When you walk through the doors of CICS West Belden, one of the first smiling faces you’ll meet is Mr. Meraz. As our Community Schools Coordinator (CSC), he is the bridge between school and community—deeply connected to our families, students, and partners. His mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure every student and family feels supported, heard, and connected. Whether it’s coordinating resources, building partnerships, or fostering collaboration, Mr. Meraz helps CICS West Belden live out its role as a true community hub—extending support well beyond the classroom.

Mr. Meraz believes authentic partnerships fuel student success. When a child’s needs are met, they are free to fully engage in learning. To make that possible, he collaborates with community organizations, parent-teacher groups, and local leaders, always listening first. Through needs assessments and conversations, he identifies where resources can make the greatest impact—whether that’s warm coats, school supplies, or new opportunities for enrichment. His vision is to expand before and after-school programming so that every student has access to affordable opportunities and experiences that reflect the community’s strengths, interests, and dreams.

Sixth-grade student Naomi loves learning at CICS West Belden. She loves that her teachers provide her and her peers with genuine options to best suit their learning needs, whether it’s additional help or more challenging material. When Naomi was ready for more advanced math, her teacher responded immediately with more challenging material, demonstrating a form of learner agency that makes school feel like she is receiving exactly what she needs to succeed. 

This responsive teaching goes beyond academics—it speaks directly to our commitment to holistic learning, or educating the whole child. For Naomi, this is why the school is not just a place for learning but a supportive community. This holistic approach is why our Community Hub model is a core tenet of the work we do: when our students' social and emotional needs are met, they can truly thrive. Meeting every student exactly where they are—listening to their voice and honoring their path—is the essence of a thriving culture at CICS West Belden.