Congratulations, Outstanding Staff Award Recipients

 

At our 2025-2026 Staff Opening Day on August 18, we proudly celebrated this year’s Outstanding Staff Award recipients! These Rockets exemplify Learning Without Limits through their dedication, creativity, leadership, and commitment to our students and school community. Their impact sets an inspiring standard across our district. Please join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved recognition!

Outstanding Support Staff - Elementary Level: Donna Huckeberry

Donna Huckenberry, Special Education Instructional Assistant at New Salem Elementary, was named the 2025-2026 Outstanding Support Staff Member at the Elementary Level.

Donna is known for her reliability, positivity, and unwavering support of both students and staff. In her role, she works across multiple grade levels and with several teachers, providing trusted assistance and innovative support in the classroom. Her colleagues rely on her to make sound educational decisions that help students succeed, while also appreciating her ability to balance empathy with high expectations, encouraging students to work hard and reach their goals.

She is recognized for her strong communication skills and collaborative spirit, sharing valuable insights with teachers that support instructional goals and address student needs. Donna’s adaptability allows her to adjust “on the fly,” always ready to step in wherever she is needed. She demonstrates professionalism, consistency, and kindness in everything she does, and teachers look forward to her presence in their classrooms.

What stands out most is Donna’s joy in her work. She is often heard saying she does this job “for fun,” and that passion shines through in the positive connections she builds with students and peers. Reliable, supportive, and deeply committed, Donna exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding Rocket staff member.

Outstanding Support Staff - Secondary Level: Elaine Wolf

Elaine Wolf, Data Manager for Spring Grove Area School District, was named the 2025-2026 Outstanding Support Staff Member at the Secondary Level.

Elaine is the face of the district’s information management system, known as PIMS, and is relied upon daily by secretaries and administrators for her expertise in child accounting and data support. She is known for providing top-notch customer service to every Rocket staff member and has become the “go-to” tech support specialist for her peers across York and Adams counties.

Respected for her knowledge and steady dependability, Elaine is always ready and willing to help with Sapphire or general data questions. She has implemented several projects that interface with Sapphire, skillfully extracting and manipulating data to create tailored reports and improve processes. Her ability to identify gaps and develop proactive solutions before issues arise makes her an invaluable asset to the district.

Elaine also serves as a bridge between departments, fostering collaboration across teams and staffing levels. As part of the helpdesk team, she works regularly with students, staff, and families, treating everyone with respect and professionalism. Her calm, easy-going nature is especially valued when tensions run high; her colleagues know she’s the kind of problem-solver you’d want on your side, whether troubleshooting data or tackling an “escape room.”

Elaine’s combination of strategic thinking, practical problem-solving, and unwavering commitment to excellence embodies the best of Spring Grove.

Outstanding Educator - Secondary Level: Christine Kenney

Christine (Chrissy) Kenney, District Home School Visitor, was selected as the 2025-2026 Outstanding Educator at the Secondary Level.

With a professional degree in social work, a bachelor’s degree from Millersville University, and certification as a Home and School Visitor from Widener University, Chrissy brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to her role. She serves as a vital liaison between the classroom and the home, working closely with case managers, families, and community partners to ensure students receive the support they need to thrive.

Chrissy handles attendance matters for students in grades K-12, partnering with parents to create improvement plans and advocating for students’ mental and emotional well-being. She collaborates with school psychologists, the district social worker, and emotional support students at the high school, always going above and beyond to advocate for young scholars and their families. Her persistence and resilience inspire both colleagues and students.

Beyond her daily responsibilities, Chrissy builds strong connections with pupil services teams, school resource officers, community agencies, and student families. She also invests in the school community through her many roles: Junior Class Advisor, field hockey coach, Unified Bocce coach, Unified Track and Field coach, and primary handler for Kinsley, the district’s K-9 staff member and facility dog. She even helps lead fundraising efforts like the Schmoyer 5K and gives her time as a dedicated volunteer.

Chrissy’s “we before me” mentality shines through in everything she does, as she works tirelessly to keep students, families, and colleagues connected and supported.

Outstanding Educator - Elementary Level: Tabatha Schaffer

Tabatha Schaffer, Spring Grove Area Intermediate School STEAM Teacher, was named the 2025-2026 Outstanding Educator at the Elementary (K-6) Level.

Mrs. Schaffer holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Lock Haven University, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Penn State University, and certifications at both the elementary and middle levels. She began her career as a fifth-grade math teacher, quickly moved into accelerated math and sixth-grade pre-algebra, and now serves as the school’s STEAM Lab teacher.

In her current role, Tabatha has played a pivotal part in advancing innovative opportunities for students. She successfully developed the STEAM Lab, securing and implementing multiple grants that have provided valuable resources and enhanced programming. Her students have explored engaging, hands-on projects such as hydroponic growing systems, Sphero robots, and 3-D designs—fostering creativity, problem-solving, and real-world application.

Her leadership extends beyond the classroom through curriculum and program development. She takes initiative in organizing, implementing, and evaluating curriculum to ensure alignment with student needs and educational standards. In addition, Tabatha shares her expertise through professional development and outreach, including presentations to undergraduate students at Penn State Harrisburg, helping prepare the next generation of educators.

Her dedication also extends into the community. She volunteers at her children’s school, coaches youth sports, and contributes her time to events such as SGI Rockets on the Run and K-6 STEM Nights. Known for her integrity, ingenuity, and passion for learning, Tabatha is a model of leadership and a relentless advocate for what is best for students.