SALISBURY — As students across Rowan County collected their bags and belongings for one final time before summer break on Friday, students at Koontz Elementary School filtered out the side door to leave a little something behind.

The students carried hand-painted landscaping rocks, part of 700 donated by F&E Landscaping. Called “kindness rocks” by graphic art teacher Ashlyn Coley, the stones had been painted during field day.

“The kindness rock is our way of showing our legacy here at Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Elementary,” said Coley. “Leaving our legacy in the form of a rock demonstrates our foundation in being present in our education and upholding school pride during this past school year.”

After coating the stones for protection from the weather with a little help from fellow staff members and students, Coley invited others to place the stones in the flowerbeds at the front of campus. They will serve as a visual representation of the students’ presence since some moved on to middle school or moved to different areas next year, she said.

Coley chose painted rocks for another reason outside the concept of foundation: a rock is not easily moved or altered, she said, but experiences all seasons of life.

“Our students and staff have weathered through this year and still remain just as polished,” Coley said.