Meet Williams Elementary School’s Principal, Melanie Smith
Meet Williams Elementary School’s Principal, Melanie Smith!
What was your greatest memory from last school year?
It is challenging to determine a greatest memory when there are so many moments throughout the school year that are memorable and worth celebrating. One of my favorite memories from the 22-23 school year was creating a student council at Williams Elementary School. The idea to develop a student council at our school came from a former 5th grade student. During the 22-23 school year, many students from each of our classrooms had an opportunity to participate in our monthly meetings and community projects. I always looked forward to our student council meetings and enjoyed working with our students and student council advisors (Maggie Solis, Brynn Charest, and Kahlie Desrosiers). The meetings were always a positive way to start the day for all involved. In the spring, we held a student council election. Each candidate prepared a speech and spoke in front of our school community at an assembly. We had so many students run for student council. I was so proud of each and every one of them for having the courage to run and speak in front of our entire school community. It is important to me that we empower our students to share their ideas for ways we can improve our school. I enjoy working with our students and helping them put their ideas into action.
If you weren’t an administrator, what other profession would you be interested in?
I have always been interested in the game warden profession. I absolutely love to spend all of my free time outdoors. I love to fish and I am learning more about hunting. Last winter, I participated in the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program which is sponsored by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, and I greatly enjoyed the classes I attended focused on turkey and deer hunting.
Where’s your favorite place to explore?
My family built a Skoolie (school bus converted into a camper) two years ago and we have had the best time traveling around in it to explore new campgrounds in our state and along the east coast. My family’s dream is to some day travel across the country to hike in national parks and ski a variety of mountains along the way.
Tell us about your family!
My family means everything to me! My husband, Justin, and I have been married for 10 years. We have two children: Griffin (8 years old) and Charlie (5 years old). We also have two cats named Benny and Moose. We love spending time with our family and friends. We are an active family and spend a lot of our time hiking, skiing, biking, snowmobiling, and fishing. My husband and I also love coaching our children’s sports teams. This summer, I was a volunteer coach for the Winslow Summer Track Program. I loved watching my children and some of our Williams students grow their track skills and compete in our weekly track meets.
What is one thing you’d like to share with the students of your school building?
I want our students to know that I am always here for them. I am here to listen, problem solve, and celebrate their successes alongside them. Whether they have a concern, an idea, or simply want to share their achievements, I am here to lend an ear and offer support. Their voices matter, and I value their thoughts and opinions. If they are ever faced with challenges, I do not want them to hesitate to reach out to me. Together, we can find solutions and turn obstacles into opportunities for growth. Anything is possible if they set their mind to it. I want our students to be courageous and to have confidence in themselves. I want each child to know that I believe in them and my goal is to ensure that they have a positive and fulfilling educational experience at Williams Elementary School.
