The GOOD STUFF… 🥰


For those who couldn’t attend Alumni Night or hear the words spoken by Carol, Kris, or David, the following is shared to be memorialized:

As we celebrate 50 Years of Brussels Girls Basketball, it feels only right to honor the story behind the legacy—a story that deserves to be remembered and passed on.

This year marks 50 years since the beginning of girls’ athletics at Brussels High School—a legacy built on courage, determination, and the simple belief that girls deserved the opportunity to play.
In 1974, a group of girls—led by Kris Pohlman and Carol Jacobs Pohlman—set that vision in motion. With the support of Coach Dave Franke and school leadership, they organized the first girls’ basketball and softball teams, just as Title IX was opening doors across the country.

By the 1975–1976 season, the first Lady Raiders teams took the court. Just a few years later, they made history—winning Brussels High School’s first Regional Title in 1978. At the time, there were no divisions by school size. That meant a small rural school had to compete against—and defeat—larger city programs. It was a true underdog victory. 🏀

But these young women were more than athletes—they were pioneers. They created opportunities where none had existed and built a foundation of pride, teamwork, and belief that continues to echo throughout our community today.

We honor those who made this legacy possible:

Carol Jacobs Pohlman and Kris Pohlman, for their leadership and dedication;
Coach Dave Franke, for his extraordinary impact as a coach, mentor, role model, educator, bus driver—and so much more;
In memory of Leo Schleeper and Julie Pohlman, whose love of students and the game left a lasting mark on Brussels athletics.

A special thank you to Carol for bringing together an incredible group of alumni to celebrate this milestone and ensure these stories live on.

While Brussels High School no longer has a high school girls’ basketball program, the legacy of these teams still matters. Their story reminds us what’s possible when a community believes in its students.

As we honor this 50-year milestone, may we also look ahead—with hope for renewed interest, expanded opportunities, and a continued appreciation for everything Brussels schools represent. 💙

#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty
about 4 hours ago, Lori Hopkins
Brussels Ladies Raiders Basketball
Coach Dave Franke
Brussels Ladies Raiders Basketball
The GOOD STUFF... 💙
After the winter decorations were cleared away, this stood out—a Marine Corps Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, placed beautifully on the snowman's cover. Simple, yet deeply meaningful. It’s always powerful to see what students choose to create and preserve; in these small acts of expression, something profound emerges—something that truly stirs the heart.

To a Marine, this symbol says it all: Semper Fi—Always faithful—to self, to Corps, to country, and to God. ❤️🤍💙🇺🇸

Moments like this are a reminder of just how remarkable our students are—and how, in the simplest ways, they reveal depth, purpose, and heart beyond their years. 🥰
about 11 hours ago, Lori Hopkins
The star on the snowman.
Let’s hear it for Lane! 📚
I’m a bit late in sharing this exciting news, but it’s worth celebrating—our own Lane Schulte earned a place among the top spellers at the Regional Office of Education Spelling Bee! We are incredibly proud of Lane’s hard work and achievement. We look forward to many more opportunities for our students to grow, compete, and shine. Congratulations, Lane! 💙
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty
1 day ago, Lori Hopkins
Lane - Spelling Bee
Lane - Spelling Bee

The GOOD STUFF... 🐟

April Fools’ Day took a fin-tastic turn this year as two of our junior high students showed up dressed as sharks—fully committed to making a humorous SPLASH! The big question: did they belong in the ocean or in school? Well… fish do travel in schools, right? 😉 Their creativity brought some fun laughs throughout the day and they reminded us to lose our inhibitions and JUST HAVE FUN! 🌊

#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty

1 day ago, Lori Hopkins
April Fools Day
The GOOD STUFF... 🥰
Please join us in welcoming Kaylee to Brussels CUSD #42.
Kaylee will be transitioning into the district’s bookkeeping position, working alongside Mrs. Yvonne Nolte through the next school year to support a smooth and successful transition.
She is a proud stepmother to Lily and a new mother to baby Kira Jo, and is happily engaged. Kaylee values time with her family and enjoys being outdoors.
We are thrilled to have her join our Brussels 42 family and look forward to the contributions she will make to our district.
Welcome to Brussels CUSD #42, Kaylee! 💙
1 day ago, Lori Hopkins
Ms. Kaylee Siemer
The GOOD STUFF… 🥰
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Maggie Meyer to the Brussels CUSD #42 family!
Mrs. Meyer brings eight years of teaching experience and a strong passion for supporting students in reaching their full potential. She began her career at St. Mary’s in Brussels, where she taught for two years, and has spent the past six years with the Region 3 Cooperative Program.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education, bringing valuable expertise and dedication to our district.
Outside of school, Mrs. Meyer enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris, and their daughter, Lucy.
We are SUPER excited to have her join the Brussels 42 family and look forward to the positive impact she will make with our students, staff, and families.
Let us all give a warm welcome to Mrs. Meyer! 💙
2 days ago, Lori Hopkins
Mrs. Meyer - Welcome!

Happy Easter to our Brussels CUSD school community! 🥰
This season of renewal reminds us of the hope, strength, and promise found in new beginnings. As we reflect on the meaning of this time, we are grateful for the students, families, staff, and community members who make our schools such a supportive and caring place. May this Easter bring peace to your hearts, joy to your homes, and continued blessings in the days ahead. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and commitment to our shared mission of growth, learning, and success for all. 🙏🏻💙
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty

2 days ago, Lori Hopkins
Happy Easter to ALL
We've got. spirit, yes we do! We've got spirit, how 'bout you? 💙
Today is Friday - GET YOUR SPIRIT ON - Day! COME ON NOW! Dress in royal blue and white, Raiders, Eagles, spirited attire!
#togetherwerise 💙#smallbutmighty
5 days ago, Lori Hopkins
The spirit queens...
Come out and support our Junior High students tomorrow at 9 AM for our Annual Bake Sale! 🍪🧁

We’ve got plenty of homemade goodies and smiling faces ready to serve—hope to see you there! 💙🤍
5 days ago, Trish Long
Flyer
We've got spirit, yes we do! We've got spirit, how 'about you? 💙💙💙
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty
6 days ago, Lori Hopkins
Spirited Leila!
Here's to a wonderful break! Please make the most of your time—relax and enjoy every moment. We can't wait to welcome you back on Tuesday, April 7. 💙
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty
6 days ago, Lori Hopkins
Spring Break
We've got spirit, yes we do! We've got spirit, how 'bout you?
💙🦅💙
#togetherwerise #smallbutmightly #lil'eagles
7 days ago, Lori Hopkins
Little Eagles... 💙
We've got spirit, yes we do! We've got spirit, how 'bout you?
💙💙💙
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty
8 days ago, Lori Hopkins
Spirited School Raiders
We enjoyed a lovely line in the hallway as two wonderful seniors eagerly served others during the Student Council's "WARM UP with HOT CHOCOLATE" event at lunchtime. ☕️
A big heartfelt thank you to Mady and Audrina for generously giving up their lunch to serve and bring warmth to others! 💙
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty
8 days ago, Lori Hopkins
Leadership - service!
🦅 Inside the Eagle’s Nest Our students have been busy learning, creating, and exploring in so many fun ways! 🧸 Kindergarten Kindergarten students are learning through play, building important social, problem-solving, and academic skills while staying engaged and having fun. 🪨 1st Grade First grade has been exploring rocks by weighing, labeling, and cleaning them. They are also strengthening their math skills using 10 frames and counters to build number sense. 📚 2nd Grade Second grade students have been sharing books with each other and growing their love of reading. They also enjoyed a library field trip as part of their local government study. First and second grades created some wonderful spring art projects that are brightening our halls! 🎨 3rd Grade Third grade has been working on test prep using Blooket, making practice engaging and fun. They also completed an Aztec art project, combining creativity with history and culture. We are proud of all the great things happening in the Eagle’s Nest each day! #TogetherWeRise
8 days ago, Pam Long
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A huge thank you to Mr. Manker for visiting our Small Engines class. The students had the exciting opportunity to hear directly from a professional about his work with small engines and to ask their questions. We truly appreciate his time and insight! 💙
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty
8 days ago, Lori Hopkins
Small Engines Class

Don't forget to sign up your child for the Annual Preschool Screening!

8 days ago, Hallie Kinder
Flyer
Information
Every day, without any prompting, two of our wonderful elementary student leaders joyfully raise our flag to celebrate our pride in the United States and the freedoms we cherish! Hats off to Anistyn and Darlynn for being SOOO AMAZING! Thank you so much! ❤️🤍💙🇺🇸
9 days ago, Lori Hopkins
Awesome students!
Opening Night Success! 🎭 Last night was opening night for the Annie musical put on by the Calhoun Entertainment Company, and we are so proud of the hard work and talent in our community. We would especially like to recognize some of our Brussels students who are involved in the production — Jordan Hartle, Summer Schneider, and Aubree Behrens. We are always proud to see our students sharing their talents, working hard, and being involved in our community. It takes courage, dedication, and a lot of practice to perform on stage, and we are very proud of you! If you have a chance, be sure to go out and support this wonderful community production. Tickets are still available. tickets are still available. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday 7 PM and Sunday afternoon at 2 PM at the Kampsville Gym. Great job, Jordan, Summer, and Aubree! Brussels is proud of you! **#TogetherWeRise
11 days ago, Pam Long
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WELL... Last Thursday and Friday, Mrs. T. Long and Mrs. P. Long had the opportunity to attend the WELL Summit (Women in Education Leading and Learning) for school leaders. We learned so much, had the chance to collaborate with other educators, and did a little networking along the way. Opportunities like this are so valuable because they allow us to learn, grow, and bring new ideas back to our school and students. We are thankful for the opportunity to represent Brussels and continue growing as leaders so we can keep moving our district forward. Always learning. Always growing. #TogetherWeRise
11 days ago, Pam Long
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