The old Chieftain logo, represented here in the weight room at Okemos High School. The Okemos High School's principal on Monday. While COVID-19 didn'thelp with staff retention, Hood stopped short of calling it the sole reason for the departures. There is a culture of achievement here that extends beyond the classroom. Want to see more local news? This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Bennett Woods Elementary School . JRN@MSU Code of Ethics 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. 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. Cydne Robinson, a junior at Okemos and varsity softball member, said she thought it was two years ago. 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. Even with the drawbacks, she had overwhelmingly positive things to say about the position and the Okemos community. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Design a site like this with WordPress.com. 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. Academically speaking, you can't get much better than Okemos Public Schools. . By: Mikayla Temple Posted at 12:00 PM, Dec 17,. Sermak said: "Overall, I hope the school continues on the path it has established over many decades, though we do face some challenges. Each November, the East Lansing Film Festival showcases independent films. I mean we are honoring Chief Okemos by being the Chieftains, said Josh Robison, a senior at Okemos and varsity athlete. 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. Address: 2800 Jolly Rd, Okemos, MI 48864 Principal: Christine Sermak Number of students: 1,267 (2015-2016) District: Okemos Public Schools Color: . Sophomores: 324. Sermakeven took a photograph with her daughter to mark the occasion. 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. Photo courtesy Christine Sermak. Okemos High School 2800 Jolly Road Okemos MI, 48864. It is more of a tough looking, non-wimpy script, Sermak said. Big private dining room, check in reception and audio/video set up. "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. However, hes already hirednew principals for Okemos High School, Hiawatha Elementary and Cornell Elementary. The current building was completed in 1994, replacing the now Chippewa . We werent allowed to put it (the Chieftain Head) on any uniforms or any of our sweats that we would buy anymore.. Date was actually December, thanks for pointing that out. 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 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. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 7:30 PM-9:15 PM Hiawatha Elementary - Library. Year: 2016: Full Name: Christine Sermak M: Original Job Title: RU; DE; ES; FR; . Christine Sermak is graduating from her time as Okemos High Schools Principal with the class of 2021. Over the past decade, schools throughout the state of Michigan have been changing their Native American school mascot. According to Sermak, the new look O will cover all sports and represent the entire school. She said Okemos High School feels like home to her and she is thrilled to be back. None of this has to do with anything academic or college prep. "I can give a sneak preview," Sermak said. 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. 2010 Okemos High School Handbook Private banquet room avaliable. We got Fruit Kabobs, Jumbo Shrimp, Mini Chicken Quesadillas, Beef Wellingtons and desert table all for $30 pp. Since then, teachers have had the opportunity to get vaccinated and officials continue to watch for any signs of COVID-19 spread. This decision did not involve typical public comment and school board input before it was made, and its sudden revelation surprised almost everyone. "While retirement is bittersweet and I am not sure what I will do next, I look forward to the next chapter with optimism. Since 1984, the OEF has given more than $1 million to enhance academic experiences for our students. This is an administrative and policy issue. I remember when Okemos High School was THE pinnacle of all the high schools in the area. All Rights Reserved. Okemos has always exceeded expectations. They have innovated in ways and taught expectations in ways that have been amazing for students.. It is the only high school in the Okemos Public Schools district. Hood said the principal position for the high school has already been filled. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Mobile Reporting Kit 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. Contact Mark Johnson at 517-377-1026 or atmajohnson2@lsj.com. 7:30 PM-9:00 PM Chippewa Middle School - Gym/Multipurpose. I'll just say that he might have a little more trouble finding a new principal position somewhere if he really wants to. 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. Option 1 Pay $3,329 USD* per month for 24 months. this comment makes me uncomfortable because youre so very close to right, but coming from the most absolutely terribly wrong angle. 2023 www.lansingstatejournal.com. Thanks a ton for the positive feedback. This was not how Sermak had originally planned to end her career at OHS. I'd say that the beginning of most of these problems started after principal Christine Sermak retired at the end of last year. I love to read so I will read, I will work out, and then Im not really sure. "@OkemosLax It's already on our agenda to discuss at the district level " Red Cedar 7th Grade Boys Basketball-Aktulga. 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. This is just sad. Some students and community members seem to say it switched a few years ago. This year the meeting dates are as follows: Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Hood said the principal position for the high school has already been filled. 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. Hood sent an email with a list of over 20 employees leaving the district. Reviews, hours, contact info, directions and more. 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. It was a hard choice to please contact Christine Sermak, Principal, for assistance. 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. 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. Course Guide, Master Schedule, Student Handbook, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). These films range from comedies to dramas to long and short films. "I can give a sneak preview," Sermak said. It's a plane! 2800 Jolly Rd. Let Us Know Are you Principal Sermak? Principal: Steve Delp. Buy it Now Not only are Okemos Public Schools losing 5 of 7 principals, the Greater Lansing school district is currently looking to hire over 80 teachers. Christine Sermak is graduating from her time as Okemos High School's Principal with the class of 2021. Okemos Board of Education Administration Center. Others, however, said the process of the logo change has been occurring for at least seven years.. Student Population: 1193. 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. You appear to understand a lot approximately this, such as you wrote the ebook in it or I want that sense of empowerment to be able to go to adults and say This isnt working, here is a solution, Sermak said. Its A-wing and each wing of the high school is set on its own foundation. Update: Jankowski learned after the filing of this story that the boys basketball team at Okemos High School has an outbreak of COVID-19. Superintendent of Okemos schools Cheryl Kreger 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. Dr. Hyliard announces he's leaving his position as principal at OHS and returning to his job in Ann Arbor. News and information from the Michigan State University School of Journalism. Megan SampVoters at the Hannah Community Center share why voting matters to them. Superintendent Mandy Stewart said the decision was made after seeing the community support for in-person learning. Each November, the East Lansing Film Festival showcases independent films. Spartan Newsroom 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. Brian Calloway and LSJ Sports Topics to follow Sign up to get Tweets about the Topics you follow in your Home timeline. Thats why Amelia Rudolph, a junior, returned for in-person learning at Okemos High School on Monday. Sending it to okemos schools admin. Fast-forward to the end of October. It wouldnt have happened without students encouraging each other to stay safe, he said. Im more of a discussion-based learner and I felt like I wasnt getting a lot of conversation over Zoom, she said. "We are in the process (of a new logo)," said Christine Sermak, principal of Okemos High. Write A Review Samluk Be the first to leave a review! Faculty Population: 95. Sermak.com is available at DomainMarket.com. She taught with Rachel Freeman (English) and Diane Dockus (English) and grew up competing against Danielle Tandoc (Science) in sports. How the mighty have fallen. And thanks to all teachers who put in countless hours as well. Neighborhood Pub offering 24 rotating draught beers, scratch kitchen & craft cocktails. Okemos, MI. I've watched my kids grow up in the Okemos area while attending Okemos Public Schools. So Im going to take this summer and rejuvenate and try to find balance. It still is. 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. 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? OKEMOS, Mich. Okemos Public Schools has narrowed down it's ten mascot choices to four. 7:45 PM-9:15 PM Gov. Mailing Address. 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. Hedlun Walton, counselor at OHS, has been working at the school since 2002. Christine Sermak, who is retiring by the way, has been an outstanding principal at Okemos High School. Before that, she taught in the English department for ten years. 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. OHSParentGroupInfo@gmail.com. He has taken us to the next level . Its part of the natural cycle of turnover, he said. I think it was freshmen year, but they really started enforcing it my sophomore year, Robinson said. The principals of Okemos High School, Christine Sermak, Hiawatha Elementary, Julie Bellinger, and Cornell Elementary, Tara Fry, are all retiring. Minor changes that he was making just weren't sitting well with students and people noticed. Sermak, Bellinger and Fry are all retiring, while Nedds will leave Michigan with her family after 16 years in Okemos schools. Call 888-694-6735 Domain for Sale Sermak.com $79,888 USD Take Advantage of Our Special Limited Time Offer! Previously, different variations of the O were being used. Okemos Public Schools will be seeing a big staffing change for the upcoming school year after losing five of their seven principals. 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. Just Lansing School District remains online only; its return to classroom learning is set forMarch 22. "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. 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. Most school districts are choosing to do it voluntarily (switch logos), Leslee Fritz, director of public affairs, said. 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. Forest Parke Library and . According to the Lansing State Journal, the Okemos High School's principal greeted students who chose to return for in person learning at the high school for the first time in nearly a year because of the coronavirus pandemic. "He's amazing,'' said Principal Christine Sermak. I dont take that for granted.. I'm also bummed that Christine Sermak retired last year. The board members are Young Mi Choi-DeYoung, President, Valerie Long, Vice President, Lingling Wu, Treasurer, Jackie Karamanos, Secretary. I dont know what I will do, but you will not find me in a cubicle, you will not find me as a greeter. Hood said they're working to fill the positions as. . Join the discussion, Playing Nov. 3-10: East Lansing Film Festivals silver anniversary. 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. 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. Ethan Fahy, a teacher at Okemos High School, feels differently. They had many great candidates for the position, and they picked out a new principal before the school year ended last year. Okemos High School 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. 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. - 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. 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