It is with great pride and excitement that I introduce myself to you as the principal of Southwest Elementary. I am honored to have the opportunity to join a community that is dedicated and values educational excellence for their children and their school.

I have worked in Guilford County Schools for 23 years in various positions. I have served as a teacher, an Exceptional Children’s teacher, Mission Possible Specialist, Curriculum Facilitator, the assistant principal at Hunter Elementary School, and most recently, as the principal at Alderman Elementary. I am a wife and a mom to 16 year old twins. I enjoy spending my time cheering on my children on the field or court, relaxing and spending time with family.

I believe wholeheartedly that every student deserves a quality education and that only happens when the school and the families work together for the best interests of children. I believe my main responsibility is to put our teachers in the best possible position to succeed, as they will in turn put our children in the best possible position for success.

I thank you for the opportunity to work with you and your child to ensure student/family success.I look forward to a great year! 

Hello Cowboy Nation, my name is Maggie Dowling and I am excited to join the ranch as your new Assistant Principal. I am a proud product of Guilford County Schools and graduated with my undergraduate degree from UNC Greensboro in Special and Elementary Education. In 2023, I obtained my masters degree from Gardner Webb University in Executive Leadership. I am coming to SWE with 12 years of diverse experience from teaching as an Exceptional Children teacher, working in the Exceptional Children's Department, coaching teachers in the area of curriculum and helping to lead a school as an assistant principal. 

It is my philosophy that ALL students can learn and succeed, and it is our job as educators to create an environment and opportunity for them to thrive.  This can only happen when teachers and staff are supported and provided with the given means to educate the child fully (academically, socially, functionally, and emotionally), in addition to having a productive partnership with students' family and support system. We as educators have the unique job of shaping and modeling the future while leaving an imprint on many children’s lives; therefore, we have the opportunity to engage in the most important work there is!

I am excited to put on my boots and continue the amazing work that is already underway at SWE! 

Go Cowboys! 

I want to begin by saying how excited I am to partake in this journey with you at Southwest Elementary School. Since my role is all about building relationships and pushing academic excellence, I'd like to share a bit about myself, both personally and professionally. I have been in GCS since 1996, over 25 years in various position. I am from Philadelphia, PA.. Go Eagles! I have a husband and three children, one who will attend SWHS as a freshman this year. I am honored to have the opportunity to help lead a school with such persevering students, an extremely dedicated staff, and a supportive school community. I feel very fortunate to be part of this school and to support the staff, students, and families. Go Cowboys!