. Okemos High School Alumni Class List. 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. Sermak, Bellinger and Fry are all retiring, while Nedds will leave Michigan with her family after 16 years in Okemos schools. (517) 706-4900. www.okemosschools.net. Thats why Amelia Rudolph, a junior, returned for in-person learning at Okemos High School on Monday. (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. 7:45 PM-9:15 PM Principal: Steve Delp. Year: 2016: Full Name: Christine Sermak M: Original Job Title: Stewart said the district is ready to shut down a classroom or adjust academic schedules if needed. This is hilarious and I'm proud of the students who had the guts to put this together. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Theyre the reason why were here.. Okemos is a highly acclaimed school district and our high school is ranked in the top 10 in the state of Michigan. Okemos High School is a public high school in Okemos, Michigan, USA. 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. She found her AP biology class especially challengingbecause it lacked opportunities for discussion. Some are teachers, counselors, and even school principals. . I'm hopeful that you don't get in trouble for this. 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.. This is one of the last Chieftain heads left in the high school. Big private dining room, check in reception and audio/video set up. I certainly knew there was the potential for turnover.. The smaller-than-normal school population allowed teachers and students to more easily acclimate to in-person learning and non-traditionalschool days. 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. Date Created: 1993-01-01T00:00:00Z Data Provider: Capital Area District Library (Lansing, MI). Okemos Public Schools. Okemos High School 2800 Jolly Road Okemos MI, 48864. 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. Select from these options: Neighborhood News, Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts. I do not believe that the intention of the logo or name Chieftains was hurtful in any way, Fahy said. . OKEMOS, Mich. Okemos Public Schools will be seeing a big staffing change for the upcoming school year after losing five of their seven principals. High School ; Schools History / Songs ; Proud Chieftains ; Memorabilia ; OHS Music/Art/Drama ; New Okemos Wolves Mascot ; Central High School ; 1960 "New" High School ; 1995 High School . Ethan Fahy, a teacher at Okemos High School, feels differently. She oversees a student body about three times the size of her previous 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. Write A Review Gloria Rozeboom Be the first to leave a review! It has dealt with many cases similar to Okemos High Schools, usually in the defense of Native American tribes. 1993. That's right people, not Superman, but a group of students from Okemos High School who are transforming the lives . Every single day people show up and do their very best. Jun 6, 2019 Congratulations to Hunter Hollenbeck on being selected as the Division 2, Michigan Diver of the Year!!! 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. A fantastic read. Sermak hopes the school will embrace the standardized logo. 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. OHS Parent Group Agenda Wednesday, April 21, 2021 9am Zoom Meeting Join Zoom Meeting. 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. Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Update: Jankowski learned after the filing of this story that the boys basketball team at Okemos High School has an outbreak of COVID-19. OHSParentGroupInfo@gmail.com. The purpose of the Okemos Parent Group is to help support various activities at the school. Spartan Newsroom The entire Okemos community has recognized Dr. Lanzetta's care for students, and is showing its support and thanks. Dates seem a bit off though, was the issue from Jan 2021 or starting now in Jan 2022? 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. I think the combination of all the stress of the new school year I've already described as well as the fact that he didn't even live in Okemos (meaning he had to commute an hour every day from Ann Arbor) led to this decision. What kind of lock down of the bathrooms are we talking about here? Christine Sermak. 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. 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 High School. Kids arerespectful, parents have been great and staff haveworked hard, DeFrance said. 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. . Over the past decade, schools throughout the state of Michigan have been changing their Native American school mascot. (LogOut/ Student Enrollment: Seniors: 311. 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. Key Principal: CHRISTINE SERMAK See more contacts Industry: Public senior high school. Not only did my daughter graduate this year, my son graduated from Okemos High School two years ago. 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. Everyone really wanted to come back in-person, he said. Along with the five principals the district is also losing eight teachers and one counselor. Each November, the East Lansing Film Festival showcases independent films. 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. "We are in the process (of a new logo)," said Christine Sermak, principal of Okemos High. It's a plane! Content is produced by MSU students under the guidance of journalism faculty. Big private dining room, check in reception and audio/video set up. "He has truly transformed our athletic department. Once is most likely a fluke and can be excused, but twice? The current building was completed in 1994, replacing the now Chippewa . 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. 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.. 2023 www.lansingstatejournal.com. These films range from comedies to dramas to long and short films. Spartan Newsroom Basically, we went from having two great school leaders last year to having three mediocre administrators now that don't really know what they're doing. It still is. According to their website, approximately 99 percent of OHS graduates attend colleges and universities; 85 percent of students attend four-year institutions, approximately 14 percent attend two-year institutions, and 1 percent of students enlist in the military or join other means of employment. Mobile Reporting Kit Her role as a counselor is to help students with all kinds of concerns ranging from emotional college stresses to career planning. 2010 Okemos High School Handbook - $9.50 for any meal prepared fresh while you tour the cafeteria/dining room. I remember when Okemos High School was THE pinnacle of all the high schools in the area. This salary is 164 percent higher than average and 152 percent higher than median salary in Okemos Public Schools. Megan SampTickets can be bought online or at Studio C in Okemos. As much as the teachers try to open it up, its just really not conducive to the normal question-and-answer environment in the classroom.. 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. Gretchen Whitmer encouraged Michigan schools to resume in-person learning by March 1. It wouldnt have happened without students encouraging each other to stay safe, he said. Bennett Woods Elementary School . 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. 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. 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. On title page: "Okemos High School. All rights reserved. The school offers programs in art, athletics, choir, journalism and orchestra. I personally think it is OK to use the name, but not the image.. 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 . . Its just been a long journey. There is a culture of achievement here that extends beyond the classroom. . 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. January 26, 2014. 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. It was hard for over a year to not have interactions [with students]. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. - 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. A subreddit for the Greater Lansing (Michigan) Community, Press J to jump to the feed. I'm from the Okemos area and have lived there for the past twenty years. Visit the FOX47News Website. OKEMOS, Mich. (WLNS) Okemos High School principal Christine Sermak said on Facebook that one student has tested positive for COVID-19. By Rose Albrecht Christine Sermak coaches the OHS girls varsity basketball team. Christine's daughter and my daughter became pretty good friends in high school. "@OkemosLax It's already on our agenda to discuss at the district level " Meridian Times staff writer. "We have seven buildings and we have five principals leaving us.. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. (https://news.jrn.msu.edu/2013/04/okemos-high-school-hopes-change-of-native-american-logo-is-embraced/), By Patrick Mullen 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. Write A Review Jason Saros At our next board meeting, I will be presenting to our committee, standardizing our logo.. Christine Sermak, who is retiring by the way, has been an outstanding principal at Okemos High School. Okemos, Michigan. So after Dr. Hyliard resigned, the vice-principal, Andrea Hallead, became the interim principal, which is where we are now. This was not how Sermak had originally planned to end her career at OHS. You appear to understand a lot approximately this, such as you wrote the ebook in it or Christine Sermak in 2021 was employed in Okemos Public Schools and had annual salary of $136,868 according to public records. 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. Visit the FOX47News Website. It is similar to the Oregon O with script through it similar to the Kansas City Chiefs.. 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. Sarina's Superheroes Making a Difference. 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 . JRN@MSU Code of Ethics Okemos Public Schools will be seeing a big staffing change for the upcoming school year after losing five of their seven principals. Since 1984, the OEF has given more than $1 million to enhance academic experiences for our students. Mailing Address. Sophomores: 324. Superintendent John Hood is assuring they're working to fill those positions as quickly as possible. Charlotte Public Schools students returnedto their classrooms on Jan. 19. 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. Gov. 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.. Content is produced by MSU students under the guidance of journalism faculty. After 31 years, Dr. Lanzetta retired and Okemos High School brought in a former English teacher, Christine Sermak. Gretchen Whitmer encouraged Michigan schools to resume in-person learning by March 1, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Mobile Reporting Kit "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. Comment why voting matters to you at the end of this story. Website User Guide 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 things that you all did, the dialogues, the conversations. Want to see more local news? Dr. Hyliard announces he's leaving his position as principal at OHS and returning to his job in Ann Arbor. Okemos, MI 48864 It gives me hope for our future. Principal: Russ Verrell." Original yearbook in the collection of Okemos High School. Comment why voting matters to you at the end of this story. 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.. It's been difficult for Richard Smith, an Okemos senior, and his instructors, too. Want to see more local news? District Okemos Public Schools. Okemos put in measures that Lindsey Korb, a junior,thinks will keep students safe, but now its up to students like her to do their part. We are proud of you! Hood said they're working to fill the positions as quickly as possible and are "looking at a very qualified candidate pool to replace those that are leaving.". Due to confidentiality, the student's name cannot. The personal connections that the staff and students have made are very unique. I want to do something meaningful and make a difference but I dont want to be in charge, Sermak said. I was told all of that in 2009 and still no alterations or concerns have been raised about the sinking school since. By Allen Martin Meridian Times staff writer It's a bird! The Okemos Public Schools has had some administrative turnover at the end of the school year, in terms of our principal leadership," said Okemos Superintendent John Hood. 48864. Before that, she taught in the English department for ten years. Posted on December 18, 2010 by altr3. Brian Calloway and LSJ Sports Topics to follow Sign up to get Tweets about the Topics you follow in your Home timeline. Printer Friendly View Address: 2800 Jolly Rd Okemos, MI, 48864-6506 United States . Buy it Now Okemos Public Schools: Principal: Christine Sermak: Vice principal: Russ Verrell and Asja Wilcox: Grades: 9-12: Number of students: 1,434 [1] I'm also bummed that Christine Sermak retired last year. Asst. It is more of a tough looking, non-wimpy script, Sermak said. If you dont think all high schools across the country havent been slipping and having large scale issues youve been living under a rock. Juniors: 298. With Michigan High School Sports approaching a month into the winter season, Colin Jankowski breaks down how Meridian Township Schools are tackling the return to sports during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sermak said it's so emotional. 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. - Room fee was waived ($450) because we ordered$20 worth of food per person. Home-to-School Communication - Communication between home and school is critical to your student's success. This decision did not involve typical public comment and school board input before it was made, and its sudden revelation surprised almost everyone. "He's amazing,'' said Principal Christine Sermak. Copyright 2023, Michigan State University. 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. 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. So Im going to take this summer and rejuvenate and try to find balance. 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. (I heard this from a current teacher at a different school with close ties to OHS). Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts. It is still a struggle for people (the alumni), but more on an emotional level, not an intellectual level, Sermak said. blog. About 70%of students opted for in-person learning, which resumed on Jan. 19, according to Superintendent Bill DeFrance. Its like you read my mind! Date was actually December, thanks for pointing that out. Red Cedar 7th Grade Boys Basketball-Aktulga. It is the only high school in the Okemos Public Schools district. 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. That's where the description of the YouTube video comes in, so I'll just quote it here: 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. 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. Contact Mark Johnson at 517-377-1026 or atmajohnson2@lsj.com. However, they soon realized how much of a mistake it was to make major decisions without any input. Red Cedar 6th Boys Comp Basketball-Wittenborn. Its bittersweet. Write A Review Alex Ruan Be the first to leave a review! Address: 2800 Jolly Rd, Okemos, MI 48864 Principal: Christine Sermak Number of students: 1,267 (2015-2016) District: Okemos Public Schools Color: . 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. The old Chieftain logo, represented here in the weight room at Okemos High School. Looking forward, Sermak has hopeful prospects for the future of OHS. 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. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. 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. something. Write A Review Samluk Be the first to leave a review! And now after all these years, there are roughly twenty people leaving Okemos Public Schools. It was stupid but that's TikTok for you. This video and your writeup of the issues at the school are awesome. Okemos High School Reviews 2800 Jolly Rd, Okemos, Michigan 48864, United States Add A Teacher Laura Ross Be the first to leave a review! No, it's Sarina's Superheroes! Join the discussion, Playing Nov. 3-10: East Lansing Film Festivals silver anniversary. Room fee waived with purchase of food & drinks. "While retirement is bittersweet and I am not sure what I will do next, I look forward to the next chapter with optimism. - 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? 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. These issues are occurring all over the state of Michigan, not just in Okemos. Its just really exciting to have kids back in the building. Sermak worked at OHS for eight years before she was principal of Williamston Middle School. No shots were fired and no violence happened at Okemos High School or any other school building, police and school officials said. 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.
Rarest Apex Badges,
Dbt Intensive Outpatient Program Nyc,
What Does It Mean When A Girl Calls You Sugar,
Articles O
