Affton Unplugged

23. Welcome Home: Affton Alum Return To Our Team

In this episode you will hear from Affton School District alumni who returned this year as new teachers to the district. Listen to them recount fond memories from when they were students and how welcoming their colleagues have been since returning as teachers. The respect and appreciation they have for their teachers and the Affton community is clearly evident. We are so excited to welcome home our Affton alumni who will help educate the next generation of Affton students!

22. Future Forward: STL CAPS

This episode features four Affton High School seniors that participate in the St. Louis CAPS program. CAPS stands for Centers for Advanced Professional Studies and the program allows juniors and seniors to test-driving their future in high-skill, high-demand professions. These AHS students participate in the STL CAPS engineering, health care and business programs. They spend half of each school day embedded at local business partner locations in the St. Louis area completing projects, internships, job shadows and much more. Observing medical professionals in the operating room and winning design competitions is just another day-in-the-life of an STL CAPS student.
The STL CAPS program serves students from 9 high schools that include Affton, Bayless, Fox, Hancock Place, Kirkwood, Lindbergh, Mehlville, Oakville and Seckman. STL CAPS began in 2015 and was the first multi-district CAPS collaborative in the St. Louis area and among the first CAPS programs in the nation. In the episode you will also hear from the STL CAPS Program Director, Dr. Tim Luecke. 

21. Making Connections in Our Community

In this episode you will hear about how Affton High School students are making connections in our community with senior community residents at The Village at Mackenzie Place. If residents need technical support with their smartphone or just someone to play a game with, AHS students are there to volunteer. The Village at Mackenzie Place is across the road from Affton High School and previously served as the District's high school. There are even some residents at The Village that attended high school there! You will also get to meet Mr. Dan Ludwig who serves as the Social-Emotional Interventionist at Affton High School and spearheaded the partnership with The Village at Mackenzie Place.

20. Movement & Mentoring Matters

In this episode you will learn how Mesnier Primary School put research into motion by implementing a motor lab and mentoring program for students in grades K-2. Listen to students talk about what they enjoy about the motor lab and spending time with their mentor. You will also meet a few of the central office team members who serve as mentors. Dr. Tina Been, Principal, and Mrs. Paige Carter, SEL Interventionist, discuss the research, rationale and results behind these two initiatives. You won't want to miss hearing about how movement and mentoring matter at Mesnier!

19. Memories in the Making

In this episode you will hear from four students that serve as editors of the Affton High School Yearbook and their faculty sponsor Mr. Don Henning. Listen to them describe how they capture the stories behind the students. If it's happening at AHS, you can bet the yearbook staff is there to capture the memories in the making.

18. Beyond the Books: Unique Student Experiences

In this episode you will get to hear from two students at Rogers Middle School talk about their unique experiences beyond the school house walls. Maria Turner will tell us about Skeet & Trap Shooting while Olivia Snow talks about Roller Derby. Mr. Dan McCarthy is an 8th grade social studies teacher who has both students in class and guest hosts the episode while also sharing his own unique experience outside of work. Don't miss this fast-paced conversation that is sure to hit the mark and help you understand why they are #AfftonStrong

17. Undefeated: Affton High School eSports Team

In this episode you will hear from members of the Affton High School eSports Team and meet eSports Moderator and AHS Teacher Mr. Brandon Lewis. The AHS eSports Team recently completed an undefeated season with a perfect record of 7-0. The students discuss how their interest in gaming brought them together as a team and recount some of the most memorable moments from their special season.

16. Parents As Teachers

In this episode you will learn about the Parents As Teachers program in the Affton School District and hear from Parent Educators Amber Peroutka and Mandi Murdick as well as Dr. Amber Sinamon, Director of Early Learning. Parents As Teachers is a free program for families with children birth to pre-kindergarten that offers home visits, group meetings, developmental screenings, and a resource network. The Affton PAT program can be reached at 314-633-0019. As a parent, you are your child's first and most important teacher.

15. Making A Difference

In this episode you will meet Affton High School Senior Trey White and hear about how his Eagle Scout project is making a difference for special education students in St. Louis County. You will also hear from Trey's mother, Kim White, and how her role as a special education teacher with Special School District of St. Louis County helped inspire his project. Trey's story was recently featured on News Channel 5 KSDK Making a Difference with Mike Bush.

14. Affton Education Foundation

In this episode you will learn about the Affton Education Foundation (AEF) and how they provide support and funding for college scholarships, college visits, and teacher grants. You will also meet the AEF President Angela Sykora and AEF Board Liaison Judy Rethwisch. Established in 2005, AEF was formed to raise funds for projects beyond the scope or capabilities of the district. Recognizing the national movement for excellence in education, AEF joined foundations in other progressive communities in establishing a channel for private funds to enrich public educations.