Rogers "the little school with a big heart" has built a strong reputation as a community school with a supportive and involved parent community and a caring professional staff who provide a solid education in a sensitive manner. The school is characterized by a number of strengths. High academic expectations for each child, a wide variety of extra-curricular activities and the ability to provide students with outstanding access to technology. Rogers Public School was opened in 1971 with an enrolment of approximately 500 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. It was the first “open concept” school to be built for the York Region Board of Education. A decision was made in the Fall of 2003 to rebuild Rogers P.S. and incorporate the gifted program. Rogers P.S. reopened its doors in September 2006 and welcomed the gifted program community.
Rogers P.S. currently serves approximately 410 students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. One residing in the area surrounding the school is an established population. A second, slightly smaller group, lives at some distance from the school and travels by bus to attend the grade 4-8 Gifted program. There are approximately 40 staff members working in teaching and non-teaching roles. Regular instructional programs are offered in all grades from grade 1 to 8. Specialized programs are area north gifted program from grades 4-8, instrumental music for grades 6 -8 students and French for students in Grade 4 to 8.
Rogers’ students enjoy many varied extra-curricular activities such as sports, choirs, bands, chess club and creative opportunities. Many special events are held throughout the year which welcomes the community. These include concerts, Arts Nights, House Team Spirit Assemblies, Terry Fox Run and special presentations. Volunteers are welcomed to assist in some of the classrooms. Traditionally, Rogers has maintained close community connections through several activities and celebrations. The Loonie/Toonie drive originated over 30 years ago as a penny drive. This activity is held near the Winter Holidays with all proceeds going to support local families. There are the regular events such as the Meet the Staff Night and parent/teacher interviews.
The School Council holds its elections each year and meets monthly to discuss items at the school and board level. They organize Hot Lunch sales each week, the yearly fundraiser, purchase materials and equipment for classrooms and outside activities, fund special events and activities and support many of the special activities within the school. This group meets throughout the year and through all of their work, the money they raise goes directly to the students’ classrooms.
Rogers P. S. is situated in the middle of a stable community that will see little, if any growth, in the next few years. The “home” high schools are Sir William Mulock Secondary School and Newmarket High School.