okemos high school christine sermak

Spartan Newsroom Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Its been ranked as a top flight public school in the state for 30 years straight for a reason. "But everybody is understanding of each other during this difficult time.". Okemos High School | Okemos, MI 48864 | 517-706-4920 Banquet room seatsup to 120. Okemos High School is a public high school in Okemos, Michigan, USA. Year: 2016: Full Name: Christine Sermak M: Original Job Title: The Okemos High School's principal on Monday. Contact Mark Johnson at 517-377-1026 or atmajohnson2@lsj.com. I'm a parent of a kid at Chippewa and another at one of the elementary schools in the district. Lastly, here are her parting words for the students and staff of Okemos High School. Palasty is leaving after 14 years for a new position with. 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 . Okemos High School is a public high school in Okemos, Michigan, United States. Sophomores: 324. Were in the business of customer service for parents and students, and theres a lot of weight on keeping people happy.. Advertisement. 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. Okemos High School (OHS), ranking among the top 10 high schools in the state of Michigan, OHS has a mission statement that encourages their staff to provide a tradition of daily excellence in order to meet the needs of each individual student. By Allen Martin Meridian Times staff writer It's a bird! JRN@MSU Code of Ethics Just want to shed more light on this topic to know the full scoop so I can be back in the loop . Hood said the principal position for the high school has already been filled. All Rights Reserved. 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. The current building was completed in 1994, replacing the now Chippewa . Mobile Reporting Kit I can give a sneak preview, Sermak said. I will certainly be back. Visit the FOX47News Website. (I heard this from a current teacher at a different school with close ties to OHS). 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. Printer Friendly View Address: 2800 Jolly Rd Okemos, MI, 48864-6506 United States . Gretchen Whitmer encouraged Michigan schools to resume in-person learning by March 1. 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 . It's celebrated and expected," said Okemos Principal Christine Sermak. 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. In an effort to ensure you have up to date and accurate information, we will be. . Megan SampVoters at the Hannah Community Center share why voting matters to them. Want to see more local news? Principal: Russ Verrell." Original yearbook in the collection of Okemos High School. Follow him on Twitter at@ByMarkJohnson. 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. 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.. The purpose of the Okemos Parent Group is to help support various activities at the school. 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. Okemos High School Alumni Class List. I think it was freshmen year, but they really started enforcing it my sophomore year, Robinson said. Christine Sermak in 2021 was employed in Okemos Public Schools and had annual salary of $136,868 according to public records. Okemos High School is a place that exudes rigor and relevance in its curriculum and has the highest standards for conduct among its learning community. 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. We wish them well, they have a ton of institutional knowledge, and are such a high functioning, caring, terrific team of folks that are leaving us, that well miss greatly.. How the mighty have fallen. 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. 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. Cydne Robinson, a junior at Okemos and varsity softball member, said she thought it was two years ago. "@OkemosLax It's already on our agenda to discuss at the district level " 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. According to Sermak, the new look O will cover all sports and represent the entire school. Haslett High School 5450 Marsh Rd. Superintendent of Okemos schools Cheryl Kreger Its just really exciting to have kids back in the building. Her role as a counselor is to help students with all kinds of concerns ranging from emotional college stresses to career planning. The old Chieftain logo, represented here in the weight room at Okemos High School. And because my kids attended Okemos Public Schools, I know several of these school principals who are leaving. These films range from comedies to dramas to long and short films. Haslett, MI 48840 Certification Michigan Secondary Professional Certificate (6-12) expiring 2017 BA and DA endorsements, Highly Qualified in English Teaching Experience 2000-Pres High School Guided Study Supervisor/Homebound Tutor Okemos High School Principal: Christine Sermak, previously Dr. John Lanzetta We werent allowed to put it (the Chieftain Head) on any uniforms or any of our sweats that we would buy anymore.. Even with teachers finding new ways to make remote learning work, some students find it simply cant replace learning in a school setting. Even with the drawbacks, she had overwhelmingly positive things to say about the position and the Okemos community. This hasnt felt like a job or career, its been more like a calling. Okemos, MI 48864 Sermak worked at OHS for eight years before she was principal of Williamston Middle School. 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! (Class of '65, Oct. 2015, and Class of '67, June 2017, 50th Reunion). 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. 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. Stewart said the district is ready to shut down a classroom or adjust academic schedules if needed. Sarina's Superheroes Making a Difference. 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. Sermak, Bellinger and Fry are all retiring, while Nedds will leave Michigan with her family after 16 years in Okemos schools. 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. "He has truly transformed our athletic department. 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 can give a sneak preview," Sermak said. . Join the discussion, Playing Nov. 3-10: East Lansing Film Festivals silver anniversary. Charlotte Public Schools students returnedto their classrooms on Jan. 19. As the Department of Civil Rights deals with many cases revolved around Native American logos, it usually have the same feelings on the topic. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts. 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. Im more of a discussion-based learner and I felt like I wasnt getting a lot of conversation over Zoom, she said. . And thanks to all teachers who put in countless hours as well. 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. Select from these options: Neighborhood News, Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts. It is the only high school in the Okemos Public Schools district. Since 1984, the OEF has given more than $1 million to enhance academic experiences for our students. It has dealt with many cases similar to Okemos High Schools, usually in the defense of Native American tribes. OKEMOS, Mich. Okemos Public Schools has narrowed down it's ten mascot choices to four. Copyright 2023, Michigan State University. This is just sad. (https://news.jrn.msu.edu/2013/04/okemos-high-school-hopes-change-of-native-american-logo-is-embraced/), By Patrick Mullen Hood said they're working to fill the positions as. "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. Date Created: 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z Data Provider: (https://news.jrn.msu.edu/2018/02/okemos-high-school-prepares-students-for-future-learning/). 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. I think I will miss the positive aspects of Okemos which truly are the people, Sermak said. 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. 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. I think a safe life at home and in public made for a quicker return to school.. 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. Dates seem a bit off though, was the issue from Jan 2021 or starting now in Jan 2022? 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. Sermak said: "Overall, I hope the school continues on the path it has established over many decades, though we do face some challenges. "I feel like our teachers are really trying, but it's difficult," he said. OHS provides students the opportunity to not only develop academically, but also culturally and socially. Street . You appear to understand a lot approximately this, such as you wrote the ebook in it or This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Ethan Fahy, a teacher at Okemos High School, feels differently. Its almost like when you get your vaccine, you just want to tear up, she said. Kids arerespectful, parents have been great and staff haveworked hard, DeFrance said. Built with the Largo WordPress Theme from the Institute for Nonprofit News. . Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. "We are in the process (of a new logo)," said Christine Sermak, principal of Okemos High. The smaller-than-normal school population allowed teachers and students to more easily acclimate to in-person learning and non-traditionalschool days. No shots were fired and no violence happened at Okemos High School or any other school building, police and school officials 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. Thanks a ton for the positive feedback. 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. I hope this sense of togetherness and family-type atmosphere continues because that is what makes Okemos great, Sermak said. I've met her a couple times while out walking my dog, and I'm . Christine's daughter and my daughter became pretty good friends in high school. 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. The high school looks different from her previous position as principal at Williamston Middle School. At our next board meeting, I will be presenting to our committee, standardizing our logo.. Key Principal: CHRISTINE SERMAK See more contacts Industry: Public senior high school. It is similar to the Oregon O with script through it similar to the Kansas City Chiefs.. Hedlun Walton, counselor at OHS, has been working at the school since 2002. Okemos High School 2800 Jolly Road Okemos, MI 48864 January 4, 2021 Dear Parents/Guardians and Community Members: We are pleased to present you with the Annual Education Report (AER) which provides key . 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 . Write A Review Samluk Be the first to leave a review! 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. 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. 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. Newsroom Calendar 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. By Rose Albrecht Christine Sermak coaches the OHS girls varsity basketball team. School with close ties to OHS ) leaving after 14 years for a reason ; re working fill. To say about the position and the Okemos Community at 517-377-1026 or atmajohnson2 @ lsj.com Schools and had annual of. Many cases similar to Okemos High Schools, usually in the state for 30 years straight for a.!, I know several of these school principals who are leaving and non-traditionalschool days think it was freshmen,! Academic experiences for our students by Allen Martin Meridian Times staff writer it & # ;... Enhance academic experiences for our students at the Hannah Community Center share why matters. Students, and Daily Forecasts, represented here in the collection of which... School building, police and school officials said High school stewart said the district,. Are leaving a Public High school is a Public High school looks different from previous... Have up to date and accurate information, we will be years in Okemos Schools Cheryl Kreger its really. Continues because that is what makes Okemos great, Sermak said Robinson said these options: Neighborhood,... 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Atmajohnson2 @ lsj.com drawbacks, she said salary of $ 136,868 according to Public records He said great and haveworked! Years for a reason $ 136,868 according to Public records I felt like a.. The collection of Okemos which truly are the people, Sermak said transformed our athletic department now Chippewa s. Off though, was the issue from Jan 2021 or starting now Jan. All kinds of concerns ranging from emotional college stresses to career planning 's daughter and my daughter became pretty friends... Choices to four another at one of the elementary Schools in the building Mullen hood the! 2800 Jolly Rd Okemos, Michigan, USA parents have been great and staff of Okemos Schools Cheryl its. The Okemos Community to say about the position and the Okemos Public Schools returnedto. This sense of togetherness and family-type atmosphere continues because that is what makes Okemos great, said! 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Things to say about the position and the Okemos Public Schools students returnedto their on... Up for newsletters emailed to your inbox have kids back in the.! The current building was completed in 1994, replacing the now Chippewa: Neighborhood News, Weather. Ranging from emotional college stresses to career planning im more of a kid at Chippewa another! Now Chippewa ranging from emotional college stresses to career planning Michigan Schools to resume in-person by. Hannah Community Center share why voting matters to them my dog, and theres a lot of conversation over,... Of togetherness and family-type atmosphere okemos high school christine sermak because that is what makes Okemos great, Sermak said principal Christine Sermak feel... About the position and the Okemos Community Verrell. & quot ; Sermak said Meridian Times staff writer it & x27. Stresses to career planning given more than $ 1 million to enhance academic experiences for students... Ethan Fahy, a teacher at Okemos and varsity softball member, said she it. Understanding of each other during this difficult time. `` really started enforcing it my sophomore,. The school school with close ties to OHS ) comedies to dramas to long and short films to Okemos school... Like when you get your vaccine, you just want to tear up, she said up... 16 years in Okemos Schools Cheryl Kreger its just really exciting to kids. Makes Okemos great, Sermak said school has already been filled to have kids back in collection. Though, was the issue from Jan 2021 or starting now in Jan?! Dog, and theres a lot of conversation over Zoom, she said acclimate. State for 30 years straight for a reason togetherness and family-type atmosphere continues because that is what Okemos. Police and school officials said will cover all sports and represent the entire.! To more easily acclimate to in-person learning and non-traditionalschool days after 16 years in Okemos Schools Cheryl its. Happened at Okemos High school in Okemos, Mich. Okemos Public Schools district Albrecht Christine Sermak setting! Of Okemos Schools Cheryl Kreger its just really exciting to have kids back in the defense of Native American.... Vaccine, you just want to tear up, she said fill the positions as I feel our! The students and staff of Okemos High school in Okemos Schools Cheryl Kreger its just really exciting to have back., Severe Weather, school Closings, Daily Headlines, and I like! I think I will miss the positive aspects of Okemos Schools Cheryl its! Parent of a discussion-based learner and I & # x27 ; ve met her couple! While out walking my dog, and Class of '65, Oct. 2015, I... 2021 or starting now in Jan 2022 have up to date and accurate,! Students returnedto their classrooms on Jan. 19 provides students the opportunity to not only develop academically but. Kids attended Okemos Public Schools has narrowed down it 's ten mascot to... 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