Affton Unplugged

63. RMS Celebrates Students of the Month

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.
Dr. Griffin shares insights into how the celebration has evolved to be more inclusive, involving families and staff members. Students are recognized in front of their families during a breakfast gathering, creating a supportive community environment. This month, students were honored for their gratitude, timely aligned with Thanksgiving, where teachers selected those displaying exceptional conduct.
The episode also features personal reflections from students and their families, who express pride and joy in being recognized for their character. As the podcast unfolds, listeners get to hear touching stories of these remarkable young individuals who make a positive impact in their school and community.

62. Students Engineer Success

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 prestigious Gateway Arch National Park Engineering Contest.
Discover the dynamics of student collaboration, creative engineering solutions, and the journey that led this talented group to secure first place. Learn how this hands-on program is empowering students to explore and excel in professional environments while preparing them for future careers in engineering and technology.
The McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis hosted the Contest Final Presentations. They were viewed by a judge panel consisting of current & retired engineers, engineering professors, and Gateway Arch National Park officials judged the team’s executive summaries & pitches. The STL CAPS team won first place and $1,500 in prize money.
STL CAPS is where high school juniors and seniors fast-forward beyond college to test-drive their future in high-skill, high-demand careers. The program is a collaborative partnership driven by the Affton, Bayless, Kirkwood, Lindbergh and Mehlville school districts. The engineering competition involved 13 students from 6 different high schools including Affton, Bayless, Kirkwood, Lindbergh, Oakville and Seckman.

61. Focused on the Future

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 tools like the Next Grad kiosk designed to aid students in pursuing higher education and career opportunities.
The conversation delves into the Affton Education Foundation's initiatives, supportive scholarships, and insightful bus trips that expose students to various college environments. The episode also highlights the robust support system in place for students considering enlistment or immediate employment, ensuring all paths are supported.
Listeners will learn about the comprehensive programs and resources available, aimed at paving diverse pathways for success, celebrating student achievements, and emphasizing a personalized approach to education and career planning.

60. Driven to Serve

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 importance of building relationships with students, and the unique challenges faced by drivers, like navigating multiple railroad crossings. From setting a positive tone for students' days to participating in bus safety competitions, our guests showcase their passion for creating a safe and caring environment.
Join us for a journey into the vital role of bus drivers, spotlighting their commitment to student safety and exceptional service. You'll gain a new appreciation for these unsung heroes who make a significant impact on the Affton community every day.

59. RMS Drama Club: The Day the Internet Died

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 students who share their excitement and preparations for the play.
"The Day the Internet Died" is a fast-paced, comedic play that explores a world thrown into chaos when the internet suddenly vanishes for a week. Hear from the budding stars like Silas, Joey, Ruby, Celia, and Hayden about their roles, from mayors to TikTok pranksters, in this zany tale of mystery and mayhem. Mr. Murphy also shares insights into the production's themes and the camaraderie and creativity it fosters among students.
Set to debut on December 12th, 13th, and 14th, the play promises plenty of laughs and memorable moments. Tune in to discover how these young actors are learning life lessons beyond the classroom, building friendships across grades, and creating unforgettable memories in the lively world of drama club.

58. RMS Volleyball: Serving Up Success

Welcome to this exciting episode of Affton Unplugged, where Superintendent Travis Bracht takes us to Rogers Middle School to meet the coach and players of the undefeated girls' volleyball team. Discover the stories behind their successful season and what makes this team truly remarkable.
Coach Michelle Breihan, a passionate educator and volleyball coach, introduces us to her talented team. Each player shares their journey, from the thrill of making the team to their memorable moments on the court. Hear firsthand why they love volleyball and how the team has shaped their school experience.
Join us as we dive into their season's highlights, including their impressive undefeated record and the unforgettable matches that defined their journey. Coach Breihan also shares her perspective on the growth and camaraderie within the team, celebrating their accomplishments and the bonds they've formed.
As these young athletes look ahead to high school, they reflect on their aspirations and the sports they'll continue to pursue. This episode is filled with inspiration, teamwork, and the vibrant spirit of Affton's volleyball champions.

57. AHS Fall Play: The Crucible

In this episode of Affton Unplugged, join Superintendent Travis Bracht as he delves into the captivating world of Affton High School's fall production, The Crucible. Meet the talented cast and crew members, including Sylas Hampton, the student director, Mary Cooper, the lead actress playing Abigail Williams, and key crew members Nick Owens and Landon, who bring the show to life with their skills in sound and set design.
Discover the creative vision behind this unique rendition of The Crucible, where traditional storytelling meets a spooky ambiance. Learn about the intricate set designs that exceed typical Broadway productions and the innovative use of sound and lighting to enhance the theatrical experience.
Listen as the students share their favorite moments, the challenges they've faced, and their love for the theater. Gain insight into the sense of community and personal growth that theater offers, as well as the excitement and anticipation leading up to the opening night.
Tune in for an inside look at the hard work and dedication that make Affton High School's theater productions a success. Don't miss the chance to be part of this thrilling theatrical journey!

56. AHS Mock Election: Engaging Students in Democracy

Welcome to the latest episode of Affton Unplugged, where Superintendent Travis Bracht takes you on a journey through the vibrant educational experiences within the Affton School District. In this episode, join us at Affton High School to explore their dynamic mock election, an engaging initiative that brings the democratic process to life for students.
Meet Mr. Tony Muyco, the dedicated AP Politics and Government teacher, and the student leaders who played pivotal roles in this educational event. Discover how the mock election is designed to deepen understanding of the political process while fostering respectful discussions on diverse viewpoints in today's complex political climate.
Listen as students share their experiences, challenges, and favorite moments from the mock election. Gain insights into the skills they developed, from public speaking and time management to crafting policies and engaging with peers. This episode is a testament to the power of active learning and civic engagement in shaping future leaders.

55. Portrait of a Graduate: From Our New Team Members

Welcome to this episode of Affton Unplugged, where Superintendent Travis Bracht delves into the Affton School District's Portrait of a Graduate Competencies. Joining him are new staff members who share their initial experiences and insights into these vital educational benchmarks.
The episode begins with introductions from a diverse group of educators, ranging from first-year teachers to seasoned professionals. Each brings a unique perspective on integrating the district's core values and competencies into their classrooms. The discussion highlights the importance of communication, critical thinking, creativity, global citizenship, adaptability, and empathy in shaping well-rounded students.
Listeners are treated to engaging stories from the new staff, illustrating how these competencies are being woven into the fabric of everyday learning. From fostering critical thinking in science classes to nurturing empathy and adaptability in kindergarten, the educators share their successes and challenges in bringing these concepts to life.
In a heartwarming conclusion, the episode wraps up with personal anecdotes and favorite moments from the teachers, showcasing the impact of Affton's supportive and collaborative environment.
Tune in to discover how Affton's Portrait of a Graduate is shaping the future of education, one classroom at a time.

54. Cybersecurity Awareness

Welcome to another insightful episode of "Affton Unplugged," where Superintendent Travis Bracht sits down with Adam Jasinski, the Director of Technology, to discuss the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity in education. As October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, this episode sheds light on the significance of cybersecurity for school districts, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved in safeguarding educational environments.
Adam explains the rising prevalence of cyber attacks targeting educational institutions, emphasizing the importance of awareness and multi-layered protection strategies. The conversation explores the role of AI in both facilitating and combating cyber threats, and the critical need for robust incident response plans. Listeners gain insights into best practices, including multi-factor authentication, regular updates, and comprehensive training for all staff members.
The episode also highlights the personal responsibility each individual has in maintaining cybersecurity, extending beyond professional life to personal and family realms. Discover the resources available for schools, the importance of continuous learning in cybersecurity, and how the Affton School District is actively addressing these challenges.
Join us in understanding how we can work together to create a secure educational environment, ensuring that learning remains the primary focus without compromise.