Rent the NES Spirit Rock!

Reserve the NES Spirit Rock and paint it to show school spirit, celebrate a birthday, or mark another special occasion that your child or friend is celebrating!

Thank you to Thomas Maldonado and Landscape Solutions for their generous donation of the NES Spirit Rock and for providing transportation to get the rock to Northwoods!

Reservation Process

Reserving the NES Spirit Rock is possible with a minimum non-refundable $5 donation per day to the NES PTA; donations of higher amounts are also accepted! Donations must be received at least 48 hours in advance of the date requested.

Questions?  Please contact us at northwoodsfundraising@gmail.com for any questions.

Spirit Rock Rules and Guidelines

  • The Northwoods Spirit Rock is located in the front visitor parking lot (where the carpool and bus lane split). The Rock can be reserved throughout the year to display a special message. Those eligible to paint a message on the NES Spirit Rock must be one of the following: a member of the Northwoods Elementary School staff, a parent or guardian of a current student, a relative of a current student, or the NES PTA.

  • Some examples of messages that can be painted on the NES Spirit Rock are, but are not limited to: help NES students or staff members celebrate a special day or occasion, provide encouragement, celebrate school spirit, or recognize/advertise a school club or event.

  • NES PTA reserves the right to block dates for school use.

  • All reservations are done on a first come, first served basis. No reservation will be confirmed unless the donation has been received. Payment must be received at least 48 hours before the requested date. All payments are non-refundable.

  • Reserving the Spirit Rock is possible with a minimum non-refundable $5 donation per day to the NES PTA. Those asking to reserve the Spirit Rock space to promote *school events* are not required to make a donation, but they still must reserve it through the form located on the main page. All funds raised from the reservations will be used to benefit our school community.

  • When choosing the date on the reservation form, select the day you want to have your message displayed. You may begin decorating the Spirit Rock at 5:00 PM the day BEFORE you sign up. Similarly, the person who signs up for the next day may begin decorating the rock at 5:00 PM on the last day you have reserved. Spirit Rock reservations run from 5:00 PM the day BEFORE you sign up through 4:59 PM the day of your sign up.

  • Although you may sign up for multiple dates throughout the year, reservations cannot last more than 2 consecutive days. If a particular message stays on the Rock because no one has rented the next day(s), there will not be an additional donation necessary. If the Rock is painted over by someone that is not on the calendar, unfortunately, it is not the PTA or school’s responsibility.

  • You are responsible for providing your own materials. This could include, but is not limited to: paint, drop cloths, stencils, and brushes. NES PTA does not provide paint or supplies. ONLY the Rock may be painted. Please make sure the surrounding mulch area is protected before painting. The renter will be held financially responsible for cleaning and/or any repair costs associated with violation of this policy. Anyone painting the Rock must leave the area in clean condition. Remove all materials and trash from the site and ensure extra paint is disposed of properly. You paint the Rock at your own risk. The person or group painting the Rock assumes liability for any individual who may be injured or who may incur clothing or other personal property damage.

  • The NES PTA must approve the message before the Rock is painted. Messages and images must be acceptable within school community guidelines and policies. No profane words, symbols, or any derogatory or offensive message; no advertising for commercial purposes; no political messages will be permitted on the Spirit Rock. NES PTA reserves the right to remove any content, message, or language that is deemed inappropriate. Any messages submitted that do not adhere to these guidelines will not be approved. If the message or images displayed on the Spirit Rock are not what has been approved (minor adjustments are okay), then the party reserving the Rock will lose the rental period, the design will be covered without notice, and they will not be approved to reserve the space again.

Spirit Rock Painting and Design Tips

  • Wear old clothes!
  • The best paint to use is spray paint. Premium spray paint works best instead of generic store brands. You will probably need 2-3 cans for a good base coat and additional paint for your design. The quantity needed will depend upon the color you are using, the color already painted on the rock, and weather conditions. Remember, latex paint or paint that is rolled on will take longer to dry.
  • Once you have the base coat done, use chalk to sketch out your design. Try to do large shapes so that it’s easy to see from a distance and so that you can use spray paint for most of it.
  • Stand back from the rock to make sure you can see your design clearly.
  • Spray paint large areas. If you mess up, use the base coat color to fix the mistake.
  • For more detailed areas, use a can or tube of paint and a paintbrush. While outdoor latex is best, regular artists’ acrylic paint seems to work well too (even in rain).
  • Bring paper towels to wipe any drips.
  • Bring a cup of water if you are using a paintbrush.
  • Wearing rubber gloves will help keep hands clean.
  • No refunds will be issued in the case of bad weather. If wet, the rock can be towel-dried before painting and the paint will adhere even in the rain and or snow.
  • Have fun and send photos to the NES PTA Facebook page!