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.
February
Heart Healthy Night (Feb. 12) – CANCELED
-posted Jan. 20, 2026
Elementary students and their families are invited to an evening of heart-healthy fun! Tie on your most comfortable shoes and join other families to learn about heart-healthy activities and habits as you walk the halls of Pleasant Prairie! We hope you can join us!
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, Feb. 12
🕑 6-7 p.m.
📌 Pleasant Prairie Elementary, 9208 Wilmot Road
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.
Kenosha County Youth as Resources Nomination (Feb. 13 deadline)
-posted Jan. 16, 2026
Do you know a youth who is passionate about community service and has the desire to grow their leadership skills? Do you know an adult who is interested in supporting youth leadership? Consider nominating them for the Kenosha County Youth As Resources (YAR) program! The nomination period for the 2026-2027 year is open now until Friday, February 13, 2026.
Youth As Resources is an opportunity where students can contribute their voice to community issues and develop their confidence, discussion, and leadership skills, while serving on a grant-giving Board which funds youth-led service projects in Kenosha County.
More information: Youth as Resources nomination form and requirements
Triple P Parenting: Raising Resilient Children (Feb. 17)
-posted Jan. 20, 2026
Parents and caregivers are invited to a presentation on Raising Resilient Children, presented by Alison Haas from the PSN Family Resource Center. Join us to learn how to help children manage their emotions and develop coping skills during times of stress. You’ll gain practical skills for building loving bonds with your children and handling challenging behavior effectively.
Whether you’re a new parent or have years of experience, this session offers valuable tools to support your parenting journey. Free child care is available, and a meal will be served prior to the presentation.
You do not need to be affiliated with KUSD to participate in family education programs—we welcome all members of our community!
Event Details:
📅 Tuesday, Feb. 17
🕑 5:30-7 p.m. (Optional family meal will be served at 5 p.m.)
📌 Bullen Middle School, 2804 39th Ave.
🔗 Register for Triple P: Raising Resilient Children
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.
Build It! Family Education Program (Feb. 26)
-posted Feb. 10, 2026
Middle school students are invited to roll up their sleeves and build with us! Join us for a family build night where middle school students and a grown-up team up to create a handy book holder for all those “just one more chapter” moments!
This program is open to MIDDLE SCHOOL families only! Due to limited space and safety considerations in the workshop, each family may register one adult and up to two middle school students. Registration is limited – sign up today!
Event Details:
📅 Thursday, Feb. 26
🕑 6-7:15 p.m.
📌 Tremper High School, 8560 26th Ave.
🔗 Register for Build It!
Non-KUSD families and community members must join our Family Education Programs Community Group to register for this event. Once joined, you’ll receive updates and can register for future events without rejoining.
March
Cuddle Up with a Book! (March 4)
-posted Feb. 10, 2026
It’s time to Cuddle Up with a Book! Families are invited to join us for an evening of literacy activities, including story read-alouds and writing a story of your very own! All ages are welcome, and a light family meal will be served.
You do not need to be affiliated with KUSD to participate in family education programs—we welcome all members of our community!
Event Details:
📅 Tuesday, Wednesday, March 4
🕑 5:30-7 p.m.
📌 Forest Park Elementary, 6810 45th Ave.
🔗 Register for Cuddle Up with a Book!
Non-KUSD families and community members must join our Family Education Programs Community Group to register for this event. Once joined, you’ll receive updates and can register for future events without rejoining.
A Journey into Irish Traditions (March 5)
-posted Feb. 10, 2026
Join us for a family education event celebrating Irish culture and tradition! Families of all ages are invited to enjoy a lively presentation, sample traditional Irish flavors, and take part in a hands-on art project inspired by Ireland’s rich heritage. Come learn, create, and celebrate together—there’s a hundred thousand welcomes waiting for you!
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, March 5
🕑 6-7 p.m.
📌 Brass Community School, 6400 15th Ave.
🔗 Register for A Journey into Irish Traditions
Non-KUSD families and community members must join our Family Education Programs Community Group to register for this event. Once joined, you’ll receive updates and can register for future events without rejoining.
St. Baldrick’s Fundraiser (March 7)
-posted Jan. 26, 2026
Lance student Hunter Peterson will be participating in this year’s St. Baldrick’s and will shave his head to raise money for kids with cancer at the Brat Stop on March 7.
He is doing it in honor of 4-year-old Waylon W. of Kenosha. He has a goal of $1,000 and is halfway there.
April
Barks and Blooms Spring Break Camp (April 9 and 10)
-posted Jan. 26, 2026
Students in grades 1-6: “Spring” into an awesome day of animal antics at the Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus! During this one-day camp, kids will enjoy crafts, games, and meeting animal friends. Each day of camp will offer new experiences; register for one day or both. Runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m at 8900 16th Street, Mount Pleasant, 53177.
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
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!
2025-26 Family Engagement Programs
-Updated Jan. 8, 2026
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!
- 1/20/26 – Active Parenting of Elementary Students #2
- 1/27/26 – Active Parenting of Elementary Students #3
- 1/29/26 – KUSD Cooks
- 2/17/26 – Triple P: Raising Resilient Children
- 2/26/26 – Build It!
- 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!
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.
Help Me Grow Kenosha
-posted Nov. 4, 2025
Help Me Grow Kenosha connects families with local resources, support, and activities to help every child thrive—from pregnancy through early childhood.
Through the FREE Sparkler app, parents can complete developmental questionnaires, track developmental milestones, find fun learning activities, and get expert tips—all personalized for their child.
Sparkler makes parenting easier while helping you understand and celebrate your child’s growth every step of the way!
Download Sparkler today, search “Sparkler Play for Parenting” in the app store and use code HMGK to get started.
Visit Help Me Grow Kenosha for more information.
Parkside Athletics
-posted Oct. 7, 2025
The Parkside Athletics Education Game provides students with a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of collegiate athletics while gaining valuable insights into the college experience. Students will learn about the importance of teamwork, leadership, and perseverance by watching student-athletes who balance academics and competition at the highest level. Through interactive pregame activities and campus engagement, they’ll explore what it means to be a college student and how education connects to future success. This day is designed to inspire curiosity, encourage goal-setting, and motivate students to dream big—both in the classroom and beyond.
Contact: Stasha Warchock (warchock@uwp.edu) or Elle Nienhuis (nienhuis@uwp.edu)
Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services Inc. (KAFASI)
-posted Sept. 29, 2025
Hispanic/Latino adults, especially second-generation individuals, are invited to connect to mental health and general well-being resources; coping strategies and become more aware of mental health resources and more willing to seek help. This program will be offered in Spanish only.
- Location: KAFASI. 7730 Sheridan Rd, Kenosha, WI 53143
- Date: Every 3rd Monday of the month
- Time: 5 p.m.
- Participants receive a gas card.
- Contact information: Fabiola O. Diaz Negrete – (262)744-2787
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.