Meet Williams Elementary School’s Dean of Students, Maggie Solis
Meet Williams Elementary School’s Dean of Students, Maggie Solis!
What was your greatest memory from last school year?
My greatest memory from last school year, my first year at Williams, was being able to reconnect with so many students and families I had had during my 12 years at Atwood Primary. My favorite time of day was standing out front of the school during parent drop off and getting to wave, say good morning, and share a smile with students and families as they began their day! Rain, sunshine, wind, or snow; it was always a positive way to start the day! You will be sure to see me standing out front of Williams again this school year!
If you weren’t an administrator, what other profession would you be interested in?
I’d have to say if I was not an administrator I would either teach kindergarten forever or it’s a tough choice between being an event planner or an interior designer. My heart lived in kindergarten for a long time and there is just something so special about that year. However, I absolutely love planning special events. And give me any room and I will absolutely have a ball creating a new space!
Tell us about your family!
I live in Belgrade with my husband, Tony, daughter, Maevia (6 years old), son, Rocco (2 years old), and our dog, Blue Riggins. We love spending time with our family and friends. We are fortunate to have family in the area and others not too far from here that we get to share a lot of time with. Our favorite place to spend time is at our family’s camp in the Western Mountains all year round! We love spending time on Flagstaff Lake and hitting the slopes at Sugarloaf. We spend our falls cheering on the rugby pitch. This season we are excited to be cheering on the men’s rugby team at Colby College where my husband is the head coach. When not in school you can find us going to dance classes, gymnastics, girl scouts, sports, volunteering time as a Kiwanian of Greater Waterville, and a board member at The Maine Children’s Home.
What is one thing you’d like to share with the students of your school building?
One thing I would like to share with the students of my school building is that no matter what, they can always count on me to lend a listening ear, support them with their goals, and make sure all always feel welcomed, safe, and loved within our school building. I want all of our students to know it is okay to take chances, it’s okay to fail, and it’s okay to find the joy and opportunities that come with taking chances that might end in failure, and also finding great joy when we take those chances and succeed! There is always opportunity for growth and I hope to be someone they share all of their successes and failures with along their educational journey. Even years down the road.
What is something you are thankful for?
Year in and year out I am continuously thankful for the opportunity to work in education at RSU 18. Particularly, right here in Oakland, where I grew up. I have such fond memories of my educational experience that began at the Atwood Primary School and led me to graduating from Messalonskee High School. I remember so many positive relationships I had with teachers, staff, coaches, and administration throughout my time as a student. Each day, I look forward to hopefully being that positive person for the students, families, and staff who now enter our current school buildings.
