Affton Unplugged

33. Affton Early Childhood

Welcome to another episode of Affton Unplugged, our enlightening podcast by the Afton School District. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on the lives and experiences shaping our district's atmosphere.
Join us as Superintendent Travis Bracht gives a comprehensive tour of the Affton Early Childhood Center, offering a deep dive into the pivotal education hub for our three and four-year-olds and pre-kindergarten students. The Center provides full-day and half-day programs as well as before-care and after-care and summer programs.
We have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Amber Sinamon, the Early Learning Director, Erica Grissom, the Lead Teacher, and Stephanie Kanzler, a Classroom Leader. These individuals, who play significant roles in the Early Childhood Center, provide invaluable insights into the center's daily operations, the program structure, and the remarkable impact it has on the children's life and growth.
Our discussion uncovers how the center engages children in Project Lead the Way, Motor Lab, and an innovative curriculum that involves coding and much more. From instilling scientific virtues to nurturing life skills through play, the Early Childhood Center's approach transcends traditional educational paradigms.
Get to know more about the enrollment procedures and get a glimpse of the collaborative initiatives, summer programs, and before and after school care offerings. Dive into the captivating world of early childhood education and meet the extraordinary people shaping the future of young minds.
In this episode, our guests delve into their journey of building rich and meaningful relationships with the students, tapping into their individual interests and encouraging parent participation in their child's learning process. Learn about how lessons like "All About Me" enable teachers to better understand their students and how focusing on children's interests can foster growth and development.
Discover how the educators at the Affton School District create a vibrant learning community by integrating parents into their child's educational journey through unique communication methods. Enjoy heartwarming anecdotes from our guests' interactions with children and parents.
Get ready for more educational discussions and inspiring stories from our community of educators in future episodes of Affton Unplugged. The educators at the Affton School District firmly believe in the transformative power of education and aim to provide the best experiences for each child. Stay tuned, and join the conversation.

32. Empathy In Action

Join us this week on Affton Unplugged, a family-oriented podcast that celebrates the remarkable stories and individuals of the Affton School District. This special episode offers you an inside look into the world of school social workers and social emotional learning (SEL) interventionists, spotlighting their crucial roles and contributions.
This week's guests, Beckie Rainbolt and Greta Pitcher, are dedicated professionals advancing the crucial work of SEL at our schools. Felicitously timed to coincide with the upcoming SEL Day and National Social Worker Day, they offer a comprehensive account of their multifarious duties and how their work influences students' educational, emotional, and academic growth.
We explore the diverse social work terrain, the interventionist's role within it, and the direct impact they make on their students' lives. Get an understanding of how they prepare and relentlessly adapt to better connect with students and address their needs, providing them with important life skills and an optimal learning environment.
We shift our focus to the power and significance of SEL in promoting the comprehensive development of students. From collaborative problem-solving to building positive relationships, our educators share their innovative strategies for fostering an enriching learning environment, underlining that SEL is not just an add-on but a core part of education.
The conversation also illuminates the latest advancements and practices in SEL, including the newly updated Second Step curriculum. Also, don't miss the inspiring stories of community engagement and togetherness that have contributed significantly to the Affton community.
In this enlightening episode, dive into the fascinating world of Social Emotional Learning and grasp the instrumental role of these community maestros in shaping the minds and lives of tomorrow. Tune into the 'Affton Unplugged Podcast' now to learn more!

31. Backstage with RMS Drama Club

Welcome to our latest episode of Affton Unplugged, taking you behind the scenes at Rogers Middle School's drama club—the creative hub behind some truly intriguing theatrical productions. Join our superintendent Travis Bracht as he engages in heartfelt conversations with the inspiring drama teacher, Mr. Joe Murphy, and some exceptionally talented students.
Unfolding his journey from an enthusiastic teacher in Houston, Missouri - Mr. Murphy leads us through his fascinating career, which included stepping into the role of director at the YMCA, before he made his return to teaching. His experiences, passion for hiking, and undying love for teaching form the heart of this compelling conversation.
The plot thickens as the students reveal their roles in "Comic Book Artists," adding an element of surprise to the spring production. They proceed to share an equally engaging narrative about their fall performance, Honk Jr, diving into the depths of their characters while shining a light on their personal growth and how they overcome challenges. Their descriptions highlight not only their talent but also the sense of camaraderie that direct these productions.
Prepare to be transported into the vibrant world of Blake, Russell, Kit, and Eden—each bringing a unique perspective to the table. From Blake's dedication exceeding acting, Russell's take on playing the 'Ugly Duckling,' Kit's journey from being an apprehensive participant to owning the stage, and Eden's unforgettable mic-incident—these stories not only entertain but resonate with the intricacies of performing arts.
As we journey through rousing tales centered around stage fright, resilience, the impact of comedy, and growth, Mr. Murphy adds the cherry on top with his favorite memories. This episode serves as a testament to the drama club's vital role in shaping students, fostering friendships, nurturing talent, and building confidence that extends far beyond the stage.

30. Behind the Badge: Affton's School Resource Officers (SRO)

Celebrating the unsung heroes within our school district, this episode of Affton Unplugged focuses on our dedicated school resource officers. Hosted by Superintendent Travis Bracht, we delve into the lives of Officer Bryan Felts of Affton High School, and Officer John Whitmore of Rogers Middle School. We learn about their service in the school district, as well as their personal journeys that have led them to serve and protect our educational community.
Officer Whitmore, a veteran St. Louis County police officer, shares his rewarding experiences with the students and the Affton community. He emphasizes the significance of connecting with students on a personal level, and the gratifying effect these interactions can have in stressful situations.
Officer Felts, a former Navy and a self-proclaimed family man, shares his passion for golf, hockey and how he prioritizes safeguarding the Affton High School community. Not surprisingly, he feels that the Affton School District is among the safest school districts and is proud to put his military and police training to good use.
Both officers highlight the importance of safety in the school environment, praising the Affton School District for staying at the forefront of technology, training and safety measures. This engaging conversation reiterates that in the Affton School District, education and safety are always paramount.

29. School Counselors: Standards-Based, Student-Focused

Welcome to this thrilling episode of the Affton Unplugged Podcast! Join Superintendent Travis Brach with our two special guests, Jane Bohn and Hannah Dreas, as we celebrate National School Counseling Week through an exploration of the significant roles school counselors play within the Affton School District.
In this episode, Jane from Affton High School and Hannah from Mesnier Primary School share insightful stories about their roles, responsibilities, and aspirations as school counselors. They uncover the multifaceted aspects of their work, that stretch beyond classroom schedules to crisis counseling, individual student planning, and career development programs.
As we delve deeper into the conversation, we highlight the unique facets of school counseling at different grade levels, illustrating the criticality of their roles throughout a student's educational journey. Our school counselors showcase their dedication to students’ wellbeing and their personal experiences that shape their efforts behind the scenes.
Wait until the end, as we hear from Harley, Blessed, and Lucas - some of our youngest learners at Mesnier Primary School, to gain an understanding of their experiences with their school counselors. They discuss the impact of counselor-led initiatives in developing their problem-solving abilities and emotional management skills.
This episode provides an in-depth view of the evolving landscape of school counseling in the Affton School District. Listen in, as we celebrate the accomplishments of our school counselors during National School Counselor Week and develop an appreciation for these unsung heroes of our educational system.

28. This Is South Tech: Part 2

Join Affton School District Superintendent Dr. Travis Bracht for an insightful episode of the Affton Unplugged Podcast, where he sits down with Dr. Jake Lohse, the Principal of South Technical High School. They discuss South Techs unique approach towards education, emphasizing real-world skills and student passion, with first-hand accounts from three Affton High School Seniors who describe their learning experiences.
Students from different programs, ranging from HVAC to Auto Body Repair to Early Childhood Education, reveal their in-depth academic journey. Witness how education goes beyond traditional classroom learning, inspiring students like Ben, Kayleigh, and Zoey, who share their projects, passions, and plans for the future.
Experience the passion and commitment from Dr. Lohse as he credits the school's success to the dedicated staff and Special School District organization, as well as the school's deep-rooted bond with the St. Louis workforce. The students share tips and advice for potential South Tech students, emphasizing how the school successfully augments education with practical real-world applications. This fittingly encapsulates the essence of South Tech's mission – to provide students with real-world experiences, real-world skills, and engaging, hands-on learning to prepare them for college and careers.

27. SouthTech: Building Futures Through Career & Technical Education

This episode takes you on a fascinating tour of South Technical High School as five juniors from Affton High School discuss the academic programs shaping their future in Cosmetology, Pharmacy Science, Construction Innovations,  Networking and Robotics. Hear firsthand the extraordinary learning experiences students are engaged in - each unique to their individual interests, supported by expert knowledge from industry-experienced educators. The episode allows listeners to gain an insight into the dynamic learning environment, as students share their journey, including their favorite experiences and their aspirations beyond graduation, nurtured at South Tech. The podcast also highlights the camaraderie and collaboration between the different programs and students from various backgrounds. You will also get to hear from the Principal at South Tech, Dr. Jacob Lohse, and the Superintendent of the Affton School District, Dr. Travis Bracht. The partnership between Affton and South Tech reinforces that in the Affton School District, education indeed is the most important thing they do.

26. Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom

In this episode you will hear how classroom teachers can use artificial intelligence (AI) to support their teaching and learning expertise. You will also learn about the types of things ChatGPT is better at than others and how to effectively use this specific AI system. Zack Wangler, 8th Grade Science Teacher at Rogers Middle School, and Adam Jasinski, Director of Technology in the Affton School District, discuss what they have learned about AI and offer tips on how employees can lean into AI to support their work. 

25. APEX Learning: Advancing Student Success

In this episode you will learn about the APEX Learning Center within Affton High School. You will hear from current students taking online enrichment and in-person career exploration courses as well as a 2020 graduate that found their future occupation by tapping into what APEX has to offer. APEX stands for Academic Personalization and Experiential Learning and handles everything from dropout prevention to online enrichment to career exploration. Beginning with the 2018-19 school year APEX transitioned from a credit recovery program serving 35 students to a multi-facet academic options center that now serves over 200 students on an annual basis. Whether it is one period a day or a full-day programming plan, APEX is here to make sure each student has the success options they need. Erica Chandler, Director of Communications, will guest host this episode and you will also hear from APEX Teacher Brandon Lewis and Director of Student Services Dr. Loren Widmer who founded the APEX Learning Center in 2018.

24. District Champions: Boys Soccer Record Setting Season

The Affton High School Boys Soccer team had a phenomenal season that culminated in setting the single-season wins record and a District Championship. In this episode you will hear from Coach Brian Mesplay, Affton High School Teacher, and six of the seniors on the team. Listen to them share their most memorable moments from the season and other individual recognitions they received. At the beginning of the episode you will also get to hear the energy and sounds leading up to their Quarterfinal game.