Affton School District

✨ NEW on Affton Unplugged: Ep. 94 ✨
Honoring Our Principals: Educational Journeys in Affton

In this episode of the Affton Unplugged podcast Superintendent Travis Bracht celebrates National School Principal Month by featuring the principals from the Affton School District. The segment includes interviews with five principals—Dr. Sinamon (Early Childhood Center & PAT), Dr. Been (Mesnier Primary School), Dr. Powers (Gotsch Intermediate School), Dr. Griffin (Rogers Middle School), and Dr. Calhoun (Affton High School).

Each school leader shares details about their educational journeys, career paths, and personal backgrounds. These conversations cover their undergraduate and advanced degrees, influential activities from their youth and college years, previous positions in education, and how they came to serve the Affton community. The episode offers listeners a look into the professional and personal lives of the district's school leaders.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 affton.net/unplugged

#AfftonUnplugged #OneAffton #AfftonStrong

7 days ago, Affton Schools

Affton Unplugged graphic featuing pictures of building princpals

🔥🧪 Science magic in action! Fifth graders at Gotsch Intermediate are bubbling with curiosity! As part of a Homemade Lava Lamp Investigation, students in Mrs. Monia’s class explored the conservation of mass — discovering that mass is neither created nor destroyed, even when a chemical reaction produces gas. 🌟

Hands-on experiments like these bring science to life and show that learning at Gotsch is anything but ordinary! 💜💛 #afftonlearns #afftonstrong

about 1 month ago, Affton Schools

Three tall bottles with colorful liquid and fizzing tablets, two topped with inflated balloons showing gas release during the lava lamp experiment.

A teacher and student smiling as they pour liquid into a bottle during the homemade lava lamp experiment, with classmates watching.

✨ NEW on Affton Unplugged: Ep. 86 ✨

🎙️ Filming Freedom: Affton Students Take on C-SPAN

What happens when high school students bring history to life on film? In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Travis Bracht sits down with AP U.S. Government & Politics teacher Tony Muyco and senior students to talk about their C-SPAN StudentCam documentaries, created for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Students share:
🎥 The challenges of producing a 6-minute documentary
📚 Topics ranging from potholes in the community to Bosnian immigration in St. Louis
🙌 The skills and lessons they’ll carry beyond the classroom

Mr. Muyco also reflects on guiding this project since 2006 — and how today’s students use technology in powerful, creative ways.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 affton.net/unplugged

#AfftonUnplugged #OneAffton #AfftonStrong

about 1 month ago, Affton Schools

Five Affton High School students stand together smiling, one holding a C-SPAN StudentCam poster. The graphic text reads: “Filming Freedom: Affton Students Take on C-SPAN. Episode 87 featuring Ajdin Junuzovic, Hamza Huskic, Jacob Hydar, John Peters, Wil Weiss, and Patrick Hopfinger, Affton High School students.” The design uses Affton’s purple and gold podcast branding.

The Affton School District Board of Education will vote on the 2025 tax rate on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at 7 p.m. during the annual scheduled tax rate hearing. This year’s proposed rate is $4.5418 per $100 assessed valuation, a $0.3908 decrease from the 2024 rate, which was $4.9326, and maintaining a voluntary tax rollback of 35-cents first introduced in 2017. This 35-cent rollback reduces the tax burden for the community by approximately $2.44 million for 2025.

The tax rate hearing will begin at 7 p.m. and will be followed immediately by the regular business meeting of the Board of Education in the Multipurpose Room at Affton Early Childhood (9832 Reavis Road, 63123). The public is invited to attend all meetings of the Board of Education. Click here to view the agenda: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/index.aspx?S=435

about 2 months ago, Affton Schools

✨ NEW on Affton Unplugged: Ep. 85 ✨

🎙️ Control+Alt+Achieve: Meet Affton’s IT Team

Today we’re celebrating National IT Professionals Day by spotlighting the amazing team that keeps Affton connected, secure, and moving forward:
💻 Bill Wagner
💻 Adam Jasinski
💻 Rachel Watson
💻 Brandon Clark

In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Travis Bracht talks with our IT pros about:
⚡️ Going beyond “fixing computers” to support teaching & learning
🔒 Tackling challenges from ransomware to remote learning
🤖 How AI and tech will shape the future of education

Drop a 💜 to thank our IT team for everything they do behind the scenes to power Affton Schools!

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 affton.net/unplugged

#OneAffton #AfftonStrong #ITProfessionalsDay

about 2 months ago, Affton Schools

Graphic for Affton Unplugged Episode 85 titled “Control+Alt+Achieve: Meet Affton’s IT Team.” Features photos of Bill Wagner, Adam Jasinski, Rachel Watson, and Brandon Clark with Affton’s purple and gold podcast design elements.

⚠️ You’re receiving this as part of “THIS IS A TEST” Day. ⚠️

Affton Schools just sent a test message by phone, email, and text to check our communication systems.

✅ If you didn’t get this message through a platform you expected, give it a few minutes. Then:
📧 Email us at info@afftonschools.net
or
📞 Contact your child’s school to update your contact info.

Thank you for helping us make sure we can reach you quickly when it matters most.
We appreciate your partnership! 💜💛

about 2 months ago, Affton Schools

🚨 THIS IS A TEST 🚨
We’re testing our district communication systems this Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, at 10 a.m.

You’ll get a test message by text, email, and phone—plus a post on our website.
It’s just a test, but it helps us make sure you’re getting alerts when it really counts.

📲 Check your settings so you don’t miss out!

about 2 months ago, Affton Schools

REMINDER THIS IS A TEST DAY IS WEDNESDAY!

✨ NEW on Affton Unplugged: Ep. 84 ✨

🎙️ Future Healthcare Leaders: HOSA in Action

What does it take to prepare high school students for careers in medicine? In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Travis Bracht sits down with:
👩‍🔬 Lizzie Closser — AHS Science Teacher & HOSA Sponsor
🎓 Alexis Hancock, Lillian Edwards & Miranda Yeates — Affton High School seniors

Together, they dive into:
🏅 The competitive side of HOSA, from state to international events
💡 Real-world skills like accountability, time management & teamwork
💜 How mentorship and community fuel student success

Whether you’re curious about healthcare pathways or inspired by student leadership, this conversation shows how Affton students are building bright futures.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 affton.net/unplugged

#AfftonUnplugged #OneAffton #AfftonStrong

2 months ago, Affton Schools

A teacher and three Affton High School seniors stand smiling around a classroom skeleton model. They are wearing HOSA club T-shirts. Behind them is a wall with handprints and a poster. The graphic text reads: “Future Healthcare Leaders: HOSA in Action. Episode 84 featuring Lizzie Closser, AHS Science Teacher & HOSA Sponsor; Alexis Hancock, Lillian Edwards, and Miranda Yeates, Affton High School Seniors.” The design is in Affton’s purple and gold colors with podcast soundwave graphics.

🌟 Big news for our littlest Cougars! 🌟

We’re excited to welcome Officer Ashley Meyer to the Affton SRO team! She’ll be the very first School Resource Officer dedicated to our youngest learners at Mesnier Primary, Gotsch Intermediate, and Affton Early Childhood. 💜💛 Along with Officer Felts at AHS and Officer Whitmore at RMS, Officer Meyer is here to help keep our schools safe, build connections, and cheer on our students every step of the way.

We're so glad you're here! Welcome to the #OneAffton family. 🫶🏽

2 months ago, Affton Schools

Officer Ashley Meyer, wearing her police uniform and vest, smiles while standing in front of a colorful school wall display with hexagon signs that highlight Affton School District’s vision, mission, and values.

📢 REMINDER: All Affton Schools will be closed in observance of Labor Day this coming Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.

2 months ago, Affton Schools

No School in observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 1 written in yellow and white text on a purple background next to a collage of icons of people working

✨ NEW on Affton Unplugged: Ep. 83 ✨

🎙️ Lights, Camera, Leadership: Meet Dr. Cassandra Suggs
From interviewing Michael Jordan and working with Oprah to leading classrooms and now serving as Affton’s Assistant Superintendent — Dr. Suggs has a story you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, Dr. Suggs shares:
📺 Her journey from journalism & TV to education
🌍 Her start in English Language Learning (ELL)
👩🏾‍🏫 A memorable teaching moment that shaped her love for students
💜 How the Affton community welcomed her and what she’s most excited for this year

This episode is all about inspiration, leadership, and the power of saying yes to new chapters.

🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
🔗 affton.net/unplugged

#AfftonUnplugged #OneAffton #AfftonStrong

2 months ago, Affton Schools

📣 NEW SEASON. NEW EPISODES. SAME COMMUNITY SPIRIT.

🎙️ Affton Unplugged: Season 3, Ep. 82
Building Community with the Affton Parents Club

How do parents power connection across Affton Schools? In this episode, Superintendent Dr. Travis Bracht sits down with Affton Parents Club (APC )President Emily Grozdanic to talk about:
✅ Back to School Bash – Sept. 24 at Mesnier Primary
✅ Meet Me at the Pitch – Sept. 10 at Affton High
✅ Ways YOU can get involved this year

💡 Whether you’re a parent, student, or community partner, this conversation shows how APC makes Affton feel like one family.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

🔗affton.net/unplugged

#AfftonUnplugged #OneAffton #AfftonStrong

3 months ago, Affton Schools

💜💛 What a fantastic first day of the 2025-26 school year! Our halls and classrooms are full once again with laughter, learning, and the joy of being together. We’re so excited for the year ahead--let's make it a great one, Cougars! ✨ #OneAffton #afftonstrong

3 months ago, Affton Schools

A preschooler sits on the carpet with her class in a purple dress with white sneakers and dark hair. She's looking at the camera and smiling.

Affton High School Class of 2026 gathers for Senior Sunrise before the first day of school

Three high school girls are sitting in a classroom while looking at the camera and smiling

High School students walk through the hallway; one high school boy in a striped shirt and shorts is smiling at the camera

Two middle school girls look at the camera while smiling

Four middle school boys act silly for the camera on the first day of school

Two elementary girls sit criss cross on the carpet while smiling at the camera

A kindergarten student with long blonde curls plays with Play-Doh

A first grade teacher kneels next to her student, helping him with his first day of school worksheet

A preschool girl in a striped dress and pink bow smiles at the camera while making a peace sign

📸 We want to see your smiles!

Once again, we’ll be compiling a First Day of School Album featuring our amazing students, teachers, and team members. 💜💛
Send your photo on Monday, August 18, 2025 — one per student, please — to communications@afftonschools.net and help us kick off the 2025-26 school year together!

#OneAffton #AfftonStrong

3 months ago, Affton Schools

Meet the newest members of our #OneAffton family! 💜💛
We’re thrilled to welcome 19 incredible educators—including teachers and a school counselor—to Affton School District this year. 🌟
From day one, they’ve brought joy, passion, and fresh energy to our community—and we can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make. Just look at those smiles! 😄
Swipe to catch the excitement as they gear up for an unforgettable 2025-26 school year.
Welcome to the team—we’re so glad you’re here! One Team. One Family. One Community. #AfftonStrong

3 months ago, Affton Schools

A group of 19 new teachers at Affton School District are posing for a photo in the high school cafeteria. They are a diverse group of adults, a mix of men and women, smiling and dressed casually. The photo's background is a bright yellow and purple wall with "AFFTON COUGARS" written in large letters and a graphic of a cougar head.

A group of 19 new teachers at Affton School District are posing for a lively photo in the high school cafeteria. They are all cheering and raising their hands in the air, with big smiles on their faces. The background is a bright yellow and purple wall with "AFFTON COUGARS" written in large letters and a graphic of a cougar head.

🍎 Welcome to #TeamAffton!
New teachers joining us for the 2025-26 school year gathered this week for the New Teacher Curriculum Workshop! They spent time getting to know the tools, resources, and goals that will guide their teaching—and even started creating ways to measure what students know and can do. We’re so excited to have them on board! 💜💛 #OneAffton #AfftonStrong

4 months ago, Affton Schools

📲 Big News: Even more is coming to the Affton app!

Starting this summer, you'll be able to message teachers and staff, get classroom updates, add events to your calendar, and receive important notifications—all in one place.

✅ If you haven't already, download the Affton School District app today
📧 Be on the lookout for an invite from edurooms in the coming weeks to activate messaging.

Let’s make staying connected easier than ever! 💜💛
#OneAffton #AfftonStrong

🔗 App Store: https://apps.apple.com/.../affton-school.../id1565584726
🔗 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details...

4 months ago, Affton Schools

Say hello to even more in the Affton app

One team. One vision. One Affton. 💜💛 Our school and district leaders gathered this week at the 2024-25 Admin Retreat to reflect, recharge, and reimagine what’s possible for the year ahead. The work we do together makes all the difference. #OneAffton #AfftonStrong

5 months ago, Affton Schools

REMINDER: All Affton Schools will be closed Friday, April 18, 2025, for Spring Holiday. Enjoy the long weekend! 💜🌼🌻

7 months ago, Affton Schools

For many years, providing high quality schools has been a source of Affton pride. To ensure each student in Affton School District has access to modern learning spaces that meet their needs, our district developed a facilities master plan. Affton High School upgrades include: 🟣 Renovations for ADA accessibility at entrances and throughout the building 🟡 Library and science lab renovation 🟣 Renovation of art wing 🟡 Renovation of gymnasium and auditorium entrances Stay tuned for information about the plans for our other schools! Learn more about Proposition 1, the zero-tax-rate-increase bond issue that would fund the facility plans: affton.net/bond2025

8 months ago, Affton Schools

Rendering of new accessible gymnasium and athletics entrance at Affton High School

Rendering of new athletic entrance and parking at Affton High School

Rendering of new library addition and green space at Affton High School

Rendering of new accessible auditorium entrance on the north side at Affton High School