The Okemos High Schools principalon Mondaygreeted students who chose to return for in-person learning at the high school for the first time in nearly a year because of the coronavirus pandemic. There is a culture of achievement here that extends beyond the classroom. "While retirement is bittersweet and I am not sure what I will do next, I look forward to the next chapter with optimism. Shared by Christine Sermak Join now to see all activity Experience EOS Integrator Total Security Solutions Feb 2022 - Present1 year 1 month Okemos High School Principal Okemos Public. Faculty Population: 95. 1993. It is more of a tough looking, non-wimpy script, Sermak said. Printer Friendly View Address: 2800 Jolly Rd Okemos, MI, 48864-6506 United States . Register to let other graduates of Okemos High School find and contact you. No, it's Sarina's Superheroes! Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. I'm quite sure I won't get in trouble because I was very careful to not do anything against the official school rules (this is essentially just a peaceful protest) but mostly because the admin have bigger fish to fry. Let Us Know Are you Principal Sermak? Everyone really wanted to come back in-person, he said. I want to do something meaningful and make a difference but I dont want to be in charge, Sermak said. It's celebrated and expected," said Okemos Principal Christine Sermak. Holiday Inn Express 517-349-8700 discounted rate of $129.00 at Okemos and Jolly (SE corner) 2209 University Park Dr. Staybridge Suites 517-347-3044 discounted rate of $129.00 at Okemos and Jolly (NW corner) 3553 Meridian Crossings Dr. Alex Withorn, Director of Sales Alex.Withorn@AHM-Hotels.com, Home Stay ask local classmates to invite their old friends/classmates to stay at their house, Dean Transportation Darrin Ried, Trip Coordinator 517-319-8366 4812 Aurelius Road, Lansing, MI 48910. Okemos High School Principal Christine Sermak is retiring. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts. Okemos, MI. Okemos High School is part of the Okemos Public Schools district in Ingham County. Home-to-School Communication - Communication between home and school is critical to your student's success. Copyright 2023, Michigan State University. Christine Sermak M in 2016 was employed in Okemos Public Schools and had a reported pay of $426 according to public records. (517) 706-4900. www.okemosschools.net. Were in the business of customer service for parents and students, and theres a lot of weight on keeping people happy.. This was not how Sermak had originally planned to end her career at OHS. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The principals of Okemos High School, Christine Sermak, Hiawatha Elementary, Julie Bellinger, and Cornell Elementary, Tara Fry, are all retiring. Meridian Township manager Frank Walsh said that the first thought that occurred to him after the incident was utter terror and something within his 32-year career that he had never felt before. Approximately 99% of Okemos High School graduates go on to colleges and universities; 85% of our students attend four-year institutions, approximately 14% attend two-year institutions, and 1% other (military, employment, or travel). Meridian Times staff writer. Okemos High School Principal Christine Sermak is retiring. Content is produced by MSU students under the guidance of journalism faculty. That's where the description of the YouTube video comes in, so I'll just quote it here: On December 17, 2021, Okemos High School administration released an email saying that to increase student safety and due to recent events, backpacks will no longer be permitted in classrooms starting second semester. Previously, Christine was an Okemos High School Read More Christine Sermak's Phone Number and Email Last Update 11/28/2022 7:51 AM Email c***@tssbulletproof.com Engage via Email Contact Number (517) ***-**** Engage via Phone Mobile Number She taught with Rachel Freeman (English) and Diane Dockus (English) and grew up competing against Danielle Tandoc (Science) in sports. When Okemos High School students resumed in-person learning Monday, they joined the rest of the school district and 13otherGreater Lansing school districts that now have kids back in the classroom. "He's amazing,'' said Principal Christine Sermak. Spartan Newsroom Some are teachers, counselors, and even school principals. Okemos High School Reviews 2800 Jolly Rd, Okemos, Michigan 48864, United States Add A Teacher Laura Ross Be the first to leave a review! Spartan Newsroom After school programs include events such as robotics, solar car racing and debate. Backpacks are not being disallowed completely, but rather backpacks being in classrooms, making this rule ineffective and not at all useful in promoting safety. We have a very veteran administrative team, he said. Hallead was the only one with credible experience in Okemos, but it quickly became obvious that she wasn't really the best. With Michigan High School Sports approaching a month into the winter season, Colin Jankowski breaks down how Meridian Township Schools are tackling the return to sports during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hood said he believes COVID could have been a contributing factor to the turnover. According to Sermak, the new look O will cover all sports and represent the entire school. Gov. Looking forward, Sermak has hopeful prospects for the future of OHS. Photo courtesy Christine Sermak. It has dealt with many cases similar to Okemos High Schools, usually in the defense of Native American tribes. I think I will miss the positive aspects of Okemos which truly are the people, Sermak said. Three of those positions have already been filled. Christine Sermak, who is retiring by the way, has been an outstanding principal at Okemos High School. Comment why voting matters to you at the end of this story. at the Okemos High School cafeteria. Street . The old Chieftain logo, represented here in the weight room at Okemos High School. Other Schools in Okemos Public Schools. Hood sent an email with a list of over 20 employees leaving the district. I'll just say that he might have a little more trouble finding a new principal position somewhere if he really wants to. Big private dining room, check in reception and audio/video set up. Basically, we went from having two great school leaders last year to having three mediocre administrators now that don't really know what they're doing. Even with teachers finding new ways to make remote learning work, some students find it simply cant replace learning in a school setting. (https://news.jrn.msu.edu/2018/02/okemos-high-school-prepares-students-for-future-learning/). It was hard for over a year to not have interactions [with students]. I started my career teaching at Okemos High School in 1994 which was the very first year this building opened so I spent ten years as a teacher in the building, and then this is my eleventh year as the building principal. Its bittersweet. Sermak, Bellinger and Fry are all retiring, while Nedds will leave Michigan with her family after 16 years in Okemos schools. Sermak.com is available at DomainMarket.com. Okemos has always exceeded expectations. Just want to shed more light on this topic to know the full scoop so I can be back in the loop . I think that the sudden shift in returning to in-person school as well as the change in principals led to increased angst and unrest in the school community that began to get worse. Even with the drawbacks, she had overwhelmingly positive things to say about the position and the Okemos community. Year: 2016: Full Name: Christine Sermak M: Original Job Title: Okemos High School Principal Christine Sermak is retiring. And now after all these years, there are roughly twenty people leaving Okemos Public Schools. It is located southeast of the main campus of Michigan State University, between Bennett and Jolly Roads on the North and South, and Hulett and Hagadorn Roads on the East and West. One part of the foundation of the high school is on a plot of land that has sunk less than a couple inches total over nearly 30 years. Education is highly valued. Christine Sermak: Return To Main Menu. Who is the principle of Okemos High School? Created with. 7:30 PM-9:00 PM Chippewa Middle School - Gym/Multipurpose. (https://news.jrn.msu.edu/2013/04/okemos-high-school-hopes-change-of-native-american-logo-is-embraced/), By Patrick Mullen It's kind of a lose-lose situation I'll admit, and there wasn't a great solution to this other than letting it blow over, but they've kept all the bathrooms in the front of the school locked, meaning that anyone in an athletic or fine arts class has to walk all the way back to the academic hallways to use the bathroom now. No shots were fired and no violence happened at Okemos High School or any other school building, police and school officials said. Contact Information. Over the past decade, schools throughout the state of Michigan have been changing their Native American school mascot. (LogOut/ That myth is almost as entertaining as hearing kids from other local schools ask me about the McDonalds in our lunch room which doesnt fucking exist, the loud complainers exaggerated while the servants are bullied, are the adults response to the failing youth, whod rather murder each other than learn the truth, than to build a community that supports one another. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Update: Jankowski learned after the filing of this story that the boys basketball team at Okemos High School has an outbreak of COVID-19. - Class of '65 Oct 2015, chartered a School Bus with driver from 11:00am to 11:00pm. Who is the principle of Okemos High School? I think the thing that stands out to me about OHS is the level of parental involvement and support. Sermak added, These pressures on faculty have pushed some excellent teachers into other professions or early retirement from teaching. OKEMOS HIGH SCHOOL 2800 Jolly Rd Okemos 517-706-4900 Christine Sermak Principal Andrea Hallead Associate Principal Lamanzer Williams Assistant Principal Brian Fuller Athletic Director CHIPPEWA 7-8 . Great for Okemos Class Reunions, birthday parties & business meetings. Reviews, hours, contact info, directions and more. He was a fine principal and a nice guy (I only really had one discussion with him) but compared to Sermak, he just wasn't nearly as good. Stewart said the district is ready to shut down a classroom or adjust academic schedules if needed. . These issues are only a fraction of the problems that have been brought up repeatedly, and yet nothing has changed. These films range from comedies to dramas to long and short films. But he doesn't believe that's the sole cause. Sermak said, the new logo was designed by an Okemos High alumnus who is a professional graphic artist in New York.. It was a hard choice to make for Sermak, but ultimately the wear of the pandemic was what made her decide to make this her last year as an administrator. Third through twelfth grade students will vote for their favorites, ranking the four choices from their first pick to their last. Principle: Christine SermakOkemos High School(517) 706-4902christine.sermak@okemosk12.net, Facility Coordinator:Cathy McKenna 517-706-5032 cathy.mckenna@okemosk12.net, Athletic Director: Brian Fuller 517-706-4930 brian.fuller@okemosk12.net, Director of Guidance Services:Hedlun Walton, MA, LPC 517-706-4921(office) hedlun.walton@okemosk12.net, Choir/Drama High School: Clare Bellamyclaire.bellamy@okemosk12.net, Science: Dave Chapmandave.chapman@okemosk12.net, Media/Okemos Channel: Matt Ottingermatt.ottinger@okemosk12.net, Superintendent of Okemos Public Schools: John Hood john.hood@okemosk12.net, Tour Chippewa Middle (the old High School starting 1960), Principle Jody Noble jody.noble@okemosk12.net, Choir Director for Kinawa Middle: Elizabeth Reedelizabeth.reed@okemosk12.net, Hampton Inn 517-349-6100 discounted rate of $129.00 at Okemos Rd and Jolly Rd (NE corner) 2200 Hampton Place, Okemos. . Is it true that they want students to use clear bags as alternatives to backpacks? Christine's daughter and my daughter became pretty good friends in high school. This includes: SAT/ACT Testing Snacks, Lanzetta Scholarship, Caught Reading Program, Teacher Luncheons, Wish Lists from OHSStaff,OEF Banquet, Okemos Cares, Post Prom and Senior Farewell. Christine Sermak M Overview. I do not believe that the intention of the logo or name Chieftains was hurtful in any way, Fahy said. For a long time we have been a desirable district in which to work., About the Michigan State University School of Journalism, Michigan Chile Investigative Journalism Program, MSU journalism COVID-related reporting guidelines, Okemos High AD pleased with return to sports, Why does your vote matter? Cydne Robinson, a junior at Okemos and varsity softball member, said she thought it was two years ago. blog. After the shooting at Oxford, just over an hour away from Okemos, administration decided that they had to do something if only to make it look like they were actually doing something to stop violence. By: Mikayla Temple Posted at 12:00 PM, Dec 17,. Okemos High School All rights reserved. The Okemos High School's principal on Monday. The student mascot committee will go through the rankings and make a recommendation to the school board on Jan. 24. News and information from the Michigan State University School of Journalism. Can I get more information and details on this? Because this is somewhat personal to me, I would like to sincerely thank all of the Okemos Public School principals who are retiring or stepping down, for all that you have done for our children over the years. After 31 years, Dr. Lanzetta retired and Okemos High School brought in a former English teacher, Christine Sermak. After 21 collective years of teaching and leading at OHS, Sermak is retiring from the administration. I remember when Okemos High School was THE pinnacle of all the high schools in the area. I do not see the big deal though because we are still the Okemos Chieftains, we just lost the logo, Bailey added. The nonprofit was created in 1997 and remains the longest running film festival in Michigan. Meanwhile, The Michigan Department of Civil Rights had no problem discussing the situation. January 26, 2014. Even Derm has been around since Sermak started teaching at OHS, the familiar faces a testament to the strong community in Okemos that Sermak describes. Mario Migaldi, an Okemos senior, was eager to return to school, see his friends and enjoy his last few months of high school. Probably the hours. The principals are part of more than 20 staff membersleaving Okemos Public Schools, including eight teachers and one counselor, according to an email sent to families by Superintendent John Hoodlast week. The Okemos Chiefs face a name change 30 years in the making, 'Chiefs' no more: Okemos school board votes to nix nickname, adopt replacement by 2023, Now hiring: Greater Lansing school districts trying to fill 87 teaching vacancies, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Photo courtesy Christine Sermak. o Okemos High School Located on Jolly Road 1,500 Students Facing Potential Budget Cuts 7:50-2:40 School Day Principal: Christine Sermak. Write A Review Jason Saros Kids arerespectful, parents have been great and staff haveworked hard, DeFrance said. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Design a site like this with WordPress.com. Most school districts are choosing to do it voluntarily (switch logos), Leslee Fritz, director of public affairs, said. This is only a tiny fraction adding to the backlash they've already gotten so they have a lot of problems they'll have to deal with if they want to get me in trouble for some reason. I'm hopeful that you don't get in trouble for this. 7:30 PM-9:15 PM Hiawatha Elementary - Library. Hedlun Walton, counselor at OHS, has been working at the school since 2002. Brian Calloway and LSJ Sports Topics to follow Sign up to get Tweets about the Topics you follow in your Home timeline. . Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. - News and information from student journalists at the Michigan State University School of Journalism, Overall, I hope the school continues on the path it has established over many decades, though we do face some challenges. Well, OHS was a mess. Parents and students alike make it (education) a high priority, so people are willing to invest both time and money to help their students be successful.:Walton said. His departure was also significant because this was the second time he'd done something like this: back in the 2017-18 school year, he left his principal position at Columbia Central High School less than 10 days into the school year. Date Created: 1993-01-01T00:00:00Z Data Provider: Capital Area District Library (Lansing, MI). News and information from the Michigan State University School of Journalism. The board members are Young Mi Choi-DeYoung, President, Valerie Long, Vice President, Lingling Wu, Treasurer, Jackie Karamanos, Secretary. Academically speaking, you can't get much better than Okemos Public Schools. Okemos High School is a public high school in Okemos, Michigan, USA. I think a safe life at home and in public made for a quicker return to school.. Sermak worked at OHS for eight years before she was principal of Williamston Middle School. And thanks to all teachers who put in countless hours as well. Okemos Public Montessori at Central ; Wardcliff Elementary ; Kinawa Grades 6-8 1968-95 ; Kinawa Grades 5-6 1995- Chippewa Grades 7-8 1995- High School . Okemos Public Schools will be seeing a big staffing change for the upcoming school year after losing five of their seven principals. I took pride in wearing the Chieftain Head on my chest because I knew I was not only playing for Okemos High School, but Okemos as a whole, Robison added. "At our next board meeting, I will be presenting to our committee, standardizing our logo." Sermak went more in-depth than just the idea, though. Principal Christine Sermak retires after 21 years atOHS, School board decides on return to in-person date of March8. There were a few other inconveniences that happened because of them, but overall students came to accept it and know that there would most likely be a new principal next year and things would eventually return to normal since it seemed like the worst of the administration failures so far this year had already passed. To honor her legacy, the OHS Press is reflecting past few decades with an in-depth interview about her time here. Since then, teachers have had the opportunity to get vaccinated and officials continue to watch for any signs of COVID-19 spread. On December 17, 2021, Okemos High School administration released an email saying that to increase student safety and due to recent events, backpacks will no longer be permitted in classrooms starting second semester. Neighborhood Pub offering 24 rotating draught beers, scratch kitchen & craft cocktails. Hood said the principal position for the high school has already been filled. 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