Affton Unplugged

43. Words of Wisdom from the Class of 2024

Welcome to Affton Unplugged, a podcast by the Affton School District that highlights the people and stories that make the district great. I'm your host, Superintendent Travis Bracht, and in the Affton School District, education is the most important thing we do.
In this episode, we talk with graduates from the class of 2024 as they share their favorite moments from their senior year and offer valuable advice for next year's seniors. From sports nights to making lasting memories with friends, these students reflect on what made their final year at Affton High School special.
Congratulations to all of our class of 2024 graduates! Join us as we celebrate their achievements and hear their insights on making the most of your high school experience. Enjoy their stories, advice, and the sense of community that defines Affton High School.

42. Class of 2024 Finishes Strong

Welcome to a special episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast where we take you back in time and relive the class of 2024 graduation ceremony. In this episode, we revisit the exhilarating speeches of prominent speakers including the Acting Principal, Dr. Jason Buck, two distinguished student speakers, and Superintendent, Dr. Travis Bracht.
Get ready to experience the overwhelming power of Superintendent Travis Bracht's congratulatory message, praising the resilience and accomplishments of the students, infusing them with leadership skills, and imparting wisdom about life lived with courage, kindness, and passion.
Next, delve into the passionate monologues of Isabella Behrle as she shares her journey - from young dreams to the brink of a new life, capturing the naiveté of youth, the thrill of embracing unknowns, and the nostalgia coupled with hope for the future.
The narrative is followed by Yasamin Mohammadgul expressing her gratitude for those who've significantly influenced her life, notably her mother. Her speech touches many hearts, reminding us of the profound impact the influential figures in our lives can have on our personal journey.
Take a trip down memory lane as we recall the challenges, triumphs, and major leaps that have brought us to the graduation moment and the future that lies ahead.
In this special episode, we immerse ourselves in the profound graduation speeches that express gratitude to teachers, coaches, peers, and parents. These speeches inspire all to persevere, irrespective of the hardships faced, emphasizing the shared journey towards laudable growth and learning.
We finish by reflecting upon life post-graduation, focusing on personal growth through trials, the importance of ambition, and resilience. The speaker concludes by reminiscing the invaluable lessons and experiences of their school life that have equipped them with tools to face future challenges.
Listen to the heartfelt words of wisdom pushing them, and you, towards embracing life's unpredictability. Let this be your guiding force as well as your comfort in uncertain times - courage, kindness, embracing diversity, maintaining determination, building resilience, and nurturing personal pride – the potent keys to navigating life's journey.

41. Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week

Welcome to Affton Unplugged, the podcast that takes you into the heart of the Affton School District by highlighting the individuals and narratives that form this remarkable learning community. For our latest episode, we turn our attention to National Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, devoting the entirety of this special edition to appreciating and recognizing the excellent work of our teachers.
For the most comprehensive insight, we hear directly from our students. From the youngsters at Mesnier Primary School to the mature voices at Affton High School, all students were eager to share their views on their teachers. Responses beautifully encapsulate the enthusiasm, affection, and respect teachers inspire daily.
Our younger students expressed their love and appreciation for their teachers widely. Words like 'kind,' 'fun,' 'helpful,' and 'nice' were frequently used to describe teachers who made learning enjoyable and engaging for them.
Moving up to Gotsch Intermediate School, students fondly spoke about the flexibility and generosity offered to them by their teachers. They mentioned the varied teaching strategies and learning activities, teachers' willingness to answer questions and provide ample time for task completion, the extra recess, and the unforgettable field trips!
At Rogers Middle School, the appreciation for teachers jumped up a notch, with students expressing gratitude for teachers treating all students equally, creating a welcoming learning environment, offering individualized attention, and providing substantial educational support.
Finally, at Affton High School, the students portrayed their teachers as hardworking, selfless, approachable, passionate, and dedicated educators. They particularly appreciated their teachers for incorporating students' interests in the learning process, maintain high teaching standards and provide early morning ice cream when necessary!
In summary, the episode offered a momentous celebration and acknowledgment of the teachers' significant contributions to the Affton School District. Don't miss out on hearing these heartfelt testimonials that paint a vivid picture of the positive impact made by our educators!

40. Building The Future: Gotsch Intermediate Student Leaders

Join our newest episode of 'Affton Unplugged' with Superintendent Travis Bracht, set in the vibrant educational environment of Gotsch Intermediate School. Discover how the Affton School District is bridging the gap between staff and students, brought into the limelight through inspiring hidden tales from the heart of their scholastic ecosystem. Explore the thoughtful journey and diverse experiences of cultivating young leaders via the district's thriving Student Leadership Program.
SEL Interventionist, Mrs. Greta Pitcher, and Assistant Principal, Dr. Sarah Davidovits, provide keen insight into their roles and experiences in shaping these young leaders. Join us as we delve into the essence of the Student Leadership Program, its progression, and their shared vision for its future.
Our spirited student leaders, each with their unique passion and ambitions, provide insights into their experiences. They candidly share the application process, outline their leadership roles, and discuss the program's beneficial impact on their development - from voice cultivation to problem-solving, and fostering a thriving school environment.
Finally, we conclude the episode with a nuanced dialogue on the program's approach towards nurturing student voices, community partnership, and its role in promoting the school's improvement goals and the integration of cultural learning into their curriculum. Hear our young leaders discuss their unique learning experiences, their commitment, and how they are striving towards positive changes in their school.
In an era where student voices are often overlooked, the Affton School District has been relentless in championing student leadership and advocacy. Tune in to this not just as a podcast episode, but a testament to the innate potential within every young mind, inspiring educators, parents, and students alike.

39. Undefeated: RMS Boys Basketball

Welcome to the latest episode of Affton Unplugged, where we delve into the heart of Affton School District by spotlighting its individuals and their accomplishments. In this episode, we focus on the acclaimed Rogers Middle School Basketball Team, and their extraordinary undefeated season. Our host, Superintendent Travis Bracht, invites you to enjoy the stories of our young champions and their dedicated coach, which detail their victorious journey and their thoughts on this triumphant achievement.
Meet our guests - the esteemed Rogers Middle School Basketball Team, composed of three standout players and their devoted coach. Our first conversation is with the beloved coach, Mr. DiDonato, a seventh-grade social studies teacher with a long history with the Afton School District. He shares his unique path which led him to Rogers Middle School, and a glimpse into his personal life.
Following the coach are key players Dresden, Drake, and Breylon - eighth-graders with diverse interests extending beyond the basketball court. Our discussion encompasses their winning season, detailing their successes, tryouts, off-court antics, and their relationships within the team. The coach attributes their undefeated victories to the exceptional bond within the team, providing a far-reaching glimpse into their unity and love for the game.
The episode concludes with memorable highlights of the season, and expressions of gratitude from Coach DiDonato and the team members who underscore the essence of teamwork in their unbeaten season. Tune in to celebrate the undefeated Rogers Middle School basketball champions. Listen to their victorious story filled with teamwork, fortitude, and unforgettable memories—all while garnering valuable life lessons applicable beyond the game of basketball.

38. The Next Chapter: Retirement

Welcome to this special episode of Affton Unplugged, where Superintendent Travis Bracht sits down with two retiring educators from Mesnier Primary School in the Affton School District - Cheryl Ladd and Janet Peistrup. Each of them has worked extensively in shaping the growth and learning of numerous students throughout their teaching careers.
In the first part, Cheryl takes us through her journey from an Affton graduate to becoming a beloved kindergarten teacher who took a break to focus on her family before returning to her Alma mater to dedicate another 19 years. Janet, a reading and language teacher who transformed into a reading specialist, discusses how her three-decade-long career has been instrumental in helping students acquire foundational reading skills.
Sharing a sense of nostalgia, both the retiring educators illuminate their profound love for education, the undying passion which shaped their careers, and the positive influence they’ve had on students' lives. They offer valuable career advice for fellow educators and highlight how embracing change, balancing work with personal well-being, and maintaining an open mind can lead to better learning outcomes.
In the later part of the episode, Cheryl and Janet share some heartwarming classroom stories, shedding light on the immense impact educators have on their students. As they head towards retirement, our guests express their gratitude towards the Affton School District for fostering a supportive environment that helped them grow both personally and professionally.
Join us in this episode of Affton Unplugged as we celebrate the achievements of Cheryl and Janet, two exemplary educators whose contribution to the domain of education is truly inspiring!

37. Behind the Curtain: AHS Spring Musical

In this thought-provoking episode of Affton Unplugged, host Travis Bracht takes an insider's tour of the preparations for Affton High School's highly-anticipated spring musical, Into the Woods. This behind-the-scenes look peels back the curtain, revealing the passion, hard work, and commitment Affton's young thespians put into bringing their characters to life.
Sylas Hampton and Mary Cooper, cast members and high school students themselves, willingly share their experiences. They delve into their dual lives – managing their academic responsibilities while devoting countless hours to rehearsals. Sylas divulges his recent success at the FCCLA competition, while Mary expresses her deep-rooted love for the arts.
Furthermore, they take us through the twisted and thrilling storyline of Into The Woods. The viewers get to understand the complexity of their characters, the Baker and his wife, and how these vibrant roles intertwine with the other Grimm's Brothers tales within the musical.
Sylas and Mary further discuss their journey of managing the challenging music score while synchronizing dialogues with specific actions. Amidst these challenges, their devotion to theatre and their roles is burning brighter than ever - illuminating their words with the fervor that can only come from a love of theatre.
Moving beyond the stage's glare, the duo delve into their plans after high school. From dreams to fears, they discuss their hopes of theatre, becoming more than just a hobby. Amidst the pressure, they are immensely grateful for their school's supportive team that has continually propelled their theatrical productions to higher levels.
In this captivating episode of Affton Unplugged, join us as we explore the unseen magic behind a high school musical. From memories formed to lessons learned, this episode brings to light the art, dedication, and allure of the theatre.

36. Youth Leadership St. Louis

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast, brought to you by the Affton School District. This episode offers an in-depth exploration of the transformative Youth Leadership Program at Affton High School. Join us alongside Mr. Lewis, the program sponsor, and several participating students who share their insights and experiences.
Delve into the workings of this extraordinary program backed by Focus STL, with the intention of molding several junior students, from across various schools in the city, into promising leaders. Witness how this initiative creates unique opportunities for learning, collaboration, and community building for these young leaders.
Hear first-hand accounts by students about their experiences in decision-making simulations, community-based projects, and other resourceful exercises. Understand how these unique learning opportunities are imparting leadership skills, forming deep connections, and offering invaluable insights to these individuals. Explore how initiatives such as these help them comprehend their local community's dynamics better, thereby shaping their journey into becoming well-rounded leaders.
Reflect on the profound personal growth these young leaders have experienced. From recognizing their individual leadership strengths and weaknesses, acknowledging diverse perspectives, to coping with unexpected circumstances, every experience contributes significantly to their overall development. Moreover, Mr. Lewis, an experienced educator, sheds light on the remarkable growth he has witnessed in these young individuals.
The episode is not just limited to serious discussions, but also reminisces about the memorable instances and camaraderie synonymous with the leadership program. Finally, the episode concludes with an invitation for rising juniors, eager to embark upon this enriching journey of leadership, community involvement, and personal growth.
Tune in to discover more about the Affton High School Youth Leadership Program and explore the multifarious aspects of youth leadership development.

35. Lifelong Learning: A Conversation With Dr. Brian Esselman

Join Affton Unplugged in an interesting episode where Superintendent Travis Bracht interviews Dr. Brian Esselman, an accomplished high school teacher in the Affton School District. Unfold the inspiring journey of Dr. Esselman as he depicts his passion for teaching, recount his experiences in the district, and sheds light on his academic achievements. Listen as he explains how attaining a National Board Certification amplified his teaching skills and the process involved in acquiring it.
Get to learn about Dr. Esselman's Educational Leadership doctoral program centered on social justice, equity, and heritage leadership. He shares his in-depth insights into how this program synergizes with his national board certification pursuits, contributing positively to his professional journey.
Further, Dr. Esselman takes us on a insightful trip to Montgomery, Alabama, that profoundly influenced and sparked meaningful dialogues among professional communities. This episode also touches upon the unusual challenges and learning opportunities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
So, tune in to this engrossing episode of Affton Unplugged that underscores the worth of higher education in enhancing educators and brings you closer to the passionate professionals devoted to education.

34. Mentoring Matters

Welcome to an episode of Affton Unplugged dedicated to presenting the transformative work of the Mentoring Matters Club at Affton High School. Our guests, Mary Beth Merlo and Gina Stewart, tell their inspirational stories of setting up the initiative, aiming to promote social skills, foster friendships, and create an inclusive atmosphere for all students.
Immerse yourself in a tale of dedication, growth, and triumph as we explore the mentoring program's inception in 2013 and its evolution into approximately 40 students participating on an annual basis. Discover the club's dynamic activities, including Special Olympics participation, pizza parties, field trips, and more, all designed to strengthen peer relationships and enhance the high school experience.
Listen to heartwarming testimonies of students benefiting from conventional games and special outings they may not have experienced otherwise. The Mentoring Matters Club not only adds an enriching dimension to their school lives but also opens doors to pursue careers in education and special education.
Benefit from a wealth of feedback from parents, mentors, students, and staff, underscoring the invaluable contribution the club makes to students' overall happiness and social development. Hear how this has led to the program gaining support and receiving recommendations at Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.
Join us as we express our heartfelt gratitude for the support provided by the Affton Education Foundation, which has been instrumental in keeping this outstanding initiative thriving. Come, be a part of our journey as we strive to make a difference in the lives of the students at Affton High School.