Meet Frannie Rogers, Principal of Messalonskee Middle School
Meet Frannie Rogers, Principal of Messalonskee Middle School!
Personal Background and Motivation
Ms. Rogers’ path into education was deeply shaped by her own experiences as a student. Growing up, school was not always a place where she felt confident. She often preferred to stay quiet, avoiding attention or the risk of making mistakes in front of her peers. Although she had positive relationships with teachers, she mostly tried to make it through each day unnoticed.
That changed in high school when Rogers met a teacher named Rosalie Williams. Mrs. Williams was determined, skilled, and fully invested in her students. She recognized potential in Rogers that she had not yet seen in herself and refused to let her fade into the background. With high expectations and steadfast belief, Mrs. Williams inspired Rogers to start believing in her own abilities.
This turning point not only transformed Rogers’ confidence as a learner but also revealed her calling as an educator. Today, she strives to create that same sense of belonging and inspiration for her students. Her goal is for Messalonskee Middle School to be a place where every student feels seen, heard, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Leadership Style and Vision
Supporting student achievement and well-being is central to Rogers’ leadership. She emphasizes the importance of helping students develop strong critical thinking skills, push beyond perceived limits, and engage deeply with their learning.
To achieve this, Rogers works closely with teachers to ensure instruction is rigorous, purposeful, and aligned with meaningful goals. Professional development is designed with high expectations and intentional planning in mind, always paired with reflection on instructional impact.
Ms. Rogers believes academic challenge and emotional support must go hand in hand. She is committed to fostering resilience, guiding students through obstacles, and celebrating progress. At the same time, she recognizes middle school as a critical period of personal growth. By cultivating strong, trusting relationships, she helps students navigate peer dynamics, personal challenges, and the journey of discovering their authentic selves.
Her vision is to nurture the whole child—so that every student not only succeeds in school but also develops the skills and confidence to thrive in life.
Community Engagement
Ms. Rogers firmly believes that “it takes a village” to raise and educate children. She views the partnership between home and school as essential, grounded in trust and meaningful relationships. Over a student’s three years at Messalonskee Middle School, she works hand in hand with families to celebrate accomplishments, overcome challenges, and support one another during times of difficulty.
She also sees the school as the heartbeat of the community. In RSU 18, she values the strong support that families and community members consistently provide. This year, Rogers looks forward to strengthening those connections even further by inviting the community into the school to see the Eagle Way in action.
Students will continue to give back through service projects such as raking leaves, helping with fall cleanup, and contributing to the local food pantry. Rogers hopes to expand these efforts, deepening partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and residents while showing gratitude for the community’s unwavering support.
Personal Insights
When asked about a favorite children’s or young adult book, Rogers points to A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. The dual narratives of resilience and survival in Sudan left a lasting impression on her, especially the reminder of how precious and often overlooked resources like clean water can be. Reading the book with her three sons led to meaningful conversations about strength, determination, and compassion—lessons she hopes they carry with them for life.
As the new school year begins, Rogers shares this message: “To our students: You matter. Your voice, your effort, and your dreams matter. We believe in you, and we are here to support you every step of the way. To our families: We value your partnership and are committed to open communication, trust, and shared success. Together, let’s make this year one to remember—for all the right reasons.”
#WeAreRSU18
