Celebration Rock!

Use the Celebration Rock in front of Thorson Elementary to make a student’s birthday extra special! For $10, you can paint a "Happy Birthday" message/artwork to be displayed for a 24-hour period.
How to Reserve Your Spot:
  • Step 1. Follow this link to view the reservation calendar and make sure the date you want for the Celebration Rock is available.  Dates between the first day of school and the last day of school will be available for reservations.
  • Step 2. Once you've decided on a date, complete this Google form to request your desired date.
  • Step 3. Follow the PayPal link provided once you’ve submitted the Google form to complete the process by paying $10 (here is the PayPal link if you need it again).  For accounting purposes, it is our preference that you use the PayPal method of payment.  However, if paying cash, the money MUST be accompanied by a note with your name, date, and "celebration rock" written on it.  Money should be turned into the school office.
  • Step 4. Get ready to celebrate!  You can find the bin with supplies in the office at dismissal time the day before your sign-up day.  Please note school doors lock at 4:00 pm so you must pick up the supplies before then.
Get Ready to Paint!
  1. Paint and supplies are in a bin available in the Thorson main entrance lobby.  There is a limited supply of paint in the stores, so please be flexible and try to work with what we have in the bin. If your project really needs a specific color, you may contact Jamie to see if the color is available.  
  2. Paint and brushes may be picked up after school on the day preceding your reserved date.  For example, if you have the rock reserved for Tuesday, pick up the supplies on Monday at dismissal.  If you have the rock reserved for a Monday, pick up the supplies the Friday prior at dismissal.  School doors lock at 4:00 pm so please get the bin before then!
  3. Black spray paint and brushes are provided in the bin.  Please bring any additional supplies! It is recommended to bring plates (to put your paint on), wipes/towels (for easy cleanup), and a trash bag.  Please remove and take with you any paints/cans that are empty.  If you use the last of anything, please let Jamie know at the contact info below.
  4. You may paint the rock beginning at 4 pm on the day preceding your reserved date.  For example, if you have the rock reserved for Tuesday, you can paint the rock on Monday after 4 pm.  If you have the rock reserved for a Monday, you may paint the rock anytime after 4 pm the Friday prior.  
  5. Existing message is “removed” by priming with spray paint.  There is no need to wash rock – spray over the existing message with the black spray paint and it will dry quickly.  Only ADULTS are permitted to spray paint the rock.  The overall base color of the rock is to always be the black spray paint.
  6. Return paint bin and CLEANED supplies when you finish your rock.  Please drop the bin off with the clean supplies any time before school dismissal the day after you paint your message (on the actual date of your reserved spot) so it’s ready for pickup by the next family that afternoon at school dismissal.  Thank you for your cooperation with this.  
  7. The front of the rock closest to the driveway entrance to the school and the side of the rock facing Keup may be painted.  PLEASE DO NOT PAINT THE BACK OF THE ROCK.  The back of the rock is to remain the base color black.
Other Important Information:
  • Weekends and major holidays are not available for reservation.  The calendar accounts for days there is no school.  If you want one of those dates, please reach out to Jamie to discuss it.  
  • ​The message will stay in place until another Thorson family secures a 24-hour period.
  • Parents must accompany students when creating their painted message.
  • Messages may include only a birthday or half-birthday message, child's first name, and age (optional).  No words, acronyms, images, or abbreviations that could be misconstrued as inappropriate should be painted as part of your celebration message. PTO reserves the right to remove any such messages that do not meet these standards.
  • PTO reserves the right to paint the rock for special events or school-related functions, but paid rock spots are to be birthday messages only.
Questions? Contact Ashley at 414-232-8257 (call or text) or [email protected]