Rocks to provide important message, creative welcome at middle school
MFL MarMac sixth graders Elias Hatt and Nolan Lerch decorate their rocks. (Photos by Audrey Posten)
The rocks, which are unique to each student, will soon welcome visitors to the McGregor Center in a creative way.
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor
Visitors to the MFL MarMac McGregor Center will soon be welcomed by a creative and inspirational rock display.
Each student in grades four through eight recently decorated their own rock, painting it in bright colors and inscribing it with initials, words, scenes or symbols that held a personal meaning. Designs included everything from polka dots and peace signs to sports teams and the student’s own initials.
“They’re all unique,” said teacher Stephanie Jones, who decided to promote the idea at MFL MarMac after seeing a Facebook post from a teacher in Indiana. The middle school’s student council—Stu Crew—for which Jones is the adviser, is sponsoring the project.
Students’ designs were inspired by the book “Only One You,” by Linda Kranz, which Jones read in her classes. The book features images of beautiful “rock” fish as well as words of wisdom from a mother and father fish to their son. “Always be on the lookout for a new friend” and “Look for beauty wherever you are, and keep the memory of it with you” are just two of the sentiments shared.
“When I first read about the project,” Jones shared, “I thought it would be great to boost our climate and culture in the building, while also welcoming visitors to the building in a creative way.”
The rocks, said Jones, were donated by Prairie Sand and Gravel. They’ll be placed outside the school, forming a colorful stone path among the building’s landscaping. In all, over 300 rocks were decorated.
Check back with the North Iowa Times for photos of the completed project.
