How Communities In Schools Partners with Schools to Support Students

At Communities In Schools® (CIS®), student success is built on strong, intentional partnerships. CIS Site Coordinators are embedded on school campuses, working alongside teachers, administrators, and staff to remove barriers to learning and ensure students receive the support they need—when they need it. 

For Shelby Clements, a Site Coordinator at Neblett Elementary, from CIS of the Dallas Region, collaboration is central to the work. When she first joined her campus, she was mindful of the demands already placed on educators. 

“Whenever I first started here, I had a hard time figuring out how to work with teachers, because I felt like I was almost getting in the way or adding to their plate.” 

Over time, trust grew through consistent communication and shared problem-solving. 

“I’ve learned through time and building relationships that they are fully open to receiving any kind of help.” 

Rather than working separately from the classroom, Shelby partners closely with teachers to align supports with daily instruction and student needs. One example is her use of Calm Down Kits—resources that allow students to practice emotional regulation without leaving the classroom. Teachers are invited to provide feedback so these tools remain effective. 

“It’s genuinely a working relationship.” 

CIS Site Coordinators also collaborate with school leadership to address schoolwide needs. Shelby meets regularly with her principal to support attendance initiatives and participates in weekly administrative meetings with campus leadership and office staff. These meetings help identify students who may need additional support and allow teams to develop solutions together. 

Partnerships extend beyond administration. Shelby works closely with the school counselor to co-lead a Peer Helpers program, empowering students to develop leadership skills and support one another. This collaboration strengthens the culture of care across the campus. 

Supporting educators is a key part of the CIS model. Shelby intentionally creates space to listen to teachers, ask for their input, and collaborate on initiatives that align with academic goals. 

“I spent time to listen to them and ask for their opinions.” 

Clear communication further strengthens these relationships. By sharing schedules, group goals, and intervention plans, Shelby ensures teachers are informed and included. 

Including them in my schedule helped build my relationship with the teachers, because I was letting them in on everything I was doing.

This transparency allows Shelby to evaluate whether strategies introduced in small groups are being carried into the classroom and adjusted as needed. 

“It’s almost like I’m reassessing my interventions to make sure that they’re working.” 

Through collaboration, trust, and a shared mission, CIS Site Coordinators help bridge the gap between students, schools, and communities. 

“We might be two different things, but we all have the same goal. We are all in for kids.” 

At Communities In Schools, that commitment drives everything we do. Learn more about how site coordinators like Shelby make an impact every day—and why being present for students matters.

Learn more about CIS of the Greater Dallas Region.

Get Involved! Find your local CIS affiliate.