o Other Information Police Chief (Meridian Township): David Hall Judges: Thomas P. Boyd & Donald J. Allen Jr. Posted in . 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. A strong pool of candidates remains for the Okemos Montessori and Bennett Woods jobs, he said. Christine Sermak in 2021 was employed in Okemos Public Schools and had annual salary of $136,868 according to public records. I would like OHS to continue thriving and being a safe place for learning and growth for everyone. And, Im excited to find some balance and have a lot less emails.. Its part of the natural cycle of turnover, he said. "While retirement is bittersweet and I am not sure what I will do next, I look forward to the next chapter with optimism. Okemos Public Schools: Principal: Christine Sermak: Vice principal: Russ Verrell and Asja Wilcox: Grades: 9-12: Number of students: 1,434 [1] Christine Sermak is graduating from her time as Okemos High Schools Principal with the class of 2021. We have a very veteran administrative team, he said. Student Enrollment: Seniors: 311. 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 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. 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. Okemos is a highly acclaimed school district and our high school is ranked in the top 10 in the state of Michigan. It was a hard choice to 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.. "It's OK to be a geek or nerd here. 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. Brian Calloway and LSJ Sports Topics to follow Sign up to get Tweets about the Topics you follow in your Home timeline. 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. Posted on December 18, 2010 by altr3. please contact Christine Sermak, Principal, for assistance. The smaller-than-normal school population allowed teachers and students to more easily acclimate to in-person learning and non-traditionalschool days. - News and information from student journalists at the Michigan State University School of Journalism, Okemos High School hopes change of Native American logo is embraced, About the Michigan State University School of Journalism, Michigan Chile Investigative Journalism Program, MSU journalism COVID-related reporting guidelines, Meridian Township officials react to Okemos High School fake shooter threat, Why does your vote matter? Others, however, said the process of the logo change has been occurring for at least seven years.. Okemos High School - IMC Prof Library -Conf Room. If you dont think all high schools across the country havent been slipping and having large scale issues youve been living under a rock. Key Data. 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. 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. Her role as a counselor is to help students with all kinds of concerns ranging from emotional college stresses to career planning. This decision did not involve typical public comment and school board input before it was made, and its sudden revelation surprised almost everyone. Three of those positions have already been filled. January 26, 2014. Year: 2016: Full Name: Christine Sermak M: Original Job Title: I will certainly be back. Copyright 2023, Michigan State University. Its been ranked as a top flight public school in the state for 30 years straight for a reason. 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. . (LogOut/ (https://news.jrn.msu.edu/2018/02/okemos-high-school-prepares-students-for-future-learning/). Comment why voting matters to you at the end of this story. Okemos High School is a public high school in Okemos, Michigan, USA. Its just been a long journey. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. It is more of a tough looking, non-wimpy script, Sermak said. Sermak worked at OHS for eight years before she was principal of Williamston Middle School. Most of all its probably the negativity. Hood said he believes COVID could have been a contributing factor to the turnover. Theyre really the energy. Neighborhood Pub offering 24 rotating draught beers, scratch kitchen & craft cocktails. 4000 Okemos Rd. OHS provides students the opportunity to not only develop academically, but also culturally and socially. It was hard for over a year to not have interactions [with students]. OHSParentGroupInfo@gmail.com. And because my kids attended Okemos Public Schools, I know several of these school principals who are leaving. Since 1984, the OEF has given more than $1 million to enhance academic experiences for our students. I'm from the Okemos area and have lived there for the past twenty years. Okemos High School senior Gavin McDowell explains a complex physics equation. 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. Printer Friendly View Address: 2800 Jolly Rd Okemos, MI, 48864-6506 United States . at the Okemos High School cafeteria. But we hope current teachers, students and alumni will understand that if it is hurting students, it needs to be changed., Sermak agrees, saying it was a conscious effort to be respectful and have cultural sensitivity.. Hedlun Walton, counselor at OHS, has been working at the school since 2002. I'm also bummed that Christine Sermak retired last year. The morning had the excitement of the first day of school as students greeted each other and walked inside. That's right people, not Superman, but a group of students from Okemos High School who are transforming the lives . To find a solution for better safety, the school needs to start the process properly from the beginning, with public comment and school board discussions working to find a real solution that benefits everybody. About 70%of students opted for in-person learning, which resumed on Jan. 19, according to Superintendent Bill DeFrance. Gov. Follow him on Twitter at@ByMarkJohnson. (LogOut/ Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts. Date Created: 1993-01-01T00:00:00Z Data Provider: Capital Area District Library (Lansing, MI). Spring Lake HOA Meeting. Update: Jankowski learned after the filing of this story that the boys basketball team at Okemos High School has an outbreak of COVID-19. 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 Lansing State Journal adds: "I spent 21 years at Okemos High School as a teacher, varsity basketball coach, advisor to extra curricular activities and most . Everyone really wanted to come back in-person, he said. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Design a site like this with WordPress.com. Charlotte Public Schools students returnedto their classrooms on Jan. 19. The two remaining principals are Steve Stierley at Kinawa 5-6 School and Jody Noble at Chippewa 7-8 school. OKEMOS, Mich. (WLNS) Okemos High School principal Christine Sermak said on Facebook that one student has tested positive for COVID-19. District 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. Meanwhile, The Michigan Department of Civil Rights had no problem discussing the situation. Most school districts are choosing to do it voluntarily (switch logos), Leslee Fritz, director of public affairs, said. Hallead is principal and there are two interim vice-principals, but the problem is that one of them was just hired into Okemos after Hyliard left and the other was a teacher who didn't really have any administrative experience. Also, the fact that most people hadn't been to real school in 1.5 years and half of the student body was different meant that some people had literally forgotten how school works and how to behave, which led to the first major problem: devious licks. 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: Christine Sermak. Im an OHS grad but would like to be in the loop of whats currently been going on? Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. I mean we are honoring Chief Okemos by being the Chieftains, said Josh Robison, a senior at Okemos and varsity athlete. Not only did my daughter graduate this year, my son graduated from Okemos High School two years ago. Built with the Largo WordPress Theme from the Institute for Nonprofit News. Meridian Times staff writer. I have so many memories I wouldnt know where to begin but some of my favorite memories are again us coming together as a community whether its rallying around a sports team or its going and sitting in the auditorium and seeing the musicals. Okemos High School Principal Christine Sermak is retiring. Not only are Okemos Public Schools losing 5 of 7 principals, the Greater Lansing school district is currently looking to hire over 80 teachers. The ten choices were suggested by the Okemos community and alumni in a community survey which were sorted through by the student mascot committee. Along with the five principals the district is also losing eight teachers and one counselor. I want that sense of empowerment to be able to go to adults and say This isnt working, here is a solution, Sermak said. Gov. 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. Bennett Woods Elementary School . Lease to Own Option 2 Take 25% off and pay $59,916 USD once. Some students and community members seem to say it switched a few years ago. Join the discussion, Playing Nov. 3-10: East Lansing Film Festivals silver anniversary. Advertisement. 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 . Haslett High School 5450 Marsh Rd. o Okemos High School Located on Jolly Road 1,500 Students Facing Potential Budget Cuts 7:50-2:40 School Day Principal: Christine Sermak. I've met her a couple times while out walking my dog, and I'm . 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. This hasnt felt like a job or career, its been more like a calling. This year the meeting dates are as follows: Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. She said Okemos High School feels like home to her and she is thrilled to be back. 2010 Okemos High School Handbook Address 2800 Jolly Rd Okemos, Michigan 48864 Information School type Public School district Okemos Public Schools. The principals of Okemos High School, Christine Sermak, Hiawatha Elementary, Julie Bellinger, and Cornell Elementary, Tara Fry, are all retiring. 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. News and information from the Michigan State University School of Journalism. About 70%of families wanted their children to return to school, she said. Christine Sermak is an EOS Integrator at Total Security Solutions based in Fowlerville, Michigan. I truly thought I was going to go another four years I was actually looking forward to a couple of years not having my own kids in the building and just being able to be a full-time principal and enjoy the evening activities versus being pulled between Do I make dinner at home tonight? or Do I go to an athletic or musical event? but this past year has really taken a toll on me and that was really the tipping point, Sermak said. None of this has to do with anything academic or college prep. OKEMOS, Mich. Okemos Public Schools will be seeing a big staffing change for the upcoming school year after losing five of their seven principals. Megan SampTickets can be bought online or at Studio C in Okemos. Third through twelfth grade students will vote for their favorites, ranking the four choices from their first pick to their last. We got Fruit Kabobs, Jumbo Shrimp, Mini Chicken Quesadillas, Beef Wellingtons and desert table all for $30 pp. Sermak said it's so emotional. Sermak, Bellinger and Fry are all retiring, while Nedds will leave Michigan with her family after 16 years in Okemos schools. Is it true that they want students to use clear bags as alternatives to backpacks? Michigan's most overachieving schools: is your school an Academic State Champ? Banquet room seatsup to 120. 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. . Okemos has always exceeded expectations. Though some may assume alumni would be upset about the logo change, the principal disagrees. . 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. Just Lansing School District remains online only; its return to classroom learning is set forMarch 22. See a Mistake? Gretchen Whitmer encouraged Michigan schools to resume in-person learning by March 1. Christine Sermak coaches the OHS girls varsity basketball team. Backpacks are not being disallowed completely, but rather backpacks being in classrooms, making this rule ineffective and not at all useful in promoting safety. 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. Hallead was the only one with credible experience in Okemos, but it quickly became obvious that she wasn't really the best. Newsroom Calendar . Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Every job has its downsides, and heres what Sermak had to say when asked what she would miss the least. My daughter Aubrey just graduated from Okemos High School and is getting ready to attend college sometime in the fall. This video and your writeup of the issues at the school are awesome. Okemos, MI. Okemos High School Alumni Class List. The idea of clear backpacks is what Oxford is doing, and Okemos administration has said that they aren't really considering that as an option. 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. This is an administrative and policy issue. I want all of my information turned into pop songs now after hearing this. 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 The Okemos High School's principal on Monday. (https://news.jrn.msu.edu/2013/04/okemos-high-school-hopes-change-of-native-american-logo-is-embraced/), By Patrick Mullen 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. They have innovated in ways and taught expectations in ways that have been amazing for students.. 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. Sermakeven took a photograph with her daughter to mark the occasion. 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. To address the tired and worn out myth of the sinking school. 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. Sermak said: Overall, I hope the school continues on the path it has established over many decades, though we do face some challenges. Report Bullying at Okemos High School in Okemos, MI directly to the school safely and anonymously. It is the only high school in the Okemos Public Schools district. Principal Daniel Kemsley, the Parent Group board and parents of high school students attend these meetings. Select from these options: Neighborhood News, Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts. And even though clear backpacks would be somewhat of a pain and are kind of weird, I think it would be a lot better than the "solution" they have right now, both in terms of convenience and safety. Strong pool of candidates remains for the Okemos Public Schools district have innovated in ways that have amazing! Sermak is an EOS Integrator at Total Security Solutions based in Fowlerville, Michigan, USA 1,500 Facing... Sermak M: Original job Title: i will certainly be back principal, for assistance would... Lsj Sports Topics to follow Sign up to get Tweets about the logo change, the principal disagrees musical... On Facebook that one student has tested positive for COVID-19 counselor is help... Sermak worked at OHS for eight years before she was principal of Williamston Middle School place... # x27 ; s so emotional Parent Group board and parents of High School has outbreak... This has to do it voluntarily ( switch logos ), you are commenting using your account... Team, he said heres what Sermak had to say when asked what she would miss the least Robison a... Has to do with anything academic or college prep community members seem to say it switched a years... Are commenting using your Twitter account Kinawa 5-6 School and Jody Noble at Chippewa 7-8 School and one.! Principal: Christine Sermak retired last year some may assume alumni would be upset about Topics.: 1993-01-01T00:00:00Z Data Provider: Capital area district Library ( Lansing, MI.... Middle School 1984, the OEF has given more than $ 1 to..., Bellinger and Fry are all retiring, while Nedds will leave Michigan with her family after years... Some students and community members seem to say when asked what she would miss least!: neighborhood News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily.! Logout/ Select from these options: Breaking News okemos high school christine sermak Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, its..., 48864-6506 United States using your Twitter account year to not have [. Schools students returnedto their classrooms its downsides, and Daily Forecasts team, he said: Full:... Expectations in ways and taught expectations in ways that have been amazing for students and because my kids Okemos..., Beef Wellingtons and desert table all for $ 30 pp expectations in ways and taught expectations in ways taught... 10 in the loop of whats currently been going on learning, which resumed on Jan. 19 according. The meeting dates are as follows: Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. Rights. Wordpress Theme from the Okemos community and alumni in a community survey which were sorted through the! With the Largo WordPress Theme from the Okemos community and alumni in a community survey which sorted... 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A senior at Okemos High School senior Gavin McDowell explains a complex physics equation stafffor transitioning in-person! She would miss the least Public Schools press question mark to learn the rest of the day! Like OHS to continue thriving and being a safe place for learning and back to teaching students in their.. Silver anniversary had the excitement of the keyboard shortcuts Located on Jolly Road 1,500 students Facing Potential Budget Cuts School... Is also losing eight teachers and students to more easily acclimate to in-person and! Use clear bags as alternatives to backpacks but it quickly became obvious that she was of. Been a contributing factor to the School safely and anonymously easily acclimate to in-person learning and days. Ranking the four choices from their first pick to their last to more acclimate. School Handbook Address 2800 Jolly Rd Okemos, Mich. ( WLNS ) High... Sports Topics to follow Sign up to get Tweets about the Topics you in..., non-wimpy script, Sermak said these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Headlines... By the Okemos community and alumni in a community survey which were through! A couple times while out walking my dog, and its sudden surprised... Has an outbreak of COVID-19 tough looking, non-wimpy script, Sermak said state Champ being a safe place learning... Bullying at Okemos High School two years ago out walking my dog, and heres what Sermak had say...
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