Affton Unplugged

Welcome to Affton Unplugged with Superintendent Travis Bracht. In this episode, Dr. Cassandra Suggs joins the podcast to share her personal and professional journey — from a journalism and TV career (including interviews with Michael Jordan and working with Oprah) to becoming an educator and administrator. Dr. Suggs talks about her family, her start in English language learning (ELL), her transiti...

Welcome to the latest episode of Affton Unplugged, a podcast by the Affton School District that highlights the people and stories that make the district great. Join Superintendent Travis Bracht as he sits down with the Affton Parents Club (APC) President, Emily Grozdanic. In this episode, Emily shares upcoming events and initiatives for the 2025-26 school year. Discover how this dynamic group supp...

Join Superintendent Travis Bracht in this special episode of "Affton Unplugged," where we celebrate the remarkable journey of the Affton School District's Class of 2025. On the day of their graduation at Chaifetz Arena, these graduates shared heartfelt messages to their kindergarten selves, offering advice and reflections on their past experiences. Through candid and inspiring conversations, hear...

Welcome to another episode of Affton Unplugged, where we delve into the world of Rogers Middle School’s undefeated boys volleyball team. Join Superintendent Travis Bracht as he hosts an insightful discussion with Coach Natalie Kilgore, who shares her experiences fostering both teamwork and individual growth among her students. Discover how experienced players led their team to a victorious season...

Welcome to this special episode of Affton Unplugged, featuring heartfelt conversations with our dedicated English Language Learner (ELL) staff from the Affton School District. In this episode, Superintendent Travis Bracht sits down with ELL teachers to explore the vibrant stories and impactful work happening in our diverse school community. From inspiring personal journeys to the extraordinary sup...

Join us on this special episode of Affton Unplugged, as we dive into Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week. Host Superintendent Travis Bracht opens with a heartfelt message to express gratitude for the dedication, passion, and commitment our teachers and staff bring to the Affton School District. Hear firsthand from school leaders and students who share their appreciation and stories about the impac...

In this episode of Affton Unplugged, we introduce Joe Krabbe, the newest member of the Affton School District's Board of Education. As an Affton alumnus and passionate community advocate, Joe shares his journey from growing up in Affton to becoming a board member, driven by his love for the community and school district. With a strong belief in teamwork and service, Joe discusses his past roles in...

Join Superintendent Travis Bracht in this engaging episode of Affton Unplugged as we take you inside Rogers Middle School's Drama Club. Get an exclusive look behind the curtain with Mr. Murphy, the dedicated drama club sponsor, and meet the talented students gearing up for their production of "The Absolutely True Story of King Arthur." Discover how this unique rendition blends classic legends with...

Welcome to an inspiring episode of Affton Unplugged, where Superintendent Travis Bracht highlights the dedicated educators retiring from the Affton School District. Join us in honoring Amy Todt, Sheri Hogland, and Jeff Wulfert as they reflect on their remarkable careers, share cherished memories, and offer words of wisdom for the next generation of teachers. Through candid interviews, this episode...

In this episode of the “Affton Unplugged” podcast, hosted by Superintendent Travis Bracht, the focus is on South Technical High School, a comprehensive career and technical education center located in St. Louis County. The program features Principal Dr. Jake Lohse alongside three senior students from Affton High School—Connor Lang, Owen Bell, and Natalie Jobe—who share their experiences in various...

Welcome to this special episode of Affton Unplugged, where we offer an abbreviated recap and reminisce about the unforgettable moments from the 20th Annual Affton Education Foundation Hall of Fame Gala. Held at the Judith Rethwisch Auditorium, this event celebrated not just the foundation's milestone anniversary but also Judy Rethwisch’s 60 years in teaching. Join us as we hear heartfelt stories a...

Welcome to a special episode of Affton Unplugged, where Superintendent Travis Bracht takes you inside the exciting Dreams for Schools student showcase at Gotsch Intermediate School. Explore how students in grades three through five are designing their own video games in a remarkable 10-week after-school coding club session, aimed at making science, technology, engineering, art, and math accessible...

Welcome to the latest episode of Affton Unplugged, where we delve into the transformative STL CAPS program. Hosted by Superintendent Travis Bracht, this episode highlights a unique initiative giving Affton High School juniors and seniors a head start in high-skill, high-demand careers. Join us as we sit down with Dr. Tim Luecke, the Program Director, and students of Affton High School who are bene...

Welcome to a special episode of Affton Unplugged, hosted by Superintendent Travis Bracht, where we shine a spotlight on the Affton School District Gifted Program. Join us as we converse with three dedicated gifted instructors representing Mesnier Primary School, Gotsch Intermediate School, and Rogers Middle School. Discover the unique approaches they use to nurture the academic and affective needs...

Welcome to this special episode of Affton Unplugged, where we dive into the heart of the Affton School District's cherished tradition: the Affton Floor Hockey League. With over half a century of history, this league brings together kids of all ages and skill levels, nurturing not just future athletes, but a vibrant, inclusive community. Join Superintendent Travis Bracht as he introduces Edo Grozda...

Welcome to another exciting episode of Affton Unplugged, where Superintendent Travis Bracht delves into the vibrant world of "Poetry Out Loud" at Affton High School. Join us as we unveil the voices behind this creative initiative, featuring English teacher Dr. Troy Kozak and a group of talented students who share their experiences and passion for poetry. Discover how this competition nurtures tale...

Welcome to this episode of Affton Unplugged, where we shine a spotlight on the Affton Education Foundation Scholarship Luncheon. This cherished annual event takes place just before the winter break and brings together Affton alumni who have benefited from the Foundation's generous scholarships. The Affton Education Foundation, established in 2005, has made a remarkable impact over the years by awa...

Welcome to the Affton Unplugged podcast, where Superintendent Travis Bracht delves into the intricate process of determining school snow days within the Affton School District. As weather can significantly disrupt school schedules, this episode offers insights on how weather forecasting, decision-making, and communication play pivotal roles in ensuring student safety. In this episode, Superintende...

Welcome to "Affton Unplugged," the podcast where innovation and community pulse through the stories of the Affton School District. In this episode Superintendent Travis Bracht uses the power of artificial intelligence to have Google NotebookLM create a conversation based podcast about the Affton Unplugged podcast. Join Superintendent Bracht as he takes you behind the scenes, not through dry report...

Welcome to another insightful episode of Affton Unplugged, hosted by Superintendent Travis Bracht, where we delve into the significance of social-emotional learning (SEL) within the Affton School District. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Loren Widmer, Affton's Director of Student Services, as we explore the district's strategic integration of SEL into its educational framework. Discover how...

Welcome to the Affton Unplugged podcast, where we spotlight the inspiring people and stories from the Affton School District. In this episode, Superintendent Travis Bracht joins Principal Dr. Kevin Griffin to explore the special Student of the Month celebration at Rogers Middle School. This heartwarming event acknowledges students who exemplify virtues like gratitude, kindness, and responsibility....

In this episode of Affton Unplugged, Superintendent Travis Bracht takes a deep dive into the remarkable achievements of students from Affton and neighboring schools participating in the St. Louis Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (STL CAPS) engineering and technology course. Join us as students and their instructor, Mr. Gavin Grillo, share insights into their winning experience at the pres...

Welcome to this episode of Affton Unplugged, where Superintendent Travis Bracht interviews key staff members at Affton High School dedicated to enhancing career and college readiness for students. The episode introduces Dr. Jason Buck, Director of College and Career Readiness, and Mary Giunta, the Career & College Readiness Counselor and Senior Class Counselor, discussing their roles and new t...

Welcome to an engaging episode of Affton Unplugged, where Superintendent Travis Bracht takes you behind the scenes of the Affton School District's transportation department. Meet the dedicated bus drivers and transportation coordinator as they share heartwarming stories and provide an exclusive look into the daily routine of a bus driver. Discover the intricacies of pre-trip inspections, the impor...

Welcome to the latest episode of Affton Unplugged, where we dive into the heart of the Affton School District's vibrant community. Join Superintendent Travis Bracht as he takes us on a journey to Rogers Middle School, spotlighting the talented members of the school's drama club. In anticipation of their upcoming production, "The Day the Internet Died," we meet Mr. Joe Murphy alongside enthusiastic...