Staff Reports | Community Updates
Scottsdale Unified School District schools continue to embrace the challenge of becoming Scottsdale Blue Zones Project-certified, with Sequoya Elementary School, 11801 N. 64th St. being the latest.
On May 8, Sequoya students, teachers and staff, and local Blue Zones officials gathered on an outdoor basketball court to celebrate the school’s official designation, according to a press release.
The Blue Zones Project is inspired by the research of National Geographic Fellow and New York Times best-selling author Dan Buettner, who discovered pockets around the world where people routinely live healthily and happily to be at least 100 years old.
Principal Veronica Leiper said Sequoya was poised to become a Blue Zones school, having already integrated health and wellness activities into the Stallions’ school culture, including the creation of a walking club this school year.
Students and parents meet up in the morning before school at nearby Mescal Park and ride bicycles along a 0.9-mile route to the school, SUSD officials say.
“We knew we wanted to do make student well-being an official part of our school,” Ms. Leiper said. “Blue Zones was the perfect vehicle to accomplish this goal.”
Scottsdale Blue Zones Organization and Well-Being Coordinator Kris Bio helped guide the school’s certification journey.
“They formed a Blue Zones Council made up of teachers, parents and staff to help lead the effort,” she explained. “The school added new posters, created an engaging bulletin board, and introduced a fruit and veggie bar to encourage students to try nutritious, new foods.”
And Ms. Bio said Sequoya is not done yet:
“Starting next school year, student birthday celebrations will get a fun and healthy twist: instead of sugary treats, students may get to sit in a special birthday chair or wear a crown or sash,” she said. “The new school year will also bring daily Mindful Moments during morning announcements, Wellness Wednesdays on Sequoya TV, and special lessons from the school social worker focused on emotional and mental well-being.”
Since the beginning of 2025, Anasazi Elementary, Pima Elementary and Cocopah Middle schools have received Blue Zones approvals. Echo Canyon School became SUSD’s first Blue Zones school in May 2024.
“We are committed to our 22 Blue Zones pledges,” stated Leiper, “and we will continue to add improvements to our lifestyle culture.”
“With a healthy lifestyle already a part of our school culture, our students are excited about celebrating this new Blue Zones distinction,” added the proud principal.
