Tuolumne, CA — The six school sites within the Summerville Union High School District are being recognized by the Blue Zones project for promoting an environment where “healthy choice is an easy choice.”
It includes Summerville High, Connections Academy, Cold Springs High, Long Barn High, Mountain High, and South Fork High.
The Blue Zones project promotes healthy decisions and an environment that leads to longer, more fulfilling lives.
“When we were first asked if we were interested in going through the process of becoming a Blue Zones certified school, we agreed because we know that we already do a lot of work in trying to create a safe and healthy learning environment for our students,” said Brett Christopher, Principal of Summerville Union High School District. “Blue Zones has helped us validate the work that we have already been doing and has given us some great ideas to work on and implement in the near future. Our goal is to always try and continuously improve our campus for all students and staff, and now we have a great partner in helping us achieve this goal.”
Blue Zones presented a plaque to the Summerville High Board of Trustees on September 24, and there was a staff/student celebration on September 30.
There are now 13 total Blue Zones approved school sites in Tuolumne County.
Key approval highlights for Summerville, per the Blue Zones project:
The district’s success is built upon policy and environment changes that promote physical, mental, and social health:
- Holistic Mental Health Support: Every campus in the district features a dedicated Wellness Center staffed by a school counselor or psychologist. These spaces offer students mental health breaks, mindfulness tools, and confidential support, with the Long Barn/Cold Springs Campus Wellness Room created as a senior student project.
- Optimal Nutrition: All district meals, prepared from scratch at the main campus and delivered daily to satellite schools, strictly follow USDA guidelines. The cafeteria features a salad bar, uses no fried foods, and serves locally sourced fruits and vegetables, ensuring 90% of meals are made from scratch.
- Strong Social Connection: The district hosts the annual Summerville Showcase Family Night, which includes a healthy dinner and showcases all programs, clubs, and sports, giving parents and students a crucial opportunity to meet community leaders and make connections.
- Policy for Wellness: The District Wellness Policy is updated and reviewed tri-annually by the Wellness Committee/Site Council, ensuring a consistent focus on health.
Partnership Outcomes and Celebration
- Purpose Workshops: The BZP Purpose Workshop has been integrated into the Senior Seminar class for two consecutive years, helping graduating students find clarity and direction. Senior Advisor Daniel Atkins is pursuing facilitator training to ensure the program’s sustainability.
- Creating ‘Right Tribe’ Environments: The Summerville/Connections VPAA campus created a “Cozy Cafe” corner in the cafeteria, complete with couches, games, and a fireplace, encouraging students to downshift, relax, and connect with peers and staff—a key element of the Blue Zones Power 9 principles. Cafeteria Manager Jessica Kenitzer stated, “They have been so helpful in making our vision come true. Providing kids with a fun welcoming space to recharge at breaks and lunch is huge!”
- Growing Healthier Food: BZP connected the new Ag Teacher, Saira Gonzalez, with Participating Organization Solomons Gardens to consult on starting a seedling program in the school’s new greenhouse and garden area.
