Musketeer Monday: Christine Wesnofske

She is an exemplary teacher—esteemed by her peers, respected in her community, and adored by her students. Meet Mulvey Elementary sixth grade teacher Ms. Christine Wesnofske, featured in this week’s Musketeer Monday spotlight.

Ms. Wesnofske began her teaching career in the Central Islip School District in 2000. Throughout her 25-year tenure, she has taught first and third grades and now teaches sixth grade.

An alumna of Central Islip High School’s Class of 1996, Ms. Wesnofske’s roots run deep in the community. She is a third-generation graduate of CI schools and proudly notes that her brother graduated in 2001. “My parents were high school sweethearts who graduated in 1973,” she shared, “and my grandmother graduated in 1935 from Alfano, back when it was a K–12 building.”

Asked about the greatest rewards of her work, Ms. Wesnofske said, “The greatest rewards are getting to know my students and their families, and watching my students mature and grow—in their learning and as people. Seeing them light up as concepts begin to make sense, enjoy conducting experiments, and especially hearing about their successes as they move on to middle school, high school, and beyond—that’s incredibly rewarding.”

Ms. Wesnofske’s influence extends well beyond her classroom and into the broader school community. She has been active in the PTA throughout her entire career, serving in every executive board position for both Mulvey Elementary and the PTA Council. Highly decorated within the Parent Teacher Association, she has received the prestigious New York State PTA Jenkins Memorial Award, the Diamond Award, and proudly notes, “I have also been honored with the New York State PTA Teacher of the Year Award.”

She is co-founder and current chair, alongside Mrs. Michelle Celenza, of the PTA’s Shop & Dine event. Ms. Wesnofske also chairs the PTA Council Student Award Committee and the Wizards Game, hosts the Student of the Month Awards at Mulvey, and helps organize numerous school events for families and students. “I serve on the Community Liaison Committee of the CITA, which sponsors Standard Scholars Awards and senior scholarships,” she added. “I’m also involved in various community events for students and families.”

In her free time, Ms. Wesnofske enjoys running, traveling, and watching sports—especially cheering on the New York Jets, Mets, and Knicks. She also loves spending time with her family, friends, boyfriend, and two dogs.

Reflecting on her colleagues, Ms. Wesnofske said, “Mulvey has always been a building where the primary focus is on our students and families. Our ‘Mulvey Family’ goes above and beyond to plan and execute events filled with smiling children and happy families.”

When asked what being a Musketeer means to her, she shared, “Being a part of Team Musketeer means being part of a community filled with diversity, acceptance, and support. I’ve seen this from the perspective of a student, a teacher, and a community member. As Musketeers, the CI pride and love stay in our hearts no matter where life takes us.”