Talk about sticky situations!!!!
In front of the school's 450 students, faculty and parents gathered in the gym last Friday, Stephen Garretson, principal of Aurora Academy Charter School, found himself bound vertically to a wooden panel, affixed only by duct tape, as the culminating activity of the school's Fall Festival.
Mr. Garretson was taped to the plank by the students in Lisa Pantano's fourth grade class, which won the honor by raising the greatest share during the school's fall fundraiser.
After the last bit of tape had been expended, the milk carton on which Mr. Garretson stood during the taping was kicked away and the principal dangled momentarily before squirming in an attempt to loosen his bonds.
Students from1st through 8th grade attended the demonstration which was accompanied by a physics lesson on van der Waals forces and adhesion presented by teachers Danny Moritz, Beth Spencer and Emily VanLuit assited by fifth grader Alyssa Christensen, the fundraiser's top seller.
The students saw how water surface tension was an example of molecular stickiness and viewed a Power Point presentation on the feet of the common gecko, which allows it to ascend surfaces as slippery as glass. They also saw the strength of one piece of duct tape as it held aloft, in succession, a tennis ball, volley ball and bowling ball.
Finally, the main event arrived, and Mr. Garretson, aka Dr. van der Waals, entered the gym on a silver Xootr scooter clad in a streamlined, very scientific-looking test suit. He submitted graciously to the wrapping while the students buzzed with anticipation.
One first grader was heard to remark that the process was similar to the one the Egyptians used to preserve mummies. A fog machine and a small student band provided visual and sound effects as the fourth graders bound Mr. Garretson.
Aurora Academy, the oldest charter school in the district, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this academic year. The Core Knowledge curriculum is supplemented by ELA classes, a GT program and a wide range of electives and after school enrichment activities.The school's volleyball and soccer teams this fall achieved great results in their leagues and will both be entering the play-offs this coming week.
The school conducts an entry lottery in the winter to fill its classes that are capped at 25 students per homeroom. To find out more about the school and the lottery process please visit the school's website at www.aacademy.org or call the school at 303-367-5983.