In the landscape of local education, wellness has taken a front seat at Greenland Pines Elementary. The school now joins an elite group, becoming the 11th in the Duval County Public School system to secure the Blue Zones School Approval. A nod to healthy living, this recent accolade was shared with the community in a release from Duval County Public Schools.
The journey to this milestone was championed by the efforts of Charles Schoonmaker, the school's Wellness Ambassador and PE Teacher, and Principal Michelle Hinkley. Earning the Blue Zones approval is no mere coincidence for Greenland Pines. Under the partnership with Blue Zones Project Jacksonville, they've reshaped their environment to emphasize well-being, which, according to the school's administrators, "Their commitment to creating a supportive, active, and wellness-driven environment has helped make Greenland Pines a model for healthy living and community engagement within DCPS," as mentioned by official website.
The school implemented wellness initiatives that focus on physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and social engagement. School officials said the programs are intended to support the physical and emotional well-being of students and staff. Greenland Pines Elementary has been added to the list of approved Blue Zones Worksites & Schools, bringing the total number of participating sites in Duval County to 12. Other approved schools include Normandy Village Elementary, R. L. Brown Gifted and Talented Academy, and Edward H. White High School, according to information from the Duval County Public Schools Health and Wellness Team.
Greenland Pines Elementary received validation as a Blue Zones School, according to Duval County Public Schools. Officials said the designation reflects the school’s participation in wellness standards adopted by schools and workplaces across the county. Information about the recognition ceremony is available on the school’s website.
