Affton Summer 2018 the A Publication of Affton School District Thanks to the support of our community, the capital AHS Class of 2018 Finishes Strong improvement projects promised by Prop N continue! Congratulations to the Class of 2018! Students in Affton High School’s graduating class of 2018 were awarded 311 scholarships with a monetary value of $8 million — the second largest amount ever earned by a graduating class from Affton! The graduates – 181 in all – walked across the stage and received their diplomas during an evening ceremony on May 19th. 81 percent of the Class of 2018 will attend 48 different colleges and universities, while 2 percent will enroll in schools of advanced training, 3 percent will serve in the In the coming months, we will be excited to military, and 13 percent will enter the workforce. unveil both Phases I and II construction at Gotsch In this year’s class, 82 students were awarded 311 scholarships, Intermediate, including the new gymnasium, including 13 Missouri Bright Flight Scholarships, 58 the addition of a new building entry and security scholarships from the Affton community and eight athletic vestibule, the addition of three classrooms, new art scholarships. The class of 2018 also includes seven new and music classrooms, relocation of administrative inductees to the Affton Wall of Fame. See Additional Information on the Class of 2018 on Pages 8-15. offices, and renovated cafeteria. Dr. Travis Bracht Named Next Superintendent for Affton School District The next superintendent of the Affton School District will be Dr. Travis Bracht, who has been serving as Affton’s assistant superintendent since 2012. He will take the helm as superintendent on July 1, 2018, thanks to a unanimous vote of the Affton Board of Education. “We are thrilled to have the unique opportunity to have witnessed Dr. Bracht’s talent and capacity for learning our district over the past six years,” said Tom Bellavia, director on the Affton Board of Education. “In addition to his strong leadership of key district initiatives in the past, we are confident in his vision, passion, student focus, and dedication to continuous improvement.” The Board’s selection of Dr. Bracht follows the announcement of Dr. Steve Brotherton’s retirement at the end of the current school year. “I have had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Bracht for the past six years, setting the tone and direction of the district,” said Brotherton. “The Affton Board of Education has taken very seriously their responsibility to set governance and oversight for the school district in hiring the next superintendent. Their decision in placing their confidence in Dr. Bracht is thoughtful, meaningful, and the right decision to keep Affton moving forward.” Before serving as assistant superintendent, Dr. Bracht’s extensive experience in school administration includes his role as director for the Francis Howell School District, supervising curriculum, instruction, assessment, summer school, budget, literacy, and student acceleration. He has also served as a science teacher, dean of students, and associate principal. Bracht earned a bachelor’s degree in unified science with an emphasis in chemistry at the University of Missouri-Columbia, as well as a master’s degree in educational administration and a doctorate in educational leadership from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo. Dr. Bracht was instrumental in launching the St. Louis Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (STL CAPS), where area juniors and seniors are fully immersed in a professional culture, solving real-world problems, using industry standard tools, and are mentored by actual employers, all while receiving high school and college credit. He also led the development of Affton School District’s strategic plan, was influential in the deployment of Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum offered K-12, and he earned recognition throughout the state for his leadership in college and career readiness. “I am proud to be part of the Affton team, and honored that the Board chose me for this tremendous opportunity to serve our students, staff, and community,” said Bracht. “I believe strongly in Affton’s mission to prepare all of our students to become confident and capable citizens. Working together, I am confident we will see our district grow even stronger.” Bracht and his wife, Kelly, assistant superintendent for human resources at the Fox C-6 School District, live in St. Louis. www.afftonschools.net Page 1 Board of Education From the Board President Patricia Zahn Patricia Zahn What an exciting journey we are on in the Affton School District! With many beginnings, President endings, and destinations in between, we also see changes in the landscape as we journey on. Susan Casaleggi As I enter my seventh year on the Affton Board of Education, I am honored to now serve as Vice-President Board President. My thanks to Tom Bellavia for his service in this role for the past two years. I Michael McNeil am also very appreciative of the ongoing volunteer commitment given by the entire Board and Treasurer look forward to working alongside them as we continue to move the district forward. Thomas Bellavia For many people in our schools, a destination point comes at the end of May. Just recently, we Director held end of school year celebrations and graduation. I often say that graduation is my favorite Michelle Burford activity as a school board member. The thrill in the auditorium is palpable as the students Director march in wearing caps and gowns, and handing out diplomas and shaking hands with students never gets old. Kenny Edgar Director The end of this school year also brought about many farewells with staff and teacher retirements, along with the notable retirement of our Superintendent, Dr. Steve Brotherton. Steve has done an excellent job guiding our district over the last Jordan Levinson eight years, working with us to stay on course and move the district along in our journey of continuous improvement. Director I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank Steve for his leadership and passion for providing the best Claire Przygoda education possible for the students in our schools. Secretary Earlier this year, we were very happy to announce that Dr. Bracht accepted our offer to serve as our next superintendent. Travis brings to the job that true passion for education with new and innovative ideas for how we might take the next steps Executive Staff on our journey. And as we move into summer, we are also excited to welcome new people to the district, including a new Dr. Steve Brotherton Assistant Superintendent and Executive Director of Academic and Student Services. Superintendent Very soon our journey will begin a new cycle, as we welcome students back to the classroom. One of my other favorite Dr. Travis Bracht activities as a school board member is welcoming kindergarteners to Mesnier Primary in August. What wonderment Assistant Superintendent and delight they have as they come with their families to check out their new school, meet their teachers, connect with friends, and enjoy some ice cream together! Steven Fedchak Chief Financial Officer No matter where you are in your journey – whether you have students in our schools, are part of our team of faculty and staff, or are community residents – you are an important part of the work we do. As always, thank you for your ongoing Erica Chandler, APR support of the Affton School District. Director of Communications Adam Jasinski Dr. Steve Brotherton Director of Technology From the Superintendent Stephanie True As the 2017-2018 school year draws to a close and I am nearing retirement on June 30, I have Director of Instructional Programs been reflecting on my time as superintendent for the Affton School District. It has been my pleasure, but beyond that, it has truly been my honor to serve our schools and our community. The Channel is a The direction in which Affton School District has moved – and is still moving – is biannual publication by the purposeful and meaningful. Our mission has been a personal point of pride for my career: Communications Department, The mission of the Affton School District is to prepare all of our students to become whose goal is to keep the public updated on what’s happening confident and capable citizens through rigorous, customized learning. at Affton Schools, from student I am fulfilled by seeing how the culture in our schools has grown to value individualized learners achievement and happenings and empower innovation in our classrooms. But I am most proud of how we embrace every in the classroom to community student and strive to ensure that no matter their level of achievement, all of our kids will have an opportunity to experience involvement. Please submit and develop the skills they will need when they leave our schools. any questions, comments, or letters to: It is also gratifying to know that I am leaving our district and our community in excellent hands. I have had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Bracht for the past six years, setting the tone and direction of the district. He is just as committed Erica Chandler to remaining on our continuous journey toward excellence and understands that strong schools will help build a strong Director of Communications community and ensure a strong future. 8701 Mackenzie Road Affton, MO 63123 Affton will always remain my home, and I am confident the district will continue to improve and achieve. I will continue to (314) 633-5908 support our schools and community in any way I can, and will remain, always, #afftonstrong. [email protected] From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your trust and your support. Page 2 The Affton Channel •Summer 2018 Second Annual #afftonstrong Community Day of Service We couldn’t be more proud of our students, teachers, staff, and schools! On Friday, May 11, 2018, we held our 2nd Annual #afftonstrong Community Day of Service, with a goal of every student and staff member serving our community for at least one hour that day.