For Christine Wenger, every school day at Fulton Elementary begins with greeting her students outside on the playground. It’s a chance to check in with familiar faces, calm nerves for those who need reassurance, and set the tone for a full day of learning. “It starts with greeting the kids outside on the playground,” she shares. “Then we come in and really get things rolling right away.”
This daily ritual may seem small, but it reflects Christine’s approach to teaching, intentional, caring, and always centered on relationships. By the time her fifth graders walk through the classroom door, they already know they are entering a space where they belong.
A classroom where every minute matters
Christine describes her day as “packed from beginning to end.” And she’s right. Fifth grade at Fulton is a whirlwind of learning, and Christine ensures her students make the most of every moment.
The day begins with RULER, a social-emotional learning program that teaches students how to recognize, understand, and regulate emotions. Christine has been using RULER since its partial implementation last year, and she has seen its impact firsthand. “I didn’t realize the importance until I saw the full program,” she reflects. “Now I see how beneficial it is for them. They’re reflecting more than I ever expected.”
After RULER, the schedule unfolds with social studies, math, and number corner in the morning, followed by specials, ELA, science, and art in the afternoon. Students also enjoy recess in the morning, a unique twist that Christine has found energizing. “Every second is packed,” she says, but she sees value in the structure. With routines well established by fifth grade, students know what’s expected and are able to dive right into learning.
Christine is in her eighth year at SDoL, but her teaching journey began long before. For 12 years, she taught in Harrisburg, honing her craft and developing expertise that she now brings to Fulton. A graduate of Lebanon Valley College, Christine holds certifications in both Elementary and Special Education. That background in special education, she explains, shaped the way she views data and instruction. “It made me more comfortable with using data and making decisions based on the overall picture,” she says.
The role of data: seeing students clearly
Christine is recognized not only for her teaching but also for her thoughtful use of data. For her, data is not about numbers on a screen, it’s about clarity. “It provides an unbiased glimpse of students,” she explains. “We interact with them daily and naturally develop ideas of what they can or can’t do. Data takes that bias out. It shows me where they actually are, not just where I think they should be.”
She frequently uses Freckle, a program tied to the STAR assessment through Renaissance, which allows her to identify mastered skills and pinpoint gaps. She also relies on SDoL’s data wall, a resource that consolidates student information in one place. “The data wall has been a game changer,” Christine says. “Instead of going into multiple apps and forgetting where something is, it’s all right there.”
This approach allows her to design small group instruction that is targeted and responsive. “There are times when my small group work isn’t effective,” she admits. “That’s when the data tells me I need to change course.”
Advice for fellow educators
Christine knows data can feel overwhelming, especially for those new to it. “Find one data tool that really feels manageable and provides good information for your class. Stick with it until you’re comfortable, and then add something else.” She also encourages teachers to lean on their instructional coaches. At Fulton, she works closely with Jess Nealon, whom she calls “amazing.” Jess, in turn, partners with district data leader Jen Warren, creating a network of support that ensures teachers always have someone to turn to.
“Sometimes in team meetings, we don’t have enough time to really dig into data,” Christine explains. “We’ll ask Jess if we can carve out more time, and she always makes it happen. Having people like Jess and Jen to lean on makes such a difference.”
A building like no other
When asked about her favorite part of teaching at SDoL, Christine doesn’t hesitate, the Fulton community. “I love this building. I’ve never worked in a place where everybody feels so cohesive and connected. The teachers, paras, the principal, every staff member relies on each other. The students feel at home here, and I love that. You feel it everywhere.”
Christine has taught in other districts, but she points out that SDoL’s unique strength lies in its relationship with the community. “The community is very involved, and the district makes it a priority to reach out. It feels like a true partnership, and that makes a world of difference.”
A teacher who embodies connection and growth
Christine Wenger’s classroom is a place where students are challenged and reminded daily that they matter. She blends academic rigor with social-emotional growth, uses data as a tool for clarity, and embraces collaboration with colleagues and the wider community.
From morning greetings on the playground to afternoon science projects, Christine’s impact is felt in every corner of Fulton Elementary. Her commitment to her students, her colleagues, and the community makes her a valued part of the SDoL family.