Hopewell High School Spirit Rock Guidelines 

Overview

The decorating of Hopewell High School's Spirit Rock is subject to CMS Board Policy S-SFRS: Student Free Speech. Nothing in this school-based policy should be interpreted to contradict Board Policy in any way. 

Board Policy S-SFRS: Student Free Speech Policy

---

Approved Spirit Rock Messages

Spirit Rock messages may address only the following topics:

• Congratulations or celebrations of student or staff achievements
• Hopewell High School athletic events and other school-sponsored activities
• Student and staff birthdays

Reservations, Approval, and Access

Who May Paint the Spirit Rock?

The following individuals and groups may paint the Spirit Rock:

• Current Hopewell High School students
• Parents or guardians of current students
• Immediate family members
• Officially recognized Hopewell High School clubs and teams
• Hopewell High School staff members

How to Reserve the Spirit Rock

To reserve the Spirit Rock, email:

hopewellhigh@cms.k12.nc.us

Requests must be submitted at least 48 hours before the requested painting date.

Your reservation request must include:

• Names of all individuals who will participate in painting the rock, including any third-party artists
• A description or proposal of the planned message or design

Approval Process

The principal reviews all applications according to Board Policy and the standards outlined in these guidelines.

Reservations are approved on a first-come, first-served basis.

No student proposal that complies with this policy and Board Policy S-SFRS will be denied based on viewpoint, including religious or political perspectives.

Applicants whose requests are denied may appeal through the procedures outlined in Board Policy S-SCOM:

Board Policy S-SCOM Appeal Procedures

Reservation Time Period

Reservations begin at 5:00 p.m. on the selected date and end at 4:59 p.m. the following day.

Only the approved reserving party may paint during this reservation period.

Messages may remain on the Spirit Rock beyond one school day only if no subsequent approved reservation exists.

Reservation Frequency

To ensure fair access, only one reservation may be made for any school day.

Each Hopewell High School student, family, recognized student organization, team, or staff member may reserve and paint the Spirit Rock once per month.

Paint and Safety Requirements

Required Permissions

• Students must provide written permission from a parent or guardian.
• Parents or guardians must sign an assumption-of-risk form.

Paint Requirements

• Only latex or water-based paint may be used.
• Do not use spray paint near vehicles or sidewalks.
• Protect surrounding grass and landscaping with a drop cloth.

Property Protection

Do not paint:

• Sidewalks
• Trees
• Buildings
• Ground surfaces surrounding the Spirit Rock

Safety Expectations

• Ladders or scaffolding may not be used without prior approval from the principal.
• Paint only the portions of the rock that can be safely reached.

Cleanup Responsibilities

Participants must:

• Provide their own supplies
• Clean the area after painting
• Remove all materials the same day

Restricted Speech

As described in Board Policy S-SFRS, the school may deny applications, remove messages, paint over content, or otherwise restrict expression on the Spirit Rock if the message falls into one of the following categories:

1. Disruptive speech
2. Speech that invades the rights of other students
3. Profane speech
4. Promotion of illegal drug use

For additional information and definitions, refer to Board Policy S-SFRS.

Enforcement and Maintenance

The Spirit Rock may be repainted or covered if:

• This policy is violated
• Board Policy S-SFRS is violated
• Any other CMS policy is violated

Violations may result in:

• Loss of reservation privileges
• Student disciplinary consequences in accordance with the CMS Code of Student Conduct

Any disciplinary action will be administered fairly, objectively, and without regard to viewpoint.

Questions

For questions regarding Spirit Rock reservations or guidelines, contact:

Jim Vanosdall, Principal
Hopewell High School
11530 Beatties Ford Road
Huntersville, NC 28078

Main Office: 980-343-5988
Direct Line: 704-642-9349
Email: james.vanosdall@cms.k12.nc.us
Website: https://hopewell.cms.k12.nc.us