Albuquerque Public Schools brought 7,000 teachers and staff together to prepare for Thursday's start of school and align goals for the new year. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Albuquerque Public Schools brought 7,000 teachers and staff together to prepare for Thursday’s start of school and align goals for the new year. Albuquerque Public Schools held its second APS Rising: Educator Summit at the Convention Center on Wednesday for professional development training ahead of the first day of school for most New Mexico students. The summit came one day after APS officials outlined results from the last school year, including student college and workforce milestones. APS administrators said they want to create a better environment for teachers and students and increase student attendance and graduation rates.