I personally think it is OK to use the name, but not the image.. 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. Street . I think I will miss the positive aspects of Okemos which truly are the people, Sermak said. 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. Theyre the reason why were here.. So you want to make a news show? Other Schools in Okemos Public Schools. Join the discussion, Playing Nov. 3-10: East Lansing Film Festivals silver anniversary. Its been ranked as a top flight public school in the state for 30 years straight for a reason. Who is the principle of Okemos High School? 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. Christine Sermak is graduating from her time as Okemos High School's Principal with the class of 2021. I'd say that the beginning of most of these problems started after principal Christine Sermak retired at the end of last year. 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? 7:30 PM-9:00 PM Chippewa Middle School - Gym/Multipurpose. Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. 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. 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. 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. Spring Lake HOA Meeting. 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 Public Schools is losing more than 20 employees next school year including five principals. Superintendent Mandy Stewart said the decision was made after seeing the community support for in-person learning. Voting will be open until Jan. 5. The student mascot committee will go through the rankings and make a recommendation to the school board on Jan. 24. Charlotte Public Schools students returnedto their classrooms on Jan. 19. I do not believe that the intention of the logo or name Chieftains was hurtful in any way, Fahy said. Sermak has been the Principal of OHS for 11 years now, from fall 2010 to spring 2021. 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 . How the mighty have fallen. Gov. Some are teachers, counselors, and even school principals. Let Us Know Are you Principal Sermak? Even with the drawbacks, she had overwhelmingly positive things to say about the position and the Okemos community. Hallead was the only one with credible experience in Okemos, but it quickly became obvious that she wasn't really the best. When Okemos High School students resumed in-person learning Monday, they joined the rest of the school district and 13otherGreater Lansing school districts that now have kids back in the classroom. Hood was not necessarily surprised by the exodus of principals from Okemos. Palasty is leaving after 14 years for a new position withAlt+Shift, a state-funded Individuals with Disabilities Education Act initiative. I would like OHS to continue thriving and being a safe place for learning and growth for everyone. Content is produced by MSU students under the guidance of journalism faculty. "@OkemosLax It's already on our agenda to discuss at the district level " News and information from the Michigan State University School of Journalism. Its just been a long journey. blog. The ten choices were suggested by the Okemos community and alumni in a community survey which were sorted through by the student mascot committee. Okemos Public Schools. News and information from the Michigan State University School of Journalism. 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. 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. Christine Sermak: Return To Main Menu. Big private dining room, check in reception and audio/video set up. 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. 48864. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. . Created with. Every single day people show up and do their very best. 517-580-3075 In the Meridian Towne Centre with Target & Kroger. I do not see the big deal though because we are still the Okemos Chieftains, we just lost the logo, Bailey added. Built with the Largo WordPress Theme from the Institute for Nonprofit News. "He's amazing,'' said Principal Christine Sermak. These films range from comedies to dramas to long and short films. It has dealt with many cases similar to Okemos High Schools, usually in the defense of Native American tribes. "While retirement is bittersweet and I am not sure what I will do next, I look forward to the next chapter with optimism. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts. The morning had the excitement of the first day of school as students greeted each other and walked inside. "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. Like Rudolph, most students at Eaton Rapids Public Schools wanted to come back to school. Asst. please contact Christine Sermak, Principal, for assistance. I certainly knew there was the potential for turnover.. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Design a site like this with WordPress.com. Yeah, she was doing her best, but she's used to being on the side and helping out the principal by being the vice-principal, and that's really showing. Sermak said, the new logo was designed by an Okemos High alumnus who is a professional graphic artist in New York.. Hedlun Walton, counselor at OHS, has been working at the school since 2002. Brody International Cafe' for Brunch Recommended by Class of '65, (part of the MSU Brody dormatory) at Harrison and Michigan, East Lansing. The Okemos High School's principal on Monday. . The principals of Okemos High School, Christine Sermak, Hiawatha Elementary, Julie Bellinger, and Cornell Elementary, Tara Fry, are all retiring. at the Okemos High School cafeteria. Megan SampTickets can be bought online or at Studio C in Okemos. 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 Its A-wing and each wing of the high school is set on its own foundation. Okemos High School Principal Christine Sermak is retiring. I know Im taking precautions and I just hope that everyone else is, she said. 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. Megan SampVoters at the Hannah Community Center share why voting matters to them. 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. 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. Advertisement. Probably the hours. Ethan Fahy, a teacher at Okemos High School, feels differently. Great for Okemos Class Reunions, birthday parties & business meetings. I want that sense of empowerment to be able to go to adults and say This isnt working, here is a solution, Sermak said. Sermakeven took a photograph with her daughter to mark the occasion. Christine Sermak coaches the OHS girls varsity basketball team. So you want to make a news show? View Christine Sermak M Full Profile . Most school districts are choosing to do it voluntarily (switch logos), Leslee Fritz, director of public affairs, said. 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. Christine's daughter and my daughter became pretty good friends in high school. Address 2800 Jolly Rd Okemos, Michigan 48864 Information School type Public School district Okemos Public Schools. "We have seven buildings and we have five principals leaving us.. This is hilarious and I'm proud of the students who had the guts to put this together. What kind of lock down of the bathrooms are we talking about here? and Hulett and Hagadorn Roads on the East and West. This year the meeting dates are as follows: Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. So after Dr. Hyliard resigned, the vice-principal, Andrea Hallead, became the interim principal, which is where we are now. 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 . Christine Sermak, who is retiring by the way, has been an outstanding principal at Okemos High School. Okemos High School is part of the Okemos Public Schools district in Ingham County. Join the discussion, Playing Nov. 3-10: East Lansing Film Festivals silver anniversary. Photo courtesy Christine Sermak. She oversees a student body about three times the size of her previous Copyright 2023, Michigan State University. Mailing Address. 4000 Okemos Rd. Some students and community members seem to say it switched a few years ago. She said Okemos High School feels like home to her and she is thrilled to be back. Okemos has always exceeded expectations. Created the Okemos High School Hall of Fame. However, hes already hirednew principals for Okemos High School, Hiawatha Elementary and Cornell Elementary. And now after all these years, there are roughly twenty people leaving Okemos Public Schools. I was told all of that in 2009 and still no alterations or concerns have been raised about the sinking school since. 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. 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 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. Home-to-School Communication - Communication between home and school is critical to your student's success. Asst. Gov. LANSING Students once again filled the Okemos High School halls with chatter and laughter, nearly bringing Christine Sermak to tears. Call 888-694-6735 Domain for Sale Sermak.com $79,888 USD Take Advantage of Our Special Limited Time Offer! OHS provides students the opportunity to not only develop academically, but also culturally and socially. Hood sent an email with a list of over 20 employees leaving the district. Even with teachers finding new ways to make remote learning work, some students find it simply cant replace learning in a school setting. Comment why voting matters to you at the end of this story. Write A Review Gloria Rozeboom Be the first to leave a review! Volume 65." Original yearbook in the collection of Okemos High School. Christine Sermak is an EOS Integrator at Total Security Solutions based in Fowlerville, Michigan. Doing Business As: OKEMOS HIGH SCHOOL. She hopes to succeed with that tough looking, non-wimpy logo to represent Okemos. Her role as a counselor is to help students with all kinds of concerns ranging from emotional college stresses to career planning. Okemos High School | Okemos, MI 48864 | 517-706-4920 . 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. If you dont think all high schools across the country havent been slipping and having large scale issues youve been living under a rock. This includes: SAT/ACT Testing Snacks, Lanzetta Scholarship, Caught Reading Program, Teacher Luncheons, Wish Lists from OHSStaff,OEF Banquet, Okemos Cares, Post Prom and Senior Farewell. At Okemos High School in Ingham County, it is easy to believe the geeks shall inherit the earth. Its almost like when you get your vaccine, you just want to tear up, she said. I'm hopeful that you don't get in trouble for this. Theyre really the energy. Previously, different variations of the O were being used. Most of all its probably the negativity. Okemos High School is a public high school in Okemos, Michigan, USA. You appear to understand a lot approximately this, such as you wrote the ebook in it or Visit the FOX47News Website. Each November, the East Lansing Film Festival showcases independent films. It still is. I hope this sense of togetherness and family-type atmosphere continues because that is what makes Okemos great, Sermak said. The principals of Okemos High School, Christine Sermak, Hiawatha Elementary, Julie Bellinger, and Cornell Elementary, Tara Fry, are all retiring. 7:45 PM-9:15 PM Select from these options: Neighborhood News, Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts. . Though some may assume alumni would be upset about the logo change, the principal disagrees. 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 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. 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. Is it true that they want students to use clear bags as alternatives to backpacks? Tyler Bailey, a sophomore at Okemos, is indifferent on the mascot issue. After 21 collective years of teaching and leading at OHS, Sermak is retiring from the administration. This includes: SAT/ACT Testing Snacks, Lanzetta Scholarship, Caught Reading Program, Teacher Luncheons, Wish Lists from OHS Staff, OEF Banquet, Okemos Cares, Post Prom and Senior Farewell. By Rose Albrecht Christine Sermak coaches the OHS girls varsity basketball team. 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. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. - $9.50 for any meal prepared fresh while you tour the cafeteria/dining room. 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. Three of those positions have already been filled. It's celebrated and expected," said Okemos Principal Christine Sermak. 7:30 PM-9:15 PM Hiawatha Elementary - Library. 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. Address: 2800 Jolly Rd, Okemos, MI 48864 Principal: Christine Sermak Number of students: 1,267 (2015-2016) District: Okemos Public Schools Color: . 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. CONNECT Crew is designed to reinforce these shared values by allowing our own students the opportunity to lead and grow together, building positive relationships and expanding on our already well established tradition of academic excellence. Who is the principle of Okemos High School? Website User Guide 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. To honor her legacy, the OHS Press is reflecting past few decades with an in-depth interview about her time here. Thanks a ton for the positive feedback. Principal: Steve Delp. I think local schools understand that alumni (and communities) feel connected to their school and a big part of that is their mascot, Fritz said. (517) 706-4900. www.okemosschools.net. By: Mikayla Temple Posted at 12:00 PM, Dec 17,. Okemos High School. I will certainly be back. 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. OHS Parent Group Agenda Wednesday, April 21, 2021 9am Zoom Meeting Join Zoom Meeting. Waverly Community Schools and Grand Ledge Public Schoolsresumed in-person learning that day,and other school districts had offered that option several weeks earlier. These films range from comedies to dramas to long and short films. She found her AP biology class especially challengingbecause it lacked opportunities for discussion. 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. 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. Deal though because we are still the Okemos High School is a Public High is... Culturally and socially Okemos Public Schools wanted to come back to teaching students in their classrooms you... 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