Students take to the streets to learn about Grand Haven

Wed, May 21, 2008

Teaching students more about their surrounding community was the goal of a unique field trip around Grand Haven on Tuesday.

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Counselors from Lakeshore Middle School collaborated to create Walk Grand Haven, a day-long event for Lakeshore's seventh-grade students that took them all over town — on foot.

"We have been working on coordinating this event since fall," said Betty Erickson, a school counselor and main coordinator of Walk Grand Haven. "The whole purpose of this event was for students to learn more about their community and explore it so they can have a better understanding of what is around them."

Counselors had noticed that many of their students took for granted things in the community, so they decided to educate them on local historical landmarks, government offices and other noteworthy places within the community.

After splitting into smaller groups, the seventh graders headed out around town — visiting places such as the water filtration plant, Coast Guard Station, Escanaba Memorial Park, City Hall, the YMCA, Akeley School for Girls, the Vanderveen house, the W.C. Sheldon home and the First Cemetery.

Students were given "passports" at the beginning of the tour, with a description for each place visited. At the end of each visit, the students received a sticker to show where they had been.

"My favorite event so far has been visiting the YMCA — I think it was really interesting to learn about how much sugar and fat really is in the stuff we eat," said student Alex Kolenda. "Walk Grand Haven is so much fun. It is a great way to get out of school, be outside and learn at the same time."

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The tour ended at 2 p.m., with final stops to Mackinaw Kite Company, Rock N Road and Dairy Treat before heading back to the school.

Counselors plan to meet next week to evaluate the field trip and see if it would be beneficial for students to participate in next year.

"We really hope we can do this event next year," said Erickson. "The speakers have been great and I think the kids have really learned a lot about what is around them in the community, and how everyone works together."

Cutline: YMCA Fitness Instructor Michelle Hankingson talks about how your body benefits from healthy living and demonstrates proper fitness techniques. 7th grade boys practice using proper fitness. Left to right: Tanner Davis, Casey Carlson, Forrest Phieffer, and Brandon Grise.

Cutline: Students hold up their "passports" to document their travels. Left to right: Stephanie Szyex, Belle Vanderlaan, Ryan Baker, Tanner Davis, Allison Cottor, Myrtle Lemon and Alex Kolenda.