Award, and APS celebrates their achievement.
Family Liaison Ana Salinas and Community School Impact Coordinator Sarah Aguilera-Prado teamed up to make Club Read accessible and engaging schoolwide. Their efforts drove 100% participation among East San Jose’s more than 300 students.
APS said the recognition underscores the impact of strong school-community partnerships. It also celebrates the dedicated educators and staff who make reading a joyful part of students’ lives beyond the classroom.
Reading plays a central role in APS Goal 1: Early Literacy. The goal helps students build the strong reading skills they need to succeed academically and throughout life. Programs like Club Read keep them learning and growing during the break. The initiatives give students a chance to enjoy books, build confidence, spark curiosity, and discover the joy of reading.
