Messages meant to create more of a positive atmosphere in a time of frequent school-related tragedy
People go for walks or gaze at the horizon for inspiration. Students at Harrison Township and Pleasant Valley Schools can walk into their school restrooms for inspiration, motivation or just a pick-me-up.
“A smile can change someone’s day,” is just one of many messages painted on restroom walls by district parents.
“We want to give kids confidence, let them know that is it OK to have a bad day,” Megan Battaglia, a parent said.
“It is something so little and so happy,” Melanie Muenzenberger, another parent said.
Battaglia and Muenzenberger have a long history of volunteer work focused on youth in Harrison Township as they both are heavily involved with local cheerleading and football fundraising.
The idea to paint encouraging messages on restroom walls surfaced in early March after Battaglia saw a Facebook post about a school in the Midwest where parents were doing something similar. Battaglia contacted Muenzenberger about the idea and the wheels began to turn.
A quick email detailing the idea was sent to Missy Peretti, superintendent of the Harrison Township School District, and within hours, plans were underway.
While a restroom is not the first place many people think to implement art, Battaglia pointed out it can serve almost as a regrouping area for an individual during a bad day. A restroom is generally a lonely place, but these painted messages can remind struggling children they are not alone.
“We didn’t want it to look perfect,” Muenzenberger said, stating that every picture and message are done freehand.
With the district on board, Battaglia and Muenzenberger built a team of parent volunteers and so far have painted four of nearly 20 bathrooms between both schools. The work is done on Friday and Saturday nights.
Stahls are embolden with phrases such as “If you can dream it, you can do it” and “Stars can’t shine without darkness.”
In the age of social media and instant news, Battaglia said children are being bombarded with negativity, and fear is fostered daily. With so much news coverage on mass shootings and even bullying in schools across the nation, she said it was time to let the kids know “parents are with you, even at school.”
While attention is focused on the negative occurrences in schools, there are snippets of positivity. In the past year, schools in Virginia, Texas, North Carolina and more have redesigned the restrooms in grade schools with encouraging messages.
With paint from art teachers and many supplies donated by local businesses, Battaglia and Muenzenberger hope to finish the project by September.
However, the children are not the only ones encouraged by the paintings.
Both Battaglia and Muenzenberger have children in the district, and the children have expressed gratitude to their parents.
“Seeing our kids proud of it is honestly one of the better moments. My daughter came home and was elated,” Battaglia said.
Peretti said, “I speak for our kids and our staff when I say how appreciative we are for their work and commitment to this positive project. These murals are going to influence children for years to come. The positive influence will be endless.”
