Website User Guide 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. I'm from the Okemos area and have lived there for the past twenty years. Charlotte Public Schools students returnedto their classrooms on Jan. 19. Lease to Own Option 2 Take 25% off and pay $59,916 USD once. The old Chieftain logo, represented here in the weight room at Okemos High School. Visit the FOX47News Website. Change). This is just sad. Spring Lake HOA Meeting. OHSParentGroupInfo@gmail.com. It is the only high school in the Okemos Public Schools district. Its part of the natural cycle of turnover, he said. Okemos High School Tomahawk. 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. 1993. Michigan's most overachieving schools: is your school an Academic State Champ? Palasty is leaving after 14 years for a new position with. 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. "We are in the process (of a new logo)," said Christine Sermak, principal of Okemos High. Just Lansing School District remains online only; its return to classroom learning is set forMarch 22. JRN@MSU Code of Ethics It was hard for over a year to not have interactions [with students]. blog. I've watched my kids grow up in the Okemos area while attending Okemos Public Schools. Contact Information. The nonprofit was created in 1997 and remains the longest running film festival in Michigan. 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. Write A Review Jason Saros You appear to understand a lot approximately this, such as you wrote the ebook in it or 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.. Not being able to ask questions directly to her teachers made learning difficult for Rudolph. I was told all of that in 2009 and still no alterations or concerns have been raised about the sinking school since. Gretchen Whitmer encouraged Michigan schools to resume in-person learning by March 1. Hood said the principal position for the high school has already been filled. For a long time we have been a desirable district in which to work.. Three of those positions have already been filled. Address: 2800 Jolly Rd, Okemos, MI 48864 Principal: Christine Sermak Number of students: 1,267 (2015-2016) District: Okemos Public Schools Color: . Hood said he believes COVID could have been a contributing factor to the turnover. 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. Key Data. 7:30 PM-9:15 PM Hiawatha Elementary - Library. 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. Brody International Cafe' for Brunch Recommended by Class of '65, (part of the MSU Brody dormatory) at Harrison and Michigan, East Lansing. The board members are Young Mi Choi-DeYoung, President, Valerie Long, Vice President, Lingling Wu, Treasurer, Jackie Karamanos, Secretary. Principal Daniel Kemsley, the Parent Group board and parents of high school students attend these meetings. Built with the Largo WordPress Theme from the Institute for Nonprofit News. To honor her legacy, the OHS Press is reflecting past few decades with an in-depth interview about her time here. 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. Some students and community members seem to say it switched a few years ago. (https://news.jrn.msu.edu/2018/02/okemos-high-school-prepares-students-for-future-learning/). Sermak said she would miss the students and community of OHS the most. 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. 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. It also decreases students' mental health by creating extra stress in getting to classes on time and not being able to have an easily-accessible place to store belongings. 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. And because my kids attended Okemos Public Schools, I know several of these school principals who are leaving. Its interesting people ask me that and unfortunately Id like to say I have these great hobbies, but when youre a high school principal theres not really a lot of time for hobbies. Can I get more information and details on this? Okemos High School. 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. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Okemos High School Principal Christine Sermak is retiring. 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. 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. It has dealt with many cases similar to Okemos High Schools, usually in the defense of Native American tribes. 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. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. . Room fee waived with purchase of food & drinks. My hobbies were attending band concerts, musicals and sporting events. "I can give a sneak preview," Sermak said. These issues are only a fraction of the problems that have been brought up repeatedly, and yet nothing has changed. Okemos High School - IMC Prof Library -Conf Room. Hood said the principal position for the high school has already been filled. All rights reserved. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Design a site like this with WordPress.com. She oversees a student body about three times the size of her previous Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. 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? I dont know what I will do, but you will not find me in a cubicle, you will not find me as a greeter. 2800 Jolly Rd. 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. I'm a parent of a kid at Chippewa and another at one of the elementary schools in the district. OKEMOS, Mich. (WLNS) Okemos High School principal Christine Sermak said on Facebook that one student has tested positive for COVID-19. The Okemos Education Foundationis an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting academic excellence at all levels of the district, from kindergarten through high school. Report Bullying at Okemos High School in Okemos, MI directly to the school safely and anonymously. RU; DE; ES; FR; . Sermak.com is available at DomainMarket.com. While COVID-19 didn'thelp with staff retention, Hood stopped short of calling it the sole reason for the departures. I think the thing that stands out to me about OHS is the level of parental involvement and support. Im an OHS grad but would like to be in the loop of whats currently been going on? Just want to shed more light on this topic to know the full scoop so I can be back in the loop . Created the Okemos High School Hall of Fame. Okemos Public Schools will be seeing a big staffing change for the upcoming school year after losing five of their seven principals. "I can give a sneak preview," Sermak said. Christine Sermak M Overview. I'll just say that he might have a little more trouble finding a new principal position somewhere if he really wants to. I dont see anybody, except for my inner group,(I am) wearing a mask at all times andnot taking it down or anything like that.. On title page: "Okemos High School. I know I have a lot of energy left, a lot of positivity that I want to share with others, so I definitely will do something with people. Mobile Reporting Kit So you want to make a news show? 2010 Okemos High School Handbook Okemos is a highly acclaimed school district and our high school is ranked in the top 10 in the state of Michigan. According to Sermak, the new look O will cover all sports and represent the entire school. 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. Advertisement. 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. Dates seem a bit off though, was the issue from Jan 2021 or starting now in Jan 2022? They have innovated in ways and taught expectations in ways that have been amazing for students.. Mailing Address. About 70%of families wanted their children to return to school, she said. January 26, 2014. Okemos High School is a public high school in Okemos, Michigan, United States. We got Fruit Kabobs, Jumbo Shrimp, Mini Chicken Quesadillas, Beef Wellingtons and desert table all for $30 pp. Posted on December 18, 2010 by altr3. (Class of '65, Oct. 2015, and Class of '67, June 2017, 50th Reunion). However, our intentions do not have the power to change the way it may make a certain person or people feel about it., Another teacher at Okemos High, Dean Buggia, says it all comes down to perspective., The logo that was being used did not accurately depict a chief from (the) central Michigan (region), Buggia said. 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. Sending it to okemos schools admin. LANSING Students once again filled the Okemos High School halls with chatter and laughter, nearly bringing Christine Sermak to tears. 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. Bennett Woods Elementary School . It is the only high school in the Okemos Public Schools district. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. I think it was freshmen year, but they really started enforcing it my sophomore year, Robinson said. The purpose of the Okemos Parent Group is to help support various activities at the school. Megan SampTickets can be bought online or at Studio C in Okemos. I dont take that for granted.. Megan SampTickets can be bought online or at Studio C in Okemos. Hallead was the only one with credible experience in Okemos, but it quickly became obvious that she wasn't really the best. I would like OHS to continue thriving and being a safe place for learning and growth for everyone. And now after all these years, there are roughly twenty people leaving Okemos Public Schools. 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 . Previously, different variations of the O were being used. Kids arerespectful, parents have been great and staff haveworked hard, DeFrance said. Though some may assume alumni would be upset about the logo change, the principal disagrees. Sophomores: 324. The high school looks different from her previous position as principal at Williamston Middle School. (LogOut/ Meetings are held at the school about five times a year on Fridaysat9 am and run for about an hour. en-academic.com EN. This is one of the last Chieftain heads left in the high school. 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 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. 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. Sarina's Superheroes Making a Difference. I can give a sneak preview, Sermak said. Okemos, MI 48864 Its been ranked as a top flight public school in the state for 30 years straight for a reason. 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. Okemos, Michigan. The nonprofit was created in 1997 and remains the longest running film festival in Michigan. Once is most likely a fluke and can be excused, but twice? - 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. Red Cedar 7th Grade Boys Basketball-Aktulga. Register to let other graduates of Okemos High School find and contact you. 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. Not only are Okemos Public Schools losing 5 of 7 principals, the Greater Lansing school district is currently looking to hire over 80 teachers. Zipcode 48864: Phone (517) 706-4900: School Website okemosk12.net/Domain/14: Principal or Headmaster Christine Sermak: Registered Administrator; First Name Michigan Princess Dinner/Dance Recommended by Class of '65, 2023. This salary is 164 percent higher than average and 152 percent higher than median salary in Okemos Public Schools. None of this has to do with anything academic or college prep. And, Im excited to find some balance and have a lot less emails.. Sermak went more in-depth than just the idea, though. 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. A strong pool of candidates remains for the Okemos Montessori and Bennett Woods jobs, he said. Join the discussion, Playing Nov. 3-10: East Lansing Film Festivals silver anniversary. It wouldnt have happened without students encouraging each other to stay safe, he said. (517) 706-4900. www.okemosschools.net. Reviews, hours, contact info, directions and more. Visit the FOX47News Website. If you dont think all high schools across the country havent been slipping and having large scale issues youve been living under a rock. I will certainly be back. Simply they would have to build a step sometime in the future on the 2nd & 1st floor to adjust and level out where the rest of the schools foundation meets A-wing. This decision did not involve typical public comment and school board input before it was made, and its sudden revelation surprised almost everyone. After 21 collective years of teaching and leading at OHS, Sermak is retiring from the administration. Content is produced by MSU students under the guidance of journalism faculty. Bridge wins McCree justice award for stories on prison rape. That's right people, not Superman, but a group of students from Okemos High School who are transforming the lives . Christine Sermak: Return To Main Menu. It is more of a tough looking, non-wimpy script, Sermak said. Meridian Times staff writer. "We filled two of our elementary openings and our high school principal opening and we're still working on filling two other elementary openings, yet, hopefully later this month, Hood said. 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. 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. Key Principal: CHRISTINE SERMAK See more contacts Industry: Public senior high school. Their decision was Dr. Dan Hyliard, who had lots of experience in education and was the principal at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor before coming to Okemos. (Class of '65, Oct. 2015, and Class of '67, June 2017, 50th Reunion), Henry Kwok, Owner-Okemos Alumni Class of 2003, 4926 Marsh Road., Okemos, MI 48864. Comment why voting matters to you at the end of this story. View Christine Sermak M Full Profile . Website User Guide 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 It's been difficult for Richard Smith, an Okemos senior, and his instructors, too. Sermak, Bellinger and Fry are all retiring, while Nedds will leave Michigan with her family after 16 years in Okemos schools. 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. This is hilarious and I'm proud of the students who had the guts to put this together. 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. 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. Not quite so. Address 2800 Jolly Rd Okemos, Michigan 48864 Information School type Public School district Okemos Public Schools. Follow him on Twitter at@ByMarkJohnson. 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. Jun 6, 2019 Congratulations to Hunter Hollenbeck on being selected as the Division 2, Michigan Diver of the Year!!! Backpacks are not being disallowed completely, but rather backpacks being in classrooms, making this rule ineffective and not at all useful in promoting safety. 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. The Okemos High School's principal on Monday. Education is highly valued. This is an administrative and policy issue. Christine Sermak in 2021 was employed in Okemos Public Schools and had annual salary of $136,868 according to public records. Principal: Christine Sermak. this comment makes me uncomfortable because youre so very close to right, but coming from the most absolutely terribly wrong angle. Its so emotional. 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. Update: Jankowski learned after the filing of this story that the boys basketball team at Okemos High School has an outbreak of COVID-19. Juniors: 298. Big private dining room, check in reception and audio/video set up. 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