Affton Unplugged

76. Behind the Curtain at RMS

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 modern humor, and hear the cast members share their favorite memories and the joy of being part of this vibrant community. Mark your calendars for May 15th-17th to witness this exciting adventure. Don't miss out on the laughter, magic, and camaraderie that define Affton's Drama Club!

75. A Legacy of Learning: Honoring Affton's Retirees

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 captures the essence of community, resilience, and the profound impact of educators in shaping lives. Tune in to discover the stories and experiences that have defined their journey in education.

74. Shaping Futures at South Tech

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 career pathway programs. Each student discusses their career aspirations, involvement in extracurricular activities, and insights into what makes South Tech a valuable educational partner for high schools.
The discussion highlights the variety of programs available, the significance of hands-on learning, and overall passion for technical trades among students. Dr. Lohse emphasizes South Tech’s role in supporting student goals, providing career and technical education not easily accessible in typical high school settings, and addressing local industry workforce needs.
The discussion not only showcases the various programs available at South Tech but also illuminates the enthusiasm and dedication of the students participating in them. This episode of “Affton Unplugged” underlines the significance of career and technical education as a vital component of the educational landscape, aiming to equip students with the tools and experiences necessary for success in their chosen fields. The collaborative relationship between South Tech and partner schools demonstrates an invaluable approach to education, ensuring that students are prepared to thrive in an ever-evolving job market.

73. 2025 AEF Gala Recap: A History of Excellence

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 and memories shared by esteemed guests and Affton alumni who honor the legacy and mission of the Affton Education Foundation in supporting teacher grants and student scholarships.
This episode features Affton alumni Kyle Palacios, Angie Sykora, Tom Tran, Nick Fahs and Bill Thompson who highlight the teacher grant and student scholarship programs that the Affton Education Foundation supports. AEF has funded almost $500,000 in teacher grants and close to $1,000,000 in student scholarships. An added bonus in this episode is a first hand account of the rich AEF history and their 20 year journey as told by Judy Rethwisch and former superintendent Dr. Gay Tompkins.

72. Dreams for Schools

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 to young minds.
Learn about the unique collaboration between Affton School District and the California-based nonprofit, Dreams for Schools, which is dedicated to sparking creativity and excitement for technology education. Hear from Executive Director Nithin Jilla and program coordinators on their mission to inspire elementary students and prepare them for the future.
Meet the dedicated Affton facilitators, parents, and, most importantly, the students themselves, as they share their experiences, challenges, and ultimate achievements in this empowering initiative.

71. STL CAPS: From Classroom to Career

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 benefiting from this initiative. They share their experiences in medicine, engineering, business, and more, providing insights into how the program bridges high school learning with real-world professional environments.
Through personal anecdotes and expert guidance, discover how STL CAPS equips students with essential skills, fosters professional relationships, and prepares them for future academic and career pursuits. Tune in to learn more about this pioneering approach to education that champions innovation and ambition.

70. Unlocking Potential: Inside Affton's Gifted Program

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 of gifted students.
In this episode, learn about the specialized programs designed to challenge and support gifted learners. From coding adventures and paleontology digs to real-world problem-solving projects like Model UN and space exploration, the educators share their innovative teaching methods and memorable experiences. They emphasize the importance of developing critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, and a love for learning among gifted students.
Witness the stories of perseverance and success that define the Affton School District's commitment to gifted education. Whether through creative problem-solving in coding projects or the excitement of winning global competitions like Plant the Moon, this episode offers a deep dive into the impact and significance of gifted programs. Join us to celebrate the exceptional educators and students who make a difference in the Affton community.

69. AFHL: Legacy on the Floor

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 Grozdanic, the steadfast director, and Steven George Michael Elgin, a passionate coach of the Red Pandas. Together, they reveal the stories, dedication, and joy that fuel this local gem, where every child from kindergarten to 12th grade is welcome. From the spirited rivalry between the Red Pandas and Blue Dragons to the cherished all-star games, discover how this league champions teamwork, growth, and affordability—an antidote to costly club sports.
With heartfelt anecdotes and a look ahead to upcoming fundraisers and new youth athletic programs, this episode celebrates the community spirit that thrives in Affton every Saturday. Whether you're a floor hockey enthusiast or new to the sport, find out why Affton's approach is truly unique.

68. Poetry Out Loud

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 talent, fosters creativity, and brings together a community of poetry enthusiasts. From classroom competitions to district-level challenges, hear about the journey students embark on to express themselves through the beautiful art of poetry.
Listen in for memorable stories, inspiring moments, and the transformative power of poetry that resonates throughout the Affton School District. Don't miss this celebration of words, creativity, and education—hallmarks of what makes Affton truly great.

67. Affton Education Foundation: Stories of Impact

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 awarding 87 scholarships and totaling over half a million dollars. These scholarships have supported students' educational journeys, helping them achieve their college dreams.
Join us as we hear from former students returning from college to share their experiences and future aspirations. Learn how the Foundation and its supporters have played a vital role in nurturing and guiding these young talents, shaping their paths to success.
Plus, find out more about the upcoming Affton Education Foundation Annual Gala on March 1st, a celebration of the Foundations 20 years and the remarkable 60 year career of esteemed teacher Judy Rethwisch. Mark your calendars for an evening of nostalgia, performances, and gratitude.