Royal Oak Schools

Shaking the Tree, the Royal Oak Schools podcast hosted by Superintendent Dr. John Tafelski, was created to give the community a closer look at the people and ideas behind the work happening across the district.

New episodes drop bi-weekly on Fridays and are available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, making it easy to listen wherever you go.

Each episode brings listeners into conversations with the educators, students, staff members, and community partners who help shape the district. The goal isn’t just to share updates—it’s to talk about the real experiences behind them. From classroom innovation to student activities, the podcast highlights the everyday moments that make Royal Oak Schools what it is.

Students are an important part of the conversation. Royal Oak High School senior Mia Waterstredt joined the podcast to ask questions from a student perspective, while student representative Grace Hatton shared how students contribute to district discussions and decisions. Their voices offer a reminder that students aren’t just part of the system—they help shape it.

The show also features the educators who guide and inspire students every day. Band director Kyrstin Jensen and choir teacher Kirsten Williams discussed how performing arts programs help students build creativity, confidence, and discipline. Athletic Director Derek Smith and student athlete Javien Johnson shared how sports programs help students develop leadership, teamwork, and resilience.

The podcast also highlights the connections between the district and the broader community. Guests, such as Judge Derek Meinecke, have discussed programs like Justice 101 that introduce students to civic responsibility and the legal system. Other episodes have explored partnerships with neighboring districts and community service efforts inspired by the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

At its core, Shaking the Tree is simply a conversation—a chance for the community to hear directly from the people who make Royal Oak Schools what it is and to better understand the work happening every day in classrooms and throughout the district.

Listen to the most recent episode of Shaking the Tree: