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JUNE 7, 2022— If you've recently taken a walk around the Village of Palmyra, you may have passed by a collection of painted stones. The decorative delights are hard to miss, as they've been spread out through the area by kindergarten students at the Pal-Mac Primary School.

The effort was a part of a multi-week project known as "Scribble Stones," which is based off a book of the same name by author Diane Alber. 

PHOTO GALLERY: "SCRIBBLE STONES"

The project started with kindergartners reading the book, which focuses on the concept of sharing painted rocks with your community as a way to spread positivity. Students not only collected their own stones, they decorated them, too.

Then, it was up to other grades to pitch in.

Using a manual which was hand-designed by the kindergartners, first graders added their own design before passing the stones upstairs to the second graders, who then repeated the process. Finally, it was up to the kindergartners to actually share the stones with the community.

Classes stopped by the American Legion Post 120, the Palmyra Public Library, Erie Canal Path, and the Palmyra Village Hall, among other spots. Additionally, teachers dropped off stones at the Parkwood Heights Senior Living Community in Macedon.

The scribble stones project was first launched in 2020 at the begriming of the Coronavirus pandemic as a way to get kids engaged while at home. Now, it involves elements of the International Baccalaureate Primary Year's Program (PYP) , which includes "inquiry-based" learning. Similar techniques were used as part of the Universal Pre-Kindergarten program's "Nature Walk."

We spoke to PYP Coordinator Kate HerrGesell, who oversaw the effort. She says the kindergartners become "little leaders" by designing the manual, and ensuring each grade got a chance to add their own designs to the stones.

"It's this idea of positive action within our community,that we can impact others, " HerrGesell said. "Even being very young, you're a part of this community, and you can do something to just make it a little bit happier."

HerrGesell says people in the community are free to take home the stones, though she says simply walking by them may inspire someone to do something kind, themselves.