Affton Unplugged

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 from the Early Childhood Center emphasizes the importance of building daily connections and maintaining a welcoming environment for young learners. Dr. Tina Bean of Mesnier Primary School discusses the high-energy atmosphere of her building and her pride in students' academic achievements. Finally, Dr. Christine Powers from Gotsch Intermediate School reflects on fostering student resilience, prioritizing open communication with families, and embracing the unpredictable nature of her profession.
From welcoming routines and family partnerships to classroom wins and school-wide celebrations, this episode offers a warm, behind-the-scenes look at the people shaping Affton’s schools.

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 standard cars. Drivers share essential student safety practices, noting that maintaining an appropriate indoor voice and remaining seated help prevent dangerous driver distractions. The participants also stress the critical importance of proper loading procedures, urging parents to wait for clear signals from the driver before approaching the bus.
Ultimately, the episode underscores the dedication of bus drivers who view their young passengers as precious cargo and prioritize safe transportation as the foundation of education.

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 opportunities. Younger children highlight simple pleasures like recess, lunch, and making new friends, while older pupils eagerly anticipate school sports, clubs, and field trips.
Meanwhile, teachers and staff members emphasized their eagerness to foster student growth, build meaningful relationships, and welcome new faces to their classrooms. Ultimately, the episode captures a vibrant community spirit and a shared optimism for the educational journey ahead.

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 civic and community leadership abilities. Throughout the school year, participants engage in real-world experiences, group discussions, and field trips to locations like the Federal Reserve to explore pressing societal topics.
Students also collaborate on action research projects addressing critical local issues such as gun violence and sickle cell awareness, ultimately creating positive community impacts. Both students and faculty emphasize that the program significantly enhances their public speaking, confidence, and interpersonal connection skills, proving invaluable for their future readiness and personal development.

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, detailing how they progressed from winless seasons to a winning record through dedication.
Their discussion covers practical aspects of student-athlete life, including the importance of academic balance, the necessity of film study, and unique pre-game rituals like drinking pickle juice. By emphasizing leadership and community support, the participants highlight how the football program fosters a sense of family and character development within the district.
The conversation concludes with advice for younger students, encouraging them to embrace the discipline and friendships found in high school sports.

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 emphasize the importance of digital safety, offering advice on password management and identifying phishing attempts to protect both district and personal data. The participants also share humorous anecdotes regarding common technical issues, including the effectiveness of restarting devices and the "haunted" nature of mismanaged Smartboards.
The discussion highlights how the IT team's behind-the-scenes efforts directly support student success and teacher efficiency through modern learning platforms. The episode concludes with personal reflections on the rewarding nature of working in education technology.

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 his deep passion for student success and the transformative power of education.
The conversation explores his initial impressions of the Affton community, where he emphasizes the school's strong traditions and upcoming facility improvements. Dr. Turner expresses his excitement for building interpersonal connections with students, staff, and parents during the new school year.

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 describes his professional evolution from a high school assistant principal and middle school principal to his recent work in college and career readiness.
During the conversation, he emphasizes the district's strong sense of community and shares personal stories about his own child's experiences within the school system. Dr. Buck expresses excitement about his new leadership role, particularly the opportunity to engage more deeply with elementary and early childhood education.
The episode concludes with a look at his unique history of delivering graduation speeches for various student cohorts, illustrating his longstanding dedication to the district's families.

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 highlights annual traditions such as the Back to School Bash and the Tri-Affton-Lon that supports student scholarships. Leaders explain that involvement is flexible, ranging from attending meetings to assisting with specific tasks like gardening or event concessions.
By fostering partnerships with the local chamber of commerce and emergency services, the APC aims to build a strong, inclusive network that supports both staff and students. The episode concludes by inviting listeners to share fresh ideas and help the organization continue to evolve.

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.