The Rochester School District celebrated International Dot Day 2023 by painting rocks to help spread positivity throughout the community.

International Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity, courage, and collaboration, began when teacher Terry Shay introduced his classroom to Peter H. Reynolds’ book The Dot on September 15, 2009.

The Dot is the story of a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her own abilities by being brave enough to “make her mark”. What begins with a small dot on a piece of paper becomes a breakthrough in confidence and courage, igniting a journey of self-discovery and sharing, which has gone on to inspire countless children and adults around the globe.

What started as a story in the pages of a book is transforming teaching and learning around the world as people of all ages re-discover the power and potential of creativity in all they do.

According to organizers in Rochester, the students are “taking time to focus on the mark we’re leaving as individuals and as a school community”.

The students painted rocks to be scattered to various locations around the city. When someone finds a painted rock, they are welcome to keep it as a token of appreciation or gift it to someone special.