Teachers, staff kick off school year at Institute

Published 10:15 am Sunday, August 11, 2019

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While students in the Butler County School System enjoyed one more day of summer vacation, teachers and staff from across the district gathered at Greenville High School last Friday for the annual System Institute.

Superintendent Dr. John Strycker said the meeting was the official “opening day for staff.”

The program began with members of Greenville High School’s JROTC program presenting the colors and leading the Pledge of Allegiance before the program began. Guests were introduced. Board members Linda Hamilton and Brandon Sellers thanked the teachers and staff for their efforts and pledged the support of the board and administration in efforts to educate the students of Butler County.

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Principals from each school in the county system then spoke for a few minutes and introduced new staff members and shared outlooks for the year.

“You’re making a difference,” Strycker told the crowd of teachers, counselors, child nutrition workers, custodians, administrators, office staff, bus drivers and more. “Those kids know you love them.”

Strycker said that there had been many accomplishments in the past year and then encouraged those in attendance to share personal milestones, from anniversaries to new grandchildren.

“Life can be challenging,” he said. “You need to take the time to celebrate when things come along.”

Strycker spoke of the commitment of the Butler County Schools to its students.

“We’re committed to self actualization, esteem, love/belonging, safety and physiological well being,” he said. “The bottom line is for our students to have sustainable true growth in all facets, intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual.”

The group then heard a program from Michael Coleman, founder and executive director of Hope Inspired Ministries. Coleman addressed the group about “understanding poverty.”

The System Institute  ended with a lunch provided by the Alabama Army National Guard.