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-Day

If 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.