Have small children in the Sault? Read all about a dog named Sport when you stroll the Sault StoryWalk, located along the Cloverland Electric Power Canal.
"Sport: Ship Dog of the Great Lakes" was written by Pamela Cameron and illustrated by Renee Graef. Lighthouse crew members rescue a stray Newfoundland-retriever mix puppy from the Milwaukee River. Sport assists the crew in carrying supplies and maintaining buoys to quickly become the lake's most recognizable mascot.
"We are thrilled to offer eight permanent StoryWalks for young children and families to enjoy throughout the EUP region," Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District (EUPISD) Director of Early Childhood Education Jessica Savoie said. "Early literacy opportunities like these StoryWalks provide a sturdy foundation to foster a love of reading and promote lifelong success. I applaud the Great Start Collaborative (GSP) and many community partners for making this vision a reality."
StoryWalks across the EUP include:
- Sault Ste. Marie — Beginning across from the Christopher Columbus Hall and following Cloverland Electric Power Canal
- Cedarville — Snows Heritage Park walking path
- Pickford Township — Park
- Rudyard Township — Park
- St. Ignace — Red White and Blue Park
There are more StoryWalks to come.
"We are planning for 2023 installation at Tahquamenon Area Schools in Newberry, Soo Township Early Learning Center, and EUPISD Learning Center in Kincheloe," (EUPISD) Family Engagement Specialist Kaylynn Cairns said.
Materials for the EUP StoryWalks were provided by EUPISD/GSC with funding from Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Literacy Hub and Great Start Trusted Advisors grants. EUPISD/GSC has joined forces with city and township governments, downtown development authorities, local schools, EUP libraries, and many other community organizations to turn the idea of StoryWalk into a fun family experience.
"Volunteers and collaborative community partners are essential to the work of the GSC," Cairns said to encourage continued support. "Without the help of these many individuals and groups, this project would not be as successful. However, we need more help to keep it going."
Individuals and organizations can volunteer to help with book maintenance and rotation. To volunteer contact Kaylynn Cairns, FamilyEngagement Specialist ([email protected]), or Beth Rye, GSC Coordinator([email protected]).
