Rocks of Hope, Peace, Love Public Art Project

Art project asks students to consider the message they would like to send to their family, friends, and community

Horns honked, teachers and parents cheered, and students beamed as they drove through La Quinta Middle School’s material pick-up line Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021. New textbooks, notebooks, awards, and art kits for an art project were among the many materials distributed to students. The energy and enthusiasm of the day was a reflection of the dedication and strength of our community. Despite the challenges of distance learning, La Quinta Middle School students and staff have been determined to excel, especially when it comes to LQMS P.R.I.D.E.

Farah Meadows, Ed.D., La Quinta Middle School activity director explains, “Now, more than ever, we want our students to know we see them, we support them, we love them, and we recognize their extraordinary efforts during these unprecedented times. Pandemic or not, nothing will stop us from recognizing our hard-working students.”

Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Empathy have been seen in our students throughout the year. “Presenting a PRIDE yard sign, card, and bulldog sticker to our students is as rewarding for me as it is our students and families. The smiles and expressions on everyone’s faces create rays of sunshine through the darkness of this pandemic!” said LQMS Assistant Principal Craig Christensen. Because of this, school spirit can be seen in front of homes all over the community.

LQMS hopes to continue this positive energy for the community with a new public art project all about kindness. The project, “Rocks of Hope, Peace & Love,” asks students to consider the message they would like to send to their family, friends, and community, inspiring kindness and collaboration while supporting social emotional learning.

During the pick-up Wednesday, students received an art kit including acrylic paint, brushes, a rock, and encouragement to develop their own messages of kindness to share with others.  Students will paint their messages, words, or images on the rocks and place them around their communities for others to enjoy.

Aedan Sugarman, a 6th grader at LQMS, shared that he looks forward to painting his rock and placing it along one of the many trails he enjoys hiking with his dad, who is also a teacher at LQMS. Aedan has seen other rocks like this around the community and is excited to put his message out there for others to enjoy as well.

Together students will create a web of positivity, reaching out across our Coachella Valley. Family and friends are encouraged to join the project, paint a rock, and spread the love. Many extra rocks were distributed Wednesday to siblings and families. Social-emotional support and learning are more important than ever, as we all give each other a little more grace during these difficult times. We are united as a community, each member with an important message and voice. “I am excited to see how our family of students uses their creativity to demonstrate and share their vision of hope, love, and LQMS P.R.I.D.E.,” says Christensen.

Art materials were donated by local non-profit and community member Old Town Artisan Studios. LQMS is grateful for the Old Town Artisan Studios’ donation and support for our students and community!

Stay tuned for artwork popping up around our valley!

When you see a painted rock, take a photo and share:

#LQMS #LaQuintaRocks #OldTownArtisanStudios #CityofLaQuinta

Thank you for being part of this movement toward spreading kindness, hope, peace, and love!