Sending a TON of gratitude to this awesome duo — PTO President Chelsea Bonner and her lil’ helper, Cohen! 💕 They showered our entire district with the sweetest treats and drinks for every student and staff member. What a joyful and thoughtful way to spread a little extra love! It’s amazing how small acts of kindness can brighten an entire day. As the saying goes, “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” Yesterday, we had full hearts (and bellies 😉) and remain forever grateful! Brussels 42 wishes everyone the VERY BEST Valentine’s Day! 💖🤍💙
The agenda for the Board of Education meeting on February 17, 2026 is attached. The meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. in the Brussels Elementary cafeteria. You are invited to attend.
#TogetherWeRise #SmallButMighty
The amazing Art Expression students, Camryn Klaas, Kate Schleeper, Jayleigh Droege, Alex Friedel, Anna Eberlin, Brian Bravo, and Kayley Schulte (not pictured), made valentines for he residents at Calhoun Nursing and Rehab in hopes to spread some love and brighten some faces. These students are always going above and beyond and giving back to their community!
Over the weekend, a conversation with a young woman in her third year of college unfolded. We chatted about what it really takes to be a teacher, the profession she is pursuing. She shared that so many people had told her, “Why in the world would you go into education these days?”
She was starting to second-guess herself.
I immediately smiled and asked her a few simple questions…
“Do you like kids?” She said, “I love them.”
“Do you like teaching?” She said, “I love it.”
“Do you like making a difference in this world?” She smiled and said, “I sure hope to.”
And then my response…
You, young lady, are exactly where you need to be.
Never let the doubts or fears of others pull you away from your purpose or your path. The world needs people who care, who show up, who believe in young people, and who are willing to pour their hearts into shaping the future.
It really doesn’t take much to be reminded of the GOOD STUFF. It’s THESE YOUNG PEOPLE RIGHT HERE. They are the joy, the laughter, the growth, the hope… the BEST part of the day.
They are the reason teaching isn’t just a profession — it’s a calling, a privilege, and one of the most beautiful ways to make a difference in this world. 💙💙💙
Brussels Jr/Sr High ~ #TogetherWeRise 💙 #SmallButMighty
Wishing you a year ahead that is just as bright, happy, and amazing as you are, Alex! 💙
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B. King
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty
It’s nice after a big snowstorm to show up at school to find the roads and walkways are clear. While we get to stay home and off the roads, there are some pretty visual people out doing the work to keep us all safe. BIG thanks to Greg Nolte for ALL his work clearing snow and ice from our parking lots and sidewalks. The most recent snowfall was significant, and he did an outstanding job ensuring safe access for all. And also a SHOUT OUT for the highway departments everywhere! YOU ARE APPRECIATED!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
#togetherwerise 💙#smallbutmighty
The Brussels PTO is selling Valentine's Day Grams for Valentine's Day! Each Gram includes a chocolate covered Love Bug Oreo, a marshmallow pop from Odelehr's Market, and a Capri Sun. Order forms were sent home with all students on 2/5, but don't wait until the last minute to order! The order forms are due by 2/10, and more forms are available in the office!
We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming the amazing Ms. Marsha Erwin—former special education rockstar—to Brussels CUSD #42 for professional development last week! With more than 30 years as a special educator and fierce advocate for children, she energized and inspired our staff with her wisdom, best practices, and vibrant spirit. From classroom visits to meaningful connections across our school community, she made the day truly special. We’re grateful for her encouragement and proud to call her a friend of our district. 😃
#togetherwerise 💙 #smallbutmighty
This is a vital part of education. Movement gets those dendrites firing, wakes the brain, and sets the stage for meaningful learning. PE is where confidence grows, teamwork develops, and joy takes the lead—sometimes with a ball flying in every direction. 😊
There’s something truly special about PE class. I think my mom would agree 😉... and these students are a perfect reminder of why it matters! 💙
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty
#togetherwerise 💙 #smallbutmighty
Let me introduce this month’s Brussels High School Student of the Month, Kate Schleeper — a student who quietly shines through dedication, authenticity, and determination. 🥇 Kate consistently goes above and beyond in her work and embraces challenges with a positive attitude. She stays true to herself, demonstrates a genuine love of learning, and listens carefully so she can grow and improve. Kate’s strong work ethic and commitment to excellence make her a wonderful example of what it means to be an exemplary Raider. 🌟
#togetherwerise 💙 #smallbutmighty
More GOOD STUFF… 👑
We are proud to celebrate Mrs. Amy Manker and Mrs. Jeanne Johnes as our Queens of School Spirit Award recipients for their extraordinary compassion, leadership, and unwavering support of our school community. During the challenging days when the high school was without heat and relying on space heaters, Mrs. Manker lifted morale by thoughtfully providing hot apple cider for staff, a simple yet powerful act of kindness that brought comfort and encouragement. 🥰
Mrs. Johnes graciously stepped in as an intermediary for Mrs. Kiel during her temporary leave, ensuring stability, communication, and continued support for both students and staff. 🌟 Their dedication to caring for others and fostering teamwork reflects the very best of our school culture, and their efforts truly make a lasting difference for our students and one another.
#togetherwerise 💙#smallbutmighty
We are honored to recognize Mrs. Heather Sievers as our Sunshine Award recipient for her remarkable composure, professionalism, and care during a frightening bus incident when a turkey struck and shattered the windshield while she was driving. Mrs. Sievers remained calm under pressure, reassured her students, and ensured they arrived safely at their destination, even coordinating immediate repairs to keep transportation running smoothly. We are also deeply grateful to Mr. Chad Brodbeck for assisting with the bus switch and to Mr. Adam Herter for his incredible generosity in providing his large, heated shed so the windshield could be replaced right away. Because of the quick thinking, teamwork, and kindness demonstrated by each of you, our students remained safe and our bus was back on the road without delay. 🌟
#togetherwerise 💙#smallbutmighty
