It’s a bird; it’s a plane; no, it’s the Butler County School System.

With the upcoming school year approaching, Butler County faculty members are ready and waiting to answer the call of education. The faculty met Monday at Greenville High School for Institute Day and learned just what it means to be a hero to students.

The theme for this school year will be all about heroes, and not just the famous ones. It is the hope of Amy Bryan, Butler County Schools superintendent, that this theme will inspire the faculty to go the extra mile when helping the students get involved in school.

The guest speaker for this event was State Superintendent of education Tommy Bice.

Bice began his adventure in education as an inner-city alternative school teacher. Through his experiences with this program, he learned that teaching is not always about the scholastic knowledge gained in the classroom; the more important aspect of education is connecting with the students.

According to Bice, relating to the students and letting them know they are cared for should be the main goal of teachers. He encouraged the faculty of Butler County schools to take this to heart. He challenged all teachers to not teach on the first day of school and instead take time to get to know the students.

“Let them know you are real. Share your stories and let them share theirs. Show them that you care and have a heck of a fun year. Go do great things for kids,” said Bice.

He explained his plan for the next five years and hopes that Alabama schools will rise to the standards set forth in his plan.

During the event, all six principals throughout the school system were welcomed to the stage to accept their very own cape as well as a personalized superhero nickname. They shared their goals for the year as well as passed along words of wisdom about how to be a hero.

Kent McNaughton, principal of Greenville Elementary School, remembered his time in school and how his teachers affected him.

“You have the opportunity to make the same impact on the lives of others today. Be a superhero for the students of Butler County. I think to be a superhero, you have to go to infinity and beyond,” said McNaughton.

Students will be welcomed back to school on Thursday.