Michael Butler waiting for kids to arrive on first day of school. Photo by Shelly Phillips

Southwestern Elementary School is back in session and staff is eager to begin work with the addition of a new face within the administration.

Mike Butler will be the new principal overseeing the elementary school, and he is ready to begin the learning year while learning a lot for himself, about the district, its procedures, and the people that make up the community.

Butler brings a sufficient amount of background within schools having taught for many years in West Charlotte, N.C., and working within instructional coaches at other districts. Butler is a Panama Central School graduate.

According to Butler the school holds an incredible set of staff and teaching practices, something he wishes to keep and grow further in his time in the position. He noted the school holds heavy importance on teaching social/academic behavior to help children in learning differing behavioral practices depending on the setting they are in. Butler mentioned a host of preparations going into this school year, especially being a new administrator from outside the district, to ensure a smooth operation on the first day.

Butler made clear that a large part of these preparations consist of learning opportunities for himself, noting that Southwestern is a great school as and as a result he wishes to learn as much as he can of their existing operations to avoid any large or sudden changes.

Butler had ensured he familiarized himself with students, parents, and teachers as another means of learning about the district and connecting to those he oversees within it. According to Butler he allowed for one on one meetings with any staff members throughout the summer. This was an amazing way for him to learn who staffing members are, what their role within the school is, and what they believe is of importance to the school. He also was in attendance at the school’s most recent open house event, an opportunity for him to better connect with students and parents from within the district. All of this proved helpful to learning the operation of the school and allowed for the first day to go off without any problems arising.