Benjamin Rush Elementary School created ‘Rush Rocks’ Rock Garden to promote individuality amongst its students
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
“There’s only one you in this great big world. Make it a better place.”
These are the simple yet powerful words that inspired a movement at Benjamin Rush Elementary School in Bensalem. Written by author Linda Kranz, the book Only One You is a colorful tale promoting diversity and uniqueness, important ideas showcased by each student and faculty member in the all-new ‘Rush Rocks’ Rock Garden.
In a fascinating, swirling design, nearly 500 brightly painted rocks can be seen perfectly placed on the front lawn of the school, located at 3400 Hulmeville Road. Each rock was decorated by a student or faculty member, all of whom had free rein to create their own personal design.
The multitude of colors of patterns correlate with the core message of Only One You — celebrating and embracing diversity. Though no two rocks look the same, each are perfect in their own way, something students and adults alike were able to recognize about themselves throughout the project.
The initiative for the ‘Rush Rocks’ Rock Garden began last year after the school’s Parent/Teacher Group president, Marie Reinert, came across a school in Indiana that read the book and participated in an accompanying project. Reinert brought the idea to the rest of the PTG board and principal Joan Richey, who were all for it.
The summer of 2017 was spent scouring the neighborhood for rocks, and a number of paint and crafting donations were received from generous parents and Bensalem locals.
“It was a true community effort,” Richey said.
Once the school year was officially underway, a large assembly was held during which Reinert read aloud Only One You to all grade levels. After the story, she explained in a child-friendly way the concept of diversity and the ‘Rush Rocks’ Rock Garden they would soon be creating.
“Here’s your chance to make a rock that’s just about you,” she said.
Everyone, even the youngest kindergarteners, were excited to get started. During ‘Rock Week,’ art teacher Dean Bollendorf allowed his periods to be dedicated to rock painting. In the days that followed, Reinert reflected on how the students couldn’t stop talking about the project.
Her own children, who are students at Rush, sparked in-depth conversations about diversity at the dinner table, a topic that was seldom touched on previously. Other families shared similar sentiments. According to Reinert, the PTG email was flooded with feedback from fellow parents who saw a positive change in their children thanks to the project.
To officially mark the end of ‘Rock Week,’ a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, Dec. 14. Parents, community members, state representatives, superintendent Sam Lee and Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo gathered together on the brisk, snowy morning as each student and faculty member placed their respective rocks in the newly built garden space.
Bollendorf creatively organized the nearly 500 rocks into an eye-pleasing swirl design, leaving ample space in the garden for hundreds more. Richey and Reinert’s hope is this project will become a yearly tradition, with each incoming kindergarten class designing their own rocks and adding them to the space.
Though the snow was quickly piling on the ground, none of the students rushed inside for warmth. Rather, they preferred to remain outside to take in the sight of the garden and locate their tiny masterpieces.
After the ceremony, Reinert revealed an exciting surprise — Kranz, the author of Only One You, sent a personalized letter to the school after learning its project was inspired by her book. She read the message aloud to the students, which reiterated the message that everyone is special in their own way.
“It’s about how unique you are and how diverse the school is,” Reinert said. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
