Hickory Spirit Rock Guidelines

What is the Spirit Rock?

The Hickory Spirit Rock is a fun way to celebrate special moments and spread a little extra joy throughout our school community!

Use it to celebrate a birthday, recognize a milestone, thank a teacher or staff member, cheer on a team, send good luck wishes, congratulate a student, show your Hickory spirit, or simply share a positive message. 

All designs must be positive, respectful, and school-appropriate. Profanity, political or campaign messages, business advertising, and offensive or inappropriate content are not permitted.

How Does It Work?

1. Check availability.
Review the Spirit Rock calendar to find an available date. Reservations are first come, first served.

2. Reserve your date.
Complete your reservation and payment through Givebacks. You will receive confirmation of your selected date.

3. Start painting at 4:00 PM the day before.
Your Spirit Rock time begins at 4:00 PM on the evening before your reserved date.

For example:

Reserved Date: September 10
Painting Begins: September 9 at 4:00 PM

Please respect the family ahead of you and do not paint over their design before your reservation begins.

4. Enjoy your design!
Each reservation includes a minimum of 48 hours of Spirit Rock time. After that period, your artwork may remain on display until the next reservation is ready to paint.

Want to Paint Earlier?

If no one has reserved the rock immediately before your reservation and you'd like to begin painting before 4:00 PM, please contact the PTA before painting.

Early access must be approved and is not guaranteed.

What if Two Families Request the Same Date?

Reservations are awarded first come, first served based on completed reservations.

If two reservations are submitted for the same date before the calendar can be updated, the first completed reservation will receive the date. We will contact the other family to select another available date.

Painting Your Rock

Exterior acrylic or outdoor paint is recommended.

Feel free to bring brushes, rollers, painter's tape, stencils, templates, or other supplies to help create your masterpiece!

To help us protect the school grounds:

• Use a tarp, drop cloth, or garbage bags around the rock while painting.

• Paint the rock only. Paint may not be applied to grass, trees, pavement, signs, landscaping, or any surrounding property.

• Take all paint containers, brushes, tape, trash, and supplies with you when you leave.

• Dispose of leftover paint and painting materials off school property.

• Leave the area clean and ready for the next Hickory family.

Weather Happens!

Rain or snow doesn't necessarily mean you can't paint. The rock can be towel-dried, and outdoor paint may still be used if you're willing to brave the weather!

If conditions make painting impractical, contact the PTA. We'll work with you to move your reservation to another available date when possible.

Keep It Hickory-Appropriate

We want the Spirit Rock to be something our entire school community can enjoy.

Designs may not contain:

Profanity or inappropriate language • Political or campaign messages • Business advertisements or promotions • Bullying or personal attacks • Discriminatory, threatening, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate content

The Hickory Elementary PTA and/or school administration may cover or remove artwork that does not follow these guidelines.

Responsibility & Cleanup

Painting and decorating the Spirit Rock is done at the participant's own risk. The individual making the reservation is responsible for ensuring everyone participating follows these guidelines.

The PTA and school are not responsible for paint or other damage to clothing or personal belongings. The person making the reservation may be responsible for cleanup or repair costs resulting from damage or failure to follow these guidelines.

Have Fun & Get Creative!

Most importantly, have fun! We can't wait to see the birthdays, celebrations, encouragement, artwork, and Hickory Spirit our families bring to the rock.