What is the DCES Spirit Rock?

DCES parents, students and staff have the opportunity to “Rent the Rock” to recognize a student’s birthday/academic achievement, show school spirit, thank/recognize a teacher or staff member, congratulatory events, etc. It’s a great way to spread a positive message, make someone’s day and help build our Dry Creek Explorer community spirit. Please read through our rules and guidelines before clicking on the sign up button below. Rock reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis so make your reservation now!

WHERE DID IT Come from?

Our spirit rock was generously gifted to the school in 2020-2021 by the Cherry Creek Highschool Graduating Class of 2027.

Spirit Rock Rules & Guidelines

The DCES Spirit Rock runs on the HONOR CODE, with the hopes that everyone will respect these guidelines. All money raised from the Spirit Rock will go towards supporting the various PTCO programs at Dry Creek Elementary.

  • Sign-ups are offered in 24 hour periods from 4 pm to 4 pm. For example, if you sign up for your child’s birthday on May 5th, you may start painting on May 4th after 4pm. So reserve the actual day that you want your message to appear.

  • The cost is $25 per day and 100% of the proceeds go directly to the DCES PTCO. You reserve your date and complete your payment all within the Signup Genius.

  • No refunds.

  • DCES PTCO reserves the right to block dates for school use.

  • If the rock is painted over by someone that is not on the sign-up sheet, it is not the PTCO or school’s responsibility. In the case of vandalism or mixed up dates, please contact the PTCO so we can do our best to help resolve the issue.

  • We want this rock to be a positive memory for everyone in the community and neighborhood! No profane words/symbols or derogatory/offensive messages will be permitted on the DCES Spirit Rock. In addition, we ask that you refrain from any political, religious or inflammatory language or symbols. Dry Creek Elementary School and the PTCO board reserves the right to paint over any content, message, or language on the DCES Spirit Rock that is deemed inappropriate without notification or refund. If you’re unsure if your message falls into those categories, please email us for prior approval.

  • The family painting the rock assumes liability for any individual or member of the group who may be injured, or who may incur clothing or other personal property damage.

  • If wet, the rock can be towel-dried before painting and the paint should adhere even in the rain and or snow.

  • The rock must be dry during school hours! Please complete your painting the night before so it has ample time to dry.

how do i reserve the rock?

A few members of the Class of 2027 came back to christen the rock with its first design after it was installed in May of 2021.

A few members of the Class of 2027 came back to christen the rock with its first design after it was installed in May of 2021.

Rock painting tips

Families must furnish their own labor, paint, and supplies. Wear old clothes! Only the rock may be painted. Please take care to not damage the surrounding area, and pick up all trash after painting. Please be kind to our environment and recycle your empty cans.

Plan on bringing 3+ cans of name brand spray paint for the base coat, additional paint for the design, paper towels/rags, a cup of water to clean brushes, if applicable, and a trash bag for clean up. Bring an old towel to dry the rock first during wet or snowy weather.

  • Premium spray paint works best (Rustoleum, etc) vs. a generic store brand. 3-4 cans of spray paint should cover the entire rock for your base coat. You will probably need to spray it a few times for complete coverage.

  • The best paint to use is spray paint. You will probably need 3-4 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 the road and so that you can use spray paint for most of it.

  • Stand back from the rock (closer to Dry Creek Road) to make sure you can see the design from further away.

  • Spray paint your large areas. If you mess up, use your base coat color to fix the mistake.

  • For more detailed areas, use a can/tube of paint and a paintbrush. While outdoor latex is best, regular artists acrylic seems to work well too (even in rain).

  • Make sure to bring trash bags and paper towels to wipe any drips

  • Bring a cup of water if you are using a paintbrush.

  • Wearing rubber gloves will help keep your hands clean.

  • Have fun and send us your photos so we can feature your design on the Dry Creek PTCO Facebook page!