Staff Writer | Volunteer Zone
The Scottsdale Unified School District is celebrating five more official school locations as Scottsdale Blue Zones Project approved.
Coronado High School is the first high school to receive the health and wellness title, according to a press release.
Additionally, Mountainside Middle School, Hopi Elementary School, Redfield Elementary School and Cochise Elementary now join the ranks of several other SUSD elementary and middle schools to receive certification, the release states.
The Blue Zones Project is inspired by the research of National Geographic Fellow and New York Times best-selling author Dan Buettner, who identified regions around the world where people consistently live healthy, fulfilling lives well into their 100s.
“We are honored to be the first high school in Scottsdale Unified School District to earn Blue Zones Project School approval,” said Coronado High School Principal Melinda Splitek.
“This recognition reflects the collective commitment of our students, staff, and community to fostering a culture of well-being, belonging, and healthy habits. At Coronado, we believe that when students feel supported and thrive in every aspect of their lives, they’re empowered to achieve at the highest levels.”
Coronado’s Blue Zones initiatives focus on implementing best practices while also completing wellness workshops, maintaining a school garden, introducing lunchtime volleyball, and hosting family well-being events.
“We are so proud of our approval as a Blue Zone Project School. It was easy to see a natural alignment with our existing commitment to whole-child development and knew that adopting these principles would further empower our students in their day-to-day lifestyle decision-making,” said Hopi School Principal Anne Plenkovich.
“We look forward to identifying further opportunities to partner more broadly with our parents, local organizations, and the community to encourage and extend healthy and mindful practices beyond the school walls. Our team is committed to continuously evaluating and adapting our efforts to ensure a lasting impact for happy and healthy living.”
To earn their Blue Zones verification, Hopi Elementary implemented several student enrichment activities through their after-school programs. In addition, the school launched a walk/bike program where students commute to school together, incorporated mindfulness activities, and began planting and maintaining a school garden.
Cochise Elementary also implemented a variety of initiatives to achieve this distinguished recognition. These included family well-being events, a walk/bike program, a fruit and veggie bar, and the planting of a school garden.
“We are thrilled that our school has officially become a Blue Zones School! This initiative promotes healthier lifestyles and well-being of our students and staff, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive,” said Cochise Elementary Principal, Sheila Miller.
“Being a Blue Zones School means we are committed to encouraging healthy habits through nutritious meals, increased physical activity, and social connections. We believe that these changes will not only enhance our students’ physical health but also support their emotional and academic growth.”
Mountainside Middle School also embraced the Blue Zones Project philosophy by encouraging a healthy environment campus-wide. This was done through a student-led water bottle recycling program, replacing unhealthy snack rewards with a PTO-sponsored quarterly cart offering school swag and nutritious options, as well as working to develop a school garden.
“A highlight of the journey was the ‘Cougars on the Prowl’ walk-to-school event, where SUSD transportation supported the effort by providing a school bus drop-off at a nearby hiking trail. Local police officers and firefighters joined in to guide the walk and showcase their trucks and equipment, creating a memorable and inspiring experience,” said Mountainside Middle School Principal, Amy Hardy.
“These efforts showcase Mountainside’s commitment to fostering healthier lifestyles and stronger connections for students, families, and staff through the Blue Zones initiative.”
Redfield Elementary also received the Blue Zone Project designation for its commitment to child wellness campus wide.
“Redfield Elementary is proud to have earned Blue Zone Certification, a recognition of our commitment to cultivating a healthier, happier school environment,” said Redfield Elementary Principal Amanda Rand. “This achievement was made possible through intentional initiatives designed to improve student and staff well-being.”
