Affton Unplugged

121. Turning the Tables: Superintendent Travis Bracht Unplugged

In this podcast episode of Affton Unplugged, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Cassandra Suggs turns the table on the 2026 Missouri Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Travis Bracht. Dr. Suggs takes the mic to lead this conversation with Dr. Bracht to provide listeners with a personal look at his life and leadership philosophy.  Dr. Bracht reflects on his upbringing in a family of educators and small business owners, noting how his parents and grandfather inspired his career path. He discusses how playing high school football as a quarterback helped him develop a vocal and decisive leadership style despite his naturally quiet personality. The conversation also explores his calm demeanor, his strategy for managing stressful situations, and his deep affection for rescuing Weimaraner dogs. Ultimately, Dr. Bracht emphasizes that his primary goal as a leader is to serve the specific needs of the district.

120. Seal of Biliteracy: Real Talk from the Classroom & Beyond

This Affton Unplugged podcast episode, hosted by Superintendent Travis Bracht, explores the Seal of Biliteracy and the profound impact of language education within the Affton School District. Featuring Spanish teacher Matthew O'Brien alongside current and former students, the discussion highlights how this state-recognized credential validates fluency in multiple languages and appears on academic transcripts. Participants explain that learning a second language provides practical career advantages and fosters empathy by allowing them to connect with diverse cultures on a global scale. The conversation also illustrates how the curriculum uses music, cinema, and literature to transition students from basic vocabulary to complex discussions regarding international history. The episode emphasizes that achieving biliteracy is a journey of personal growth that transforms students into more engaged, compassionate global citizens.

119. Bridging the Gap: Real-World Learning with STL CAPS

In this podcast episode of Affton Unplugged, Superintendent Travis Bracht interviews the director and several students involved with the St. Louis Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (STL CAPS). The program offers high school juniors and seniors hands-on professional experiences through strands like healthcare and business, moving education beyond the traditional classroom.  Director Dr. Tim Luecke explains how the initiative utilizes partnerships with local businesses to provide internships, site visits, and professional skill development. Participating students share personal stories regarding surgical shadowing, marketing campaigns, and networking with peers from various school districts. Collectively, the episode guests highlight how the program bridges the gap between high school and career, allowing students to build confidence and refine their future goals. St. Louis CAPS is an example of how business, community and public education can partner to produce personalized learning experiences that educate the workforce of tomorrow, especially in high skill, high demand jobs.

118. Beyond the Band-Aid: Celebrating National School Nurse Day

In this podcast episode of Affton Unplugged, Superintendent Travis Bracht hosts a discussion celebrating National School Nurse Day by highlighting the vital role of the district's health services. The conversation features district health leaders and school nurses who explain that their responsibilities extend far beyond basic first aid to include chronic disease management and community health mentorship.    Key improvements mentioned include the implementation of school-based immunization clinics to remove barriers for families and the district's pursuit of a "Heart-Safe" designation through specialized cardiac response training. The staff also discusses the use of wearable panic buttons to accelerate emergency response times and ensure student safety.    The episode conversation emphasizes the collaborative nature of school health teams and their dedication to fostering a safe, supportive environment for academic success. Happy School Nurses Day!

117. The Next Generation of Medicine: STL CAPS Healthcare Showcase

On this episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast Superintendent Travis Bracht interviews several high school seniors involved in the St. Louis Centers for Advanced Professional Studies Medicine and Health Care program. The students represent various local high schools that include Affton, Bayless, Lindbergh, Kirkwood, Mehlville and Oakville.  The student associates discuss their capstone passion projects, which required them to complete internships, community service, and educational presentations. The participants share their research on diverse healthcare topics such as traumatic brain injuries, pediatric oncology, and orthopedic surgery. Throughout the interviews, students explain how hands-on experiences at SSM St. Clare Hospital in Fenton and other local clinics have shaped their professional goals. The episode concludes with the students detailing their future academic plans and aspirations to enter fields like physical therapy, fertility medicine, and humanitarian aid. Overall, the student testimonials highlight the significant impact of experiential learning on preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.