Shown here are Mesa Verde High School staff, from left, community intervention specialist James “Trey” Taylor, Principal Jennifer Petersen, Vice-Principal Cristina Zepeda and community intervention assistant Darik Belton. They embrace the philosophy of supporting each other like family. Photo courtesy of Justserve.org

CITRUS HEIGTHS, CA (MPG) - Mesa Verde High School, a Title I school in Citrus Heights, is rewriting the story of student success through family, follow-through and deep-rooted community investment.

That’s by design, according to Vice-Principal Cristina Zepeda.

“Principal Petersen’s leading the change to improve kids’ lives,” Zepeda said. “We bring in supports that make parents comfortable and help students feel seen. They know there’s someone here who’s going to listen and help.”

With 41% of families Spanish-speaking, the school offers resources such as Cafecito con las Consejeras, coffee with the counselors, so parents can speak directly with someone who understands their language and culture. It’s one of many efforts to meet families where they are.

The foundation of Mesa Verde’s transformation is leadership by example.

Principal Jennifer Petersen models the behaviors she asks of staff.

“She’s not just saying it; she’s doing it,” Zepeda said.

Petersen organized staff into four cross-department teams, earning points for participating in spirit days and events alongside students. Staff are encouraged to attend games, performances and recognitions and encourage students, “I’m coming to see you.”

Students are responding. Homecoming attendance jumped from 80 to 300. Students who once hesitated to try out for sports or clubs are stepping forward, encouraged by staff who consistently ask, “Have you considered this?” 

When asked, “Can you come see me?” staff make the time.

“I see sincere effort,” said Zepeda. “Staff are walking the walk, supporting students and parents.”

Community intervention specialist James “Trey” Taylor brings in outside partners.

“All these partners help us incentivize our students,” Taylor said.

The incentives are real: Texas Roadhouse and Raising Cane’s reward improved grades and attendance with meals. Chick-fil-A mascots host goal-kick contests with free food for a year as the prize. Kiwanis supports Honor Society luncheons and athletics.

“Some kids don’t have the infrastructure to understand regular attendance leads to success,” said Taylor. “Incentives may seem small but they’re meaningful. The recognition gradually builds success skills and confidence.”

Particularly tender to Taylor is the support that students facing housing insecurity or other needs receive. Sunrise Food Ministry provides meals and holiday help.

“Shame is a barrier,” said Taylor. “Parents may hesitate to ask for help but students know we keep snacks and hygiene supplies in the office. They know we’re here.”

That support extends through the wider community.

“When we talk about community, it includes the city, the schools, everyone,” said Taylor. “We’re doing it together.”

Facilities bring new life.

“This is our first full season with the stadium,” said Zepeda. “It’s bringing in the community and pride.”

For the first time, Mesa Verde High is hosting home games and graduations, drawing alumni, families and neighbors.

“People show up proud to be Mesa Verde,” Zepeda said. “It feels like the school is coming alive.”

Petersen’s point system has energized staff.

“Motivated staff motivate students,” Zepeda said.

At one rally, students made Peter Pan hats for the junior staff team. Staff reminded each other to wear them, delighting students and deepening connections.

That team-first approach extends to sports. Coaches work with athletes before the season to help them stay eligible and hold each other accountable on and off the field. Character development matters as much as performance. The result: Mesa Verde’s football team GPA rose from 2.2 to 3.1 this year.

Zepeda credits much of that progress to the school’s intervention team.

“These specialist positions are new,” Zepeda said. “Administrators can’t address everything. These roles expand our support. It couldn’t have happened without Trey and Darik. They keep searching until they find what students need.”

Taylor and fellow specialist Darik Belton build community relationships at events such as Sunday Funday and partner with businesses such as alumni-owned Beach Hut Deli in Roseville.

The Citrus Heights Police Department participates in events such as Trunk or Treat and Shop with a Cop.

“We’re primarily a brown community,” said Taylor. “This helps break stereotypes. Officers are people like us and they care.”

And above all, Mesa Verde High feels like family, according to Belton, because “We support each other like family.”

Added Zepeda, “High school is its own community. With the right support, it becomes one that teaches kids to walk through life with resilience, care and pride.”