🎃 Inside the Eagle’s Nest! 🦅
Wow—what a week it has been!
Our classrooms were buzzing with creativity and laughter as students dove into STEM centers inspired by the book “Creepy Crayon!” 🖍️ Each group was challenged to engineer a trap to contain the creepy crayon—and their designs were spooktacular!
We also had the honor of recognizing Dave Johnson, a basketball official of more than 30 years, whose dedication and positive presence have made a lasting impact on our community. 🏀 Thank you, Dave, for your years of service and for being such an incredible role model for our students!
Meanwhile, our third graders enjoyed a special lunch with Mrs. Michele and some fun Halloween snacks. 👻 Our 1st annual Spooky Walk-Through and Halloween Parties wrapped up the week with tons of smiles, laughter, and a little bit of frightful fun!
It’s always a great week to be a Brussels Eagle! 💙
#InsideTheEaglesNest #EaglePride #TogetherWeRise
about 3 hours ago, Pam Long
Hello everyone! We’re excited to welcome all who plan to attend today’s Spooky Walk-Through! The side door across from the Industrial Arts building will open for guests at 2:25 p.m. — we can’t wait to see you there!
A quick safety reminder: please avoid driving on 155 School Street, the roadway connecting the schools to the gym. We’ll have lots of students walking to and from the gym, and we want to keep that area safe and vehicle-free. You are welcome to park on Main Street.
Thank you for helping us make this a fun and safe event for everyone!
about 11 hours ago, Pam Long
Welcome to the week of witches’ brew—and if you only knew! 🧙♀️ We’re all having a ghoulishly good time here at Brussels Jr./Sr. High! But it's true... If only the students knew what they were sticking their hands into… 😱
A huge shoutout to Mrs. Schleeper and Mrs. Gilbreth for brewing up some frightfully fun lunchtime activities for our students! Whether you joined in or just watched the spooky silliness unfold, everyone had a blast. 👻
These are the memory-making moments that make the Halloween season so spooktacular! 🎃
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty 💙
2 days ago, Lori Hopkins
A little late for Principals’ Week (as it landed during Red Ribbon Week!), but it’s always the right time to celebrate our amazing leaders! 💙
Brussels Elementary and Brussels Jr./Sr. High are so lucky to have the dynamic duo—the two Mrs. Longs! Their care, energy, and dedication shine every day. Sending a BIG TIME thanks for all you do for our kids, our staff, our families, and our community! 🌟
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty 🌟
2 days ago, Lori Hopkins
We’re so grateful to be part of a community full of skilled and caring individuals who help keep our schools safe and free of creepy crawlers! 🪳 A huge thank-you to Wallendorf Pest Control for responding so quickly and taking great care of our campus. It’s a true blessing to have local experts we can count on—thank you, Gus, for all you do! 💙
2 days ago, Lori Hopkins
Veterans deserve to be honored — in life and beyond. 🌟
We are fortunate to live in a community where the American Legion remains strong with over 50 dedicated members, and where the Sons of the American Legion continue the proud tradition of service and respect for those who served our nation. 🇺🇸
Pictured here is one of Brussels High School’s own, Jed Struse, a proud grandson of an American Legion member. This is what respect looks like — a young person stepping up to honor one of our own, a veteran who has given so much.
Thank you, Jed, for stepping up and standing proud. We thank all our veterans and American Legion members for their continued service. ❤️🤍💙
2 days ago, Lori Hopkins
When it comes to school pride, no one shines brighter than Mrs. Nolle! 📣 One day, she’s walking into the office with nostalgic Brussels pom-poms from the good old days of Brussels High School, and the next, she’s using them to lead the littles in a spirited performance of the school song. Her enthusiasm, pride, and love for Brussels are contagious, inspiring everyone around her to celebrate our school with heart and joy. 🤩 Mrs. Nolle, you reign as our Queen of School Spirit — thank you for keeping Raider and Eagle pride alive! 🙌🏻
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty 💙
2 days ago, Lori Hopkins
Get out your shades, because here comes the sunshine! 💛
With her kindness, compassion, and radiant positivity, Mrs. Nolte brightens every room she enters. Her caring nature and warm heart reflect the true spirit of this award, bringing comfort, joy, and encouragement to students and staff every day. Mrs. Nolte, your light shines brightly across our district — thank you for being our sunshine! ☀️
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty 💙
2 days ago, Lori Hopkins
She's a SUPERHERO! 🦸♀️
Wherever there’s a happening, you’ll find Mrs. Johnes — camera in hand, capturing memories and leading the way for student celebrations. From coordinating Student of the Month events to ensuring every student is safely loaded onto the bus at the end of the day, she does it all with dedication and heart. In her own magical way, she serves as a constant source of support for students, staff, and even graduates long after they’ve left our halls.
Mrs. Johnes, you truly are our superhero — thank you for all that you do! 🌟
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty 💙
2 days ago, Lori Hopkins
THE GOOD STUFF… 🎶
The best part about teaching music is the inspiration it gives to kids. You see, Mr. Jerry Sievers inspired me at a very young age. I loved music class, and the thought of playing an instrument someday was so motivating. Then came Mr. Gary Gardner, who taught me to play the saxophone — and that magic continued. I sang for the first time at my high school graduation. Later, I wrote an album with my brother, had a release party at Longneckers, recorded a CD, and even formed a band. Now, I get to share what I know with the little littles, the big littles, and a few junior high students — and watching them light up with that same spark is the best feeling in the world.
The world really does go round that way… one inspiration leading to another, truly being one of the greatest blessings of all. 🎤🎸
#togetherwerise 💙 #smallbutmighty 💙
2 days ago, Lori Hopkins
🏀 Open Gym for Boys & Girls – Grades 1–6!
Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Join us for Open Gym!
📅 Date: Sunday, November 2
🕐 Time: 1:00 – 2:30 PM
📍 Location: Brussels CUSD 42 Gym
Come work on your skills and have fun with friends!
All boys and girls in grades 1–6 are welcome — no registration required.
Bring water, gym shoes, and lots of energy! 💪
Spread the word and we’ll see you there!
4 days ago, Pam Long
Our 1st and 2nd grade Social Studies classes had a wonderful visit from “Sheriff Bill” Heffington! 👮♂️ He shared all about the importance of rules and laws and how they help keep our community safe and running smoothly. The students loved hearing real-life examples and asking great questions—it was a great way to bring their civics lesson to life! 💙🦅
4 days ago, Pam Long
Honoring ALL Who Served… ❤️🤍💙
We invite you to join us as we honor and celebrate the heroes who have served our country! On Wednesday, November 12, doors will open at 8:30 a.m. with light refreshments and time to visit before our Veterans Day program begins at 9:00 a.m. in the Brussels High School Gymnasium. We’d love to see the stands filled with smiling faces and a sea of red, white, and blue to show our appreciation and pride. Let’s come together as a community to thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. We can’t wait to see you there! ❤️🤍💙
*BIG THANKS to the Brussels Civics Club, Mrs. Schleeper, Carol Pohlman, Ellie Nolte, and our students for their contribution. 🇺🇸
7 days ago, Lori Hopkins
💙🦅 What an Awesome Week to Be a Principal!
This week, I was surprised with the sweetest gift from our third graders at Brussels Elementary for Principal’s Week! They created the most thoughtful project—each popsicle stick decorated with their creativity, personality, and heart. 💕
It’s moments like these that remind me just how truly blessed I am to serve the students, staff, and families of our Brussels community. Every day is a gift when you get to work with such incredible kids and an amazing team that pours so much love into everything they do.
Thank you, third grade, for brightening my week and reminding me why it’s always a great day to be an Eagle! 🦅💙
— Mrs. Long
7 days ago, Pam Long
🦅 Inside the Eagle’s Nest
What an amazing week at Brussels! Our students and staff continue to show what it means to be responsible Eagles. From caring for our classroom fish and keeping their tanks sparkling clean to showing kindness and teamwork throughout the building, responsibility was on full display!
🎀 Red Ribbon Week was a huge success! Classrooms were filled with creativity and spirit during our annual Door Decorating Contest. Each door carried a powerful message about making positive choices and living drug-free—and our students loved showing off their hard work and imagination.
📚 In social studies, students explored the Trail of Tears, learning about this important and emotional part of our nation’s history. Their discussions and reflections showed deep understanding and empathy—another great reminder of the power of learning together.
🍽️ Parent-Teacher Conferences wrapped up the week, and it was wonderful to see so many families connecting with teachers. We especially loved the moments of fellowship shared during mealtimes—great conversations, lots of laughter, and the joy of celebrating our shared commitment to helping every child grow and succeed.
Every week at the Eagle’s Nest is full of learning, leadership, and love—and this one was no exception. 💙
7 days ago, Pam Long
Brussels CUSD 42 Families
Update for Families: Water Is Safe to Drink 💧
Good news! The town has confirmed that the school’s water is safe to drink.
It will not be necessary to send water bottles tomorrow (Thursday, Oct 23, 2025). The town has confirmed that it was a service leak not a water main break.
Drinking fountains and bottle-fill stations will be open as usual.
Thank you for your flexibility and support! 🦅
9 days ago, Pam Long
Community Notice: Please Send Water Bottles — Wed, Oct 22, 2025
Brussels CUSD 42 is asking all students to bring a filled water bottle to school tomorrow (Wednesday, October 22, 2025). Due to a water main break, school water is not currently clear.
What families can do:
Send a filled water bottle (consider sending an extra if you can).
Remind students not to use drinking fountains until we share an all-clear.
Watch for updates from the district as the situation is resolved.
Thank you for your flexibility and support while we keep students safe and learning.
10 days ago, Pam Long
A Spooktacular Event Is Coming Your Way! 👻
Mark your calendars for Friday, October 31, 2025, from 2:15–3:15 p.m. at the Brussels High School Gymnasium for our Spooky Walk-Through! 💀
Students from Brussels Elementary and St. Mary’s will be showing off their amazing Halloween costumes in a fun, family-friendly parade through the gym. 🎃✨ Parents, grandparents, and community members are invited to come watch, cheer, and enjoy the creativity of our little ghouls and goblins! 🧡 Expect spooky tunes, festive décor, and plenty of photo-worthy moments — nothing too scary, just tons of Halloween fun!
Come celebrate creativity, community, and Halloween spirit with us! 🧙🏻
10 days ago, Lori Hopkins
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Now Available in Macoupin, Jersey, and Calhoun Counties! 😃
Families across the region can now register to receive free, high-quality books each month for children from birth to age five through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library — a nationally recognized early literacy program.
Thanks to the partnership between Regional Office of Education #40, the Calhoun Community Foundation, Brussels CUSD #42, and other local school districts, families can help their children develop a lifelong love of reading right from home.
The Imagination Library sends one book per month directly to enrolled children—at no cost to families—helping prepare them for school and beyond.
Enroll your child today at imaginationlibrary.com 📚
10 days ago, Lori Hopkins
Friday is the last day to order! All payments must be included with the order form!
11 days ago, Hallie Kinder
