May 1, 2018

Joseph Rogge named new principal of St. Stanislaus Kostka School

REGIONAL
Staff report

Joseph Rogge (IObserve photo/Rebecca Drake)

SPRINGFIELD – Franciscan Sister of St. Joseph Andrea Ciszewski, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Springfield Diocese, has announced the appointment of Joseph Rogge as principal of St. Stanislaus Kostka School in Adams, effective May 21.

A native and lifelong resident of Adams, Rogge earned a bachelor of arts degree in history and a master of education degree, both from North Adams State College (now Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts). He also completed the North Adams State College certificate program in educational applications of computers.

Rogge was employed by the North Adams Public Schools in a number of positions, including grade five and six teacher; assistant principal; director of elementary summer school; middle school computer teacher; middle school principal; acting superintendent; and assistant superintendent. He served as superintendent of North Adams Public Schools from 1996-2003.

Rogge also has been an adjunct instructor of computer science and education at North Adams State College since 1985; and was a computer teacher at the former St. Mark School in Pittsfield.

He is a member of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents and the Mt. Greylock State Reservation Advisory Council and is on the board of directors of the Adams Sno-Drifters Snowmobile Club.

In a letter sent to parents on April 30, Sister Ciszewski stated: “During his nine years of experience as a computer teacher in St. Mark’s School in Pittsfield, Mr. Rogge came to deeply appreciate that Catholic school’s community spirit and environment and he strongly affirms the value of a Catholic school education.

“He appreciates the strong legacy of St. Stanislaus Kostka School and looks forward to working collaboratively with the faculty, staff, board, parent association and families for its continued success on behalf of the children entrusted to their care,” Sister Ciszewski wrote.  

Asked what drew him to the position at St. Stanislaus Kostka School, Rogge told iobserve, “As a lifelong resident of the town of Adams, I am well aware of the school’s great reputation. My mother and aunts attended St. Stan’s. I went to the school for CCD classes.”

Commenting on his vision for the school’s future, he said, “Like other schools in the diocese, St. Stan’s has a rich history. I expect that history to continue forward, while incorporating new technologies and methods. Our schools care about children, learning and the family.”

Rogge is married to Janet Rogge, a teacher in the North Adams School System. The couple has two daughters and two granddaughters.