Affton Unplugged

On this episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast Superintendent Dr. Travis Bracht highlights the Affton School District Parents as Teachers (PAT) program, featuring parent educators Amber Peroutka and Mandi Murdick in honor of National Parent Educators Day. The discussion emphasizes that the PAT program serves families with children ranging from prenatal stages to kindergarten, functioning as a res...

This episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast features Superintendent Dr. Travis Bracht interviewing two local school administrators, middle school principal Dr. Kevin Griffin and high school principal Dr. Turner, in honor of National School Principal Month. Both educators share touching and surprising insights from their daily routines, including memorable student interactions, unique office items...

In celebration of National School Principal Month, this episode highlights the three local administrators from the Affton School District who serve as the principal of our pre-kindergarten through fifth grade schools. Each principal answers 10 quick questions that reveal daily highlights, leadership styles, community tips, and the small moments that make their work meaningful. Dr. Amber Sinamon fr...

In this episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast Superintendent Dr. Travis Bracht interviews members of the Affton School District's transportation department as they discuss school bus safety and the daily realities of their profession. The conversation highlights common public misconceptions, emphasizing that large vehicles require significantly greater stopping distances and wider turns than sta...

In this episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast Superintendent Dr. Travis Bracht interviews individuals from across the Affton School District as they share what they are most excited about this school year. Throughout the episode, students of all grade levels and educators from across the district express enthusiasm for various academic subjects, extracurricular activities, and social opportuniti...

In this episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast Superintendent Dr. Travis Bracht discusses the Youth Leadership St. Louis program with Affton High School teacher Brandon Lewis and two students involved with the program. Administered by FOCUS St. Louis, this internationally recognized initiative gathers high school juniors and seniors from various educational backgrounds to cultivate essential civi...

This podcast episode of Affton Unplugged features Superintendent Dr. Travis Bracht interviewing the Affton High School football coach and four team captains. Head Coach Max Buck explains that the program is built on the core values of preparation, competition, and teamwork to help students succeed both on and off the field. The players share personal stories regarding their growth as athletes, det...

This episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast features Superintendent Dr. Travis Bracht interviewing the school district’s IT department to celebrate National IT Professionals Day. The conversation introduces the technology team members, who discuss their varied roles in maintaining essential infrastructure, such as Wi-Fi networks, server-dependent HVAC systems, and cybersecurity protocols. They em...

In this episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast, Superintendent Dr. Travis Bracht introduces Dr. Eric Turner as the new principal of Affton High School. Dr. Turner shares his professional background, noting over two decades of experience as a math teacher and administrator in various Missouri school districts. He discusses his personal interests, such as golfing and barbecue, while highlighting hi...

In this episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast Superintendent Dr. Travis Bracht interviews Dr. Jason Buck, who was recently appointed as the Assistant Superintendent of the Affton School District. Dr. Buck reflects on his extensive career in education, which began in the late 1990s and included teaching and administrative roles in Oklahoma and Texas before he settled in Affton in 2010. He describ...

This episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast, hosted by Superintendent Dr. Travis Bracht, features an interview with leaders from the Affton Parents Club (APC). This nonprofit organization acts as a district-wide parent-teacher organization for all five local schools, though it emphasizes that alumni, grandparents, and community members without children are also encouraged to join. The discussion...

In this podcast episode of Affton Unplugged, Superintendent Travis Bracht interviews various educators from across the district to celebrate the Class of 2026 as they reach graduation. Teachers and administrators share nostalgic memories, tracing the students' journey from their first days in early childhood education through their final years in high school. The speakers highlight significant mil...

In this podcast episode of Affton Unplugged, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Cassandra Suggs turns the table on the 2026 Missouri Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Travis Bracht. Dr. Suggs takes the mic to lead this conversation with Dr. Bracht to provide listeners with a personal look at his life and leadership philosophy.  Dr. Bracht reflects on his upbringing in a family of educators and small busin...

This Affton Unplugged podcast episode, hosted by Superintendent Travis Bracht, explores the Seal of Biliteracy and the profound impact of language education within the Affton School District. Featuring Spanish teacher Matthew O'Brien alongside current and former students, the discussion highlights how this state-recognized credential validates fluency in multiple languages and appears on academic...

In this podcast episode of Affton Unplugged, Superintendent Travis Bracht interviews the director and several students involved with the St. Louis Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (STL CAPS). The program offers high school juniors and seniors hands-on professional experiences through strands like healthcare and business, moving education beyond the traditional classroom.  Director Dr. Tim...

In this podcast episode of Affton Unplugged, Superintendent Travis Bracht hosts a discussion celebrating National School Nurse Day by highlighting the vital role of the district's health services. The conversation features district health leaders and school nurses who explain that their responsibilities extend far beyond basic first aid to include chronic disease management and community health me...

On this episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast Superintendent Travis Bracht interviews several high school seniors involved in the St. Louis Centers for Advanced Professional Studies Medicine and Health Care program. The students represent various local high schools that include Affton, Bayless, Lindbergh, Kirkwood, Mehlville and Oakville.  The student associates discuss their capstone passion pr...

In this episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast Superintendent Travis Bracht interviews two members of the Affton High School golf team and their veteran coach. The discussion highlights a significant surge in participation, growing from just a few participants to a full fifteen-player roster capable of competing for team titles. Seniors Ben Davis and Jacob Hydar share personal milestones, includi...

On this episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast Superintendent Travis Bracht interviews several long-serving staff members preparing for their 2026 retirement. These dedicated educators that include Ray Crites, Bridget Nyberg, Laura Bangert and Dr. Deann Myers share reflections on their decades of service. The conversations highlighting the district’s tight-knit community and special memories like...

In this episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast, Superintendent Travis Bracht interviews South Technical High School Principal Dr. Jacob Lohse and three seniors from Affton High School to discuss the benefits of career and technical education.   South Tech offers 22 specialized programs, including veterinary assistant and construction innovations, which provide students with hands-on experience an...

In this episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast Superintendent Travis Bracht has a conversation with South Technical High School Principal, Dr. Jacob Lohse, and three juniors from Affton High School pursuing career paths in construction, culinary arts and cosmetology. The discussion highlights the unique hands-on learning environment at South Tech, where students from across St. Louis County gain...

On this episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast Superintendent Travis Bracht interviews new secondary educators at Rogers Middle School and Afton High School. These professionals come from diverse backgrounds, including military service, student teaching residencies, and previous experience in other districts or charter schools. During the segments, the teachers discuss their specific subject area...

On this episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast Superintendent Travis Bracht interviews a diverse group of new elementary educators at Mesnier Primary School and Gotsch Intermediate School. The participants include first-year teachers, career changers from corporate and service industries, and experienced specialists in art, counseling, and English Language Learning. Each guest reflects on their p...

On this episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast Superintendent Travis Bracht highlights staff from both Gotsch Intermediate School and Dance Moves STL. The participants describe a decade-long partnership that brings a ballroom dancing curriculum to fifth-grade students to foster social development and confidence.    Beyond learning physical choreography from various cultures, students practice mut...

In this episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast Superintendent Travis Bracht interviews school social workers Jessica Crawford and Kortney Wood to celebrate National School Social Worker Week March 2-6. The guests describe their professional backgrounds and explain how their roles serve as a vital bridge between the home, the community, and the classroom. They outline the diverse services they pro...