Blue Zones Just Got Bigger! SUSD Celebrates Two Elementary Schools, Highlighting Our Commitment to Student Wellness!

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (January 21, 2026) –  The Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) is proud to announce that another two of our schools has been recognized as Scottsdale Blue Zones Project® approved schools, highlighting our ongoing commitment to student health and wellness. Navajo and Tavan Elementary Schools now join several other SUSD schools in earning this distinguished designation.

With this designation, Navajo and Tavan join a growing group of SUSD campuses intentionally creating environments that make healthy choices easier, for students, staff, and families alike.

The Blue Zones Project, inspired by research from National Geographic Fellow and New York Times best-selling author Dan Buettner, focuses on communities where people live longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives. Blue Zones–approved schools implement practices that encourage natural movement, nutritious eating, social connection, and a strong sense of purpose.

At Navajo Elementary, wellness is not a single program, it’s a way of life. Under the leadership of Principal Matthew Patzlaff, Navajo has embedded healthy living into daily routines and school culture. A cornerstone of this work is the school’s greenhouse and outdoor garden program, where students volunteer to plant, care for, and harvest fresh produce. The garden is open to the entire school community, allowing students, staff, and families to take home fresh items and incorporate nutritious foods into their meals. This shared space has become a powerful symbol of connection, responsibility, and collective care.

Community connection also plays a vital role in Navajo’s Blue Zones designation. Events such as the Day of Awesomeness, Fall Festival, and Parada del Sol intentionally bring together students, staff, families, and community members, strengthening relationships and reinforcing a sense of belonging that supports lifelong well-being.

At Tavan Elementary, earning Blue Zones approval was truly a community effort rooted in a hands-on, homestead-style culture. Tavan set itself apart through a do-it-yourself approach to wellness and sustainability; raising chickens, using food scraps to reduce waste, and maintaining student-tended gardens that transformed the campus into a living classroom.

Students were actively involved in these projects every step of the way; from harvesting fresh produce to preparing garden-grown salads, helping them build healthy habits through meaningful, real-world experiences. Tavan also welcomed families onto campus through family-focused physical education events, encouraging movement and wellness beyond the school day.

In alignment with SUSD policies, Tavan continues to promote healthy food choices through schoolwide practices, including a cafeteria buffet that empowers students to serve themselves fresh fruits and vegetables. This work reflects Tavan’s commitment to nurturing the whole child while fostering environmental responsibility, family connection, and lifelong wellness.

Together, Navajo and Tavan Elementary Schools exemplify SUSD’s core values; placing students first, building strong relationships, and creating supportive environments where everyone feels connected, valued, and empowered.

Other verified Scottsdale Blue Zones Project® approved elementary and middle schools include Coronado High School, Mountainside Middle School, Cochise Elementary, Hopi Elementary, Redfield Elementary, Echo Canyon Elementary and Middle School, Anasazi Elementary, Pima Elementary, Cocopah Middle School, and Sequoya Elementary.   

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#ChooseSUSD
With more than 20,000 students in all our schools, the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been a premier choice for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public education for 128 years. Located northeast of metropolitan Phoenix, the District serves the educational needs of students and families in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe, and Scottsdale. A highly experienced, professionally certified teaching staff fosters a diverse and rigorous educational environment that engages all students in world-class, future-focused learning. Offering gifted learning, special education, career and technical education, and a variety of athletics, arts and enrichment programs and clubs, SUSD provides the rich environment today’s students need to explore their interests, develop important social skills, and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, visit www.susd.org and follow along on social media: Facebook: @ScottsdaleUSD, Instagram: @ScottsdaleUnifiedSD, LinkedIn and YouTube.