In an effort to focus on social and emotional development of Petal Primary School’s staff and students, officials from that school have continued their “Paint the Rock” initiative to allow anyone to become a “rock star” and help raise funds for the school’s Parent Teacher Organization.
For the second year in a row, the rock is located on the school campus at the corner of Herrington Road and Stadium Drive, and for a small fee can be reserved by anyone to paint individualized messages for students, parents or anyone in particular.
“It’s been a great fundraiser, but more than that, it’s just fun,” primary school principal Tessa Trimm said. “It’s a great little family activity, and the kids love it.
“We love seeing the new things printed on the rock every morning, too. We originally ran it through May, and we had such a response from parents wanting to continue through the summer, so we actually opened it up. So, there have been several people that have painted it over the summer.”
The rock can be reserved online at https://rb.gy/ilfmry, and can be painted with birthdays, accomplishments, celebrations, or to thank primary school teachers or staff members. Rentals are $15 each and last for a 24-hour period.
The rock is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and all reservations must be made and confirmed before painting the rock.
“Really, the biggest confusion we get is, if you want to rent it for, say, Aug. 12, then you’d have to reserve it for Aug. 11, because you’re reserving it for the day that you’re actually painting the rock,” Trimm said. “Then it’s on display the next day.
“So, if parents are doing it for their kid’s birthday, and their birthday is Dec. 5, then you’ve got to reserve it the day before. That way you can get it painted and it’ll be on display all day on their birthday.”
Individuals who paint the rock will be responsible for paint, labor and supplies, and parent or guardian supervision is required when painting the rock.
Painting is limited to the rock, so tarps, drop cloths or garbage bags must be used to protect the grass and area around the rock.
Officials reserve the right to cover or remove any painting that is deemed inappropriate for public viewing, such as foul language, violent images, political messages or religious views.
No refunds will be issued for inclement weather or forgotten reservations, but in the event of rain, individuals will have the option of choosing another rental period.
To request a rain check, a participant must email the primary PTO, petalprimaryschoolpto@gmail.com, within 48 hours of the original rental date.
One hundred percent of the proceeds will go toward the school’s PTO for items like technology, playground equipment and treats for teachers and students.
“It’s fantastic, especially right now,” Trimm said. “The need for Chromebooks is huge right now, and especially being able to have a touchless experience. The more Chromebooks we get our hands on, the less sharing has to take place, so obviously we’re trying to get 1 to 1 for every student on campus with a Chromebook.
“And then we’re buying more playground equipment, because we’ve had to socially distance our playgrounds right now, so PTO is purchasing lots and lots of toys to put in the different zones on the playground. Our PTO fundraising is huge for us right now.”
