BRUSSELS CUSD 42

🦅 Inside the Eagle’s Nest 🦅 There is always something exciting happening inside the Eagle’s Nest, and this week was full of hands-on learning, teamwork, and plenty of curiosity! Our young learners in grades K–2 stayed active and focused during indoor recess by participating in yoga, building strong minds and bodies while having fun together. Students also continued practicing important early literacy skills by working on CVC words and building confidence as readers. First grade students worked together during STEM time, collaborating and problem-solving as they explored new challenges and learned the power of teamwork. In third grade, students partnered up to sort subject-verb agreement sentences, strengthening their grammar skills while learning from one another. Fourth grade students dove into creativity and critical thinking as they worked on their end-of-novel projects, bringing their reading to life through thoughtful presentations and activities. Our fifth grade scientists had an exciting week exploring mixtures, solutions, and chemical reactions. Students created their own trail mix, made lemonade, and conducted experiments to observe chemical reactions in action. They even took part in a little unexpected investigation — trying pecans for the very first time! While it may not have been math-related, curiosity led the way as students explored what pecans look like on the inside and discovered a brand-new taste experience. Students also enjoyed collaborating with the high school during a STEAM challenge, showing great teamwork and problem-solving across grade levels. Lila put her engineering skills to the test by experimenting with bridge strength, while classes had fun participating in Winter Olympic–style activities that encouraged movement, cooperation, and school spirit. You never know what learning adventures you’ll find when you step inside the Eagle’s Nest — where curiosity, collaboration, and discovery happen every day! 🦅✨

Spelling Success at Brussels CUSD 42! The Regional Office of Education is excited to announce the return of the regional spelling bee! This year, all fourteen school districts within ROE40 sent their top spellers in grades 4 through 8 to compete for the title of Regional Champion. After first competing in spelling bees held within their own school buildings, the area is best spellers advanced to the regional competition and Brussels CUSD 42 is proud to share that our very own Oliver Bishop, a fourth grader at Brussels Grade School, earned an impressive sixth place finish out of 14 schools. We are incredibly proud of Oliver's hard work, courage and dedication. Representing our school at the regional level is a wonderful accomplishment! Way to go Oliver - your Eagle family is cheering you on! Together We Rise

Woo hoo! 👏🏻 We are excited to share that Jaxon Smith and Audrina Pohlman, along with the rest of the Scholastic Bowl team, competed in the Pike County Conference Scholastic Bowl Tournament on 2/17 in Pittsfield. Jaxon and Audrina made the all-conference team, each among the top 6 scores for the evening. Congratulations! We are proud! 💙
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty

Dearest Parents and Guardians of Brussels CUSD No. 42 Students,

At Brussels CUSD No. 42, we are proud to serve not only our students, but our entire community. Your voice matters deeply to us, and we are asking for your help.

Each year, families are invited to complete the Illinois 5Essentials Parent Survey. While the state only requires a 20% participation rate, our goal is 100%. Why? Because the only way we truly know what you want for your community schools — and most importantly, for your children — is for you to share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas.

Your feedback helps us:
* Understand what we are doing well
* Identify areas where we can grow
* Make informed decisions that directly impact your child’s education
* Strengthen our schools and our community

This survey is confidential and takes only a few minutes to complete, but the impact of your input is lasting.

Please help us by taking the survey today.
You can participate by scanning the QR code or by clicking the link below:
http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/

We genuinely value your partnership and appreciate the time you take to support Brussels CUSD No. 42. Together, we can ensure our schools continue to grow and thrive for every child.

Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. 💙

Truly,
Dr. Lori Hopkins

The GOOD STUFF… 💙
The beauty of being back and working in God’s country is something truly special — the kind of blessing that’s easy to overlook until you pause long enough to feel it. Monday night was one of those gentle reminders.
While supervising the 5th–6th grade boys’ game, I stepped over to the scorer’s table to grab the lineups and left the money box at the door. Without hesitation, childhood friend John Willman said he’d keep an eye on it. Folks paid their entry fee, and some even simply laid their money on the table.
Where else does that happen?
That simple moment spoke volumes about trust, character, and community.
I also had the chance to catch up with my old buddy, Donny Breden — just a few minutes of easy conversation that felt like no time had passed at all. Before heading out, I glanced at the bleachers and snapped a photo: every bit of trash picked up and placed in the receptacles. No fanfare. Just people quietly doing the right thing.
And then there was the game itself.
Watching the Brussels Eagles and the Calhoun Warriors boys compete with heart, hustle, and sportsmanship was pure joy. The boys played hard and clean. Coaches coached with purpose. Families cheered with pride. The energy in the gym was spirited but respectful — the kind of basketball that reminds us all of the purpose of small-town sports in the first place. Having two sophomore boys with the help of a mom (Thanks Vicki!) working the concession stand as class volunteers - setting up, selling, cleaning up - did my heart a whole lot of good, too! 🏀
Monday night wasn’t just a game. It was community. It was character. It was connection.
There is so much good happening in this world. When we choose to zoom in on it — on the trust, the kindness, the shared pride, the simple joys — we’re reminded of what really matters.
This is the GOOD STUFF. 🌟💙❤️

How fortunate we are to share part of our day — classes and lunch — with our neighbors from St. Mary’s School. Moments like these remind us that we are one community, growing and learning together. 💙 As we begin preparing for next year, it’s exciting to know that these wonderful students will soon become Raiders. We cannot wait to welcome them officially to Brussels High School! The future is bright, and it’s moving to see the next group of leaders, learners, and friends already finding their place here. We are thrilled to have you join the Raider family! 💙🤍
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty

Walked out of Brussels High School and found… a limousine. 😊
I’ve only seen a limo outside a school twice in my life. The first time, it wasn’t for me.
And this day? Also not for me. 🤷🏼‍♀️
At this point, I’m starting to think the limo company just circles schools to keep me humble. In case you wonder, I’ll be inside the school with all the cool peeps!! 😜

We feel fortunate to have two wonderful young women stepping in to fill their moms’ roles in the kitchen, preparing breakfast and lunch for our fantastic students and staff. This is a perfect example of teamwork, filled with Eagle and Raider pride! We are genuinely grateful for families who step up, lend support, and ensure everything runs seamlessly. Your eagerness to help is deeply appreciated. Thank you both for filling in and serving our school community with smiles and spirit! 💙🤍
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty

Warriors JV Volleyball was bringing it at The Pit today! 💙 Had to pop in and grab a pic of this powerhouse crew in action! What an incredible group of young ladies — hustle, heart, and Warrior pride all the way!
Let’s gooooo, Warriors!!! ❤️🏐🖤

Snapped a quick photo of our kiddos heading out for their scholastic bowl meet, and take note…💙
The smiles.
The camaraderie on a bus headed toward competition. Yes, they answer tough questions and represent our school well. But this — this — is the good stuff. It’s belonging. It’s confidence. It’s growing together.
I would be remiss not to mention the dedication of their coach, Mrs. Hartle. She’s spending time away from her own family and little ones so she can be fully present for the students she leads. That kind of commitment... invaluable. 🌟
When passionate students are guided by selfless leaders, amazing things happen.
Helen Keller nailed it: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
#smallbutmighty 💙 #togetherwerise

The GOOD STUFF... 🎨
Sending a heartfelt thank you to Denny Vogel for generously sharing his expertise and passion for the painting industry with our students! 💙
Through hands-on learning and real-world insight, Denny is helping our kiddos see that painting is more than just a trade — it’s an art, a craft, and a way to transform the ordinary into something beautiful. Whether it’s painting, stripping furniture, renovating treasured pieces, or breathing new life into well-loved items, his knowledge inspires creativity, pride, and possibility.
When it comes to making something beautiful again, you can always turn to Vogel Brothers Painting — where skill, dedication, and heart come together.
We are so grateful for community partners like Denny who invest their time and talent in the next generation. 🌟 #togetherwerise 💙#smallbutmighty

🦅 Inside the Eagle’s Nest 🦅 It has been another busy and exciting week of learning and collaboration inside the Eagle’s Nest! Kindergarten students enjoyed a special Show and Tell, building confidence as they shared their favorite items and practiced speaking and listening skills with their classmates. First Grade students worked together during STEM activities, using teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving to explore new challenges. Third Grade students stayed busy in both math and language arts. They worked in pairs to sort subject–verb agreement sentences, strengthening their grammar skills, and also explored how multiplication and division are related, deepening their understanding of number relationships. Fourth Grade students collaborated to tackle long division, supporting one another as they worked through problem-solving strategies together. Fifth Grade Science was full of hands-on learning! Students explored mixtures, solutions, and chemical reactions by creating their own trail mix, making lemonade, and conducting exciting experiments to observe chemical reactions in action. You never know what kind of learning, teamwork, and discovery you’ll find happening inside the Eagle’s Nest! 🦅✨

Happy Leadership Day! Let’s LEAD THE WAY by turning our #SMALLBUTMIGHTY community into a sea of blue! 💙
Students, staff, families, and community members — wear your favorite blue and show your Raider and Eagle spirit. Every shade counts, so let’s stand out and shine together! 🌟
#TogetherWeRise

🦅 Inside the Eagle’s Nest 🦅 Last week was filled with learning, creativity, and plenty of heart here in the Eagle’s Nest! ❤️ Our 1st and 2nd graders combined math and Valentine’s fun as they worked on activities that truly filled their hearts while strengthening important skills. Meanwhile, our 4th and 5th graders enjoyed celebrating together during their Valentine’s Party, creating memories and sharing lots of smiles. As part of our ongoing Black History Month study, students explored the impact of African-American artists and their contributions to the world of art and culture. Grades 1–2 learned about Alma Thomas, discovering her vibrant use of color and abstract style, while grades 3–5 studied Laolu Senbanjo, learning how his powerful artwork tells stories through symbols and design. ⭐ Star Eagles of the Week: Congratulations to Lila Rose and Layla Lake for demonstrating outstanding effort, positive attitudes, and Eagle pride! We are so proud of you! ⭐ It’s always inspiring to see our students learning not only academic skills, but also gaining appreciation for history, culture, and creativity. You never know what exciting learning is happening inside the Eagle’s Nest! 🦅✨

The GOOD STUFF... 🥰
The Brussels Community Unit School District #42 is proud to announce that Mrs. Trish Long has been selected by the Board of Education as the 2026–2027 Brussels Junior High and High School Principal and Athletic Director.
Mrs. Long currently serves as Dean of Students and has been a dedicated sixth and seventh-grade English, math, and science teacher. A Brussels alumna and former School Board member, she brings a deep understanding of our district and a strong commitment to its continued success.
Her philosophy of education is grounded in relationships, collaboration, and high expectations. She believes schools should be places where students feel known, supported, and challenged to grow. Mrs. Long is committed to being a visible, approachable leader who supports staff, partners with families, and keeps students’ academic, social, and emotional development at the center of every decision.
With experience leading attendance and behavior initiatives, strengthening restorative practices, and serving on district leadership teams, she is prepared to guide our Junior High and High School with integrity and purpose.
Brussels is small but mighty—and with Mrs. Long leading the way, the future is bright, the momentum is strong, and TOGETHER WE will continue to RISE! 💙
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. T. Long! 🌟

THE GOOD STUFF... 🥰
The Brussels Community Unit School District #42 is proud to announce that Mrs. Pam Long has been selected by our Board of Education to serve as Superintendent for the 2026–2027 school year. 💙
Mrs. Long has dedicated more than six years to Brussels CUSD #42, serving as both Elementary Principal and Junior High/High School Principal. During that time, she has led significant district improvements, including technology and infrastructure upgrades, implementation of the TeacherEase student information system, expansion of instructional supports, development of new course offerings, strengthened communication systems, and securing a Stronger Connections Grant to support student safety and mental health.
Mrs. Long recognizes that leadership brings both successes and challenges. She understands that building a positive, collaborative culture requires intentional effort, open communication, and trust. She is committed to strengthening relationships with staff, supporting teachers' professional growth, and ensuring that every decision centers on what is best for students and families.
With an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and experience in budget development, grant management, personnel leadership, and district operations, Mrs. Long is prepared to guide Brussels CUSD #42 forward with integrity, transparency, and purpose.
Brussels CUSD #42 may be small, but we are mighty—and TOGETHER WE will continue to RISE! 💙
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. P. Long! 🌟

We are having some technical difficulties with our phones, so if you can't get through please email the office. You can email Hallie at hkinder@brussels42.net . Thank you for your patience and understanding!

The GOOD STUFF... 🥰
We had to grab a quick pic of this crew — all thanks to Mrs. Schleeper, who absolutely “sleighed” it as Santa! She surprised us with the most fun, perfectly matched t-shirts for each teacher and their subject. Talk about thoughtful (and spot-on)! So much fun and so appreciated. We’re lucky to be part of a school family that knows how to work hard and have fun together! And a BIG shoutout to Eve and Thor for serving as our “special couriers” and delivering each shirt with purpose and style! This is the GOOD STUFF! Mrs. Long missed the group shot, so she gets her own awesome pic! 💙
#randomactsofkindness2026 #togetherwerise #smallbutmighty