Schools

Roland Rogers Celebrates 20th Anniversary

The Galloway school, which bears the name of the school district's first superintendent, opened in 1991.

Roland Rogers never saw the elementary school that bears his name, but his daughter thinks she knows what he would think of it.

"He would be in awe that they thought enough of him to name the school after him," Candy Andrews said. " ... He loved education. This is awesome."

Rogers, who would be 91 this year, was the first superintendent of schools in Galloway Township. His daughter read his life story on Friday, Nov. 18, as part of the 20th anniversary celebration.

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"I can't believe it's been 20 years," Andrews said.

Rogers was born in Bar Harbor, ME, in September 1919. He earned his teaching certificate at Washington State Normal School. He served in World War II, and was the first principal of the Cologne School in Galloway. He became superintendent in either 1956 or 1957, and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1977.

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In 1989, when construction on two new schools in the district was approved, it was clear where the name of one of the schools would come from. Roland Rogers School opened in 1991.

"After he retired, he was on the Board of Education," Andrews said. "It's so great to see his name on a T-shirt and to hear it in a song. This is absolutely fabulous."

The school's first assistant principal, Brian Conley, reflected on the school's early days, which included a fire alarm going off by accident every week, something constantly being fixed and a lot of empty rooms.

"We also had a brand new reading program," Conley said. "And the best thing was the kids. It will always be the kids.

"I've lived in Galloway for almost 40 years, and this is a special moment. We've grown as a township, and things have changed. One thing that won't change is the quality of the education."

The school honored several original teachers who still teach at the school, including: Gloria Brooks (20 years); Christina Butterhof (20); Rose Farquharson (19); Jill Gosman (20); Mai Gruber (20 Roland & K-center); Kay Hales (19); Michael Marano (20); Susan Marcantonio (20 Roland & K-center); Mary McCarty (20); Marion McDonough (20); Sandy Pareene (20); Fran Sines (19); and Betty Trevelino (19).

Former principals Michelle Lerman (1991-2004) and Don Gross (2005-2006) were also recognized, as were former assistant principals Brian Conley (1991-1994); Susan Spears (1994-2001); Linda Thomas (2001-2005); Ellen Ward (2005-2006); and Melisa Giacomo (2006-2008).

Original Board of Education members Fred Guenther, Marge Guenther and Frank Wiggins were in attendance.

Recently, retired teachers Monica Corpus, Hal Goldstein, Aggie Hancock, April Lang, Kathy Lintner and Joan Marks were also recognized.

The school's band and chorus performed several songs, and the third-grade dancers performed the "Turkey Tango."

Following the ceremonies, the time capsule was opened in the library. The capsule, sealed when the school first opened, included a picture of Roland Rogers' first kindergarten class.

Now that the school is 20, however, improvements do need to be made, as current Board of Education President Ernest Huggard reminded those in attendance at the school's celebration.

"Things need to be repaired, particularly the roof here," Huggard said. "We have a referendum coming up on Dec. 13, and I would ask for your support to replace the roof. Please vote on Dec. 13 for the continuation of this school."

"I think we did a great job because the school is 20, and we're just now having to replace the roof," Dearborn said. " ... In Galloway, we've always worked with people who support their schools. We asked for $16.8 million for two schools, and 74 percent said yes and 70 percent said yes with the gym."

That was 20 years ago. The time went by quickly for Andrews, whose presence at Friday's celebration was appreciated throughout the district.

"Having his daughter here was very touching," Roland Rogers Principal Robin Moore said. "This is something we've been planning since April. The community got involved. , and the Philly Pretzel Factory all donated to this event."


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