“You rock,” “good vibes” and “good luck and have fun” are among the messages that will greet students and staff for the first day of school (August 16) at Dayton Elementary School.

Parents, students and others wrote encouraging messages with sidewalk chalk for the school’s inaugural Chalk the Walk event. Some students drew colorful flowers, while others created hearts, rainbows and positive messages. 

Principal Ryan Simmons says the event is a quick, fun way to bring the school and the community together and spread positivity: “When students walk along the sidewalks on the first day, we want them to see these supportive messages. These messages will show our staff and students that our school and community care about them and want this to be a wonderful school year.”