Alisal USD News, Aug. 23, 2022

Monte Bella Elementary became the 6th school in the Alisal Union School District to become a “Blue Zones” approved school.

Monte Bella joins Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Frank Paul, Bardin, Steinbeck, and Dr. Oscar F. Loya in completing the project to become Blue Zones certified. Blue Zones emphasize healthy choices for a better living. The school held a celebration on Aug. 5.

To become Blue Zone certified, schools need to achieve 63 out of 95 points in the categories of cafeteria environment, school garden, physical activity, nutrition education, birthday celebrations, fundraising, mindfulness programs and diabetes education. In Monterey County, 45 percent of adults have pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, and through these efforts, Blue Zones is paving the way to healthier lifestyles. Thanks, Monte Bella scholars, for jumping on board!

Irene Vargas, Alisal USD Director of Nutrition Services, is proud to say that the food served at Alisal schools is "healthy and nutritious." Did you also know any adult can eat at the cafeteria? Breakfast is $3, and lunch is $5. There are also milk, juices, salad bar and main dishes a la carte.

All students at Alisal USD schools eat free thanks to the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. All students will be served a healthy lunch and breakfast at no charge under the California Universal Meals Program at all our schools.

In an effort to improve the quality of the meals being served, Alisal trustees recently approved a consultant to work with Central Kitchen staff on professional development. The goal is to roll out a new menu in the near future. We can’t wait!

Rosa Carranza became Program Manager of Extended Learning in March, and she hit the ground running with coordination of the District’s afterschool programs, which include sports, music, and foklórico dance.

A former migrant student at various Alisal Union School District schools – Bardin, Alisal, Frank Paul, and Sanborn (now Jesse G. Sánchez), Ms. Carranza remembers how the “fun” activities made the school experience memorable and encouraged her to come to class. She has strived to inspire these activities throughout her professional career at the District – where she’s been for 17 years.

At Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Academy, where she worked as an instructional coach prior to her current assignment, Ms. Carranza was selected to receive a District Champion Award during the fourth annual Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support Systems of the Monterey County Office of Education.