Parkland, WA | July 8, 2025
Brookdale Elementary’s Walking School Bus
Local students leading the way to healthier living
Three schools in the Franklin Pierce School District, Brookdale Elementary, Collins Elementary, and Christensen Elementary, have officially earned Blue Zones Project Approved School and Worksite designations. The recognition awarded to each school highlights district-wide commitment in creating supportive environments where healthy choices are easy and overall well-being is a shared priority for students, staff, and families.
Throughout the past academic year, the schools worked closely with the Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway team. Each school demonstrated commitment in implementing evidence-based strategies to optimize their school environment and better promote physical, social, and emotional health for both students and staff.
Collins Elementary: Creating a Culture of Well-being
As the first Franklin Pierce school to earn dual school and worksite approval designations, Collins Elementary established a model of how staff-driven culture change can ripple across an entire school. Through its “Sunshine Committee,” Collins focused on staff well-being initiatives and student engagement, creating space for connection and self-care. Student-led organization of healthy events, including the annual Dance-a-Thon fundraiser, promote student well-being and positive social interactions.
To encourage natural movement, a school-wide walking school bus took place on National Walking Day. To further support a culture of well-being, Collins Elementary has exciting plans to establish a school garden. This will create a fun and unique experience for students to connect with the environment and food in a hands-on learning opportunity.
“Our partnership with Blue Zones Project supports our mission to create a positive, healthy environment for all students and staff. This work strengthens our relationships with families and the wider community, building a foundation for lasting well-being.”
– Katie Kehoe, Principal
Christensen Elementary: Building Hope and Belonging
Christensen Elementary’s well-being journey was championed by its dedicated “Hope Team,” a staff-led group focused on fostering emotional and social well-being across the school. Initiatives like the creation of “Hope Month” and regular community-building events such as staff potlucks and Bunco nights helped boost school morale and connection. Christensen staff have also become more mindful and purposeful with rewards and reinforcements, moving away from food-based rewards like candy and other unhealthy treats. The introduction of ‘Teacher-mon’ cards as an attendance incentive has been popular among students and has helped build connections between students and staff.
“Partnering with Blue Zones has given our school a clearer, more intentional focus on student and staff well-being. From encouraging movement and mindfulness to creating spaces for connection, we’re seeing a positive shift in our school culture.
One simple but impactful example is how we’ve added Blue Zones signage to our Family Lunch events. It’s sparked meaningful conversations among students, staff, and families about healthy habits and purpose—right at the lunch table.”
Brookdale Elementary: Nurturing a Safe and Thriving Community
Brookdale Elementary became the first Blue Zones Project Approved School in Pierce County. The school has focused on bringing well-being to life through hands-on learning and inclusive programming. Highlights include a partnership with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health to offer a cooking class for all 5th graders. Students prepared a nutritious rice, bean, and veggie bowl using pantry staples, an activity that promoted food literacy and self-sufficiency. Brookdale also offered a walking school bus at Back to School Night to encourage natural movement in a safe environment. To support a strong school community, family events are offered throughout the year including a Community Harvest Night and Multicultural Night.
“By integrating principles from the world’s healthiest communities, the Blue Zones Project helps create an environment that encourages healthier eating, active living, and social connectedness. This is vital for Brookdale Elementary, as it supports the holistic development of students, fostering better academic performance, improved focus, and lifelong healthy habits.”
– Connie Holman, Principal
The Power of Partnership
These three schools reflect what’s possible when educators, families, and health advocates collaborate toward a shared goal. Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway is proud to support Franklin Pierce School District as a growing leader in school well-being and culture transformation.Blue Zones Project Organizational & Well-Being Lead, Taryn West, took part in the process with each school from the very first step and summarized the importance of these results, reaffirming that:
“When schools, health organizations, and families come together with a shared vision and purpose, real and exciting transformation happens.”
About Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway:
“Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway is a community-led well-being initiative focused on making healthy choices easier through permanent changes to the environment, policies, and social networks.
Sponsored by MultiCare, Pierce County, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, the project partners with schools, restaurants, worksites, and other organizations to help people live better, longer.”
Join the Movement:
Success stories from schools like Brookdale, Collins, and Christensen are leading the way within the Franklin Pierce School District and setting the tone for lasting well-being throughout the Parkland-Spanaway community. To learn more about Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway, visit parklandspanaway.admin.bluezonesproject.com.
