Sticky Situation: Puffer Students Pay to Tape Teacher to Wall

Kindergarten teacher Carolyn Murphy was beginning to feel the heat as students stretched pieces of duct tape across her body, each attaching her more firmly to the wall.

"It's getting a little warm in here!" Murphy joked, eyes playfully bulging for the camera Friday, Nov. 8. 

Murphy agreed to the taping, part of Puffer School's annual effort to help families in need for the holidays. Teachers aim to raise at least $200 for families within the school community. One dollar bought students one piece of tape to stick to Murphy; for $5, they received six pieces.  
 
The students ultimately bought $450 in duct tape. The funds will be used to purchase gift cards for students' families in need.

"We try to instill that we need to help locally," said Katie Hurckes, student council sponsor and teacher. 

Students stepped up one at a time, some draped in duct tape in a rainbow of colors. Murphy's sons Devin and Braden carefully chose where they'd place their pieces.

"Not every kid gets to duct tape their mom to a wall," Murphy said. 

Puffer teachers also asked students to bring in specific items to stock Thanksgiving baskets for the families, whose names are withheld from students. 

The fundraising activity changes each year, ranging from a pie toss at a teacher's face, to a teacher planting a kiss on a pig. The anticipation helps build support for the event and bring in funds for the families. 

"We're very fortunate to have what we have, and to share that with others who don't," said Hurckes.