🦅 Inside the Eagle’s Nest 🦅
What a wonderful and energetic start to our learning journey—our school is buzzing with curiosity and creativity!
Our 5th grade girls and 1st graders have been busy building words and strengthening literacy skills, while 3rd graders filled the halls with joyful singing and hand-clap rhythms of “Bim Bum.” 1st and 2nd graders took time to center themselves with some yoga, building both focus and calm.
In 4th grade, students kicked off an exciting new novel unit, and across the building we launched our “Space” study—a truly stellar start!
Our 1st and 2nd graders are designing International Space Stations, while 3rd–5th graders dove deeper with research, readings, reports, and the beginnings of their space dioramas. Creativity and critical thinking are shining bright!
And of course, Kindergarten Fun Friday Games brought lots of smiles, teamwork, and laughter to wrap up the week.
You never quite know what you’ll find Inside the Eagle’s Nest, but you can always count on learning, joy, and kids reaching for the stars. ✨🚀
12 days ago, Pam Long
We are incredibly proud to share that our students—and one of our outstanding staff members—are featured on the Illinois State Board of Education CTE webpage! Recognition can come in many forms, but when it’s rooted in students thriving in the classroom, it means the most. This is what education is truly about—preparing students to become skilled, knowledgeable, and engaged citizens who are ready to give back to their communities.
A huge shout-out and heartfelt thank you to Kerry Lorton, Director of CTE, for submitting this article to the Illinois State Board of Education and for helping showcase the incredible work happening in our classrooms. 👏
We are also grateful to the Illinois State Board of Education for recognizing our students, staff, and the powerful impact of Career and Technical Education. Moments like this remind us why we do this work and why investing in students always matters. 💙
Please take a moment to check out the article and join us in celebrating this success!
https://link.isbe.net/m/1/90208844/02-b26008-e1b86c2548df42c89101e448199a082d/3/405/715f1554-2967-437e-a84e-a3a423d3d7b8#Brodbeck
15 days ago, Lori Hopkins
🦅 Happy New Year from the Eagle’s Nest! 🦅
What a fantastic first week back it has been! Our halls are once again filled with smiles, laughter, and the joyful energy that makes our school so special. Students jumped right back into learning with enthusiasm, reconnecting with friends, routines, and the excitement of new beginnings.
Classrooms were buzzing with curiosity, collaboration, and fresh goals for the year ahead. It was truly wonderful to see everyone settle back in so smoothly and with such positive momentum.
We are looking forward to all that this new year will bring—growth, learning, and many moments worth celebrating. Here’s to a great start and an even greater year ahead. Together, we rise! 🦅
17 days ago, Pam Long
20 days ago, Hallie Kinder
Just a reminder!
Families are invited to attend a PTO Meeting on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 6:30 PM. This brief, one-hour meeting is an opportunity for parents, grandparents, and guardians to learn more about how the PTO supports students and teachers, fosters community, and enhances the school experience through activities and events.
Refreshments will be provided.
For questions or additional information, please contact the school administrators at 618-883-2131. We look forward to your participation!
23 days ago, Pam Long
Congratulations, Mr. Baalman! ☀️
Our Sunshine Award winner is as supportive and easygoing as they come. If his classroom is needed, he willingly finds another space for PE, helps set up the gym, supports evening events and games, and brings humor that brightens every situation. His positive spirit brings joy to students and staff alike—we can always use more of that! 💙
24 days ago, Lori Hopkins
Congratulations, Mr. Brodbeck! 💪
Our Super Human Award winner truly goes above and beyond—ensuring facilities are always up to snuff, fixing leaks, keeping the heat running, salting sidewalks, and even stepping in to take a bus route when needed. And in the midst of all that, he somehow also finds time to teach! His dedication keeps our school running smoothly and safely each day. 💙
24 days ago, Lori Hopkins
Congratulations, Coach Stephens! 👑
Our Queen of School Spirit has taken on the role of middle school girls' volleyball coach while also spending time in the hallways during lunch—organizing activities, building relationships, having meaningful conversations, and supporting students in countless ways. Her positivity, energy, and care for students shine through in everything she does. 💙
24 days ago, Lori Hopkins
Winter break has been wonderful, but we are excited to see our classrooms full of learning, laughter, and great students again soon. See you back on Tuesday January 6th, Raiders & Eagles! ❄️📚
24 days ago, Trish Long
Families are invited to attend a PTO Meeting on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 6:30 PM. This brief, one-hour meeting is an opportunity for parents, grandparents, and guardians to learn more about how the PTO supports students and teachers, fosters community, and enhances the school experience through activities and events.
Refreshments will be provided.
For questions or additional information, please contact the school administrators at 618-883-2131. We look forward to your participation!
29 days ago, Pam Long
Throughout the holiday break, we will be sharing moments from recent happenings, highlights of exciting upcoming events, and celebrations of our incredible award winners across Brussels CUSD 42.💙
In the meantime, we wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday season spent with family and friends—filled with happiness, gratitude, and many blessings in the year ahead. 🎄
Together We Rise.
about 1 month ago, Lori Hopkins
☕💙 Thank You for the Sweet Surprise! 💙☕
Our teachers and staff were treated to a wonderful hot chocolate bar today, and it truly warmed more than just our hands—it warmed our hearts! From the cozy drinks to the thoughtful touches, this surprise brought smiles, comfort, and a much-needed moment of joy to our day.
To our anonymous donor: thank you for thinking of our staff and for showing such kindness and appreciation. Gestures like this remind us how supported and valued we are.
We are so grateful to be part of a community that lifts one another up.
Together, we rise. 🦅💙
about 1 month ago, Pam Long
The Board of Education Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 16, at 7:00 PM in the Brussels Elementary cafeteria.
about 2 months ago, Lori Hopkins
🦅 Inside the Eagle’s Nest 🦅
What a wonderfully busy week it has been inside the Eagle’s Nest!
Kindergarten kicked things off with a sight-word snowball fight—a perfect mix of learning, movement, and fun.
Our young scientists were also hard at work growing crystals, making observations and discovering how science comes to life.
Students also explored an Icelandic Christmas tradition, spending time getting cozy with a good book and enjoying chocolate—what a special way to celebrate reading while learning about another culture.
In science, excitement was in the air as students experimented with electric circuits, lighting up their curiosity and strengthening their problem-solving skills.
Grades 3–5 had an unforgettable experience visiting the Star Lab, followed by creating festive reindeer crafts.
The week also included the joy of Santa’s Workshop shopping, made even more special by our National Honor Society members, who volunteered their time to help students shop. What a wonderful example of leadership, kindness, and service!
We crowned our Star Eagles of the Month. Abel Baalman and Camden Bonner! 💙
✨ You never know what’s happening inside the Eagle’s Nest! ✨
#TogetherWeRise
about 2 months ago, Pam Long
Patriotism lives not only in our words, but in our daily actions—when we stand together with respect, honor our flag, and commit ourselves to building a stronger school and a stronger society. ❤️🤍💙
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty
about 2 months ago, Lori Hopkins
THE GOOD STUFF! 💙
Sending some GREAT BIG GRATITUDE to our amazing students who worked the concession stand—and to one incredible dad who braved the cold to prepare menu items for the night! Truly, working the stand is about so much more than what you receive in return… it’s about showing up for your school and helping your community.
It’s really something special to see how so many willingly chip in outside of their school and work day to volunteer for something bigger than themselves. School at Brussels is about way more than the Three R’s—we are building contributing citizens with lots of heart.
In the beautiful words of Dr. Seuss:
“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!”
That “little bit more” was on full display last night and the nights leading up to the BIG GAME! Thank you to every helper, every volunteer, and every supporter, whether helping get the gym ready, preparing the food, carrying in boxes, cleaning up after—this is what makes our school and community so special. 💙
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty
about 2 months ago, Lori Hopkins
What a night at The Pit! 🏀💙
We feel incredibly blessed to have hosted the first-ever home game of our athletic co-op with Calhoun at Brussels High School, featuring the Calhoun Lady Warriors vs. the Roxana Lady Shells—and what a historic night it was! Even more special, our very own gym, The Pit, is the third gym featured on page 22 of Illustrious: The Best High School Basketball Gyms in Illinois—a stunning coffee table book celebrating the many stages of high school basketball across our state.
The book’s author, Vincent D. Johnson, joined us in person, selling and signing copies while sharing unforgettable stories from the road. With a full house, an electric atmosphere, and a well-deserved standing ovation for longtime winning girls’ basketball coach, Dave Franke, the night couldn’t have been more perfect. And to top it all off—the Lady Warriors brought home the WIN! Whoop! ❤️🖤
Great night. Amazing spirit. Pure community pride!
Thank you to everyone who came out to support our team—we felt that energy from the stands!
A huge THANK YOU to Calhoun High School and Coach Hillen for allowing us to host this special game. We truly look forward to hosting again! 🌟
Captured a few great moments from the night but failed to get a team photo. 🤦🏼♀️ Next time! ❤️🖤
about 2 months ago, Lori Hopkins
Abel arrived with a big bag of toys and an even bigger spirit of giving. 🥰
These sweet gifts are the first donations to our Marine Corps Toys for Tots drive, and we are so touched by his generosity. It’s wonderful to see such kindness from a young heart.
Thank you, Abel, for sharing joy with others this season. We are so grateful for you! ❤️🙏🏻💚
about 2 months ago, Lori Hopkins
Congratulations to John Williams, our December Brussels Junior High Student of the Month! 👏🏻 John brings positivity into the classroom every day with his smile, strong work ethic, and willingness to help others. He takes pride in completing his work on time, asks thoughtful questions, and shows true maturity in his desire to learn. He is a wonderful role model for his peers, and we are proud to celebrate him! Great job, John! 💙
about 2 months ago, Lori Hopkins
We would like to recognize Leila Schulte as our December Brussels High School Student of the Month! 👏🏻 Leila is a thoughtful, driven, and hardworking student who consistently gives her best in everything she does. She thinks deeply, holds herself accountable, and always goes the extra mile to ensure excellence. Beyond the classroom, Leila shines as a leader in Pep Club—whether she’s designing shirts, reminding peers of responsibilities, or setting the standard for character and behavior. Students like Leila remind us why we love what we do. Congratulations, Leila! We are so proud of you! 💙
about 2 months ago, Lori Hopkins
