IMS Rocks program spreading cheer across The Cape Fear

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Island Montessori Charter School in Carolina Beach is spreading more than just cheer this holiday season, they are hoping to spread a message of kindness and love.

“I think I’m gonna do a peace sign, a colorful one, to help spread peace,” student, Madison Griffin said.

Dozens of students are coming together to paint for a bigger purpose, and boy are they excited. Bringing a smile to a stranger’s face, that is the hope of IMS Rocks.

A program started by Secretary of Board of Directors Christina Dees.

“The concept for IMS rocks was a way to kind of spread some positivity in the community. I know lately there’s been a lot of negativity going on in our world and we wanted to do something to counteract that and spread more happiness, positive energy, and smiles,” Dees said.

An idea she stumbled upon while traveling with her family, she found a beautiful rock with an important concept which she decided to pass along.

“There was a hashtag so we searched the hashtag and I found it and the page came up on Facebook it said you’re welcome to keep it, you’re welcome to hide it again for others to find and I thought that was such a neat thing and at montessori we want to teach the kids to go out and do good in the world,” Dees said.

So with a stroke of the paint brush, students are painting messages of joy and happiness.

“A smiley face definitely, happiness and a sun,” student, Steve Fiscinte said.

Then hiding the rocks around the community for others to find.

“So we can spread happiness to everyone,” student, Brayden Dees said.

It is a life lesson the school wants to instill in their students.

“It’s important for the kids to understand that giving to even people that you don’t know shares in the love and so we just want them to understand giving and feeling for other people whether you know them or not,” Island Montessori Charter School Director, Carrie Dworshak said.

So far the students have painted about 70 rocks, rocks they hope will make somebody’s day. If you find one of the painted treasures around The Cape Fear, you can either keep it or re-hide it to keep spreading the cheer.

You can also post it on their Facebook page, click here to add your special rock!