Mountainside Middle School turns first Fridays into wellness tradition

Staff Reports | Volunteer Zone

Following its designation as a Blue Zones Project Approved school in August 2025, Mountainside Middle School has introduced a monthly wellness initiative aimed at promoting student health and connection.

The school’s “Blue Zones First Friday” program brings together students, staff and families once a month for a series of activities focused on healthy habits and social engagement, according to a press release.

In partnership with Blue Zones Project Scottsdale and the school’s Parent Teacher Organization, Mountainside hosts the event before classes begin. Students are welcomed with snack options and an interactive “Power 9” spinning wheel highlighting principles associated with healthy lifestyles.

The wheel prompts students to participate in brief activities tied to Blue Zones principles, including physical movement, stress reduction and social connection. Activities include completing jumping jacks, reflecting on personal strengths and offering encouragement to peers.

The initiative’s popularity has led to expansion within the Scottsdale Unified School District. Laguna Elementary School, which is working toward Blue Zones Project school approval, launched a similar program on Feb. 13 and now plans to host its own event on the second Friday of each month.

“The Blue Zone snack table has been a great new addition to our schools,” Lindsay Saja, a parent at both Mountainside Middle School and Laguna Elementary, said. “Students look forward to it and often ask staff when the next one will be. It’s been great to see them excited while learning about simple, healthier choices. Our hope is to help students think about small everyday decisions, like choosing a baked snack over a traditional one, and build healthy habits in a fun, positive way.”

Districtwide, the program is part of a broader wellness effort. Seventeen Scottsdale Unified School District campuses are currently designated as Blue Zones Project Approved™, with eight additional schools actively pursuing approval.

School officials said the goal is to integrate wellness practices into daily routines rather than treating them as standalone programs, encouraging habits that support physical health, social connection and emotional well‑being.

Editor’s Note: This story first appeared at the Arizona Digital Free Press republished here through a digital content partnership.