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

SUPERHERO AWARD — THE GOOD STUFF! 💙
We proudly recognize Mr. Chad Brodbeck and Mr. Fred Kuhn for their outstanding dedication to our school community. During the inclement weather closure from Friday through Tuesday, they generously gave their personal time to rewire the school for the secondary heating system and install multiple heaters, ensuring our high school remained a warm, safe, and welcoming place for students and staff. Their commitment, teamwork, and pride in supporting our district truly exemplify the spirit of service and make them most deserving of this month’s Superhero Award. 🥇
#togetherwerise 💙 #smallbutmighty
#TogetherWeRise #SmallButMighty

If you want a chance to see if you're a lucky duck, the Class of 2028 is selling the Ducks 1 for $5 or 5 for $20. First Place will receive $400, Second Place $250, and Third Place $100.











Join Cartwheel and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant, Dana Sedlak, LCSW, CEDS-C, for a free webinar on helping kids build healthy relationships with food.
Wednesday, February 11 | 12–1 pm ET
Visit this link to reserve your spot:
https://cartwheelcare.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lwdxQgheTZqfycK-jTBgUQ#/registration?utm_source=Iterable%20&utm_medium=email%20&utm_campaign=familywebinarfeb&utm_content=registration

We can't wait to see everyone!
#TogetherWeRise

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to share how excited I am to see both our little ones and big ones back at school tomorrow—it truly is the best place to be!
While it’s going to be a chilly start in the morning, the good news is we’re expecting a record high of 30° later in the day, according to the forecast. Basically… shorts weather in January. 😉
I also wanted to let you know that regular bus routes will be running tomorrow morning. Heather and Bruce will both be driving their usual routes. Please allow a little extra space and patience for our buses, especially on the back roads, as they travel safely in these winter conditions.
Thank you so much for your understanding and continued support during these challenging weather days. We truly appreciate it.
Have an amazing evening, and we can’t wait to see everyone tomorrow! Bundle up!
Together We Rise—indeed! 💙
Due to snow-packed and icy backroads, there will be NO SCHOOL tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27. With melting today and refreezing tonight, many backroads are unsafe and do not allow room for two vehicles.
This will be an e-learning day, which allows us to continue learning and check in on students even when we cannot safely meet in person.
I know this can be a hardship for some, and I’m so sorry, but we always err on the side of caution and do not want anyone placed in harm’s way. We certainly hope to return on Wednesday. Please note we will be operating on an adjusted bus route plan on Wednesday morning, as one of our buses will be out of service then for a windshield replacement due to a turkey crashing into it. Yep, you heard that right. A turkey. We are so thankful everyone was okay.
We greatly appreciate everyone’s understanding and look forward to having everyone back in school on Wednesday!
Here’s to the best evening!
Together We Rise! 💙
Technology had other plans, and once the calls were sent… there was no stopping them. 🤷🏼♀️
You'll probably receive three and not seventeen, but still.. WE thank you, Brussels staff and families, for your grace, patience, and good humor! 😂
#togetherweRING! 💙

As a #smallbutmighty district, we loved sharing the spirit, pride, and hope that fills our schools. We were also lucky to have a bonus visitor that day, Dr. Ryan Wamser, an incredible resource and partner to our district. 😃
A heartfelt thank-you to Mrs. Amy Venhaus and Mrs. Kim Emrick for visiting our little slice of heaven. Our students and staff loved meeting you and showing off their BIG-TIME school spirit!
From our neck of the woods to yours, we wish Lebanon School District a fantastic 2025–2026 school year! They are lucky to have YOU as leaders! 🥰
#togetherwerise


There’s just something magical about watching our students light up in an academic sport! 📚
Our Brussels High School Scholastic Bowl team recently faced off against Payson-Seymour High School right here at BHS, and the energy in the room was fierce but fun. Game faces were on… until breaktime 😄—that’s when this moment was captured. Brains, teamwork, confidence, and a whole lot of heart on display.
Huge thanks to our amazing coaches for their dedication and support, and a special shout-out to Mrs. Nolte for serving as our moderator. Moments like these are why we love what we do.
This is the GOOD STUFF! 💙
#togetherwerise #smallbutmighty



Position: District Bookkeeper 💙
Brussels CUSD No. 42 is seeking a detail-oriented, dependable professional to join our team as District Bookkeeper. PLEASE BE ADVISED that this position includes a built-in transition and training plan. Onboarding begins as early as June 2026, and full-time employment starts as early as January 2027—so you can step into the role with confidence and support.
If you’re looking for meaningful work, a supportive district, and a thoughtful transition into a key role, we’d love to hear from you! 💙
#togetherwerise

If you’re passionate about helping students learn, grow, and thrive in a positive school environment—we’d love to hear from you! Review of applications begins February 2 and the posting will remain open until filled. 💙
#TogetherWeRise

Due to extremely cold temperatures that are predicted for tomorrow, January 23, 2026, tomorrow will be an eLearning Day. There will be no in-person attendance.
Elementary students should complete the work sent home by their teachers in their packets. Junior High and High School Students should log in and complete the assignments posted by their teachers. Teachers will be available during the school day to support students as needed.
If you have any questions or experience difficulty accessing materials, please reach out to your child’s teacher.
Thank you for your continued support, and please stay safe. We look forward to seeing everyone on Monday.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is close to 1,000 kids enrolled in Calhoun, Macoupin & Jersey Counties! 🎉
Children from birth to age 5 get FREE books mailed monthly—building a love of reading that lasts a lifetime.
✅ Sign up today: https://imaginationlibrary.com
❤️ Support the program: https://calhounil.org
Let’s keep the momentum going! #ImaginationLibrary #EarlyLiteracy #ROE40

The theme is Ladies & Lumberjacks, so be sure to wear your finest flannel or frilliest dress and come ready to throw an axe! Doors open at 4:30 for check-in, with dinner starting at 5:00. Activities and plenty of dancing to follow. Chili, Chicken & Dumplings and Sandwiches are on the menu. Be sure to let us know of any food allergies when you register online. We hope to see you there!

