Okemos High School Principal Christine Sermak is retiring. 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. and Hulett and Hagadorn Roads on the East and West. Not only did my daughter graduate this year, my son graduated from Okemos High School two years ago. The Not-So-Scary Cemetery in the Legendary Haunted Ghost Town of Pere Cheney, Michigan, This Town Was Named The Nicest Place in Michigan, The Graveyard of Trains in Escanaba, Michigan, The Deadliest Stretch of Road in Michigan. We werent allowed to put it (the Chieftain Head) on any uniforms or any of our sweats that we would buy anymore.. The purpose of the Okemos Parent Group is to help support various activities at the school. 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. Thats why Amelia Rudolph, a junior, returned for in-person learning at Okemos High School on Monday. Red Cedar 7th Grade Boys Basketball-Aktulga. Im always blown away because all of a sudden you see a student that you see in the hallway in a completely different role and theyre thriving, Sermak said. Not being able to ask questions directly to her teachers made learning difficult for Rudolph. 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. That's right people, not Superman, but a group of students from Okemos High School who are transforming the lives . Its bittersweet. Just Lansing School District remains online only; its return to classroom learning is set forMarch 22. (I heard this from a current teacher at a different school with close ties to OHS). The principal and board members will give a brief report at each meeting as well as discuss items needing attention relating to Okemos High School. Principal: Steve Delp. And now after all these years, there are roughly twenty people leaving Okemos Public Schools. Im an OHS grad but would like to be in the loop of whats currently been going on? . "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. Each November, the East Lansing Film Festival showcases independent films. For subscribers: The Okemos Chiefs face a name change 30 years in the making, More: 'Chiefs' no more: Okemos school board votes to nix nickname, adopt replacement by 2023, More: Now hiring: Greater Lansing school districts trying to fill 87 teaching vacancies. Sermak went more in-depth than just the idea, though. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts. Its just been a long journey. Cydne Robinson, a junior at Okemos and varsity softball member, said she thought it was two years ago. I do understand why he wanted to leave, as he probably didn't feel very welcomed by people and all he saw was pretty much the worst of the school, however I do think it's kind of petty to leave two months into your new job (especially one moderate prestige) just because of some problems that he could've worked to find solutions for. Sermak has been the Principal of OHS for 11 years now, from fall 2010 to spring 2021. Ive played school or thought about being a teacher and educator since I was twelve, and we used to have chalkboards, so I would have a chalkboard in my basement where I could play school; some people played house or ball but I played school, Sermak said. Mailing Address. 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. Even with the drawbacks, she had overwhelmingly positive things to say about the position and the Okemos community. I dont take that for granted.. OKEMOS Okemos Public Schools is undergoing a mass leadership change with the departure of five of its seven principals, including all four of its elementary school principals. For a long time we have been a desirable district in which to work.. That means the district identifies how many students it will accept at each grade level, and if there are applications that exceed that number, they are chosen from a lottery. I think it was freshmen year, but they really started enforcing it my sophomore year, Robinson said. When you think about it, we have been out of this building since March 13 (2020), so its been a year. On title page: "Okemos High School. All rights reserved. Now, even though it's probably not fair to blame problems on one person, I'm throwing Hyliard under the bus here because I never got a good vibe from him and many students would agree with that. The purpose of the Okemos Parent Group is to help support various activities at the school. Hood sent an email with a list of over 20 employees leaving the district. (517) 706-4900. www.okemosschools.net. 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. Looking forward, Sermak has hopeful prospects for the future of OHS. Newsroom Calendar Follow him on Twitter at@ByMarkJohnson. About 70%of families wanted their children to return to school, she said. I always thought I would be an educator, always thought I would be a teacher, and to do it in Okemos and to be here, I am just so proud, I am so grateful, and its because of the people. Even after dozens of emails, discussions, board debates, and plenty of media exposure, the administration has yet to provide sufficient reasoning as to how exactly keeping backpacks in lockers improves school safety. She taught with Rachel Freeman (English) and Diane Dockus (English) and grew up competing against Danielle Tandoc (Science) in sports. Join the discussion, Playing Nov. 3-10: East Lansing Film Festivals silver anniversary. Really for the last year my interactions with students, and thats what really filled my bucket in the hallways, I didnt have so I think a combination of just the level of stress and not being able to be with kids and refill the bucket was that tipping point and I just decided, you know, this is the year, Sermak said. Thanks a ton for the positive feedback. And because my kids attended Okemos Public Schools, I know several of these school principals who are leaving. . Christine Sermak coaches the OHS girls varsity basketball team. They come together, and its about trying to make yourself better and make the best experience for students as possible so hopefully, they, in turn, can give it back and pay it forward when they are in our roles as adults, and I think again that Okemos community is what has allowed this. 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. Okemos, MI. Hedlun Walton, counselor at OHS, has been working at the school since 2002. Many of the faces that Sermak started out with are still familiar to students today. "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. Sermak hopes the school will embrace the standardized logo. 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. Dr. Hyliard announces he's leaving his position as principal at OHS and returning to his job in Ann Arbor. The old Chieftain logo, represented here in the weight room at Okemos High School. When asked about her future plans, Sermak was unsure of what she will be doing but wants to continue to spread positivity in some way. 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. My job really is to make people happy, make people successful, and when I couldnt do that, even when I gave it my best, that was hard because you do want to set people up for success. Hood said he believes COVID could have been a contributing factor to the turnover. I dont know what I will do, but you will not find me in a cubicle, you will not find me as a greeter. Okemos, MI 48864 Principle: Christine Sermak Okemos High School (517) 706-4902 christine.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 Sarina's Superheroes Making a Difference. No, it's Sarina's Superheroes! Write A Review Alex Ruan Be the first to leave a review! 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 remember when Okemos High School was THE pinnacle of all the high schools in the area. Contact Information. 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. I know Im taking precautions and I just hope that everyone else is, she said. But some of the student body does not believe the logo should have been changed from the Chieftain Head, which represented Chief Okemos, a member of the Chippewa tribe. 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. 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 . Okemos High School Welcomes Back Principal Sermak Posted on October 25, 2010 by kloftus By Kathleen Loftus Meridian Times staff writer After 31 years, Dr. Lanzetta retired and Okemos High School brought in a former English teacher, Christine Sermak. Meanwhile, The Michigan Department of Civil Rights had no problem discussing the situation. Though OHS has many well renowned curricula,stigmas and educational pressures continue to provide hurdles for the high school. Created with. District Okemos Public Schools. This video and your writeup of the issues at the school are awesome. I would also like students to feel comfortable with their administration and with their teachers and support staff so if you see something thats not working for you you could go to the adults and be part of that solution. Volume 65." Original yearbook in the collection of Okemos High School. Year: 2016: Full Name: Christine Sermak M: Original Job Title: I really do hope everything is solved by next year; next year is my senior year and I've yet to have a normal year of high school so I can only hope! - Room fee was waived ($450) because we ordered$20 worth of food per person. The window of acceptance is in the late spring or early summer, and is a restricted lottery system. Due to confidentiality, the student's name cannot. They have innovated in ways and taught expectations in ways that have been amazing for students.. Date was actually December, thanks for pointing that out. Claim This Account & Page. "We have seven buildings and we have five principals leaving us.. The departures leave Hood with several key positions to fill before the newschool year, which will be fully in-person for the first time since early 2020. Palasty is leaving after 14 years for a new position withAlt+Shift, a state-funded Individuals with Disabilities Education Act initiative. You appear to understand a lot approximately this, such as you wrote the ebook in it or Who is the principle of Okemos 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. Doing Business As: OKEMOS HIGH SCHOOL. Banquet room seatsup to 120. Stewart said the district is ready to shut down a classroom or adjust academic schedules if needed. Let Us Know Are you Principal Sermak? Parent Group is a great way for parents to get involved in the school, meet other parents and help the teachers and students in various activities. Bridge wins McCree justice award for stories on prison rape. Content is produced by MSU students under the guidance of journalism faculty. 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. The ten choices were suggested by the Okemos community and alumni in a community survey which were sorted through by the student mascot committee. Principal: Russ Verrell." Original yearbook in the collection of Okemos High School. Write A Review Samluk Be the first to leave a review! Change). I'm from the Okemos area and have lived there for the past twenty years. "We are in the process (of a new logo)," said Christine Sermak, principal of Okemos High. So you want to make a news show? Asst. Kids arerespectful, parents have been great and staff haveworked hard, DeFrance said. 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 . Select from these options: Neighborhood News, Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts. It still is. LANSING Students once again filled the Okemos High School halls with chatter and laughter, nearly bringingChristineSermak to tears. Hood said the principal position for the high school has already been filled. Middle and high school students no longer eat lunch at school to avoid large crowds in the cafeteria, DeFrance said, and officials shortened the school day. So after Dr. Hyliard resigned, the vice-principal, Andrea Hallead, became the interim principal, which is where we are now. Another interesting part of the Okemos logo change seems to be the timetable on the logo switch. Its been ranked as a top flight public school in the state for 30 years straight for a reason. Okemos High School Juniors: 298. 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. These films range from comedies to dramas to long and short films. Most of all its probably the negativity. Superintendent John Hood is assuring they're working to fill those positions as quickly as possible. Gretchen Whitmer encouraged Michigan schools to resume in-person learning by March 1, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. 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 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. We have a week of exams and then the second semester starts, but things change so fast these days and the administration is so unpredictable that anything could happen. Built with the Largo WordPress Theme from the Institute for Nonprofit News. 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. Okemos High School 2800 Jolly Road Okemos MI, 48864. Okemos High School is a public high school in Okemos, Michigan, USA. There does not seem to be an exact date on the original logo change, but one things for sure: Okemos High School is currently promoting a new logo to represent the school. Okemos High School is a public high school in Okemos, Michigan, USA. There is a culture of achievement here that extends beyond the classroom. Red Cedar 6th Boys Comp Basketball-Wittenborn. Even though I didnt get to go to OHS, for the last 11 years Ive gotten to go to OHS so my dream did come true.. OHSParentGroupInfo@gmail.com. I hope this sense of togetherness and family-type atmosphere continues because that is what makes Okemos great, Sermak said. (LogOut/ I personally think it is OK to use the name, but not the image.. Email with a list of over 20 employees leaving the district are awesome was actually December, thanks pointing... 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