Shaking the Tree: A Royal Oak Schools Podcast

This week, Dr. Tafelski is joined by our new student co-host, Stella Rogers, for a conversation focused on the impact of the PTA across Royal Oak Schools.We’re joined by Marcella Rogers, President of the Royal Oak Council PTA. Marcella’s children attended Upton Elementary and are now in 8th and 10th grade, and she is also a PTA member at ROMS and ROHS.Additionally, Nellie Harrie, Member at Large for the Royal Oak Council PTA, joins the conversation. Nellie’s children attended Oakland and include a 5th grader, 8th grader, and 10th grader. She is also a PTA member at Oakland, ROMS, and ROHS.We also hear from Jess Sorbo, a PTA member at Northwood Elementary who chairs the Science Olympiad event and Trunk or Treat, and Tiffany Vosburg, President of the ROMS PTA and Vice President of Events for Michigan PTA.Learn more about the PTA and how to get involved: ⁠https://www.royaloakschools.org/parents__guardians/district_p_t_a⁠

This week, Dr. Tafelski sits down with Royal Oak High School seniors Stella Rogers and Rachel McGowan to talk about their future plans and reflect on what high school has meant to them. You’ll also hear from students across the district as they share what they’re most excited about in their next chapter—from preschool to kindergarten, fifth grade to sixth grade, and eighth grade to ninth grade.

This week, Dr. Tafelski sits down with Dr. Jennifer Kowalkowski, parent and Bond Steering Committee Member, and Kerry Derminer, ROMS Math Teacher and Royal Oak Education Association President, to take a closer look at the 2026 Bond Proposal. They explore the long-term improvements that go beyond the district’s day-to-day operating budget.The conversation dives into the work of the Bond Steering Committee, showing how community input, facility priorities, and financial strategy come together to build a thoughtful, responsible proposal. Listeners will learn how key decisions were made, where investments are focused, and what it all means for students, staff, and the broader community.This is part 2 of a 2-part series.

This week, Dr. Tafelski sits down with Dr. Jennifer Kowalkowski, parent and Bond Steering Committee Member, and Kerry Derminer, ROMS Math Teacher and Royal Oak Education Association President, to take a closer look at the 2026 Bond Proposal. They explore the long-term improvements that go beyond the district’s day-to-day operating budget.The conversation dives into the work of the Bond Steering Committee, showing how community input, facility priorities, and financial strategy come together to build a thoughtful, responsible proposal. Listeners will learn how key decisions were made, where investments are focused, and what it all means for students, staff, and the broader community.This is part 1 of a 2-part series.

This week, Dr. Tafelski is joined by 44th District Court Judge Hon. Andrew Kowalkowski and Genna Merrick, Social Studies and Math teacher at ROMS and Teen Court Coordinator. They discuss the Teen Court program, which gives 7th- and 8th-grade students a hands-on look at the justice system. From serving on a jury to deliberating and helping determine sentences, students experience what the legal process looks like while learning about responsibility, fairness, and civic engagement.Plus, you'll hear directly from students Natalie Carpus and Reid Stark, who participated in Teen Court, and they'll share their experiences as part of the process.Learn more about Teen Court here:https://www.romi.gov/319/Programs

This week. Dr. Tafelski is joined by the 44th District Court Judge Derek Meinecke. They discuss the Justice 101 program, which teaches students about the court system and its importance to Royal Oak students. Plus, you'll hear directly from the students who were part of the program! Learn more about Justice 101 here:https://www.romi.gov/319/Programs

This week, Dr. Tafelski is joined by Royal Oak High School student-athletes Javien Johnson and Johnny Friedrich. They discuss the excitement surrounding the upcoming signing day at Royal Oak High School and reflect on how Royal Oak Schools' athletics has prepared them for success beyond high school—both on and off the field.

On this episode of Shaking the Tree, Dr. Tafelski is joined by Dr. Joseph Youanes, Deputy Superintendent of Royal Oak Schools, and Jeanette McLeod, Developmental Kindergarten Teacher at Keller Elementary. Together, they discuss the upcoming Kindergarten Information Night and walk families through the kindergarten enrollment process. Plus, you’ll hear directly from Keller kindergarten students as they share what they love most about kindergarten!Learn more about Kindergarten Information Night here:https://www.royaloakschools.org/whats_new/kindergarten_information_night_2026

On this episode of Shaking the Tree, Dr. Billy Shellenbarger, Superintendent of Clawson Public Schools, and Scott Francis, Superintendent of Berkley Schools, join Dr. Tafelski. They discuss their collaboration on the annual Day On, Not a Day Off event in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, highlighting the importance of service, partnership, and community impact.Learn more about the event here:https://www.romi.gov/998/MLK-Service-DayIf you would like to donate, click here:https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2QRCFD82LN24U?ref_=wl_share

On this episode of Shaking the Tree, we prepare for Royal Oak Schools' holiday break with the ROHS Band and Choir teachers, Kyrstin Jensen and Kirsten Williams.

On this episode of Shaking the Tree, we discuss the early childhood programs available through Royal Oak Schools, hear what students Anna and Frankie enjoy about the program, and what they think about podcasts.

On this episode of Shaking the Tree, we will explore UMatter Week at Royal Oak Middle School, and learn from Dr. Tafelski about Care Solace and the impact of the program on an educational community.

On this episode of Shaking the Tree, we explore the relationship between the Superintendent and the Union President to get some insight on how communication and common goals are the keys to success in the Royal Oak School District

On this episode of Shaking the Tree, we invite one of our School Board Student Representatives to the program to get some insight on how decision makers and students interact in the Royal Oak School district

On this episode of Shaking the Tree, we talk all things performing arts, get an update on the state budget, and answer questions from Royal Oak Schools' students!

On this episode of Shaking the Tree, we explore all things athletics and activities with our new Athletic Director, Derek Smith, and star football player, Javien Johnson.

On this episode of Shaking the Tree, Mia Waterstredt, a senior at Royal Oak High School, joins us on the show to ask Dr. Tafelski the important questions.

On Episode 1 of Shaking the Tree, Jaret Grisamer, Multimedia Specialist for Royal Oak Schools, sits down with Dr. John Tafelski asking the hard-hitting questions and the not-so-hard-hitting in this one-on-one interview.