Community Schools

Natomas High School is excited to share that we are a community school! Community schools are public schools that partner with the community to improve student outcomes by focusing on the physical, emotional, and social needs of students. Community schools work with families, teachers, students, and community agencies to align resources and improve student outcomes. Community schools offer services and support that fit the needs of the neighborhood, such as: free healthy meals, health care, tutoring, shifts in school culture, policies, approaches to teaching and learning. “Community schools have the channels in place to accurately identify the needs and hopes of the school community, and then to triage those needs”

Natomas High School Community School Mission 
Our mission is to build a community school that supports students, serves and uplifts the broader community,  through fostering meaningful partnerships, expanding access to resources, and promoting shared responsibility, so that every learner is empowered to succeed and every family feels connected and supported.
 

For more information on Natomas High School and our journey as a community school, contact Dr. Cerrene Yvonne-Cervantes, Natomas High School's Community Schools Coordinator, at cyvonnecervantes@natomasunified.org.

About Dr. Cervantes

Dr. Cerrene Cervantes is an accomplished educator and leader with over 35 years of cross-sector experience spanning education, mental health, the justice system, social services, non-profit management, organizational leadership, and public relations.

For over 30 years, Dr. Cervantes has also been a state and national speaker and trainer, recognized for her expertise in education reform, equity, mental health systems, leadership development, and community partnership building.

Her professional journey reflects a lifelong commitment to equity, student success, and transformative education. Dr. Cervantes has served in multiple educational roles — from classroom teaching, principal, director, program development, educational leadership, and systems transformation. She has designed and led initiatives that strengthen educational systems, family engagement, improve student outcomes, and build sustainable partnerships between students, educators, families, and communities. Dr Cervantes brings a combined classroom experience with administrative and leadership roles. She has demonstrated adaptability and fostered trust and professional relationships with students, families, educators, and community partners. She is dedicated, goal-driven, and creates inclusive, stimulating environments where all students, educators, families, and the community can thrive.

She is a passionate advocate for whole-child education. Dr. Cervantes believes that schools are the heart of every community  — places where belonging and opportunity come to life.
Dr. Cervantes holds a Bachelor of Science in General Education and Special Education, a Master’s Degree in Leadership, and a Doctorate in Clinical / Educational Psychology.

Our Community Schools initiative is dedicated to creating a nurturing and supportive environment where students, families and the community can thrive together.
 
Community Schools is a holistic approach to education that integrates academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement. This model transforms our schools into hubs of opportunity, addressing the comprehensive needs of our students and families. By partnering with local organizations and resources, we provide a wide range of services such as tutoring, mental health support, family engagement programs and extracurricular activities.
 
Our goal is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed academically, socially and emotionally. We believe that by supporting the whole child and their family, we can build stronger, healthier communities. Join us in fostering a vibrant, connected and successful future for all in Natomas High School.