Affton Unplugged

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.

13. Gotsch Young Writers Club

In this episode you will learn about the Young Writers Club at Gotsch Intermediate School where students in grades 3-5 create stories that culminate in being published authors. You will hear from Darby, Joe, and Maya as they talk about the stories they created last school year when they were in 5th grade. You will also get to meet Fifth Grade Teacher Jenn Molsbee and Administrative Assistant Nikki Becker who serve as the club sponsors.

12. Lessons from the Classroom

In this episode you will get to hear from the current Affton School District Teacher of the Year, Karen Karsten. She provides some wise lessons from the classroom that reinforce how the small interactions teachers have with students on a daily basis can truly transform their future. Karen is a reading specialist with Special School District of St. Louis County and works as a special education teacher at Rogers Middle School.