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Student activist, student designers and four schools honored as Blue Zone Schools
Summary
At the Sept. 9 meeting, the board recognized student advocate Jordan Sacato and Pima Elementary graphic design students; the district also announced four schools — Hopi, Cochise, Redfield and Mountainside — earned Blue Zone Schools designation.
The Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board recognized several students and campuses at the Sept. 9 meeting.
Jordan Sacato — a Scottsdale Online Learning student — was honored for founding Laws for Paws LLC, a youth‑led nonprofit that the district said raised $18,000 last year for animal‑welfare efforts in Maricopa County. Presenters noted Sacato authored legislation to ban the sale of animal‑tested cosmetics in Arizona and partnered with state lawmakers and advocacy groups on the effort. Jordan received a challenge coin and public congratulations from district leaders.
Pima Elementary School students in an elementary graphic‑design class were honored for designing the cover of the Arizona Department of Education's 21st Century Community Learning Center guidance handbook. Assistant Superintendent Christine Bono said the work reached schools statewide after an ADE representative saw the students' artwork while visiting the campus.
The board also announced four campuses newly designated as Blue Zone Schools: Hopi Elementary, Cochise Elementary, Redfield Elementary and Mountainside Middle School. District officials highlighted school gardens and therapy‑dog programs at Hopi; a movement‑based classroom program and teacher resources at Cochise; a student‑led water bottle recycling program and new garden planning at Mountainside; and a Chef in the Garden project and recess‑before‑lunch at Redfield. Coronado High School was noted as already approved and will be recognized at a later meeting.
Representatives from the Blue Zones organization and campus principals offered brief remarks about implemented practices and community engagement. The board presented challenge coins to honored students and school representatives.
