TCA PTO The Terrapins Rock runs on an honor system. Trout Creek Academy (TCA) and the TCA Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) expects everyone to respect and follow the guidelines in this document. We reserve the right to change or edit the guidelines as necessary.

Making Reservations
(Make all reservations through our online reservation system)
 

• The reservations system is available by approximately August 1st each school year.
  Tip: Follow our social media profiles to receive the latest updates.

• When the online reservation system opens, all school calendar days will be listed for you to possibly reserve.

• PTO processes reservations on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you make your reservation, the more likely you are to secure your desired date(s).

• There are typically 180 school days per year, and we have approximately 1,000 students. We encourage you to be understanding if a date you request is unavailable.

• Mark your calendar after you’ve made a reservation. If you cannot paint the Rock on your reserved day (conflict in your schedule, forgot, moving, etc.), PTO will not reschedule your reservation. Any monies you provide to TCA PTO or its vendors for any PTO sponsored event, membership or merchandise are non-refundable. PTO considers such monies a donation to TCA​ PTO.

PTO Rock-painting Etiquette

• You may choose any individual, team, event, or business as the subject of the Rock for no more than three days (in succession or not) per calendar month. PTO will cancel any reservation (less PTO’s fees) for violations.

• Ensure that your messages are affirming and up-lifting. Designs should have a caring and nurturing message. All Rock wording and symbols must be positive and in good taste.

• PTO reserves the right to remove/paint over the Rock and will not refund your money if you the Rock contains any of the following:

  • Any foul and/or discriminatory language and/or pictures

  • Religious statements and/or symbols

  • Political statements and/or symbols

• Families, groups, or organizations must supply their own labor, paint, and supplies to paint the rock. Refer to the recommended supplies list at the bottom of these guidelines for more information.

• You may paint the Rock only. TCA prohibits painting on sidewalks, lamp posts, or buildings.
  TCA will deem the family, group, or organization financially responsible for cleaning and repair costs of any damage or destruction to the surrounding areas or buildings.

Note: All paint supplies must stay in the grassed area and off of the sidewalk.

• TCA prohibits you from discarding trash on the school campus. You must take home all items you use for this project and properly discard them at your home. Don’t place projects items/trash in the campus trash bins or dumpsters.
   

Paint Day
You may paint the Rock the day before your reserved date(s).
Example: If you reserved the Rock for a Tuesday, you may start painting late Monday afternoon.

Painting Times
You must paint the Rock between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM the afternoon/evening of your paint day.
Exceptions include:

• Monday reservations – If you reserve the Rock for Monday, paint the Rock the Friday before between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

• Teacher Planning Days (TPD) – If you reserve the Rock and the prior day is a TPD, you may paint the rock between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM on TPD.

Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is limited after school hours, especially during the late fall and winter.​

Inclement Weather
If the weather is inclement, plan on painting with an umbrella in hand as we do not offer weather refunds.


Painting Supplies
“Renter” supplies all painting materials.​

Supply List

• Latex paint (exterior) - One to two quarts for background color

• Secondary color latex paint (exterior) – Message wording and designs

• Important Note: SJCSD prohibits spray paint on campus! Additionally, do not use puffy paint, glue, chemicals, stickers, adhesive items, etc. on the Rock.

• “Rough” roller - Best for covering the background

• Small (1”) brushes or sponges – Lettering and detail work

• Chalk – Writing or tracing letters/words before painting

• Large trash bag – Removal of all supplies and trash