May 2025
Teachers across Monterey County are joining our collaborative Type 2 Diabetes Campaign with Aspire Health “The Beast” to facilitate diabetes prevention education in the classroom. To learn more about the Diabetes Education Modules developed for K-12th grade click the link below:
School Diabetes Awareness Education Modules - Don't Feed the Diabetes (dontfeedthediabetes.com)
Schools in the Peninsula Cities
In collaboration with Ohana, Sunstreet Centers, and the Monterey County Drug Free Communities Coalition, Blue Zones Project Monterey County hosted a tobacco-litter beach clean up for high schoolers. We had about 15 dedicated high school volunteers come out to give back to our community and learn more about tobacco cessation.
This month, BZPMC coordinated a Walking School Bus event at Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula, a Blue Zones Approved School. School staff, school district leadership, and families within the community showed up for this event to help students start their day with some natural movement and connection. We met at the Mal’s Market in Seaside. The owner, Dennis, kindly donated some snacks for the community and graciously hosted us. (Add photos)
BZPMC provided a garden sustainability plan, curriculum, seeds, and soil to Ord Terrace Elementary and Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula. We also provided support to Marina High School as they plan to move their garden to a more accessible space. The Marina High School culinary arts class has championed this space and uses the produce within their classroom. We’re excited to see the school sites prioritizing their gardens and using it as an outdoor learning space for students.
Schools in Salinas
We presented a diabetes education assembly at Monte Bella Elementary, reaching 387 students. During the assembly, students learned about the importance of diabetes awareness, healthy habits, and how to make informed lifestyle choices.
Once again, students from Rancho San Juan High School stepped up to volunteer their time at University Park Elementary, helping to clean and care for the garden. Ms. Rich's second grade class joined the effort, turning it into a wonderful collaboration between schools. A big thank you to Ms. Johnson and her students from RSJHS for their continued support and dedication.
Schools in King City/Gonzales
We had the pleasure of joining Del Rey Elementary for their Parent Café, where we engaged in meaningful conversations about health, well-being, and nutrition. The event was well attended, offering parents valuable insights into important health topics.
Schools across the County
We happily joined the El Día del Niño Family Festival, hosted by the North Monterey CountyUnified School District. Families enjoyed delicious food prepared by the NMCUSD Nutrition Department and were treated to fantastic performances. The Salinas Valley Health Mobile Clinic, along with various community partners, provided free resources and services to support the well-being of attendees.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
_________________
April 2025
Teachers across Monterey County are joining our collaborative Type 2 Diabetes Campaign with Aspire Health “The Beast” to facilitate diabetes prevention education in the classroom. To learn more about the Diabetes Education Modules developed for K-12th grade click the link below:
School Diabetes Awareness Education Modules - Don't Feed the Diabetes (dontfeedthediabetes.com)
Schools in Peninsula Cities
This month, we partnered with the Marina High School Culinary Arts program for a Student-Led Blue Zones Project Monterey County Cooking Demonstration. This event reached 35 students and was led by passionate high schoolers who utilized the BZP food guidelines to come up with an inspired dish, create a recipe card, and share it with their peers. This partnership with the Culinary Arts and High School Work-Based Learning program (CTE) has proved invaluable.
Bay View Academy Lower Campus had us out to lead the Type 2 Diabetes Awareness Education as multiple assemblies. It’s so great to see students engaged and learning about a topic that is so relevant to us in Monterey County. With approximately 50% of adults in Monterey County having Type 2 Diabetes, it’s important that we educate early.
Schools in Salinas
Rancho San Juan High School students came together to clean up University Park Elementary’s garden, turning it into a wonderful opportunity to move naturally and give back to the community. A big thank you to all the students who volunteered and made this event a success!
Schools in King City/Gonzales
Del Rey Elementary hosted a fantastic Spring Carnival that celebrated natural movement. The event was a huge success, drawing families from the community for an evening filled with excitement and fun. Attendees enjoyed thrilling games, delicious food and refreshments, live entertainment, and a vibrant art exhibition gallery. It was a wonderful, active way to engage with one another and make lasting memories!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
_________________
March 2025
Teachers across Monterey County are joining our collaborative Type 2 Diabetes Campaign with Aspire Health, “Don’t Feed the Diabetes”, to facilitate diabetes prevention education in the classroom. To learn more about the Diabetes Education Modules developed for K-12th grade click the link below:
School Diabetes Awareness Education Modules - Don't Feed the Diabetes (dontfeedthediabetes.com)
Schools in Salinas
University Park Elementary has launched a Zumba Moai, led by our very own Paola Delgado, a certified Zumba instructor. It encourages parents and staff to come together, dance, and build connections. The benefits of Zumba include improved cardiovascular health, increased flexibility, stress relief, and enhanced mood. It’s a fun, energetic way to stay active while fostering a sense of community. Laurelwood Elementary parents will also join in on the fun, creating an even greater sense of unity and shared experience.
Jesse G. Sanchez Elementary hosted a successful school wellness committee meeting, drawing a great turnout from parents. The session featured informative discussions on nutrition and diabetes education, followed by a cooking demonstration from the Alisal Union School District Nutrition Department. Attendees had the opportunity to taste a delicious three-bean salad and a refreshing kale salad, both healthy options are served to students as part of their school meals.
Schools in the County BZP Project
We had a wonderful time supporting the North Monterey County Unified School District during their Professional Development Day. The day began with a Purpose workshop in the Nutrition Department, followed by a delicious hummus snack demonstration. Hummus offers a variety of health benefits, including providing a great source of plant-based protein, promoting heart health with its healthy fats, and aiding digestion with its fiber content. It's a tasty and nutritious snack option for both students and staff!
Soledad High School hosted an engaging resource fair filled with a variety of informative tables for parents to explore. It was an exciting opportunity for families to connect with valuable community resources and learn more about services that can support their children's success.
We were happy to support Arroyo Seco Academy's Parent Café, an exciting and well-attended event! Parents had the opportunity to learn about important topics like nutrition, diabetes education, and free health resources available in their community. It was a wonderful gathering that empowered families with valuable knowledge to help them lead healthier, longer lives and make the most of local health services.
Schools in the Peninsula Cities
We wanted to shout out Central Coast High School, a Blue Zones Project Approved School in Seaside! They have done an amazing job incorporating wellness into everything they do. Their Culinary Arts teacher leads an amazing program in which Senior High School students cook for seniors.
This month we’ve been working with our approved schools to keep the momentum going! We are planning student-led cooking demos, Walking School Buses, garden events, and supporting student health and wellbeing however we can.
A huge challenge that many schools are facing is vaping. These sites would love to expand their PE equipment inventory with the hope of providing healthy alternatives on campus. They have seen that if equipment is present, kids will make that healthy choice. If your site has extra PE equipment or if you work for an organization that would like to donate, please reach out to larisa@bluezones.com . I’d love to give your organization a shout out and make it easier for students to make the healthy choice!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
_________________
February 2025
Teachers across Monterey County are joining our collaborative Type 2 Diabetes Campaign with Aspire Health “Don’t Feed the Diabetes” to facilitate diabetes prevention education in the classroom. To learn more about the Diabetes Education Modules developed for K-12th grade click the link below:
School Diabetes Awareness Education Modules - Don't Feed the Diabetes (dontfeedthediabetes.com)
Schools in Salinas
Laurel Wood Elementary launched their Walking Moai! A Walking Moai combines the social benefits of a tight-knit community and the health perks of consistent walking, supporting both longevity and overall well-being. Laurel Wood’s Walking Moai meets every Thursday at 9:00AM.
Schools in South County
We participated in South County Farm Day. Throughout the day, we interacted with numerous schools, engaging students in conversations about the effects of sugar-sweetened beverages on our health. It was a great way to raise awareness and promote healthier choices.
Schools in the Peninsula Cities
This month we’ve been working with our approved schools to keep the momentum going! We are planning student-led cooking demos, Walking School Buses, garden events, and supporting student health and wellbeing however we can.
A huge challenge that many schools are facing is vaping. These sites would love to expand their PE equipment inventory with the hope of providing healthy alternatives on campus. They have seen that if equipment is present, kids will make that healthy choice. If your site has extra PE Equpiment or if you work for an organization that would like to donate, please reach out to larisa@bluezones.com . I’d love to give your organization a shout out and make it easier for students to make the healthy choice!
The Blue Zones Project Monterey Office will be moving to a new office location! While our address is changing, our commitment to serving and supporting our community remains as strong as ever. We’re still here, just in a different spot. Thank you for your continued support as we continue working together to make Monterey a healthier place to live, work, and play! Stay tuned for more updates.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
_________________
January 2025
Healthy Tips to Kickstart the New Year
Starting the new year with healthy habits can set the tone for a successful and balanced year. For families with school-aged children, the transition back into routine after the holidays can be a great time to focus on wellness. Here are some practical tips to help your family stay healthy, energized, and connected:
1. Prioritize Balanced Breakfasts
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Whole grain oatmeal with fruit and nuts
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Scrambled eggs with veggies and whole wheat toast
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Smoothies with spinach, frozen berries, Greek yogurt, and chia seeds
2. Create a Family Meal Plan
3. Stay Active Together
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Take evening walks after dinner
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Go on weekend bike rides
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Play sports in the backyard or at the park (soccer, basketball, frisbee)
4. Encourage Healthy Snacks
5. Set Regular Sleep Schedules
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Set a regular bedtime for all family members (including parents!) and stick to it.
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Create a calming bedtime routine dim lights, quiet time, or reading together can help signal that it's time to wind down.
6. Hydrate Regularly
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Keep a water bottle with you during the day (especially for school-aged kids).
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Add slices of fruit or cucumber to make water more appealing to children.
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Limit sugary drinks and sodas, as they can cause energy crashes and contribute to unhealthy weight gain.
7. Foster Mental Well-being
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Practice mindfulness as a family: Try a short meditation or breathing exercises together.
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Make time for fun and relaxation whether it's family movie night, reading, or just hanging out.
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Create a gratitude jar where family members can add notes about things they’re thankful for each week.
8. Promote Screen-Free Time
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Play board games or puzzles together.
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Get outdoors for unstructured playtime or nature walks.
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Read books as a family or explore creative hobbies (drawing, crafting, etc.).
9. Plan Family Health Check-ups
10. Be a Role Model
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Children often mimic their parents’ behaviors. Make your own health a priority, and they’ll be more likely to do the same. Whether it’s eating healthy, exercising, or practicing self-care, show your kids that wellness matters every day.
11. Reduce Stress with Family Routines
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Break up schoolwork into manageable chunks, with breaks for movement or snacks in between.
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Set a "chill hour" before bed, where the whole family can unwind together (no screens, just quiet activities).
12. Focus on Gratitude and Positivity
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Try keeping a family gratitude journal where everyone adds to it every evening.
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Use positive reinforcement to celebrate healthy habits, like eating vegetables or being active.
By integrating these healthy habits into your family’s routine, you can set the stage for a productive, fun, and balanced year. It’s all about creating a supportive environment where everyone feels encouraged to take care of their bodies and minds!
Schools in Salinas
We were thrilled to be part of North Salinas High School's inaugural Community Posada. Families enjoyed delicious free food, giveaways, live music, Folklorico performances, and bags of fresh produce. It was a wonderful event that brought the community together, celebrating culture, resources, and connection.
Schools in the Monterey County
Gabilan Elementary has successfully launched their Walking Moai! The term "Moai" comes from Okinawa, Japan, a renowned Blue Zones area known for its residents' longevity and excellent health. It translates to meeting for a common purpose and has been used to create strong social connections. Gabilan's Walking Moai meets every Wednesday at 4:30 PM.
Schools in the Peninsula Cities
This month, we presented about Blue Zones Project and our local work to over 100 Culinary Arts students at Marina High School, buttressing our partnership with the school and the CTE program. We will happily support the class with future projects! For example, last year this class utilized the garden as an outdoor learning environment and the students led a plant-based cooking demo. We’re excited to see what this year brings.
With 2025 approaching, many schools have big plans to keep the momentum of their Blue Zones Project Approval going! We are planning Walking School Buses, garden events, and supporting student health and wellbeing however we can.
MPUSD continues to provide family well-being workshops that are free of charge and include dinner/ childcare. These workshops were recently held at three Blue Zones Approved schools, Los Arboles Middle School, Ione Olson Elementary, and Marina High School.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
_________________
December 2024
Schools in Salinas
Everett Alvarez High School hosted its second Eagle Summit, providing students with an opportunity to explore various organizations and topics of interest. We were thrilled to engage with students during the workshop, inviting them to be part of future BZP events and activities. Our presentation focused on health and well-being, featuring an engaging game that encouraged students to connect with one another while enjoying the benefits of natural movement.
Schools in the Peninsula Cities
In November, four Seaside schools participated in the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. We supported the events for Seaside Middle School, Del Rey Woods, Dr. Martin Luther King Junior School of the Arts, and Ord Terrace. Across all events, there were over 400+ people that got to learn about the impact of Ruby Bridges, connect with one another, and start their day moving naturally.
Del Rey Woods Elementary received the Whole Kids Garden Grant with Blue Zones Project listed as the community partner. We wrote a letter of support for this school, acknowledging the amazing fourth grade teachers that have volunteered their time to learn more about gardening, work to integrate gardening into their curriculum, and support with the garden committee on site. We’re excited to continue supporting!
Blue Zones Project presented to Los Arboles Middle School’s Leadership Club, Falcons For the Future. Students got to learn more about Blue Zones Project and consider how their events can be planned through a lens of wellness. They are also considering volunteering and partnering with us on future passion projects. We’re excited to see what the future holds!
For Diabetes Awareness Month, we taught Aspire Health’s Type 2 Diabetes Education Modules to all students at Ione Olson Elementary School. This is the third year in a row that students from Ione Olson have participated in the program, and we have received many comments from teachers, leadership, and students about the impact of this program on site. The students got a special visit from the Type 2 Diabetes Beast and taught him some of the key lessons they learned.
Schools in the Monterey County
We had the pleasure of attending North Monterey County Unified School District’s annual Resource Festival, where Blue Zones Project was honored as the Community Partner of the Year. This prestigious recognition celebrates our partnership including impactful work with schools, worksites, and the remarkable collaboration with the Castroville Farmers Market.
We had the privilege of presenting at Greenfield Union School District's Parent Empowerment Workshop, where we showcased a fun and healthy snack demonstration featuring beet hummus, a delicious blend of garbanzo beans and beets, both low-glycemic foods perfect for November's Diabetes Awareness Month. The workshop concluded with a lively Zumba session that left parents feeling energized, engaged, and inspired!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
_________________
November 2024
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month! Teachers across Monterey County are joining our collaborative Type 2 Diabetes Campaign with Aspire Health “Don’t Feed the Diabetes” to facilitate diabetes prevention education in the classroom. To learn more about the Diabetes Education Modules developed for K-12th grade click the link below:
School Diabetes Awareness Education Modules - Don't Feed the Diabetes (dontfeedthediabetes.com)
Schools in Salinas
Gavilan View Middle School approval was recognized at the Santa Rita Union School District Board Meeting! The school is committed to enhancing its environment to better support the physical, social, and emotional health of students and families. Go Hawks!
We also hosted a Free School Garden Workshop in the beautiful garden at Gavilan View Middle School. Teachers and staff from Santa Rita Union School District joined us to learn about caring for school gardens. Participants engaged in raised bed planting and discovered ways to use garden spaces as outdoor learning environments. Thank you to everyone who attended!
Parents from Sherwood Elementary School joined us for a successful Grocery Store Tour at La Princesa Market, where we shared tips on reading nutrition labels and selecting fresh, healthy options. This experience helped further strengthen our life radius and support healthy lifestyle choices within our community.
Congratulations to Gavilan View Middle School and Boronda Meadows Elementary School for completing their 10-week Walking Moai! Surrounding yourself with supportive people and making the effort to connect with others can add more years to your life!
Congratulations to University Park Elementary parents on reaching the 2-year anniversary of their Walking Moai! They continue to meet and walk together, deepening their connections and strengthening their positive community. They’ve truly found their “positive pack”!
Schools in other County areas
This month, San Benancio Middle School became Blue Zones Project Approved! To celebrate their recent Blue Zones Project Approval, we presented to the staff at San Benancio Middle School. We are so excited about this partnership. With their approval, now every school in Washington Union School District is Blue Zones Project Approved!
On Walk and Roll to School Day, Castroville Elementary families and staff gathered at the North County Recreation Center, where they enjoyed warm hot chocolate and scones provided by the fantastic NMCUSD Nutrition Department. Scooters were raffled off, and the local fire department came out to support the event. Together, students, families, and staff walked to Castroville Elementary, emphasizing the importance of safe routes to school.
The Greenfield Union School District's Family Fun Run Field Day was a fantastic success! Students, families, and staff came together for an exciting 3K run, engaging field games, delicious food, great music, and a vibrant community resource fair. This event provided a wonderful opportunity to connect, enjoy the outdoors, and get moving naturally.
Schools in the Peninsula Cities
In October, we launched a pilot program to provide local and fresh produce boxes at Ord Terrace Elementary. Though the Double Up Food Bucks Initiative, if customers paid with EBT, they could get the box 50% OFF! We’re so grateful for all who participated and to Ord Terrace for hosting this program!
Dr. Martin Luther King Junior School of the Arts became a Blue Zones Project Approved School! They implemented numerous best practices to buttress student health and wellbeing including enhancing the cafeteria environment to nudge students to make healthier choices, utilizing their garden as an outdoor learning environment, and hosting family well-being events. We’re excited for this continued partnership and look forward to celebrating this accomplishment in the future.
This month, Blue Zones Project supported the Bay View Academy nature club during their Fall Break. We did a lesson on gardening and had so much fun watching the students get excited about gardening.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
_________________
October 2024
Schools in Salinas
This month, to celebrate their recent Blue Zones Project Approval, we presented to the staff at Toro Park Elementary School. We also presented the school with a gift card to support their school garden.
We attended the back-to-school night at Central Bay High School. Families had the chance to meet the therapy horses used for equine therapy. It was a great way to introduce the school’s unique programs to the community.
Schools in Gonzales/King City
We participated in the King City Arts Magnet School Resource Fair. Families were able to learn about both school and community resources available to support their children. The highlight of the event was a special performance by the local Folklorico group, showcasing vibrant cultural traditions.
Schools in County
Rose Ferrero Elementary and Gabilan Elementary hosted their back-to-school night, bringing families together for an informative evening. Parents had the opportunity to learn about available school resources and meet the staff. Both schools provided valuable information on how families can support their children's education. It was a successful event, fostering strong connections between the schools and their communities.
Schools in Peninsula Cities
Local and fresh produce boxes will be available for ALL Monterey County residents. Anyone can purchase the boxes for $30. Though the Double Up Food Bucks Initiative, if you pay with your EBT card, you can get the box 50% OFF (for $15)! They will be sold every Tuesday at Ord Terrace Elementary School between 1:30-5pm.
Blue Zones Project Monterey County held a Healthy Snack Demo for the families at Ord Terrace Elementary School. Families and students learned how to make chia pudding, and so many students were asking for seconds (and thirds). We are grateful for our partnership with the school.
We went to Bay View Academy’s Celebration of Learning to share resources and connect with families/ students. It was great to see how many students were already familiar with Blue Zones Project.
Blue Zones Project is excited to partner with Gavilan View Middle School to host a free garden workshop specifically designed for teachers and school staff, taking place on October 9th from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to enhance your skills and collaborate with colleagues from various schools. We encourage you to join us for an afternoon of professional growth and learning.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
_________________
September 2024
Schools in Peninsula Cities
Ord Terrace Elementary is a Blue Zones Project Approved School! Ord Terrace implemented many researched best practices to help students move naturally, eat wisely, connect, and find their purpose. Thank you, Ord Terrace, for creating an environment that supports student and family wellbeing! We got to celebrate their approval at their Back to School Night this month.
We attended many Back to School Nights and TK/Kinder Kick Offs to show support for our approved schools. We appreciate all our schools for fostering a culture of student health and wellbeing from day one!
Schools in Salinas
Congratulations to the Everett Alvarez High School parent group for completing their 10-week Walking Moai! They celebrated with a healthy and delicious potluck. Walking is a fantastic way to stay active, and connecting with others can contribute to a longer, healthier life.
We attended the back-to-school night at Loma Vista Elementary. Many families joined to enjoy some delicious food and participate in their children's education. It was great to see so many parents involved.
We want to acknowledge University Park Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Gavilan View Middle School, and Boronda Meadows Elementary for successfully launching their Walking Moai! The term "Moai" originates from Okinawa, Japan, a Blue Zones region known for its residents' longevity and good health. It translates to "meeting for a common purpose" and has been used for centuries to create strong social connections.
Schools in Gonzales/King City
Congratulations to Del Rey Elementary School for becoming the first school in King City to become BZP Approved! They are dedicated to enhancing their school environment to better promote the physical, social, and emotional health of their students and families! The entire school gathered for a special celebration during the morning flag ceremony!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
_________________
August 2024
Back to School Ideas for Parent Involvement
According to the CDC, parent involvement makes school a healthier and more supportive place, demonstrating a commitment to supporting children's learning and development.
Here are some ways to get involved in school activities:
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Become part of the decision-making process for school health policies and practices by attending your district's board meetings, school site council meetings, and other relevant school meetings. If applicable, join your PTO/PTA to further your involvement.
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Request that the school provide opportunities for parents to participate in health activities, such as a district-wide fitness challenge, family nights, or wellness events.
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Discuss healthy behaviors with your child and reinforce the nutrition and physical activity messages and practices they learn at school.
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Ensure communication with the school is a two-way street. Stay informed by reading school newsletters and attending parent-teacher-student conferences. Inquire about how the school is supporting students' health and emotional well-being and ask how you can support these efforts at home.
Back-to-school season is a perfect opportunity for parents to reinforce behaviors that reduce the impact of stressful life events and to teach children skills for overcoming challenges, helping them reach their full potential. For more information visit the CDC Healthy Schools page https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/features/B2S.htm
BZP Schools in Salinas
Blue Zones Project participated in the Alisal Union School District’s Outdoor Day! Families enjoyed various activities, including musical chairs, lawn games, and obstacle courses. We had a great time informing families about maintaining a healthy, balanced diet while incorporating a fun, natural movement game to complement it!
In collaboration with the Hartnell College TRIO Program, we hosted an engaging and interactive snack demonstration for the students. Together, we prepared a delicious and healthy garbanzo agua chile.
We partnered with Brighter Bites and Catholic Charities to bring a fun food experience to the students at the YMCA and First Tee. The students learned how to make delicious and colorful spring rolls. Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients that help combat disease!
Congratulations to the Salinas City Elementary School District parents for completing their summer walking event! El Gabilan Elementary hosted a summer walking series where parents gathered weekly to walk around the neighborhood. Besides the benefits of natural movement, connecting with others can also add more years to your life!
NEW BZP Approved School!
Congratulations to Central Coast High School for becoming the 60th Blue Zones Project approved school in Monterey County! They are dedicated to enhancing their school environment to better promote the physical, social, and emotional health of their students and their families.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
_________________
July 2024
Summer provides a great opportunity to move naturally, connect, downshift, and eat wisely. It is a great time to explore new activities, enjoy the outdoors, and spend more time with family and friends. Below are some ideas to keep wellness as a priority while also having fun:
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Move Naturally: explore local parks, take a hike, go for a swim
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Eat Wisely: visit a local farmer’s market, cook a meal together, try something new
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Connect: spend some no-phone time with family, have a game night
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Downshift: take a walk, enjoy some self-care time
Staying active, maintaining a balanced diet, finding time to relax, and surrounding yourself with friends and family will positively influence your physical, mental, and emotional well-being and make this season one to remember.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
_________________
June 2024
New BZP Approved Schools
Los Arboles Middle School celebrated becoming a BZP Approved School!
The approval celebration took place at their Open House. BZP gave a speech to tell families more about the work that was done to improve student wellbeing and share the “why” behind the partnership. Thank you for all your hard work in creating a healthier school environment for students.
Lincoln Elementary School becomes part of the BZP family
Congratulations to Lincoln Elementary School for becoming the 9th school in the Salinas City Elementary School District to become BZP Approved! They are dedicated to enhancing their school environment to better promote the physical, social, and emotional health of their students and their families. Go Leopards!
Healthy Food Demos
We put a plant-based healthy snack demo for Dual Language Academy of Monterey Peninsula’s Cafecito! Families were trying chia pudding and learning about how to make the healthy choice the easy choice.
Cindy Lepore Hart, the Marina High School Culinary Arts Teacher, and her culinary students put on a healthy cooking demo in collaboration with Blue Zones Project. We had a full house of about 30 people consisting of students, teachers, and community members. Thank you, Cindy! We appreciate all the time and effort spent coordinating, prepping, and preparing the students. She said about 75 students helped make the homemade tortillas and prep the dishes, and there were 6 students who volunteered their time to help lead the cooking demo!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
_________________
May 2024
Thank you to all the teachers and school sites that taught Aspire Health’s Type 2 Diabetes Education Modules. Each teacher that taught the modules before April 26th was given swag for each student and a $50 gift card toward classroom supplies. The winners of the grand prize of $1200 to support student wellbeing at the site are:
Lincoln Elementary School
Soledad High School
Toro Park Elementary School
School Diabetes Awareness Education Modules - Don't Feed the Diabetes (dontfeedthediabetes.com)
NEW Blue Zones Project Approved Schools!
Frank Ledesma Elementary School
At April’s faculty meeting, we celebrated awarding Dr. Sison and his team with their certificate of approval and a $500 gift card to Home Depot to help spruce up their school garden/outdoor learning environment. Thank you for all the hard work in creating a healthier school environment for students.
International School of Monterey
The approval celebration took place at their family wellbeing event featuring a fellow approved worksite, Ohana. We gave a speech to tell families more about the work that was done to improve student wellbeing and share the “why” behind the partnership. They recently hired a chef on site to help improve the student meals. Families got to taste test some options and provide feedback. Two of the dishes were plant-based!
Monte Vista
At their wonderful carnival, we celebrated with frisbees and hula hoops! What a great opportunity for students and families to build connections and move naturally. Thank you for all the hard work you’ve poured into making the environment healthy for your students.
San Vicente Elementary School
We celebrated awarding Ms. White and her team with their certificate of approval and a $500 gift card to Home Depot to help spruce up their school garden/outdoor learning environment, at their Friday morning schoolwide assembly. Thank you for all the hard work in creating a healthier school environment for students.
Marina High School Saturday Academy students got the opportunity to learn and work in their school garden!
We were able to plant in a few of their raised beds and students got to learn about how gardening and the food grown in the garden can improve their health and well-being. The students even got to see what the inside of a watermelon radish looks like!
Bay View Academy Lower Campus has maintained a Walking School Bus all year long!
Thank you, Mr. Sam for keeping the Walking School Bus active. It was amazing to see the students moving naturally in the morning, having fun with friends and family, and preparing themselves to be ready to learn.
Salinas Certification Site Visits
We extend our sincere gratitude to the following schools for kindly hosting us during the Salinas certification week. Despite their demanding schedules, they took the time to showcase their exemplary practices and outstanding work within their educational communities.
We also wish to express our appreciation to Dr. Guss, County Superintendent of Schools and Dr. Vela, Assistant Superintendent Student Services for their invaluable support and for graciously joining us during the visits.
Creekside Elementary, University Park Elementary, Frank Paul Elementary, Centra Bay High School, Gavilan View Middle School
SUHSD Migrant Program Parent Workshop
We had a fantastic time participating in the Parent Workshop at El Sausal Middle School on April 11, 2024. Families were provided with nutrition information, enjoyed a delicious hummus snack demonstration, engaged in an energizing Zumba session, and were able to take home fresh fruits and vegetables.
Santa Rita Union School Resource Fair
We participated in the resource fair and spent a day with families from the Santa Rita School District. There was a wonderful variety of local resources available, including services from the Salinas Valley Health mobile clinic, as well as plenty of enjoyable physical activity games.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
_________________
April 2024
Diabetes Alert Day is observed annually on the fourth Tuesday of March and this year, it fell on March 26th. Diabetes Alert Day is aimed at raising public awareness about the risks and symptoms associated with diabetes. Diabetes occurs when the body’s blood glucose level is too high. This is caused by a deficiency in the insulin produced by the body, which is the hormone that lets glucose enter cells and be used as energy. Excess glucose in the blood can lead to several health problems. The most common types of diabetes are Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and exercise can drastically reduce the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
If you want to teach your class about Type 2 Diabetes, here is a quick 30-minute module that you can use with your class (created by Aspire Health). For completing the module, your class will receive swag from Aspire Health. Additionally, if you’re one of the first 100 teachers to complete it, you’ll receive a $50 VISA gift card to put towards classroom supplies.
School Diabetes Awareness Education Modules - Don't Feed the Diabetes (dontfeedthediabetes.com)
Blue Zones Project Monterey County offered a Free School Garden Workshop/ Collaboration Time on March 7th at Los Arboles Middle School. Garden champions from many school sites across the peninsula and in Salinas came out to learn and share resources. All site representatives were able to take home seeds and starts to bring back to their school garden.
BZP Approved Schools
International School of Monterey and All Saints Day School are now BZP approved school sites!These sites have implemented many healthy initiatives including adopting a classroom and hallway rule to encourage students to only drink water during class time, encouraging families not to bring food related goodies for birthday celebrations, putting up posters in the cafeteria to nudge students to make healthier choices, and creating multiple opportunities for families to connect. Congratulations to International School of Monterey and All Saints Day School for your commitment to creating healthier environments for your students!
All Saints Day School celebrated their Blue Zones Project Approval on March 18th with a school wide assembly. Students and families were able to learn more about this partnership while all wearing blue spirit wear. "We are thrilled and honored to announce that All Saints Day School has been designated a Blue Zones Project Approved ™ School. This prestigious recognition underscores our commitment to fostering a culture of well-being within our school community. Partnering with the Blue Zones Project Monterey County is an exciting opportunity for us to further enhance the health and happiness of our students, staff, and families. Together, we look forward to implementing innovative programs and initiatives that promote longevity, wellness, and a sense of belonging. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives, and we are eager to embark on this journey towards a healthier future, both inside and outside the classroom."- Scott Fujita, Head of School at All Saints Day School
San Vicente Elementary School, with the Soledad Unified School District is now a BZP approved school Site! San Vicente Elementary School has implemented many healthy initiatives including adopting a classroom and hallway rule to encourage students to only drink water during class time, putting up posters in the cafeteria to nudge students to make healthier choices, creating multiple opportunities for families to connect, and offering a robust outdoor learning environment utilizing their school garden to teach students about horticulture. Thank you, San Vicente Elementary for your commitment to create healthier environments for your students!
Purpose Workshop
When individuals find a clarity of purpose, they can enjoy a more centered and vibrant life — and even live up to 7 years longer.
Blue Zones Project hosted a purpose workshop for the staff at Bay View Academy. A purpose workshop is a time of reflection and interactive discussions. It’s about discovering or rediscovering gifts talents, and values. At the end, teachers and staff walked away equipped with a purpose statement as well as tools for living a more purposeful life.
Eagle Summit: Wings of Power
Blue Zones Project participated in the inaugural Eagle Summit: Wings of Power at Everett Alvarez High School. The Eagle Summit strives to empower students to embrace positive choices that will lead them towards a meaningful, enriching, and successful future. At the core of the conference lies a central theme: equipping this generation with the necessary tools to not only lead but also thrive within our communities.
Salinas High School Nutrition Education
Blue Zones Project collaborated with Ms. Anderson's Health Class at Salinas High School to partake in discussions about nutrition and overall well-being. During the session, students learned to read nutrition labels and the importance of maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. Students engaged in the Rethink Your Drink activity, exploring, and understanding the sugar content of their preferred sugar sweetened beverages.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
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March 2024
Free School Garden Workshop/ Collaboration Time
A whole-school approach to health and wellbeing brings together principals, school councils, staff, food services, students, families, and the wider community to promote healthy initiatives across the school. Everyone has a role to play! One place to start is considering starting and sustaining a school garden. School gardens serve as great cross-curricular outdoor learning environments, get students moving naturally, and help bridge the connection between how food is made and healthy eating habits.
Blue Zones Project Monterey County hosted a Free School Garden Workshop/ Collaboration Time on March 7th in Marina. If you want to support with your school garden, please email Larisa at larisa.sheparovich@sharecare.com for more information about workshops or more free resources for your garden sustainability.
School Garden Support
The City of Marina recently donated wood chips/compost from ReGen to Los Arboles School, which originally came from green waste bins utilized throughout Marina. Mayor Bruce Delgado was instrumental in making this happen! Blue Zones Project Monterey County and Mayor Bruce Delgado were on-site to help with the delivery. The wood chips will go a long way to help with weed suppression and conserve water at the school site. Thank you, Julie Haws for the work you do in the garden and for educating scholars. Thank you, Alex for recruiting students from PE to support with the drop off/ opening the gates.
BZP Approval Celebrations
Fairview Middle School, celebrated their BZP approval celebration on February 16th at their PBIS Rally. Congratulations Fairview Middle School as you pave the path to sustaining and promoting healthier environments for students.
Monte Vista, with the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, is now a BZP approved school site!Monte Vista has implemented many healthy initiatives including adopting a classroom and hallway rule to encourage students to only drink water during class time, encouraging families not to bring food related goodies for birthday celebrations, putting up posters in the cafeteria to nudge students to make healthier choices, and creating multiple opportunities for families to connect. Congratulations to Monte Vista for your commitment to creating healthier environments for your students!
Marina High School celebrated their BZP School Approval! Students got to enjoy learning about healthy options during their lunch. Blue Zones Project set up a table and many students were interested in learning more and excited to represent with BZP swag. Live Earth Farms in collaboration with MPUSD Nutrition Services also had a free produce tasting during lunch to get students to try foods they maybe had never tried before. We’re excited about our partnership with Marina High School and looking forward to supporting with sustainability.
Washington Elementary School, with Washington Union School District is now a BZP approved school site!Washington Elementary School has implemented many healthy initiatives including adopting a classroom and hallway rule to encourage students to only drink water during class time, putting up posters in the cafeteria to nudge students to make healthier choices, creating multiple opportunities for families to connect, and building an outdoor learning environment to support SEL, hands on learning and horticulture. Congratulations to Washington Elementary.
Diabetes II Education & Awareness
All Saints Day School received a visit from the Don’t Feed the Type-2 Diabetes Beast in February. Their entire school and their PTO group learned about Blue Zones Project as their school is working towards BZP School Approval. Additionally, they also learned more about Type 2 Diabetes from Aspire Health’s Don’t Feed the Diabetes module.
Creekside Elementary Schoolhosted a school assembly to educate students about The Power 9 and Type 2 diabetes. Through the Rethink Your Drink activity, students learned about sugar-sweetened beverages. The event saw participation from over 500 students who also had the opportunity to meet "The Beast”.
March 26th is Diabetes Alert Day.
If you want to teach your class about Type 2 Diabetes, here is a quick 30-minute module that you can use with your class (created by Aspire Health). For completing the module, your class will receive swag from Aspire Health. Additionally, if you’re one of the first 100 teachers to complete it, you’ll receive a $50 VISA gift card to put towards classroom supplies.
School Diabetes Awareness Education Modules - Don't Feed the Diabetes (dontfeedthediabetes.com)
Purpose Workshops
When individuals find a clarity of purpose, they can enjoy a more centered and vibrant life — and even live up to 7 years longer.
Blue Zones Project hosted a purpose workshop for the students at Central Bay High School, along with a sequence of three workshops held at Palma High School. A purpose workshop is a time of reflection and interactive discussions. It’s about discovering or rediscovering gifts talents, and values. At the end, students walked away equipped with a purpose statement as well as tools for living a more purposeful life.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
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February 2024
February is American Heart Month
American Heart Month is a time when the nation spotlights heart disease. According to the American Heart Association heart disease is preventable in most cases.
To avoid heart disease, consider incorporating the following healthy lifestyle practices:
- No smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Controlling blood sugar and cholesterol
- Treating high blood pressure
- Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week
- Attending regular checkups
For more information visit: https://www.heart.org/
Frank Ledesma Elementary School & Gabilan Elementary School, with the Soledad Unified School District are now BZP approved school sites! Frank Ledesma & Gabilan Elementary Schools have implemented many healthy initiatives including adopting a classroom and hallway rule to encourage students to only drink water during class time, putting up posters in the cafeteria to nudge students to make healthier choices, creating multiple opportunities for families to connect, and ensuring that students are active most of the time they are in PE. Congratulations to Frank Ledesma and Gabilan Elementary Schools for your commitment to creating healthier environments for your students!
Monterey Park Elementary Walking Moai Celebration
Congratulations to Monterey Park Elementary School for completing their 10- week Walking Moai. They marked the conclusion of their journey with a delicious potluck celebration!
Garden Volunteer Day
Rancho San Juan High School students returned to University Park Elementary to engage in gardening activities. Their dedicated efforts aimed to enhance the outdoor learning space, a special thanks to Mrs. Tari Johnson and her class for their valuable contribution!
Jesse G. Sanchez Walking School Bus
Jesse G. Sanchez launched their Walking School Bus Tuesday January 23, 2024. A Walking School Bus is an adult- supervised walking group creating a safe, fun, and active way for students to get to school. Blue Zones Project has partnered with Ecology Action for this initiative. This event will take place every Tuesday morning for the next 6 weeks.
Ione Olson Elementary had Blue Zones Project come out to do a Rethink Your Drink Assembly. Students learned how to read a nutrition label for sneaky, added sugar. Whether it was being a model for their families/ class by drinking more water or limiting sugar-sweetened beverages to only special occasions, students left with a plan to support their goal of having less added sugar. They also put-up updated signage to encourage families to pack only water for their students.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
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January 2024
Tips for Winter Break
Winter break is a great time to reconnect with family and downshift. However, this time can also feel chaotic and maybe even stressful. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy winter break:
1. Create a structure or routine and stick to it! Kids thrive with structure, and it will also be a huge help when the students are going back to school.
2. Make time for important conversations.
3. Reflect and look forward. You can do this individually and as a family to see what goals you have for the next year and how you plan to accomplish them.
4. Ask for support! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, lean on your friends/family (your positive pack) to support you.
5. Find ways to move naturally as a family. Whether it’s a 3-song clean up or a dance break, moving naturally will help relieve stress and the workouts will compound throughout the day.
6. Eat wisely! There’s a huge connection between what we eat and how we feel. Try putting out healthy snacks or a plant-based dish around the holidays.
As we close out the 2023-year, Blue Zones Project Monterey County now has 45 Approved Schools! Thank you to all the schools who have prioritized student health and wellness! In these schools, we focus on researched best practices to decrease absenteeism, decrease discipline issues, and provide an environment in which the healthy choice is the easy choice.
Registration link: Organization Registration - Monterey County (bluezonesproject.com)
Blue Zones Project Approved Schools: Blue Zones Project | Schools
Brighter Bites Award Ceremony
Blue Zones Project received an award from the Brighter Bites Team for Community Collaboration. BZP’s schools’ team has been partnering with Brighter Bites for the last 3 years, to offer fun food experiences and promote awareness on various wellbeing topics by tabling at different school distribution sites throughout Montrey County. Sending a warm Thank You to Alicia Blanco and the Brighter Bites Team for Monterey County! We look forward to collaborating in 2024 to promote health and wellbeing to students and their families.
Story Speech with MPC
Monterey Peninsula College had us come visit to do a Story Speech for one of their classes. It was great to get to meet the students and see their excitement for supporting the community. If your students or faculty are interested in learning more about the Blue Zones Project story, reach out to us!
Farmers Market Vouchers
MPUSD wrapped up the Free Farmers Market Voucher initiative. Many students and faculty were able to take advantage of a free voucher to purchase produce at the Seaside Farmers Market (Thursdays from 3-7pm at Laguna Grande Park).
El Gabilan Walking Moai Celebration
Congratulations to El Gabilan Elementary School for completing their 10- week Walking Moai. The completion of the walking group was not just an end point but a celebration of the social connections that were fostered every week.
Gavilan View Middle School Walking Moai Celebration
Congratulations to Gavilan View Middle School for completing their 10- week Walking Moai. Surrounding yourself with likeminded people & making the effort to connect with others can add more years to your life. Way to go!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
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December 2023
Countywide Snack Demos
In the month of November, BZP participated in several snack demos throughout Monterey County with several school sites. The snack demos focused on low glycemic index foods specifically highlighting Dates known as “Datiles” in Spanish. We demonstrated simple recipes using dates to create savory small snacks such as Peanut butter stuffed dates, Energy Bites which are a combination of dates, mixed nuts with nut butter, and a warm vegan coffee recipe. The snack demos were a big hit with parents, students, and staff. Thank you to our partners at Brighter Bites for the generous donation of organic dates!
School Garden Support
Blue Zones Project Monterey County, in collaboration with Grow Your Lunch, hosted a Free School Garden Workshop for MPUSD/ the Peninsula Cities at the Monterey Adult School. Teachers and staff from across the district and beyond learned how to start and care for school gardens. Participants were able to engage in raised bed planting, learn more about how to utilize the garden space as an outdoor learning environment, and explore the Ohlone garden. Thank you to all the staff who attended.
This month, we provided a garden lesson for the garden elective at Monte Vista School in which the students were able to plant some starts in their beautiful hillside garden. Additionally, we were able to get some starts for the fourth-grade teachers at Del Rey Woods Elementary who have been amazing garden champions! We’re excited to see how all the MPUSD school gardens continue to grow and create space for learning!
Type 2 Diabetes Education
Aspire Health has created a 30-minute Don’t Feed the Diabetes education module that is applicable for elementary, middle, and high school students. The first 100 teachers to attest that they have completed the lesson are eligible for a $50 gift card that they can use to purchase classroom supplies. So far, over 1800 students across Monterey County have received the education since August 2023.
To learn more about the Diabetes Education Modules click the link below:
School Diabetes Awareness Education Modules - Don't Feed the Diabetes
University Park Walking Moai Celebration
Congratulations to University Park Elementary School for completing their 10- week Walking Moai. The completion of the walking group was not just an end point but a celebration of the social connections that were fostered every week. They intend to continue with their walking routine!
Alisal Union School District Resource Fair
Blue Zones Project participated in this year’s successful AUSD Resource Fair. Resource fairs offer an abundance of information covering a diverse range of topics and it is a great opportunity to connect with our community!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
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November 2023
November is National Diabetes Awareness month!
Teachers across Monterey County are joining our collaborative Diabetes Campaign with Aspire Health “Don’t Feed the Diabetes” to facilitate diabetes prevention education in the classroom. This school year we have reached 1000 students and we are striving to reach 7000 students this school year! To learn more about the Diabetes Education Modules developed for k-12th grade click the link below:
School Diabetes Awareness Education Modules - Don't Feed the Diabetes (dontfeedthediabetes.com)
Los Arboles Middle School in Marina just became a Blue Zones Approved School
This is the first middle school approval in the Peninsula Cities. Los Arboles Middle School implemented numerous best practices to buttress student health and wellbeing including enhancing the cafeteria environment to nudge students to make healthier choices, scheduling a nutrition education lesson with Kids Eat Right, and creating a school guideline to find alternatives to food as rewards. We’re excited for this continued partnership, and look forward to celebrating this accomplishment in the future.
Garden Volunteer Day
Rancho San Juan High School students rallied together to contribute their time and energy to help clean up the garden at University Park Elementary. As they worked side by side, the high school volunteers not only beautified the surrounding area but also conveyed valuable lessons in teamwork and responsibility to the 3rd graders from Mrs. Ricigliano’s class, who joined the cleaning efforts! A big thanks to Maribel Fregoso, parent coordinator at University Park and Tari Johnson, Functional Academics Teacher at Rancho San Juan for helping this event come to fruition.
"The Functional Academics Class at Rancho San Juan High School had a great day of helping the 3rd graders at University Park school clean up their garden area. After 2 hours of hard work, and about 9 large trash bags full of weeds, etc, it was beginning to really take shape. My students were exhausted, and very happy to have been able to help out. We look forward to helping again in the future. “Tari Johnson - Functional Academics Teacher
If you are a High School who wants to partner with an Elementary School or an Elementary School who wants to partner with a High School for volunteer opportunities, contact Brenda Cabrera at brenda.cabrera@sharecare.com
Garden Capacity Building Workshop
In partnership with Ben Eichorn from Grow Your Lunch, we hosted a Garden Capacity Building Workshop for teachers at Creekside Elementary. This workshop aimed to empower educators with the knowledge and skills needed to integrate gardening into the school curriculum, fostering a deeper connection between students and the natural world. Blue Zones Project’s purpose is to not only enhance the overall well-being of students but also cultivate a sense of environmental safeguarding from a young age, contributing to the development of healthier communities.
This same free school garden workshop will be held on November 16th at the Monterey Adult School in Seaside from 3:30-5:30PM. If you work at a school or have connections to a school garden, please reach out to Larisa Sheparovich at larisa.sheparovich@sharecare.com for registration information.
Blue Zones Approved Schools
Blue Zones Project Monterey County supported two Blue Zones Approved schools in the Peninsula Cities with a garden refresh! Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Penisula had families come out to their Saturday Academy to create a sustainable outdoor learning environment in their garden. It was amazing to see multiple generations coming together to support with this. Many of the supplies that were utilized were awarded to Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula through Aspire Health’s grand prize for the Diabetes Prevention Education Campaign (more information on this at the top of the school section within this newsletter).
Additionally, Santa Catalina Upper School had Blue Zones Project come out to do some gardening lessons with students. Students learned more about how to “Eat Wisely” while working in their school garden!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
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October 2023
October 4th is National Walk, Bike, Roll to School Day!
Some of the best ways to increase the safety of a child’s walking or rolling trip to school are to:
- Provide safe, well-maintained walkways separate from vehicles.
- Teach children to cross streets at marked crossings and to always look left-right-left.
- Slow traffic in neighborhoods and near schools through traffic calming strategies and enforcement efforts.
- Work with parents of children with disabilities and special education professionals to identify accessibility barriers.
- Ensure that walkways are continuous and meet or exceed national accessibility standards.
- Install curb ramps at every intersection and at mid-block crossings.
- Provide accessible pedestrian signals at intersections.
Learn more at www.walkbiketoschool.org
The whole community benefits from efforts to enable and encourage more children to walk, bike or roll to school safely. Benefits include:
- Less traffic congestion
- Stronger sense of community
- Safer streets
- Improved accessibility
Siembra Latinos Celebration
We are so happy for our BZP School Sector Co-Chair, Dr. Ernesto Vela, Ed. D. who is the honoree of this year’s Inaugural Alfred Diaz-Infante award presented at the Siembra Latinos Celebration on September 28, 2023. Dr. Vela was recognized for his commitment and dedication to positively impacting our local community and educational system. Dr. Vela has worked hard to support, empowering a path to higher education for our local youth. Congratulations to Dr. Vela this award is well deserved!
BZP School Approval Celebrations
Jesse G. Sanchez Elementary School celebrated their school approval during the month of September. Jesse G. Sanchez created a school environment that teaches healthy lifestyle choices for students, staff, and families. Congratulations!
Bay View Academy Upper Campus celebrated their school approval. Bay View Academy has implemented many healthy initiatives including having a healthy snack cart, putting up signs to make classrooms and hallways water only spaces, putting up posters in the cafeteria to nudge students to make healthier choices, creating multiple opportunities for families to connect, and ensuring that students are active the majority of PE time. Congratulations! Their celebration was student-centered and allowed students to learn about Blue Zones Project while reflecting on what their school does to help them be healthy.
Walking Moai
El Gabilan Elementary School launched a Walking Moai with parents. This is a great way for parents to focus on their own health and well-being. Parents there is still time to join our group every Wednesday at 8:15am! See you there!
Boronda Meadows Elementary School launched a Walking Moai with parents. This is a great way for parents to focus on their own health and well-being. Parents there is still time to join our group every Monday at 8:30am! See you there!
MPUSD Food Initiatives
We have extended the free $5 Farmer’s Market Voucher for all MPUSD staff and families through the end of 2023. If you are an MPUSD staff or have an MPUSD student in your family, you can redeem this at the Everyone’s Harvest information booth at the Seaside Farmer’s Market (Laguna Grande Park every Thursday from 3-7pm) or the Marina Farmer’s Market (215 Reservation Road every Sunday from 10am-2pm).
MPUSD Nutrition Services, in collaboration with 7+ Organic Farmers and Blue Zones Project Monterey County, started offering Community Supported Agriculture boxes to their staff. These produce boxes are delivered to a nearby site to help with access.
Stevenson High School Day of Service
Stevenson High School had their Day of Service on September 18th. Blue Zones Projects coordinated five projects across Monterey, Marina, and Seaside for 150+ students to volunteer at. Students were out cleaning up local beaches, parks, and schools. One of the volunteer locations was a Blue Zones Approved School, Ione Olson Elementary School, and the students were able to pick up 5 trash bags worth of trash, fill gopher holes, and work on their school garden.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
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September 2023
Back to School Healthy Tips
Kids thrive on routine. Establishing a strong morning routine can help make mornings easier and can aid in healthy habits. This might include waking up, getting dressed, brushing teeth, washing face, eating a healthy breakfast, packing snacks/lunch, checking to make sure all necessary materials are in their backpack, stretching, putting on shoes, and leaving for school.
Writing down this routine as a checklist and posting it at eye-level on the fridge can help your child take accountability and keep track of what they need to do next. Eventually, it will be one less thing that you have to worry about, will help you get out the door on time, and will teach your child how to start their day with healthy habits.
Checkout these kid friendly healthy breakfast and snack ideas: Healthy Breakfast and Snack Ideas
This month, we launched a free $5 Farmer’s Market Voucher for all MPUSD staff and families. This is redeemable August 24th, August 31st, and September 7th at the Seaside Farmer’s Market (Laguna Grande Park from 3-7pm). If you are an MPUSD family or employee, please locate the digital flyer on ParentSquare to redeem this voucher.
Kids Eat Right in collaboration with Blue Zones Project hosted a family friendly cooking demo called “Delicious Dips” at the Oldemeyer Center in Seaside. Kids got to blend up healthy dips using a spin-bike powered blender and got to enjoy the dips with veggies.
Blue Zones Project hosted two Purpose Workshops for Seaside High School’s AVID program. This workshop helped these students find clarity of purpose. They got to discover, or rediscover, gifts, talents, and values. At the end, students walked away encouraged and equipped with a purpose statement as well as tools for living a more purposeful life.
Walking School Bus
A Walking School Bus is an adult-supervised walking group creating a safe, fun, and active way for students to get to school. Blue Zones Project has partnered with Ecology Action for this initiative. This event will take place every Tuesday morning for 8 weeks.
Los Padres Elementary School launched their Walking School Bus Tuesday August 22, 2023 & Sherwood Elementary School launched their Walking School Bus Wednesday August 23, 2023!
Benefits of a Walking School Bus include:
- Increased physical activity
- Improved student academic performance
- Elevated social skills
- Shared sense of community
- Decreased traffic & air pollution
- Learning healthy movement habits for a lifetime
Walking Moai
University Park Elementary School launched a Walking Moai with parents. They walked to Compass Church in Salinas, a 3.2-mile walk! This is a great way for parents to focus on their own health and well-being.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
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August 2023
Summer Tips for Kids
Summer is a great time for kids to get outside and enjoy the weather. Children need at least 60 minutes or more a day of physical activity. Outdoor activities such as walking, biking, and playing outdoor sports such as soccer, softball/baseball, jump rope or hopscotch help kids stay physically active during their summer break.
Summer fun can at times be filled with lots of savory and sweet treats such as sugar sweetened beverages, ice cream, chips, and delicious cookout meals! Opportunities for junk food are abundant during the summer, but by eating healthy while kids are out of school will ensure that children learn healthy, consistent habits such as drinking plenty of water, eating fruits and vegetables, which help them get the vitamins and nutrients they need to fuel their summer fun.
Checkout this kid friendly easy to make healthy recipe: Monkey Wrap
Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula - School Approval Celebration
Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula celebrated becoming a Blue Zones Project Approved School on July 29th. This was made extra special by their combined celebration of moving campuses. Dual Language Academy continues to prioritize student health and well-being through initiatives like scheduling recess before lunch to allow students plenty of time to eat, hanging posters to encourage students to drink more water, and finding creative ways to celebrate birthdays and fundraisers that do not involve food.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
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June 2023
BZP School Approvals
Congratulations to Central Bay High School and NMC Center for Independent Studies on becoming Blue Zones Project Approved! They are the 7th school to become approved in the North Monterey County Unified School District. Below are a few best practices they implemented during the approval:
- Encourage students to drink only water during class time.
- Mindfulness Practices
- Host a family well-being event – Fall Festival.
Kudos to North Monterey County Unified School District in becoming the 2nd school district across Monterey County to have every single school site achieve BZP approval! Working with leadership and staff at NMCUSD it is clear they are committed to establishing a sustainable environment of well-being for students and families.
Congratulations to La Gloria Elementary and Gonzales High School on becoming Blue Zones Project Approved! They are the first two schools to become approved in the City of Gonzales. Below are a few best practices they implemented during the approval:
- Encourage students to drink only water during class time.
- La Gloria implemented a Walking School Bus program – thank you to the partnership with the Transportation Agency of Monterey County, Monterey County Health Department and Ecology Action.
- Participated in the Diabetes Education Modules
School Approval Celebration
Congratulations to Alisal Virtual Academy for becoming the 8th school in Alisal Union School District to become Blue Zones Project Approved! Students, staff, and families celebrated during their end of the year celebration which included getting to use our spin art bike! Seven lucky students won a “big ticket” item from their PBIS raffle. Special thanks to Transportation Agency for Monterey County and Monterey Bay F.C. for donating a bike and tickets to a soccer game. We were thrilled to be part of AVA’s special day.
Monterey Adult School Walking Moai Groups
Monterey Adult School had a few classes that went on walks every week for over three months! Blue Zones Project brought t-shirts and walked with the students to celebrate this amazing accomplishment. Many of the students reported feeling like they were more prepared for the day, and they appreciated the opportunity to explore different areas of their community.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
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May 2023
North Monterey County USD Community Meal
NMCUSD hosted a community meal at North Monterey County High School on May 30th, community and families were invited to savor the Nutrition Service Team’s scratch cooking menu creations, innovations and celebrate their partnership with BRIGAID. The menu included a carnitas or veggie torta made with Bolillo Roll from Missing Hole Bakery, Arroz con Leche with strawberries from ALBA Organics, and produce from Coke Farms. Kudos to NMCUSD Nutrition Services team for your hard work and dedication to optimizing and creating healthier school lunches for students!
Greenfield USD Community Celebration
Greenfield USD celebrated their end of the school year with student performances, free resources from outside agencies, district booths, and fun activities. GUSD had a guest Author, Leticia Ordaz, who provided her amazing books and participated in activities with families. Thank you, Greenfield USD, for inviting BZP to table at this fun community event!
MLK FRC Walking Moai Celebration
The MLK Family Resource Center celebrated their 10-week Walking Moai at our BZP Salinas Office. The group visited 7 of our Approved Restaurants in Downtown Salinas and checked out their Blue Zones Inspired Menu. They even got to pick up Veggie Sandwiches from BZP Approved Restaurant, Gordon’s Café and Catering to have for lunch. It was a fantastic way to end the school year!
BZP School Approval Celebrations
Virginia Rocca Baton Elementary School celebrated their school approval this month during their Monday morning assembly. Special thanks to the Elevo team for incorporating Move Naturally exercises to get the students ready for the day.
New BZP School Approvals
Congratulations to Jesse Sanchez Elementary School on becoming Blue Zones Project Approved! They are the 10th school to become approved in the Alisal Union School District. Below are a few best practices they implemented during the approval:
- Encourage students to drink only water during class time.
- Implement a Walking School Bus program – thank you to the partnership with the Transportation Agency of Monterey County and Ecology Action.
- Host a family well-being event – thank you to the partnership with Brighter Bites.
Congratulations to Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula on becoming Blue Zones Project Approved! Principal Rita Burks went above and beyond to ensure that the school environment is healthy for students. For example, Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula had every student engage in a Diabetes Prevention Education created by Aspire Health. They also strategically have recess time before lunch so that kids have plenty of time to finish their food and connect with their peers. As they begin their move to their new campus next year, they are excited to continue prioritizing health and wellness.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
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April 2023
Día del Niño Month
Día del Niño is a traditional family holiday celebrated in Mexico that honors children and promotes their well-being. It is a day all about celebrating the child and remembering what a blessing they are in our lives. In the month of April, many of our school sites throughout Monterey County celebrated Día del Niño by hosting a special event with fun activities, food and resources for students and their families. BZP had the pleasure of participating in three events at Castroville Elementary School, for North Monterey County Unified School District, Arroyo Seco Academy in Greenfield, and Seaside for the Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula.
Walking School Bus
Jesse G. Sanchez Elementary School launched their Walking School Bus in the month of April! A Walking School Bus is an adult-supervised walking group creating a safe, fun, and active way for students to get to school. Blue Zones Project has partnered with Ecology Action for this initiative, and it will take place every Wednesday morning for 6 weeks.
BZP School Approval Celebrations
Elkhorn Elementary School, North Monterey County Middle School & North Monterey County High School celebrated their school approval during the month of April. Each of these school sites are creating school environments that teach healthy lifestyle choices for students, staff, and families. Congratulations!
BZP School Approval
Congratulations to Virginia Rocca Barton Elementary School for becoming Blue Zones Project Approved! Virginia Rocca Barton is the 37th school in Monterey County and 9th school for Alisal Union School District to become school approved. They continue to optimize their school environment to better promote physical, social, and emotional health for students.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
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March 2023
BZP School Approval
North Monterey County Middle School is the 6thth BZP approved school site in the North Monterey County Unified School District, bringing a total of 35 schools across Monterey County that are Blue Zones Project approved and committed to optimizing school environments and improving health & wellbeing for their students!
Castroville Elementary & Jack Franscioni Elementary School celebrated their school approval during the month of March. Each of these school sites are creating school environments that teach healthy lifestyle choices for students, staff and families. Congratulations!
Garden Capacity Building Workshop - South County: On March 15th, Arroyo Seco Academy in Greenfield hosted our 3rd Garden Workshop for the South County region. The garden workshop series are facilitated by Grow your Lunch founder and CEO, Benjamin R. Eichorn. Ben is a Monterey County Native and internationally renowned leader on the topics of organic farming and food literacy education.
This hands-on workshop will be taking place in Salinas on April 5th at Los Padres Elementary School from 3:30-5:30pm and in Seaside at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School of the Arts on Tuesday April 11th from 3:30pm-5:30pm. To register for one of these upcoming workshops click on the designated Eventbrite link below:
Salinas: https://bit.ly/salinasgardenworkshop
Seaside: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/professional-development-school-gardening-workshop-seaside-tickets-541957719127
More than a third of adults in our county have prediabetes, and 84% of them don’t know they have it. March 28 was Diabetes Alert Day, a day to help spread awareness, resources, and information throughout our community about how to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes.
In partnership with Aspire Health and their Don’t Feed the Diabetes (aka “The Beast”) awareness campaign, they have compiled resources for diabetes management, developed diabetes prevention programs for both adults and children, and curated educational healthy lifestyle articles. To learn more, visit www.DontFeedTheDiabetes.com.
February 2023
National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month, we want to remind families that, at every stage of life, it’s never too early or too late to eat healthy! The benefits of eating healthy add up over time, small lifestyle changes matter.
Our BZP school sector team would like to highlight all the amazing work Nutrition/Food Service Directors across Monterey County School Districts are doing to procure fresh, locally grown produce and working diligently to create scratch cooked meals for students, in support of optimizing school environments to promote health & wellness.
Sarah Doherty, Director of Nutrition and Wellness, has worked hard to increase scratch cooked meals for North Monterey County Unified School District, watch the video Here to learn more about the great work NMCUSD is doing to make the healthy choice the easy choice!
BZP School Approval
North Monterey County Middle School is the 6th BZP approved school in the North Monterey County Unified School District making it a total of 35 schools across Monterey County who are committed to optimizing school environments and improving health & wellbeing for their students!
Soledad High School celebrated their school approval during a faculty meeting on Valentine’s Day. They are the 1st High School to become BZP Approved in Monterey County! Soledad High School is creating an environment that promotes and encourages health & wellness for their students. Congratulations!
Walking Moais with Schools and Parents!
In February, Natividad Elementary School launched their parent walking group. They are the 7th school in Salinas to create a Walking Moai for parents. Congratulations to Creekside Elementary School and University Park Elementary School parents for finishing their 10-week Walking Moai. Surrounding yourself with likeminded people & making the effort to connect with others can add more years to your life. Way to go!
January 2023
School Garden
Virginia Rocca Barton Elementary School received a school garden grant from Home Depot Foundation at the end of last year to help build new garden beds for the school. In January, Home Depot staff from the Salinas store volunteered their time to help build 12 garden beds, 6 for upper and 6 for lower grades. Their 6th grade teacher, Mr. Maciel, has done a phenomenal job leading this effort. We can’t wait to see what the kids will grow.
BZP School Approval
Marina Vista Elementary Arts Academy is the 2nd approved school in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District!
Castroville Elementary School is the 5th BZP approved school in the North Monterey County Unified School District making it a total of 33 schools across Monterey County who are committed to optimizing school environments and improving health & wellbeing for their students!
Boronda Meadows Elementary School started the new year celebrating their school approval during a staff meeting. They are the 8th school to become BZP Approved in the Salinas City Elementary School District. Boronda Meadows is creating an environment that teaches healthy lifestyle choices for students, staff and families. Congratulations!
King City Farm Day
South County 3rd grade students, teachers and parents enjoyed a day of educational, hands-on, fun experiences that focused on Agriculture. This is a unique opportunity for Ag to teach the role of the industry—every year seems to be more critical than the previous years to explain how we get our locally grown food and clothing. It was delightful to interact with the teachers, students and chaperones to share our BZP Power 9 Principles and promote health & wellbeing at this year's 31st annual Farm Day!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
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December 2022
School Garden Workshop Marina and Salinas
In December, Blue Zones Project Monterey County and Grow Your Lunch led a garden workshop for teachers and administrators in Monterey County. The event was hosted by Alisal Virtual Academy and Marina Vista Elementary School. Participants learned winter gardening techniques and how to integrate the garden into core classroom curriculum. It was a great experience, and we can't wait to host more. Thank you to the Alisal Virtual Academy and Marina Vista Elementary Arts Academy for hosting us, everyone that was able to join us and Ben Eichorn, from Grow Your Lunch, for your expertise!
Diabetes Awareness with partner Aspire Health at Olson Elementary
Ione Olson Elementary in Marina, which is the first MPUSD school to be BZP approved, hosted Aspire Health across several different classrooms and grade levels. Students received education on diabetes prevention, awareness and the best ways to not feed the “beast”! Learn more about Aspire Health at https://dontfeedthediabetes.com/
BZP School Approval
Soledad High School, Boronda Meadows Elementary School, Jack Franscioni Elementary School, Elkhorn Elementary School, and North Monterey County High School are our most recent schools approved making it a total of 30 schools across Monterey County who are committed in helping students, staff and families make the healthy choice the easy choice!
Echo Valley Elementary School and Prunedale Elementary School also celebrated their Blue Zones Project School Approval in December. They are the first 2 schools to become approved for North Monterey County Unified School District. Congratulations, Dolphins and Pelicans!
Alisal Virtual Academy is a new “Alternative School of Choice,” in the Alisal Union School District and is now open to any student in grades Kindergarten through Sixth in Monterey County. The academy is based on the Experiential Learning approach, which has a more hands-on approach to learning, to make online learning as engaging as possible. Monthly in-person learning or community events for each grade. These could be hands-on science lessons, field trips, or activity days. To learn more, click on this link.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today
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November 2022
National Diabetes Awareness Month
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time when communities across the country team up to bring attention to diabetes. This year Blue Zones Project partnered with Aspire Health and Brighter Bites to help promote diabetes awareness in schools throughout Monterey County. In the month of November, Blue Zones Project Monterey County hosted a Fun Food Experience at Ord Terrace Elementary School, Jesse G. Sanchez Elementary School, Arroyo Seco Academy, and Castroville Elementary School to give families the opportunity to learn how to cook healthy meals.
Roughly 45% of the adult population in Monterey County either have pre-diabetes or diabetes and do not know they have it. Don’t Feed the Diabetes provide free diabetes education resources for Monterey County teachers and classrooms. Aspire Health’s education modules, developed by health professionals, provide diabetes awareness and prevention education for children of all ages. We hope students can form healthy habits and lifestyles at an earlier age, to prevent chronic illnesses in the future, helping to make the healthy choice the easy choice. For more information on how your school can deliver the Diabetes Education Modules visit the link below: School Diabetes Awareness Education Modules - Don't Feed the Diabetes (dontfeedthediabetes.com)
John E. Steinbeck Elementary School and Virginia Rocca Barton Elementary School hosted a school assembly where students learned about Blue Zones Project and Don’t Feed the Diabetes. Over 800 students participated and got the chance to meet The Beast!
BZP School Approval
Dr. Oscar F. Loya Elementary School celebrated their Blue Zones Project School Approval on November 17th during their Family Night. They are the 14th school in Salinas and the 5th school in the Alisal Union School District who have reached Blue Zones Project approval. They join 24 schools that have achieved approval in Monterey County. Congratulations, Dr. Oscar F. Loya Elementary School!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today
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October 2022
School Garden Workshops:
School garden leaders across Monterey County attended our 1st in-person gardening and capacity-building workshop. The workshop series will consist of 3 different workshops located at school gardens throughout Monterey County. Workshop #1 took place on Wednesday October 19th at Jack Franscioni Elementary in Soledad and on Thursday October 20th at North Monterey County Middle School in Castroville. The series was facilitated by Grow your Lunch founder and CEO, Benjamin R. Eichorn. Ben is a Monterey County Native and internationally renowned leader on the topics of organic farming and food literacy education.
Walking School Bus:
In partnership with the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC), Ecology Action and the Monterey County Health Department, Blue Zones Project Monterey County lent their support to launch two Walking School Buses at schools in Salinas. Kammann Elementary School and MLK Jr. Academy participated in the Walking School Bus for the month of October. Every Tuesday (Kammann) and Wednesday (MLK Academy) morning students had the opportunity to walk to school with their friends, teachers, staff, parents, police officers and superheroes. There was nothing more exciting like moving naturally with Spider-Man!
Walking Moais:
University Park Elementary School and Creekside Elementary School in Salinas launched a walking moai! University Park parents drop off their students in the morning and go on a walk around the neighborhood. This is a great way for parents to focus on their own health and well-being. Creekside walking moai consist of students, parents, and staff. They are meeting after school to encourage students to stay active. We can’t wait to see the progress after the 10-weeks.
Brighter Bites
Blue Zones Project continues to support the provision of healthy fruits and vegetables by participating alongside Brighter Bites. Last week we were at Ord Terrace Elementary School in Seaside! We can’t wait to be there again on November 2nd for a Fun Food Experience and cooking demonstration.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today
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September 2022
Garden Workshops
School garden leaders (principals, teachers, custodians, supervisors, counselors, etc): you are invited to attend a FREE in-person gardening and capacity-building workshop series! The series will consist of 3 different workshops located at school gardens throughout Monterey County. Participants are highly encouraged to attend all three workshops, if possible. The free series will be offered both in the Salinas Valley and Coastal Region (same workshops).
Workshop 1 will take place on Wednesday October 19th in Soledad and on Thursday October 20th in Castroville.
To register for the Castroville workshop please click HERE.
To register for the Soledad workshop please click HERE.
Walking Moai Launch
MLK Family Resource Center and Sherwood Elementary School re-launched their Walking Moai in September. It was exciting to see returning participants from last school year and we were also thrilled to see new faces. Both groups continue to promote moving naturally and connecting with other. Way to go!
Brighter Bites first MPUSD Distribution
Blue Zones Project was proud to facilitate the connection and participate at the first Brighter Bites food distributions within the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. Ord Terrace Elementary School in Seaside is the first location within MPUSD to host a Brighter Bites food distribution – the families and students were thrilled! Thanks to the leadership of Ord Terrace Elementary School principal Joe Sampson and Brighter Bites for making this distribution happen.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today
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August 2022
Back to School Nights:
Summer has come to an end for most students in Monterey County. Schools are back in session and hosting back to school nights for students and their families. Our Blue Zones Project team attended a few to share the work we do in schools with parents and promote our upcoming events.
First Week of School:
Blue Zones Project tabled at various schools during the 1st week of school at Alisal Union School District. We were happy to share our upcoming community events and resources to families. Thank you to MLK Jr. Academy, Virginia Rocca Barton, and Jesse Sanchez for letting us be part of your special week. Wishing all students, a wonderful new school year!
Thank you!
On behalf of our school sector team, we would like to thank our collaborative partners Aspire Health, Brighter Bites, Catholic Charities, Ecology Action, and TAMC for supporting our BZP Kickoff events in the month of August!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today
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July 2022
Blue Zones Project Approved Schools
Congratulations to Mary Chapa Academy & Oak Avenue Elementary for becoming the 4th & 5th BZP approved school site in the Greenfield Union School district! Both schools have done an exceptional job working to positively impact the health and well-being of students and their families
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Our school sector team would like to acknowledge the magnificent work Greenfield USD has accomplished to become the first school district in Monterey County to have every school site reach BZP approval! Congratulations GUSD, your dedication, commitment and collaboration is truly amazing!
--- 5 schools; elementary to middle - Green Union School District
Brighter Bites Food Distribution
Blue Zones Project is excited to support Brighter Bites food distribution as they begin their expanded support of new locations in Monterey County. Brighter Bites has served the members of the Boys and Girls Club in Salinas and Seaside, La Gloria Elementary in Gonzales and the Salinas Community YMCA. We are thrilled to be supporting their efforts and mission as they continue their work throughout Monterey County.
Learn more about Brighter Bites: https://brighterbites.org/
North Monterey County Unified School District Adopts BZP Resolution
We are grateful to the Board of Education at North Monterey County Unified School District for approving and adopting a Blue Zones Project Resolution! This adoption will greatly support the implementation of our work in schools throughout North Monterey County.
Los Padres & Monterey Park Elementary School
In June 2019, Los Padres Elementary School and Monterey Park Elementary School became the 1st two schools to become Blue Zones Project Approved in Monterey County! Congratulations to both schools for leading the way to a healthier community. We currently have 16 schools approved in our Salinas project community. Happy 2 Year Anniversary!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today
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June 2022
Safe Routes to School – Walking School Bus relaunch at Marina Vista Elementary Arts Academy
Blue Zones Project, alongside collaborative partners TAMC and the Monterey County Health Department, helped to relaunch the weekly Walking School Bus for Marina Vista Elementary Arts Academy located in Marina, CA. After receiving great feedback from Principal Cristy Campanaro, the meet-up location was changed to be more convenient for students and parents.
Blue Zones Project Approved Schools
Congratulations to Ione Olson Elementary for becoming our first school in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School district to achieve approval and congratulations to Bay View Academy’s Lower Campus for becoming our first charter school in Monterey to achieve approval!
Congratulations to Echo Valley Elementary School for becoming the first school in North Monterey County Unified School district to achieve BZP approval! Dr. Oscar Loya Elementary School and Monte Bella Elementary School for becoming the 5th & 6th schools for Alisal Union School District! All schools have done an exceptional job working on wellness to positively impact the health and well-being for students and families.
Congratulations to Vista Verde Middle School for becoming the 3rd BZP approved school site in the Greenfield Union School district! Greenfield USD is one school away from becoming the first school district in Monterey County to have every school site in their district BZP approved. Setting the bar high for optimizing school environments to better promote physical, social, and emotional health! Way to go GUSD!
Family Fun Festival at Ord Terrace Elementary in Seaside!
Blue Zones Project came out to support Natural Movement and active lifestyle choices along with so many of our community partners – Ecology Action, TAMC, the Monterey County Health Department CalFresh staff, the Community Partnership for Youth and more!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today
Congratulations to Echo Valley Elementary School for becoming the first school in North Monterey County Unified School district to achieve BZP approval! Dr. Oscar Loya Elementary School and Monte Bella Elementary School for becoming the 5th & 6th schools for Alisal Union School District! As well as Vista Verde Middle School for becoming the 3rd BZP approved school site in the Greenfield Union School district! Greenfield USD is one school away from becoming the first school district in Monterey County to have every school site in their district BZP approved!
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May 2022
Ione Olson Elementary Gardening Day in Marina
Blue Zones Project and Ione Olson Elementary put on a gardening workday together – it was a great day of clearing weeds from flower beds and assembling a raised bed screen to keep out pesky ground squirrels! Thanks to MPUSD Superintendent Dr. Diffenbaugh and City of Marina Mayor Bruce Delgado for coming out to support us!
Safe Routes to School – Walking School Bus in Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
In partnership with the Transportation Agency for Monterey County, the Monterey County Health Department and Ecology Action, we kicked off Walking School Bus programs in MPUSD schools Ord Terrace, Del Rey Woods, Marina Vista, and Crumpton elementary in addition to Bay View Academy!
Blue Zones Project Approved Schools
Congratulations to Dr. MLK Jr. Academy in becoming our 13th school approved in Salinas and 4th for Alisal Union School District! They identified and implemented new policies and programs to support student well-being. In March, during Diabetes Alert Day, teachers provided diabetes education to students from 1st-6th grade. Students and their families were then able to participate in a diabetes competition where they submitted a drawing or digital poster with a unique message about ways to prevent diabetes. Dr. MLK Jr. Academy continues to create an environment for students that instills healthy lifestyles choices today and for years to come!
District Support
We are grateful to the Board of Education at both the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District and the Alisal Unified School District for unanimously voting to approve a Blue Zones Resolution! This adoption by both districts will greatly support our work in implementing Blue Zones Project in schools throughout Salinas and the Peninsula Cities.
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April 2022
National Nutrition Month 2022
March was National Nutrition Month! National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone was invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.
Frank Paul Elementary School teachers provided nutrition education to their students during the month of March. They are doing a fantastic job helping students form healthy habits for life! Check out the photos from Mrs. Trujillo’s 1st Grade bilingual class.
Ione Olson Elementary Gardening Day in Marina
Please join us on Sunday April 10th from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Ione Olson Elementary School for a Gardening Workday! We will come together to aid the school in beautifying their garden and other elements to support the campus and their students. If you’d like to register for the event or learn more, please follow the link: https://bit.ly/IoneOlsonGarden
All ages are welcome at the event, we look forward to seeing you there!
Safe Routes to School – Walking School Bus in Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
In collaboration with the Monterey County Health Department, the Transportation Agency for Monterey County and Ecology Action, the Blue Zones Project is excited to participate in the April launch of Walking School Buses throughout Monterey, Seaside and Marina! We look forward to making an impact at these schools and introducing some safe Natural Movement into the students and families of several schools.
Blue Zones Project Approved Schools
Congratulations to Sacred Heart School in becoming our 12th school approved in Salinas! As our first private school approved, they are committed in improving their school environment to better promote physical, social, and emotional health.
Congratulations to Cesar Chavez Elementary School, and Vista Verde Middle School to achieve Blue Zones Project approval in the City of Greenfield! Their leadership and support staff were instrumental in completing the BZP school pledge. It is evident that both schools are committed to optimizing their school environment to better promote overall wellness, physical, social, and emotional health. Both schools are helping their students make the healthy choice the easy choice!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today
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March 2022
Congratulations to John E. Steinbeck Elementary School in becoming our 11th school approved in Salinas! They are committed to optimizing their school environment to better promote overall wellness, physical, social, and emotional health. Special thanks to Mr. Martinez, Ms. Griffith, Ms. Henson, Ms. Sawyer, Mr. Rains and Ms. Velasquez-Silva who played an instrumental part in completing the BZP school pledge. We are excited to continue working with John E. Steinbeck Elementary School!
Diabetes Alert Day – March 22, 2022
More than a third of adults in our country have prediabetes, and 84 percent of them don’t know they have it. That is why American Diabetes Association Diabetes Alert Day is such an important date to help spread awareness, resources, and information throughout our community about how to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes (a.k.a. The Beast).
Don’t Feed the Diabetes (DFTD) has compiled resources for diabetes management, developed diabetes prevention programs for both adults and children, and curated educational healthy lifestyle articles. Through proper education and resources, DFTD is inspiring every individual to live their best life by empowering our community to take hold of their own health journey.
We are encouraging our community to discover their personal risk by visiting www.DontFeedTheDiabetes.com. The sooner they know their risk, the sooner they can take action to prevent type 2 diabetes.
With proper care and support, our community can help tame The Beast!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today
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February 2022
Sherwood Elementary School started the year strong by hosting a clean-up and beautification event for their school. Staff, teachers, parents and over 120 students participated! Thank you to Taylor Farms, Return of the Natives and Tope’s Tree Service for donating healthy snacks and garden items. Special thanks to Mr. Marquez, Ms. Nichols, and Ms. Williams for organizing this event. We hope to continue engaging with our approved schools to help lead longer and healthier lives. Way to go, Sharks!
Frank Paul Elementary School hosted their school celerbation virtually in January. They were able to share with staff, students and parents the tremendous work the school did in becoming Blue Zones Project approved. Frank Paul continues to maintain a beautiful school garden. They will incorporate an indoor garden activity in the classroom for students to grow their own pumpkin, cucumber, or marigolds. Congratulations once again for leading the way in making our community a happier and healthier place to live, work and play!
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January 2022
In December, Main Street Middle School became the first school in South Monterey County to become Blue Zones Project approved. Main Street Middle School is committed to promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle for all students. In doing so, Main Street Middle School offers a global menu to students which includes healthy and nutritious scratch-cooked meals every day of the week. Main Street Middle School also implemented a policy to encourage students to drink more water and less sugar sweetened beverages, by adopting a Classroom & Hallway Rule that encourages students to make healthy food and beverage choices.
Also in December, Frank Paul Elementary School became the 10th school in Salinas to become Blue Zones Project approved. Frank Paul Elementary School implemented various evidence-based strategies to better promote physical, social, and emotional health for their students. They implemented a new rule where students are not permitted to eat or drink anything but water in classrooms and hallways during class time. This will encourage students to drink more water and stay away from foods and beverages high in calories and low in nutrients, or “junk food.”
Congratulations to both schools in helping students, parents and staff form healthy habits for life!
Blue Zones Project Monterey County is excited to work with TAMC to implement the Safe Routes to Schools Program in MPUSD starting in the spring!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today
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December 2021
Last month, Blue Zones Project Monterey County presented to high school students from the Salinas Valley Dream Academy various opportunities how students can get involved with BZP through Purpose Workshops and community clean-ups. The mission of the Dream Academy is to inspire, engage, and empower high school students to strive for higher education while becoming active participants and servant leaders in their community. More than 60 students committed to a healthier community by signing the Blue Zones Personal Pledge. We look forward to working with students from the Salinas Valley Dream Academy to make a positive impact in our community! A special thank you to Dr. Vela for giving us the opportunity to engage with local students, and for his continued support and enthusiasm for our project to create healthier communities throughout Monterey County!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
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November 2021
November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country team up to bring attention to diabetes. In an effort to support this awareness within schools in Monterey County, Blue Zones Project has partnered with Community Health Innovations, who offer free diabetes education resources to teachers and classrooms. The Don’t Feed the Diabetes education modules, created by health professionals, provide children of all ages diabetes awareness and prevention education. Schools all over the county are participating and sharing these lessons with hundreds of students, including Ione Olson Elementary and Bay View Academy on the Peninsula. Greenfield’s Oak Avenue Elementary is also using the modules, as well as Cesar Chavez Elementary in Salinas. Understanding one’s health and wellbeing is part of making the healthy choice the easy choice, and Blue Zones Project is proud to support schools as they bring awareness to students all month long!
Register your school today
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October 2021
Join us for our Blue Zones Project School Summits to learn more about the work we do with schools in0 Monterey County! All summits will be held from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Pick a date & location that works best for you:
Wed., Oct. 13 - Salinas
Tues., Oct. 19 - Virtual
Wed., Oct. 20 - S. County
Tues., Oct. 26 – Monterey
Register here: https://info.bluezonesproject.com/schoolsummit
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September 2021
Greenfield Unified School District adopted a resolution supporting Blue Zones Project implementation at school sites. We look forward to working with Greenfield USD to create healthier school environments in the near future.
Congratulations to Loma Vista Elementary School, Kammann Elementary School and Bardin Elementary School for having their Blue Zones Project approval celebration this month!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
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August 2021
Our BZP school sector team is committed to promoting and encouraging the enhancement of school gardens and outdoor learning environments in schools throughout Monterey County. School gardens and outdoor learning environments can help carve the path for students to make the healthy choice the easy choice through programs that include diabetes awareness, healthy lifestyle principles, encouraging students to drink more water and be physically active. If you are interested in learning more, attend one of our School Summits in October! Stay tuned for dates and locations.
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today!
July 2021
Blue Zones Project is growing and developing valuable community partnerships with school sites all over Monterey County! The Peninsula Cities school sector recently teamed up with Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) to support their attendance awareness initiative. Ione Olson Elementary School and Marina Vista Elementary Arts Academy have both recently registered with Blue Zones Project and are excited to support student wellbeing while working towards becoming an approved school site! Our collaborative efforts aim to nurture a safe and supportive environment where students are engaged and have a better ability to thrive in the classroom. Also, Blue Zones Project conducted outreach and engagement with the community during a Backpack Giveaway event with MPUSD, Pueblo Del Mar and City of Marina. Many MPUSD students received new backpacks for school and now have the tools they need to start the school year ready to learn!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today
For more information, please contact Alexis Diaz-Infante, Org. Lead, Schools (Salinas): alexis.diazinfante@sharecare.com Griselda Reyes, Org. Lead, Schools (County): griselda.reyes@sharecare.com, Karissa Lopez, Org. Lead, Schools (Peninsula): karissa.lopez@sharecare.com
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July 2021
Congratulations to Kammann Elementary School and Bardin Elementary School for achieving Blue Zones Project approval in June! Staff, teachers, and students at both schools implemented new policies and programs to encourage healthy behaviors. They engaged with students during school closure by hosting virtual spirit days, parades, and rallies, and worked hard in creating a garden space for students. Kirk Gularte, Kammann Elementary School 5th grade teacher, states “The ability for kids to use this garden as a ‘Learn By Doing’ activity will greatly enhance their learning of plant and earth sciences, but also serve as an outdoor learning space for other academics.” Bardin Elementary School is the first school in Alisal School District to become Blue Zones Project approved, setting the example to encourage other schools to pursue Blue Zones Project Approved status.
They are committed in making our community happier and healthier!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today
Safe Routes to School - Join the Summer Walk Challenge!
The global pandemic has reminded us all how important it is to be healthy. Walking is one of the best ways to get and stay healthy, which is why we are challenging the residents of Gonzales, Soledad and Greenfield to try-out the new Walking School Bus and Park & Walk routes in their community this summer.
The Transportation Agency, Health Department and community volunteers recently stenciled sidewalks in each of the South County cities to prepare students for safe walking routes to schools in the fall. The summer challenge is the opportunity for residents in each city to learn the routes and practice walking to school. Participants can make this a fun event by walking at various times with friends, family and pets with an opportunity to win a new bike or scooter in random drawings at the conclusion of the challenge. The more times you walk the route the better your chances of winning.
Blue Zones Project is supporting the Summer Walk Challenge by encouraging families to move naturally. Join the Summer Walk Challenge now through July 31, 2021, and get a chance to win a helmet, bike bell or water bottle!
Follow these 3 easy steps:
- Walk any of the routes painted on the sidewalk in your community this summer;
- Snap a picture; and
- Post on Instagram at #saferoutesmonterey or share to “Safe Routes to School – Monterey County” on Facebook
For more information and walk routes: click here
For more information, please contact Alexis Diaz-Infante, Org. Lead, Schools (Salinas): alexis.diazinfante@sharecare.com Griselda Reyes, Org. Lead, Schools (County): griselda.reyes@sharecare.com, Karissa Lopez, Org. Lead, Schools (Peninsula): karissa.lopez@sharecare.com
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June 2021
Congratulations to Natividad Elementary School, Oasis Charter School, and Sherwood Elementary School, all three school sites commemorated their Blue Zones Project approval in the month of May! These three schools have exemplary leadership, teachers and support staff who played an instrumental part in completing the BZP school pledge. It is evident they are all committed to optimizing their school environments to better promote overall wellness, physical, social, and emotional health. Staff, teachers, and students worked hard to create beautiful, garden spaces for students at all three school sites. Natividad, Oasis and Sherwood schools implemented new policies and programs to encourage healthy behaviors and optimize school environments now and for years to come. Kudos to all three school sites in their commitment to helping students, staff and families make the healthy choice the easy choice!
Your school can be the next Blue Zones Project Approved™ school site!
Register your school today
For more information, please contact Alexis Diaz-Infante, Org. Lead, Schools (Salinas): alexis.diazinfante@sharecare.com Griselda Reyes, Org. Lead, Schools (County): griselda.reyes@sharecare.com, Karissa Lopez, Org. Lead, Schools (Peninsula): karissa.lopez@sharecare.com
May 2021
The Transportation Agency for Monterey County recently created “Play to Learn Kits” in an effort to provide traffic safety education to all Monterey County youth. In collaboration with Blue Zones Project, 400 kits were produced for families at Los Padres Elementary School, the first Blue Zones Approved school in Monterey County! The distribution occurred throughout the week of April 26th and saw an incredible turnout of excited students ready to learn more about traffic safety in their community. Teaching students how to safely bike or walk in their neighborhood aids in fostering an environment that promotes physical, social and overall well-being.
