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 or individuals who want to add an item to the Virtual Backpack must submit a Virtual Backpack request form at least 1 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 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.
May
Strong Minds, Happy Hearts: Destigmatizing Mental Health (May 20)
-posted April 28, 2026
Join us for a meaningful and supportive family education event focused on understanding mental wellness in children. Together, we’ll explore:
- What mental wellness looks like in children
- Common signs and symptoms to be aware of
- Practical, everyday techniques to support your child’s emotional well-being
This is a welcoming space for families to learn, ask questions, and build confidence in supporting healthy minds and happy hearts. Free childcare will be provided, and a family meal will be served—so you can relax and fully engage in the experience. You do not need to be affiliated with KUSD to participate in family education programs – we welcome all members of our community!
Event Details:
📅 Wednesday, May 20
🕑 5:30 – 7 p.m.
📌 Educational Support Center, 3600 52nd Street
🖊️ Register for Strong Minds, Happy Hearts
Non-KUSD families and community members: Community members who are NOT current KUSD students, families, or staff must join our Family Education Programs Community Group to register for this event. Once you’re a member, you’ll receive information about and be able to register for future events without needing to rejoin the group.
Questions about this program or your registration? Contact KUSD’s Community Relations Department at engage@kusd.edu or 262-359-2256.
Math Carnival (May 21)
-posted April 28, 2026
Step right up to the Math Carnival! Elementary students and their families are invited to join us for a night of family fun where math meets the magic of the midway! Bring the whole family to explore hands-on math games, share a family meal and enjoy an evening of carnival fun! You do not need to be affiliated with KUSD to participate in family education programs – we welcome all members of our community!
Event Details:
📅 Thursday, May 21
🕑 5:30 – 7 p.m.
📌 Pleasant Prairie Elementary, 9208 Wilmot Road
🖊️ Register for Math Carnival
Non-KUSD families and community members: Community members who are NOT current KUSD students, families, or staff must join our Family Education Programs Community Group to register for this event. Once you’re a member, you’ll receive information about and be able to register for future events without needing to rejoin the group.
Questions about this program or your registration? Contact KUSD’s Community Relations Department at engage@kusd.edu or 262-359-2256.
Division of Behavioral Health Services Community Needs – Community Member Survey (closes May 22)
-posted April 27, 2026
The goal of this survey is to gathers input from community members to identify mental health and substance use service needs in our community. Results from this survey will inform Kenosha County Division of Behavioral Health Services’ future planning and coordination efforts. Complete the survey by May 22.
Community Member Survey – English
Community Member Survey – Spanish
WI Elite Cheerleading 2026-27 Season Tryouts (May 26-29)
-posted April 1, 2026
- 2119 81st Street, Kenosha, WI 53143
- May 26-29
- Contact us for more info. at 262-764-0175 or email at wisconsineliteoffice@gmail.com
- Learn more at WisconsinEliteAllStarCheerleading.com
Kenosha Beach House Touch-A-Truck (and Boat) (May 31)
-posted April 14, 2026
The Kenosha Beach House on Simmons Island will be hosting a FREE Touch-A-Truck event on Sunday, May 31, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (10-11 a.m. no horns), 5001 Simmons Island Road, Kenosha.
Get up close and explore the vehicles that keep our community running at our Touch-a-Truck event! It’s a hands-on, family-friendly experience where kids (and adults!) can meet local heroes, learn how these vehicles work, and enjoy a day of discovery and fun.
In partnership with the Kenosha Community Sailing Center, we will also have rescue and other working boats on display at Great Lakes Yacht Sales which is in walking distance of the Beach House.
Contact: The Beach House on Simmons Island | info@kenoshabeachhouse.com
June
MTN: Basketball League & Summer Experience Program (starts June 16)
-posted April 27, 2026
Melt The Net Summer Basketball League & Youth Program is open to ages 14/15 to 21 and will take place at Reuther Central High School in Kenosha starting June 16. The program offers competitive basketball, skill development, and mentorship in a structured, positive environment designed to keep youth active, focused and positively motivated. Our mission is to build discipline, create opportunities, and help change the narrative for young people in our community both on and off the court.
Register online, or contact Mahalia London at (262)331-8672 or mlondon@mtnbasketball.com
i9 Sports Summer League (starts June 20)
-posted May 11, 2026
i9 Sports Summer League starts on 6/20 at Nash Elementary School – Saturdays.
Programs include Flag Football, Soccer, and T-Ball Baseball for ages 3-14.
It’s a great way to Help Kids Succeed in Life Through Sports®. i9 Sports Instructors focus on providing a positive, high-quality experience that teaches important values like sportsmanship, teamwork, and self-confidence in a fun, safe, and convenient environment.
USE CODE SUMMER20 to save $20 on registration – SIGN UP NOW at i9 Sports
It’s The Way Youth Sports Should Be®!!!
July
Wisconsin Humane Society Summer Camps (July and August)
-posted April 14, 2026
The Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus offers fun-filled weeklong summer camps for animal lovers entering grades 1-9. Whether it’s your first time attending or you’re a returning camper, each year brings exciting new adventures and activities! Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Camp Critter: Grades 1-3 – We’ll cover topics like animal behavior, safety, training, and more! Offered Monday, July 13, through Friday, July 17, OR Monday, August 10, through Friday, August 14.
- Camp Unleashed: Grades 4-6 – Take camp to the next level with hands-on service projects that make a difference for animals in your community. Offered Monday, July 6, thorugh Friday, July 10, OR Monday, July 20, through Friday, July 24.
- Junior Veterinary Camp: Grades 6-9 – Dive into the exciting world of veterinary science and discover what it takes to become an animal doctor. Offered Monday, August 3, through Friday, August 7.
More info: Visit Wisconsin Humane Society or contact Racyouthprograms@wihumane.org
August
Kindergarten Readiness Bootcamp (Aug. 3-6)
-posted April 1, 2026
Simply Spoken Therapy and Kid Power OT are hosting a Kindergarten Readiness Bootcamp to prepare children for school with confidence. This group will support regulation, communication, and classroom skills through structured, play-based learning in a low-pressure environment.
📆 August 3-6, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. OR 12:30-2:30 p.m.
✅ Registration is required
Why Families Value This Program:
✨ Builds confidence for a smooth kindergarten transition
✨ Supports communication, regulation, and classroom readiness skills
✨ Play-based and developmentally appropriate
✨ Small group format led by an experienced pediatric OT and SLP professional
Register: Kindergarten Readiness Bootcamp Registration
Contact Angela Born at angela@simplyspokentherapy.com with questions.
EFK Golf Outing (Aug. 10)
-posted May 11, 2026
The Education Foundation of Kenosha (EFK) was established to expand educational opportunities for KUSD students by funding innovative teacher grants and awarding student scholarships.
Join us for the EFK’s 26th Annual Golf Outing on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at the beautiful Kenosha Country Club!
We are currently seeking golfers, sponsors, and prize donations to help make this year’s outing our best yet. Every swing, sponsorship, and contribution helps support brighter futures for KUSD students and staff.
Event information and registration can be found here: EFK Golf Outing or by contacting Sarah Salmon at 262-359-7980 or ssalmon@kusd.edu
Hit the Greens, Help Dreams Grow!
Friends Forward Girl Scout Day Camp (Aug. 10-14)
-posted April 1, 2026
- For: Racine and Kenosha Counties
- What: Week-long Girl Scout day camp
- When: August 10-14, 9 am-4:30 pm
- Where: Camp Alice Chester, East Troy (buses available for Kenosha)
- Who: Girls K-12 looking for a fun summer activity, you don’t have to be a Girl Scout member to register!
Girl Scout Camp is a guaranteed good time while creating lasting memories and life skills. Join us for outdoor fun and skills, new friendships, and lots of fun games and activities!
Learn more and register here: Girls Scouts Day Camps
Contact friendsforwarddaycamp@gmail.com with any questions!
September
Eagles Nest Projects Wisconsin 2026 Sweepstakes (Sept. 13)
-posted Jan. 26, 2026
Eagles Nest Projects Wisconsin is proud to announce the launch of its 2026 Sweepstakes, offering supporters a chance to win a Van’s RV-12 ULS aircraft or $50,000 cash, while directly supporting hands-on aviation education for local high school students. The sweepstakes helps fund Eagles Nest Projects’ mission to inspire and equip the next generation of aviation leaders in Southeast Wisconsin.
Through real aircraft construction, authentic flight experiences, and immersive aerospace education, students learn by doing, gaining practical skills, confidence, and a vision for what’s possible in aviation and beyond.
Ongoing
Sports Physicals at Kenosha Urgicare
-posted April 22, 2026
We welcome any student who needs a sports physical for school sports.
- We are available for when students are unable to see their primary and/or do not have a primary care physician
- We do a general Physical that follows the school district’s guidelines (eye exam, vitals, physical ability, etc.)
- Paperwork for the physical is provided at the facility if needed by the patient
Availability for Physicals throughout the week:
- Mon-Thur: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Friday: 2-30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Sat:10:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m.
Sylvan Summer Robotics camps (Grades 1-6)
-posted April 22, 2026
The robotics era is just getting started. Careers and opportunities in robotics are booming!
Enrich summer learning with Sylvan’s Robotics camp, students learn how to build and program a variety of robots using VEX or LEGO robotics kits and award-winning software. Students bring their robotic creations to life (how cool is that?). Each theme-based session encourages creativity and imagination as they brainstorm, build and experiment with amazing robots.
Visit Sylvan STEM Camps or call us at the center to learn about schedules: 262-694-6286
Summer Camps at the DNA Learning Center
-posted April 1, 2026
🔬 Explore DNA and genetics in real labs
👩🏫 All labs taught by an Notre Dame professor/human geneticist
🏫 Residential options for some camps
✨ No previous lab experience required, just curiosity!
• Camp Catalyst (3-day residential)
• Camp Odyssey (6-day residential)
• 2-Day DNA Workshops (Food/Taste and Sports Performance)
• Gene Expression Research Virtual Camp
Make Mathnasium Part of Your Summer Plans
-posted April 1, 2026
and get ready for the fall.
Summer Learning with Sylvan
-posted April 1, 2026
Avoid Summer Learning Loss – Make Sylvan part of your summer schedule.
Summer Programs for all ages: Reading, Math, Writing, Study Skills, College Prep, and more
Why Wait? Call today 262-694-6286 or email learning@sylvankenosha.com
Kenosha Alateen Tuesday Meetings
-posted March 12, 2026
Al-anon district 21 is hosting a local Alateen meeting for teenagers affected by alcoholism and/or drug abuse every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at the Kenosha Alano Club, 630 56th St.
The meeting is facilitated by two adult “AMIAS” ( Al-anon member involved in Alateen service) who have a complete background check and have been trained to facilitate Alateen meetings.
Teen Achievers – Free Afterschool Tutoring
-posted Feb. 17, 2026
Free Homework and Tutoring for middle school students after school offered by the YMCA Teen Achievers program located at the Kenosha Emerging Leaders Academy building. Transportation provided from Washington Middle School and Lance Middle School.
Contact Nate Kreamalmyer, nkreamalmyer@kenoshaymca.org or Dr. M. Rachel Mall, EdD rmall@kenoshaymca.org if interested in registering/scheduling your student.
Reading Tune-Ups at the KELA
-posted Feb. 11, 2026
Teachers and Parents: Do you have a reader that would benefit from an extra boost in developing their reading skills while focusing on joyful interactions with books?
Contact Jackie Easley at jeasley@carthage.edu to set up an appointment.
AFS – Host an Exchange Student
-posted Jan. 12, 2026
Bring the world into your home with AFS!
Starting March 1, KUSD families will be able to sign up to host an international exchange student next fall.
As a host family, you will provide a student from another part of the world with an experience of a lifetime and give your family the opportunity to learn about the world and build a meaningful intercultural connection.
To be a host family, you must provide three meals a day, coordinate transportation when needed, and have a bed for the student. Students will arrive in August and depart in June.
Please visit AFS to learn more about hosting with AFS, and contact AFS Rep Erica Ness at eness@afsusa.org or 262-445-0856 with any questions or to start reviewing student biographies for next year!
Early Head Start
-posted Jan. 8, 2026
Did you know Kenosha offers a free Early Head Start program for income-eligible families who are pregnant or have children under 3? Enjoy weekly home visits filled with fun, hands-on learning that supports your child’s healthy development and school readiness—even for infants!
Plus, don’t miss our free weekly playgroups for families with children ages 0–5! These playgroups let kids practice social skills, explore through age-appropriate, engaging activities, and give caregivers a chance to relax, chat, and build friendships with other adults.
Call or text Genna Garcia at 262-818-3581 for more information!
2026 Pilot Hours for Kenosha Public Library
-posted Dec. 16, 2025
Starting January 2026, all Kenosha Public Libraries will have new hours. For detailed information, including each location’s new hours, please visit: Kenosha Public Library New Hours
BridgeWhiz
-posted Dec. 4, 2025
BridgeWhiz is a FREE online course designed to teach students in grades 4 through 12 the essentials of a fascinating game whose benefits, intellectual stimulation, and adventure will last a lifetime.
Learning to play bridge will nurture your child’s competitive spirit, both as a team player and an individual. Build social skills and enhance deductive reasoning and math abilities. In fact, young bridge players outscored their non-playing counterparts on the 2007 Iowa Test of Basic Skills by 39.31% in Science, 24.22% in Math, and 22.74% in Social Science.