Virtual Backpack

KUSD’s Virtual Backpack provides an outlet for the district and community organizations to share events, activities, and resources with our families in one easy-to-access location. Materials and/or activities below may not be sponsored by KUSD or its personnel.

Organizations wanting to add an item to the Virtual Backpack must submit a Virtual Backpack request form at least one month prior to their event date. All requests must abide by the procedures outlined in Board Policy 1520. Note: Due to changes in accessibility standards, KUSD will no longer be posting images or PDFs from outside organizations on the Virtual Backpack.

Items that have expired or that are more than six months old will be removed to keep this page current. If items are removed, they may be resubmitted in alignment with the procedures above for review/consideration.

September

Pizza for a Cause: Take CHARGE for Alivia at Papa John’s (Sept. 2)

-posted Aug. 7, 2025

CHARGE Syndrome affects 1 in every 9,000 births and can potentially affect the entire body. CHARGE is an acronym for characteristics of the Syndrome –

C – Coloboma of the Eye(s)
H – Heart Defects
A – Atresia of the Choanae (unattached nasal passages)
R – Restriction of Growth
G – Genital Abnormalities
E – Ear Abnormalities

Individuals with CHARGE are incredible human beings that you may come across in your school. Some are deaf, some are blind, some are deafblind. Some speak, some don’t. Some walk and some scoot. Each person is so unique, and many just want to be understood and friended.

Commit to Ordering a Pizza on Sept. 2

Please click and commit to ordering a pizza on Tuesday 9/2, and 15% of the proceeds will go to the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation via Alivia to help raise awareness, help with additional research and general support for the adults and children that were born and diagnosed with CHARGE.

Please visit groupraise.com/events/308524 to commit by 8/20.

REMEMBER – When ordering, please mention you are supporting Take CHARGE for Alivia prior to placing your order.

Cub Scout Pack 533: Join Us Night (Sept. 8)

-posted Aug. 18, 2025

Come see what Cub Scouts is all about. Pack 533 is an active group, open to boys and girls, grades K-5.

Monday, September 8, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church (2001 80th St., Kenosha).

Our doors will be open for everyone to learn what we do and how we connect youth with the outdoors.

KUSD Cooks: Balanced Bites Family Education Program (Sept. 18)

-posted Aug. 25, 2025

Join us for KUSD Cooks: Balanced Bites, hosted by Emily Riedler, KUSD’s Food Services Director and Registered Dietitian, for an evening of food fun! Participants will explore nutritious snack options and basic kitchen skills, such as chopping and preparing vegetables for a delicious and balanced bite! Families in attendance will also receive simple kitchen tools of their very own to take home.

📅 Thursday, September 18
🕑 6-7:00 p.m.
📌 Whittier Elementary, 8542 Cooper Road
📝 Register for Balanced Bites

Sparks Fly: The Taylor Swift Experience (Sept. 20)

-posted July 7, 2025

“Sparks Fly: The Taylor Swift Experience” is a LIVE 2 hour show paying tribute in true adoration to one of the best catalogs and talents in modern music! An all ages, family friendly show featuring one of the Best Taylor Swift Tribute bands in America.

Fall Fun Fest at Pringle Nature Center (Sept. 20)

-posted Aug. 11, 2025

Pringle Nature Center is hosting our annual Fall Fun Fest Saturday September 20th from 10 AM – 3 PM. This is a family friendly event featuring hayrides, crafts, live animals, and food trucks. Admission is free, and there are small fees from some activities.

Tremper Cheer and Dance Camp (Sept. 24-26)

-posted Aug. 19, 2025

The Tremper High School Trojanettes and Cheer Team are hosting a Cheer and Dance Camp for students in K–5th grade! Participants will learn fun routines, make new friends, and showcase their spirit during a halftime performance at a football game! 🏈

📍 Ameche Field, 8701 26th Ave.

📅 Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 5–7 p.m.

📅 Thursday, Sept. 25, from 5–7 p.m.

📅 Friday, Sept. 26, from 5:45–7 p.m. (halftime performance date)

🔗 Register for Cheer and Dance Camp

👉 For more info, contact lblise@kusd.edu

Legal Rights of Public School Students and Families re: ICE (Sept. 27)

-posted Aug. 13, 2025

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 320 is partnering with Voces de la Frontera and the Kenosha Education Justice Coalition (KEJC) to provide a hybrid (virtual and in-person) presentation on the legal rights of public school students and families in Kenosha in order to prepare our community for possible encounters with ICE. Our program will also include the following:

  • Bilingual Presentation (Spanish and English)
  • Community Resources
  • Action Steps to Safeguard Students Attending Kenosha’s Public Schools
  • Snacks/Refreshments Available to In-Person Attendees
  • Q&A Session with an Immigration Attorney from Voces de la frontera

Please register by Friday, September 19. If you will be joining us virtually, a Zoom link will be sent to you via email the day before the presentation.

  • Where: Union Club 3030-39th Ave., Room 117, Kenosha or Virtual Zoom
  • When: Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 12:00-1:30 PM
  • Link to Register: https://forms.gle/9xJDxjuXBoujo6tL9

El Consejo 320 de la Liga de Ciudadanos Latinoamericanos Unidos (LULAC) se ha asociado con Voces de la Frontera y la Coalición por la Justicia Educativa de Kenosha (KEJC) para ofrecer una presentación híbrida (virtual y presencial) sobre los derechos legales de los estudiantes y familias de las escuelas públicas de Kenosha, con el fin de preparar a nuestra comunidad para posibles encuentros con ICE. Además nuestro programa incluirá lo siguiente:

  • Presentación bilingüe (español e inglés)
  • Recursos comunitarios
  • Medidas para proteger a los estudiantes que asisten a las escuelas públicas de Kenosha
  • Refrigerios disponibles para los asistentes presenciales
  • Sesión de preguntas y respuestas con un abogado de inmigración de Voces de la Frontera

Por favor, regístrese antes del viernes 19 de septiembre. Si se une virtualmente, se le enviará un enlace de Zoom por correo electrónico el día antes de la presentación.

  • Dónde: Union Club, 3030-39th Ave., Sala 117, Kenosha o por Zoom
  • Cuándo: Sábado, 27 de septiembre de 2025, de 12:00 a 13:30 h
  • Enlace para registrarse: https://forms.gle/NRcjLQjVyCNhJ9uM7

December

Christmas Wizards (Dec. 12)

-posted Aug. 21, 2025

Christmas Wizards pay homage to the legendary Trans-Siberian Orchestra, featuring music of the holiday season. This 2-hour live/all ages show will transport you and your family to a world of wonder with dazzling lights, lasers, snow machines and breathtaking pyrotechnics and heart-stirring performances. A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the Education Foundation of Kenosha.

Ongoing

English Language Learning Classes at Gateway

-posted Aug. 26, 2025

  • Free English Language Learning classes for adults 18 and over.
  • Classes levels 1-5 are in person on Kenosha campus and advanced level 6 is online.
  • Register immediately. New students can start in September, January & May each year.
  • Learn more about ELL Classes at Gateway

2025-26 Family Engagement Programs

-posted Aug. 19, 2025

SAVE THE DATE! We invite the community to learn, create and connect with us! Enjoy hands-on learning projects and meaningful conversations with your family at every event. You do not need to be affiliated with KUSD to participate—we welcome all members of our community!

  • 9/18/25 – KUSD Cooks
  • 10/7/25 – Triple P: Dealing with Disobedience
  • 10/23/25 – Pumpkin Science
  • 11/13/25 – Soup with the Supe!
  • 12/11/25 – Gingerbread
  • 1/13/26 – Active Parenting of Elementary Students #1
  • 1/20/26 – Active Parenting of Elementary Students #2
  • 1/27/26 – Active Parenting of Elementary Students #3
  • 1/29/26 – KUSD Cooks
  • 2/12/26 – Build It!
  • 2/17/26 – Triple P: Raising Resilient Children
  • 3/5/26 – Family Traditions in Art
  • 3/12/26 – Family Forensics Night in collaboration with the Kenosha Police Department
  • 3/19/26 – Night at the Planetarium
  • April – Cinnamon Roll Model (multiple dates and locations)
  • May – Growing Gardeners (multiple dates and locations)

To register, watch for program information in the KUSD Bulletin, on social media, ParentSquare and the Virtual Backpack!

Holiday House Annual Coat & Toy Giveaway

-posted Aug. 7, 2025

Spreading Joy for the Holidays! Holiday House is taking registrations for their annual coat and toy giveaway. Coats, hats and gloves will be given out in October. Toys will be handed out in December.

Kenosha County Needs More Local Foster Families

-posted Aug. 7, 2025

Community Impact Programs is a foster care licensing agency serving Kenosha County. Our community is experiencing an urgent need for additional foster homes to support children in crisis. If you’re interested in learning more or beginning the licensing process, please contact us at 262-654-1004 ext. 3 or fostercare@psgcip.com. Not ready to foster just yet? Reach out to explore other meaningful ways you can support local children and families.

Childhood Immunizations

-posted May 22, 2025

Kenosha County Public Health can help your child remain up to date with their immunizations. See our informational flyer for details.

Early Head Start Program at KAC

-posted March 18, 2025

Did you know Kenosha has an Early Head Start program for eligible families who are pregnant or have children under the age of three? Early Head Start provides free (and fun) weekly home visits for parents and children to play, with development and school readiness (even for infants!). Besides home visits, Early Head Start holds events twice a month for families to get out of the house and socialize. We also have playgroups and open play times for families to participate in! Please contact us today to learn more about this free program, by calling Genna Moreno at 262-818-3581.