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. Okemos High School. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines, and Daily Forecasts. Juniors: 298. Minor changes that he was making just weren't sitting well with students and people noticed. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. 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. Michigan Princess Dinner/Dance Recommended by Class of '65, 2023. this comment makes me uncomfortable because youre so very close to right, but coming from the most absolutely terribly wrong angle. The principals of Okemos High School, Christine Sermak, Hiawatha Elementary, Julie Bellinger, and Cornell Elementary, Tara Fry, are all retiring. RU; DE; ES; FR; . The things that you all did, the dialogues, the conversations. 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. "We are in the process (of a new logo)," said Christine Sermak, principal of Okemos High. OKEMOS, Mich. Okemos Public Schools will be seeing a big staffing change for the upcoming school year after losing five of their seven principals. That's right people, not Superman, but a group of students from Okemos High School who are transforming the lives . Its almost like when you get your vaccine, you just want to tear up, she said. 2023 www.lansingstatejournal.com. 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. 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. Its like you read my mind! Hood sent an email with a list of over 20 employees leaving the district. 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. I'm hopeful that you don't get in trouble for this. 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. 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. A strong pool of candidates remains for the Okemos Montessori and Bennett Woods jobs, he said. "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. The ten choices were suggested by the Okemos community and alumni in a community survey which were sorted through by the student mascot committee. Its just really exciting to have kids back in the building. Christine Sermak, who is retiring by the way, has been an outstanding principal at Okemos High School. For a long time we have been a desirable district in which to work.. Viral Tweets Funny Tweets Popular images Rap NFL players Is it true that they want students to use clear bags as alternatives to backpacks? Meridian Times staff writer. 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. After 31 years, Dr. Lanzetta retired and Okemos High School brought in a former English teacher, Christine Sermak. Okemos Public Schools is losing more than 20 employees next school year including five principals. 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. Copyright 2023, Michigan State University. Gov. 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. Okemos High School Reviews 2800 Jolly Rd, Okemos, Michigan 48864, United States Add A Teacher Laura Ross Be the first to leave a review! I mean we are honoring Chief Okemos by being the Chieftains, said Josh Robison, a senior at Okemos and varsity athlete. This decision did not involve typical public comment and school board input before it was made, and its sudden revelation surprised almost everyone. 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 . Not only did my daughter graduate this year, my son graduated from Okemos High School two years ago. I'm a parent of a kid at Chippewa and another at one of the elementary schools in the district. Each November, the East Lansing Film Festival showcases independent films. 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. It is still a struggle for people (the alumni), but more on an emotional level, not an intellectual level, Sermak said. 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 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. Cydne Robinson, a junior at Okemos and varsity softball member, said she thought it was two years ago. 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. "We have seven buildings and we have five principals leaving us.. Most school districts are choosing to do it voluntarily (switch logos), Leslee Fritz, director of public affairs, said. Sermak, Bellinger and Fry are all retiring, while Nedds will leave Michigan with her family after 16 years in Okemos schools. Follow him on Twitter at@ByMarkJohnson. Some are teachers, counselors, and even school principals. Key Data. I want that sense of empowerment to be able to go to adults and say This isnt working, here is a solution, Sermak said. Spartan Newsroom Approximately 99% of Okemos High School graduates go on to colleges and universities; 85% of our students attend four-year institutions, approximately 14% attend two-year institutions, and 1% other (military, employment, or travel). "But everybody is understanding of each other during this difficult time.". Thanks a ton for the positive feedback. Sermak.com is available at DomainMarket.com. Waverly Community Schools and Grand Ledge Public Schoolsresumed in-person learning that day,and other school districts had offered that option several weeks earlier. Gov. It is more of a tough looking, non-wimpy script, Sermak said. 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. About 70%of students opted for in-person learning, which resumed on Jan. 19, according to Superintendent Bill DeFrance. The smaller-than-normal school population allowed teachers and students to more easily acclimate to in-person learning and non-traditionalschool days. On title page: "Okemos High School. . It's dumb that they thought a proper solution to bathroom vandalism was to simply not let students use the bathroom, but it's even dumber that it's stayed that way for half of the school year so far. Okemos, Michigan. Okemos, MI 48864 Principle: Christine Sermak Okemos High School (517) 706-4902 [email protected] Facility Coordinator: Cathy McKenna 517-706-5032 [email protected] Athletic Director: Brian Fuller 517-706-4930 [email protected] Okemos High School 2800 Jolly Road Okemos MI, 48864. Even with the drawbacks, she had overwhelmingly positive things to say about the position and the Okemos community. Okemos Public Montessori at Central ; Wardcliff Elementary ; Kinawa Grades 6-8 1968-95 ; Kinawa Grades 5-6 1995- Chippewa Grades 7-8 1995- High School . And, Im excited to find some balance and have a lot less emails.. 7:30 PM-9:00 PM Chippewa Middle School - Gym/Multipurpose. Visit the FOX47News Website. Okemos has always exceeded expectations. And because my kids attended Okemos Public Schools, I know several of these school principals who are leaving. Hood said the principal position for the high school has already been filled. Change). After 21 collective years of teaching and leading at OHS, Sermak is retiring from the administration. 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. Mailing Address. 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. She oversees a student body about three times the size of her previous Speaking of which is the school still sinking or did they sort that out? I've watched my kids grow up in the Okemos area while attending Okemos Public Schools. . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Just Lansing School District remains online only; its return to classroom learning is set forMarch 22. Sermak said: "Overall, I hope the school continues on the path it has established over many decades, though we do face some challenges. Red Cedar 6th Boys Comp Basketball-Wittenborn. Posted on December 18, 2010 by altr3. I think it was freshmen year, but they really started enforcing it my sophomore year, Robinson said. After school programs include events such as robotics, solar car racing and debate. Created the Okemos High School Hall of Fame. Jun 6, 2019 Congratulations to Hunter Hollenbeck on being selected as the Division 2, Michigan Diver of the Year!!! By Allen Martin Meridian Times staff writer It's a bird! OHS provides students the opportunity to not only develop academically, but also culturally and socially. Reviews, hours, contact info, directions and more. 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. OHS Parent Group Agenda Wednesday, April 21, 2021 9am Zoom Meeting Join Zoom Meeting. I can give a sneak preview, Sermak said. They had many great candidates for the position, and they picked out a new principal before the school year ended last year. (LogOut/ Want to see more local news? Charlotte Public Schools students returnedto their classrooms on Jan. 19. "It's OK to be a geek or nerd here. 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. I'm hopeful that the next full-time principal is at least to her level, and I hope this all gets sorted out before fall of 2023! Street . Hedlun Walton, counselor at OHS, has been working at the school since 2002. Okemos High School is a public high school in Okemos, Michigan, United States. 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. News and information from the Michigan State University School of Journalism. Its A-wing and each wing of the high school is set on its own foundation. I'm also bummed that Christine Sermak retired last year. The bus shuttled between all events, all day. Big private dining room, check in reception and audio/video set up. Students will still have access to their backpacks during passing time, increasing hallway traffic, a time when the most students would be vulnerable to potential violence. Over the past decade, schools throughout the state of Michigan have been changing their Native American school mascot. Megan SampVoters at the Hannah Community Center share why voting matters to them. 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. Christine Sermak in 2021 was employed in Okemos Public Schools and had annual salary of $136,868 according to public records. Since 1984, the OEF has given more than $1 million to enhance academic experiences for our students. Not being able to ask questions directly to her teachers made learning difficult for Rudolph. It wouldnt have happened without students encouraging each other to stay safe, he said. Built with the Largo WordPress Theme from the Institute for Nonprofit News. please contact Christine Sermak, Principal, for assistance. The student mascot committee will go through the rankings and make a recommendation to the school board on Jan. 24. 2010 Okemos High School Handbook Follow him on Twitter at@ByMarkJohnson. 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. It has dealt with many cases similar to Okemos High Schools, usually in the defense of Native American tribes. 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. Want to see more local news? Date Created: 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z Data Provider: The principals of Okemos High School, Christine Sermak, Hiawatha Elementary, Julie Bellinger, and Cornell Elementary, Tara Fry, are all retiring. Okemos High School Principal Christine Sermak is retiring. When you think about it, we have been out of this building since March 13 (2020), so its been a year. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Its bittersweet. Dr. Hyliard announces he's leaving his position as principal at OHS and returning to his job in Ann Arbor. "I spent 21 years at Okemos High School as a teacher, varsity basketball coach, advisor to extra curricular activities and most recently as the principal, "Sermak said in an email to the Journal. 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. The names listed below are alumni who have been searched for on this site from Okemos High Schoolin Okemos, Michigan . The nonprofit was created in 1997 and remains the longest running film festival in Michigan. 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. LANSING Students once again filled the Okemos High School halls with chatter and laughter, nearly bringing Christine Sermak to tears. . Contact Mark Johnson at 517-377-1026 or [email protected]. I dont know what I will do, but you will not find me in a cubicle, you will not find me as a greeter. 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. A celebration to honor Dr. Lanzetta is scheduled for Thursday, May 13 from 4p.m.-7p.m. 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 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. (LogOut/ 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 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. But he doesn't believe that's the sole cause. Sermak said she would miss the students and community of OHS the most. You appear to understand a lot approximately this, such as you wrote the ebook in it or and Hulett and Hagadorn Roads on the East and West. 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. Parent Group is a great way for parents to get involved in the school, meet other parents and help the teachers and students in various activities. 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 . 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. However, they soon realized how much of a mistake it was to make major decisions without any input. 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