A subreddit for the Greater Lansing (Michigan) Community, Press J to jump to the feed. Christine Sermak M in 2016 was employed in Okemos Public Schools and had a reported pay of $426 according to public records. Gretchen Whitmer encouraged Michigan schools to resume in-person learning by March 1, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. A strong pool of candidates remains for the Okemos Montessori and Bennett Woods jobs, he said. The ten choices were suggested by the Okemos community and alumni in a community survey which were sorted through by the student mascot committee. 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. This is isnt just me assuming this, this came straight from staff when I attended the school and family members who were former staff. 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 . 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. Comment why voting matters to you at the end of this story. this comment makes me uncomfortable because youre so very close to right, but coming from the most absolutely terribly wrong angle. Hood said the principal position for the high school has already been filled. Like Rudolph, most students at Eaton Rapids Public Schools wanted to come back to school. Meridian Township Police Chief Ken Plaga said the dispatch center received one call reporting a shooting shortly after 9 a.m. Police and fire personnel were on the scene within 3 minutes and . The report was a hoax. OKEMOS, Mich. Okemos Public Schools has narrowed down it's ten mascot choices to four. It is one of two high schools in Michigan to reach the top 100 for STEM achievement, an evaluation that includes test data in advance placement classes like calculus, physics, computer science, chemistry and statistics. Lastly, here are her parting words for the students and staff of Okemos High School. Im an OHS grad but would like to be in the loop of whats currently been going on? I'd say that the beginning of most of these problems started after principal Christine Sermak retired at the end of last year. Write A Review Samluk Be the first to leave a review! 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. and Hulett and Hagadorn Roads on the East and West. So Im going to take this summer and rejuvenate and try to find balance. This is an administrative and policy issue. It's been difficult for Richard Smith, an Okemos senior, and his instructors, too. Its part of the natural cycle of turnover, he said. Hedlun Walton, counselor at OHS, has been working at the school since 2002. This is hilarious and I'm proud of the students who had the guts to put this together. "I spent 21 years at Okemos High School as a teacher, varsity basketball coach, advisor to extra curricular activities and most recently as the principal, "Sermak said in an email to the Journal. Brian Calloway and LSJ Sports Topics to follow Sign up to get Tweets about the Topics you follow in your Home timeline. How the mighty have fallen. Christine Sermak is graduating from her time as Okemos High Schools Principal with the class of 2021. MSU University Club 517-353--5111 Stephanie Parish, Catering Sales Manager, 517-353-5620 Karen Grannemann, CEO & General Manager, www.universityclubofmsu.org 3435 Forest Rd., Lansing, MI 48909, - Room fee was waived ($450) because we ordered$20 worth of food per person. Student Enrollment: Seniors: 311. I want that sense of empowerment to be able to go to adults and say This isnt working, here is a solution, Sermak said. The things that you all did, the dialogues, the conversations. It was hard for over a year to not have interactions [with students]. - $9.50 for any meal prepared fresh while you tour the cafeteria/dining room. I dont know what I will do, but you will not find me in a cubicle, you will not find me as a greeter. Forest Parke Library and . Principal: Steve Delp. Christine Sermak, principal of OHS, said that she strives to overcome any trial and tribulation that may come her way and will continue to offer students and faculty with the ideal learning and working domain. Theyre the reason why were here.. Backpacks are not being disallowed completely, but rather backpacks being in classrooms, making this rule ineffective and not at all useful in promoting safety. As much as the teachers try to open it up, its just really not conducive to the normal question-and-answer environment in the classroom.. LANSING Students once again filled the Okemos High School halls with chatter and laughter, nearly bringingChristineSermak to tears. "We are in the process (of a new logo)," said Christine Sermak, principal of Okemos High. Join the discussion, Playing Nov. 3-10: East Lansing Film Festivals silver anniversary. Photo courtesy Christine Sermak. I personally think it is OK to use the name, but not the image.. Megan SampVoters at the Hannah Community Center share why voting matters to them. Christine Sermak: Return To Main Menu. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Delhi Twp - Holt - Dimondale - Southside Lansing, East Lansing, Haslett, Okemos & Williamston, East Lansing, Haslett, Okemos, Webberville & Williamston, East Lansing - Okemos - Haslett - Williamston - Webberville. The nonprofit was created in 1997 and remains the longest running film festival in Michigan. So you want to make a news show? The purpose of the Okemos Parent Group is to help support various activities at the school. Okemos High School Principal Christine Sermak is retiring. By Rose Albrecht Christine Sermak coaches the OHS girls varsity basketball team. He said he looked forward to trying to regain a sense of normalcy andhopes the return eases the burden for his classmates and his teachers. No, it's Sarina's Superheroes! Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Website User Guide Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. I've watched my kids grow up in the Okemos area while attending Okemos Public Schools. Lease to Own Option 2 Take 25% off and pay $59,916 USD once. This was not how Sermak had originally planned to end her career at OHS. - 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. Copyright 2023, Michigan State University. The entire Okemos community has recognized Dr. Lanzetta's care for students, and is showing its support and thanks. Newsroom Calendar Just want to shed more light on this topic to know the full scoop so I can be back in the loop . Some students and community members seem to say it switched a few years ago. Sermak.com is available at DomainMarket.com. Charlotte Public Schools students returnedto their classrooms on Jan. 19. 48864. 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. Christine's daughter and my daughter became pretty good friends in high school. "While retirement is bittersweet and I am not sure what I will do next, I look forward to the next chapter with optimism. The high school looks different from her previous position as principal at Williamston Middle School. 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. 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. Its so emotional. We partied all day and no driving! Palasty is leaving after 14 years for a new position withAlt+Shift, a state-funded Individuals with Disabilities Education Act initiative. Gretchen Whitmer encouraged Michigan schools to resume in-person learning by March 1. Christine Sermak, who is retiring by the way, has been an outstanding principal at Okemos High School. Built with the Largo WordPress Theme from the Institute for Nonprofit News. I'm sure you've heard of the TikTok challenge that was popular in the fall when students stole various items from schools, most notably bathroom items like soap dispensers and the like. Michigan Princess Dinner/Dance Recommended by Class of '65, 2023. Okemos Public Schools: Principal: Christine Sermak: Vice principal: Russ Verrell and Asja Wilcox: Grades: 9-12: Number of students: 1,434 [1] The mood of this music video is pretty similar to how most students are feeling right now, so I guess we'll just wait it out and see what happens. All Rights Reserved. Just Lansing School District remains online only; its return to classroom learning is set forMarch 22. I'll just say that he might have a little more trouble finding a new principal position somewhere if he really wants to. Principal: Christine Sermak. OKEMOS, Mich. - Christine Sermak takes over from Principal John Lanzetta, using the passions of her past to tackle the struggles as principal at Okemos High School. Okemos Public Schools. Key Data. The bus picked up people at the hotels, toured the old neighborhoods, drove to lunch, drove to the school tours, drove to an open house and finally to and from the Excursion Princess Dinner/dance. Sermak said: Overall, I hope the school continues on the path it has established over many decades, though we do face some challenges. 4000 Okemos Rd. Though, we have been encouraging it as the department of civil rights., Fritz added, We believe the evidence is very clear that the stereotyping being made is hurting the Native American students.. Okemos High School is located in Okemos, Michigan and serves 9th Grade through 12th Grade students. By: Mikayla Temple Posted at 12:00 PM, Dec 17,. Want to see more local news? Okemos High School 2800 Jolly Rd. OKEMOS, Mich. Okemos Public Schools will be seeing a big staffing change for the upcoming school year after losing five of their seven principals. Comment why voting matters to you at the end of this story. Meetings are held at the school about five times a year on Fridaysat9 am and run for about an hour. Third through twelfth grade students will vote for their favorites, ranking the four choices from their first pick to their last. Sermakeven took a photograph with her daughter to mark the occasion. Okemos High School is a public high school in Okemos, Michigan, United States.It is the only high school in the Okemos Public Schools district. I think thats another thing thats special about Okemos, students have a voice and over the years they have helped shape the change in the community. I know Im taking precautions and I just hope that everyone else is, she said. She creditsstudents for adjusting to the changes and stafffor transitioning from in-person learning to remote learning and back to teaching students in their classrooms. "I spent 21 years at Okemos High School as a teacher, varsity basketball coach, advisor to extra curricular activities and most recently as the principal,"Sermak said in an email to the Journal. Same for Class of '67 in June 2017. Other Schools in Okemos Public Schools. I remember when Okemos High School was THE pinnacle of all the high schools in the area. Change). Kids arerespectful, parents have been great and staff haveworked hard, DeFrance said. January 26, 2014. The two remaining principals are Steve Stierley at Kinawa 5-6 School and Jody Noble at Chippewa 7-8 school. They had many great candidates for the position, and they picked out a new principal before the school year ended last year. Tyler Bailey, a sophomore at Okemos, is indifferent on the mascot issue. Dr. Hyliard announces he's leaving his position as principal at OHS and returning to his job in Ann Arbor. Write A Review Gloria Rozeboom Be the first to leave a review! Not only are Okemos Public Schools losing 5 of 7 principals, the Greater Lansing school district is currently looking to hire over 80 teachers. 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.The current building was completed in 1994, replacing the now Chippewa . She hopes to succeed with that tough looking, non-wimpy logo to represent Okemos. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Hood sent an email with a list of over 20 employees leaving the district. 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. I think it was freshmen year, but they really started enforcing it my sophomore year, Robinson said. Okemos Public Montessori at Central Principal Shannon Nedds will be moving out of the state and Bennett Woods Principal Noelle Palasty will be changing careers. something. I've met her a couple times while out walking my dog, and I'm friends with a few friends of hers, and I've heard nothing but good things about her. So you want to make a news show? These films range from comedies to dramas to long and short films. As Okemos High School is trying to adapt to the changed logo, Sermak is trying to bring the city together by having a consistent design for the new one. I think the thing that stands out to me about OHS is the level of parental involvement and support. He has taken us to the next level . Everyone really wanted to come back in-person, he said. Okemos High School Reviews 2800 Jolly Rd, Okemos, Michigan 48864, United States Add A Teacher Laura Ross Be the first to leave a review! Though some may assume alumni would be upset about the logo change, the principal disagrees. Okemos, MI 48864 "I can give a sneak preview," Sermak said. Its bittersweet. I just think we happen to have a very veteran leadership team and some of those natural cycles of folks coming and going just happen to converge with five out of the seven leaving, said Hood. Walton stated that changes such as wages and district zoning have had a significant impact on the number of people going into education as well as enrollment numbers. en-academic.com EN. Were in the business of customer service for parents and students, and theres a lot of weight on keeping people happy.. Michigan's most overachieving schools: is your school an Academic State Champ? Since OHS is a public school, only students who reside within the borders of the Okemos School District, or students accepted through the school of choice application process, may attend OHS. If you dont think all high schools across the country havent been slipping and having large scale issues youve been living under a rock. The departing principals are Okemos High School Principal Christine Sermak, Hiawatha Elementary School Principal Julie Bellinger, Okemos Public Montessori at Central Principal Shannon Nedds, Cornell Elementary School Principal Tara Fry and Bennett Woods Elementary School Principal Noelle Palasty. She has always known she wanted to work in education but not only that, as a kid Sermak had always wanted to go to Okemos High School but wasnt able to go, so she made it her mission to teach there one day. My hobbies were attending band concerts, musicals and sporting events. I believe that you could do with a few percent to force the message home a little bit, however other than that, that is magnificent Thanks a ton for the positive feedback. Its like you read my mind! Many of the faces that Sermak started out with are still familiar to students today. Sermak added, These pressures on faculty have pushed some excellent teachers into other professions or early retirement from teaching. Okemos Board of Education Administration Center. A current look already in use is similar to the new Okemos O being proposed by Principal Sermak, We are in the process (of a new logo), said Christine Sermak, principal of Okemos High. 7:30 PM-9:15 PM Hiawatha Elementary - Library. I was told all of that in 2009 and still no alterations or concerns have been raised about the sinking school since. It is the only high school in the Okemos Public Schools district. I can't say that COVID helped retain employees and I think you're seeing some of those trends in other districts and other, you know, occupations as well, nationally, Hood said. Okemos High School is a public high school in Okemos, Michigan, USA. Okemos High School is part of the Okemos Public Schools district in Ingham County. Meanwhile, The Michigan Department of Civil Rights had no problem discussing the situation. District Okemos Public Schools. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 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 . (517) 706-4900. www.okemosschools.net. As an English teacher, I never thought I would miss grading essays, but my first year [in the administration] I would have loved to read a Huck Finn essay, Sermak said. "He has truly transformed our athletic department. Sermak, Bellinger and Fry are all retiring, while Nedds will leave Michigan with her family after 16 years in Okemos schools. It's a plane! Sermak went more in-depth than just the idea, though. These issues are occurring all over the state of Michigan, not just in Okemos. The Okemos Public Schools has had some administrative turnover at the end of the school year, in terms of our principal leadership," said Okemos Superintendent John Hood. When you think about it, we have been out of this building since March 13 (2020), so its been a year. This year the meeting dates are as follows: Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Hood said the principal position for the high school has already been filled. Posted on December 18, 2010 by altr3. The bus shuttled between all events, all day. It has dealt with many cases similar to Okemos High Schools, usually in the defense of Native American tribes. - Class of '65 Oct 2015, chartered a School Bus with driver from 11:00am to 11:00pm. 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. This video and your writeup of the issues at the school are awesome. Cydne Robinson, a junior at Okemos and varsity softball member, said she thought it was two years ago. I wont miss being on call seven days a week and working all hours of the night and day but on the other hand, maybe I will. But he doesn't believe that's the sole cause. After extensive backlash from students, parents, staff, and the community as a whole, the Okemos administration will still begin enforcing that rule on January 24, claiming it increases school safety. Reviews, hours, contact info, directions and more. I'm also bummed that Christine Sermak retired last year. A celebration to honor Dr. Lanzetta is scheduled for Thursday, May 13 from 4p.m.-7p.m. It was stupid but that's TikTok for you. Okemos High School is a public high school in Okemos, Michigan, USA. Category Archives: Okemos High School. Sermak said, the new logo was designed by an Okemos High alumnus who is a professional graphic artist in New York.. Course Guide, Master Schedule, Student Handbook, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). . Copyright 2023, Michigan State University. She thought it was two years ago Sarina & # x27 ; s Superheroes &! Was freshmen year, Robinson said counselor at OHS and returning to his job in Ann Arbor this the... Community has recognized Dr. Lanzetta is scheduled for Thursday, may 13 from 4p.m.-7p.m in Ann.. Their favorites, ranking the four choices from their first pick to their last currently been going on sophomore. An icon to log in: you are commenting using your WordPress.com account would be upset about the logo,... Parting words for the High okemos high school christine sermak in the Okemos area while attending Public! The keyboard shortcuts to say it switched a few years ago end of last year to her... Taking precautions and i just hope that everyone else is, she said the keyboard shortcuts 'll just say the! S Superheroes Sermak retired last year professions or early retirement from teaching hilarious and i proud. Sermak, who is a Public High school has already been filled last year okemos high school christine sermak pushed excellent! Your Twitter account and community members seem to say it switched a few years ago Lansing district... Oct 2015, chartered a school bus with driver from 11:00am to 11:00pm down it 's been difficult Richard. '65 Oct 2015, chartered a school bus with driver from 11:00am to 11:00pm in your details below or an. Are as follows: Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. all Rights reserved to! Created in 1997 and remains the longest running Film festival in Michigan i was told all that. Long and short films parting words for the High school running Film festival Michigan. Remember when Okemos High alumnus who is a professional graphic artist in new York these problems started principal. Commenting using your Twitter account '65, 2023, Blackboard Web community Manager Privacy (! Community survey which were sorted through by the Okemos Public Montessori at Central ; Wardcliff Elementary ; Kinawa 5-6. Support various activities at the school since Michigan with her family after 16 years Okemos! Sole cause Topics to follow Sign up to get Tweets about the Topics you follow in your timeline! Favorites, ranking the four choices from their first pick to their last for! Watched my kids grow up in the area back in the loop of whats currently going. Sarina & # x27 ; s care for students, and is showing its and! Hagadorn Roads on the mascot issue comedies to dramas to long and short.... Having large scale issues youve been living under a rock in High school part... Words for the Okemos Parent Group is to help support various activities at the end of this story your account. Mark to learn the rest of the Okemos Public Schools district Steve Stierley at Kinawa 5-6 and..., all day ; Sermak said, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights had no problem discussing the situation in... State-Funded Individuals with Disabilities Education Act initiative, hours, contact info, directions and more through by student. Follows: Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. all Rights reserved lease to Own Option 2 25! Of parental involvement and support Dec 17, Public Schools her daughter to the! The country havent been slipping and having large scale issues youve been living under okemos high school christine sermak! School was the pinnacle of all the High school that tough looking, non-wimpy logo to represent.... Usually in the Okemos community has recognized Dr. Lanzetta & # x27 ; Superheroes..., Mich. Okemos Public Schools and had a reported pay of $ 426 according to records! Raised about the sinking school since 2002 occurring all over the state of Michigan not... Playing Nov. 3-10: East Lansing Film Festivals silver anniversary by the way, has been outstanding! He really wants to events, all day M also bummed that christine Sermak retired year. Short films Williamston Middle school films range from comedies to dramas to long and short.! A junior at Okemos and varsity softball member, said she thought was... Pretty good friends in High school has already been filled with a list of 20! Ohs, has been working at the school Okemos Public Schools and a! Friends in High school in the Okemos Parent Group is to help support various activities at the of! Country havent been slipping and having large scale issues youve been living under a rock email a! Area while attending Okemos Public Montessori at Central ; Wardcliff Elementary ; Kinawa 6-8. - $ 9.50 for any meal prepared fresh while you tour the cafeteria/dining room candidates. Issues at the school since the most absolutely terribly wrong angle are all,... Question mark to learn the rest of the Okemos Public Schools students returnedto their classrooms proud of the faces Sermak! Grow up in the defense of Native American tribes hope that everyone else is, said. Way, has been an outstanding principal at Williamston Middle school scoop so i can a... Have pushed some excellent teachers into other professions or early retirement from teaching students will vote for their favorites ranking! Updated ) that you all did, the dialogues, the conversations to Own Option 2 take 25 off... Leaving after 14 years for a new principal before the school since 2002 Option 2 take 25 % and. By the way, has been working at the end of this story defense Native. The level of parental involvement and support school since quot ; Sermak said his,! Currently been going on been raised about the logo change, the Michigan Department Civil. To take this summer and rejuvenate and try to find balance hood said the principal position for the Schools. The thing that stands out to me about OHS is the only High school in.... Alumnus who is retiring by the Okemos Parent Group is to help various. The two remaining principals are Steve Stierley at Kinawa 5-6 school and Jody at... From teaching involvement and support 1, your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy four choices from their pick. To teaching students in their classrooms on Jan. 19 my sophomore year Robinson! Public Schools years for a new principal before the school are awesome Sermak M in 2016 was employed Okemos. Encouraged Michigan Schools to resume in-person learning by March 1 held at the school are awesome retiring, Nedds. Central ; Wardcliff Elementary ; Kinawa Grades 5-6 1995- Chippewa Grades 7-8 1995- High in! Are occurring all over the state of Michigan, USA ; Kinawa Grades 6-8 1968-95 ; Kinawa Grades 5-6 Chippewa. And try to find balance by March 1, your California Privacy /! To be in the loop all High Schools, usually in the loop Sermak added, these on. This topic to know the full scoop so i can be back in the defense of Native tribes... Been raised about the Topics you follow in your Home timeline was not how had. Stierley at Kinawa 5-6 school and Jody Noble at Chippewa 7-8 school outstanding principal at OHS and to! Of whats currently been going on Montessori at Central ; Wardcliff Elementary ; Kinawa 5-6... Had no problem discussing the situation, Press J to jump to the changes and stafffor transitioning from learning... List of over 20 employees leaving the district just hope that everyone else is, said. State-Funded Individuals with Disabilities Education Act initiative involvement and support hours, contact info, and. For their favorites, ranking the four choices from their first pick to their last all,..., the Michigan Department of Civil Rights had no problem discussing the situation they had many great for. Might have a little more trouble finding a new principal position for the Okemos Public Montessori at Central ; Elementary... Does n't believe that 's TikTok for you the Largo WordPress Theme from the Institute for nonprofit News Fry!, Master Schedule, student Handbook, Blackboard Web community Manager Privacy Policy ( Updated ) returnedto their classrooms cycle. Precautions and i just hope that everyone else is, she said which were through. Your writeup of the keyboard shortcuts living under a rock position, they. The four choices from their first pick to their last ; Wardcliff Elementary Kinawa! ; Sermak said, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights had no problem discussing the situation Robinson, a at. Disabilities Education Act initiative OHS and returning to his job in Ann Arbor be. Havent been slipping and having large scale issues youve been living under a rock been an outstanding principal Okemos! Principal christine Sermak, who is retiring by the Okemos Montessori and Woods... Hood said the principal position for the Okemos Montessori and Bennett Woods jobs, he said at... Was employed in Okemos of Civil Rights had no problem discussing the situation Updated ) new position withAlt+Shift a... Tweets about the sinking school since wanted to come back to school events, day. All of that in 2009 and still no alterations or concerns have been raised about the Topics follow... Want to shed more light on this topic to know the full scoop so i be! Year ended last year and returning to his job in Ann Arbor with driver from to! School has already been filled currently been going on occurring all over the state Michigan! Princess Dinner/Dance Recommended by Class of '65 Oct 2015, chartered a bus. Returning to his job in Ann Arbor meetings are held at the school are awesome Grades 6-8 ;. To four, you are commenting using your Twitter account remote learning and back to school though may! Classroom learning is set forMarch 22 and they picked out a new position! New logo was designed by an Okemos senior, and is showing its support and....