Affton Unplugged

122. Class of 2026: Growing Up Affton

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 milestones, such as building renovations, navigating the pandemic, and participating in community traditions like the grad walk. Throughout the discussion, staff members express immense pride in the students' academic and athletic achievements while offering heartfelt advice for the future.
Ultimately, the memories of these staff members serve as a tribute to the resilience and growth of a special group of students that grew up alongside many of their mentors.

121. Turning the Tables: Superintendent Travis Bracht Unplugged

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 business owners, noting how his parents and grandfather inspired his career path. He discusses how playing high school football as a quarterback helped him develop a vocal and decisive leadership style despite his naturally quiet personality.
The conversation also explores his calm demeanor, his strategy for managing stressful situations, and his deep affection for rescuing Weimaraner dogs. Ultimately, Dr. Bracht emphasizes that his primary goal as a leader is to serve the specific needs of the district.

120. Seal of Biliteracy: Real Talk from the Classroom & Beyond

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 transcripts. Participants explain that learning a second language provides practical career advantages and fosters empathy by allowing them to connect with diverse cultures on a global scale.
The conversation also illustrates how the curriculum uses music, cinema, and literature to transition students from basic vocabulary to complex discussions regarding international history. The episode emphasizes that achieving biliteracy is a journey of personal growth that transforms students into more engaged, compassionate global citizens.

119. Bridging the Gap: Real-World Learning with STL CAPS

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 Luecke explains how the initiative utilizes partnerships with local businesses to provide internships, site visits, and professional skill development. Participating students share personal stories regarding surgical shadowing, marketing campaigns, and networking with peers from various school districts.
Collectively, the episode guests highlight how the program bridges the gap between high school and career, allowing students to build confidence and refine their future goals. St. Louis CAPS is an example of how business, community and public education can partner to produce personalized learning experiences that educate the workforce of tomorrow, especially in high skill, high demand jobs.

118. Beyond the Band-Aid: Celebrating National School Nurse Day

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 mentorship. 
 
Key improvements mentioned include the implementation of school-based immunization clinics to remove barriers for families and the district's pursuit of a "Heart-Safe" designation through specialized cardiac response training. The staff also discusses the use of wearable panic buttons to accelerate emergency response times and ensure student safety. 
 
The episode conversation emphasizes the collaborative nature of school health teams and their dedication to fostering a safe, supportive environment for academic success. Happy School Nurses Day!

117. The Next Generation of Medicine: STL CAPS Healthcare Showcase

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 projects, which required them to complete internships, community service, and educational presentations. The participants share their research on diverse healthcare topics such as traumatic brain injuries, pediatric oncology, and orthopedic surgery. Throughout the interviews, students explain how hands-on experiences at SSM St. Clare Hospital in Fenton and other local clinics have shaped their professional goals.
The episode concludes with the students detailing their future academic plans and aspirations to enter fields like physical therapy, fertility medicine, and humanitarian aid. Overall, the student testimonials highlight the significant impact of experiential learning on preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

116. On Par For Success: The Rise of Affton Golf

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, including impressive hole-in-one stories and the inspiration they draw from their families. Coach Jay Laue explains the technical structure of high school matches and the mental stamina required to navigate professional-grade courses and unpredictable weather.
The episode illustrates how the program fosters lifelong athletic skills and personal growth through both individual and collective achievements. The Affton High School golf season is in full swing and this team is on par for success!

115. The Legacy Chapter: Celebrating Our 2026 Retirees

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 taking students to the theater or winning Teacher of the Year. They also recount leadership journeys that included creative ways the district supported students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each retiree outlines diverse future plans, ranging from substitute teaching and consulting to international travel and gardening. The episode celebrates the professional legacies and personal connections formed within the Affton School District.

114. Skills That Stick Part 2: Exploring Career-Ready Education With South Tech

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 and industry-recognized credentials. Students highlight the value of learning from industry-professional teachers and the opportunity to build professional connections and practical skills before graduation.
 
Dr. Lohse emphasizes that the school serves as a vital career-focused environment where juniors and seniors can explore their passions using real-world equipment. The discussion illustrates how South Tech prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce or further specialized training.

113. Skills That Stick: Exploring Career-Ready Education With South Tech

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 industry-specific skills in over 20 different fields.
Dr. Lohse emphasizes that the school utilizes expert instructors from the workforce and professional-grade equipment to ensure a seamless transition into future careers. The participating students share personal stories about their favorite projects and the meaningful social connections they have built with peers who share their professional passions.
The episode highlights the amazing opportunities available to Affton High School students in partnership with South Tech to explore alternative educational opportunities that focus on practical application and trade certification.