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.

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.

Jaguar Night (April 3)

Jaguar Night (April 3)

-posted March 14, 2025

Join the staff of the Kenosha School of Language (KSOL) for a fun-filled Bilingual Family Night! Elementary students and their families are invited to enjoy an evening of interactive math and literacy activities, delicious food and exciting games. A light meal will be served.

This event is free and open to the public—everyone is welcome! Don’t miss this chance to learn, play and connect with our community.

Spring Festival presented by Indian Trail DECA (April 12)

Spring Festival presented by Indian Trail DECA (April 12)

-posted March 14, 2025

Join us for Indian Trail High School and Academy’s DECA Spring Festival on Saturday, April 12, from 9-11 a.m. in the Indian Trail Commons! 🐣🌼

What’s in store?

  • 🥚 Egg Race – Bring a basket or bag to join the fun!
  • 🎨 Craft Stations – Get creative with spring-themed activities!
  • 📸 Photo Ops – Capture memories with festive backdrops!
  • 🎟️ Raffles & Prizes – Try your luck and support a great cause!
  • 🍽️ Food Sales – Enjoy delicious treats while you celebrate!
  • 📍 Entry is FREE!

This event helps raise funds for our students to attend the International Career Development Conference—your support makes a difference. We can’t wait to see you there!

Indoor Spring Festival at Kenosha Community Sailing Center (April 12)

-posted March 14, 2025

Kenosha Community Sailing Center is proud to announce their Indoor Spring Festival. Saturday April 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come and learn about the Kenosha Community Sailing Center. Enjoy a rubber ducky and egg hunt, games, food and much more.

Kicks for a Cause Soccer Camp (March 15)

-posted March 13, 2025

My name is Sara Barbaro and I am a senior at Christian Life School. I am in a capstone class and for my capstone project, I chose to do a soccer clinic for elementary aged kids (K-5th) in order to raise money for girls at the Fundacion Emmanuel orphanage in Jalisco, Mexico. My goal is to raise enough money to send girls from this orphanage to Word of Life youth camp in Bernal, Mexico this summer. I hope by giving some kids a fun couple hours of soccer, these girls can have an amazing week at camp.

Healthy Kids Running Series (April 27 – June 1)

-posted March 13, 2025

Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join the Healthy Kids Running Series! This fun and exciting event encourages kids to stay active while having a blast. Each week, participants will race with their friends, build confidence, and learn the importance of fitness and healthy habits. Plus, every child will receive a race t-shirt and medal to celebrate their achievement. Sign up today and help your child build a lifelong love of running and wellness!

Summer Supervised Playground - Registration Now Open!

Summer Supervised Playground

-posted March 10, 2025

The summer supervised playground program offers a vibrant and engaging environment for children to thrive during the summer months. The program provides a diverse array of activities designed to foster physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. Under the watchful eye of supervisors, children engage in organized sports games, arts and crafts sessions, and team-building exercises, ensuring both fun and personal growth. With safety as a top priority, the program offers peace of mind for parents while their children explore, learn and create.

Try Lacrosse Clinic (March 9 & 16)

-posted March 6, 2025

Indian Trail Band Presents: BEATS & EATS (March 15)

Indian Trail Band Presents: BEATS & EATS (March 15)

-posted March 6, 2025

Join us for an evening of incredible music, delicious food and exciting raffles! Enjoy performances by the ITHSA bands and Mahone Middle School 8th grade band while supporting our amazing student musicians.

  • March 15, 2025
  • 4-7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 3:30 p.m.)
  • ITHSA Commons, 6800 60th St.
  • FREE ADMISSION!
  • Live band performances
  • 50/50 Raffle & Basket Raffle
  • Food for sale
  • Cash-only event

SENSE-ational Egg Hunt for Families of Children with Special Needs (April 12)

-posted March 6, 2025

A family-centered event, focusing on active participation for children with various disabilities or limitations. Participants will have the opportunity to do a special egg hunt and explore fun sensory areas in a stress-free space while learning about the real story of Easter.

Navigating the Future (April 9)

Navigating the Future (April 9)

-posted March 3, 2025

Families of students with disabilities are invited to an informative and engaging evening focused on preparing for life after high school. This event will provide valuable resources and insights on postsecondary education, community support services, employment opportunities and more. Attendees will have the chance to connect with experts and gain practical guidance for a smooth transition into adulthood. A complimentary family meal will be served, and free child care will be available.

ACT Online Test Prep (Summer 2025)

-posted March 3, 2025

UW-Parkside’s Professional and Continuing Education unit is pleased to announce our lineup of online ACT Test Prep courses this summer. Prepare for the ACT with courses taught by Educational Testing Consultants, a leader in higher education test preparation. Scholarships available for students who are eligible for Free/Reduced lunch.

Pre-College Camps at UW-Parkside (Summer 2025)

-posted March 3, 2025

UW-Parkside is happy to announce or lineup of precollege summer camps for Summer 2025! If your child loves the outdoors, or prefers learning cutting edge technology, our summer camps are for you? Online camp options are also available with our Summer Math Bridge camps. Scholarships are available for students eligible for Free/Reduced lunch. Go to uwp.edu/youth to learn more.

March "Math-Ness" (March 20)

March “Math-Ness” (March 20)

-posted Feb. 27, 2025

Elementary students and their families are invited to an evening of MATH fun! Visit different stations to try your hand at various math games and hands-on activities. A light meal will be served and everyone is welcome!

Supporting Students with Stress & Excessive Worry (March 26)

Supporting Students with Stress & Excessive Worry (March 26)

-posted Feb. 26, 2025

Join us for an engaging workshop that will equip parents and caregivers with effective strategies to support their child’s learning and well-being. Learn how to create structure, reduce stress and strengthen executive functioning skills to boost academic success. This session will also explore the connection between mental health and learning, providing practical steps to enhance your child’s school experience. A light meal will be provided, and free childcare is available.

  • Effective School Solutions: Supporting Students with Stress and Excessive Worry
  • Wednesday, March 26
  • 5:30-7 p.m.
  • Educational Support Center, 3600 52nd St.
  • REGISTER for Effective School Solutions

High Score Hangout (March 13, April 10 & May 8)

-posted Feb. 25, 2025

High Score Hangout is a fun, free event at the Uptown Library where gamers ages 12-19 can drop in, grab a controller, and play a variety of games. Held every second Thursday of the month from 4 to 7 p.m., this event features PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and VR headsets to explore and enjoy. Whether you’re into action-packed games or immersive VR experiences, there’s something for everyone. It’s a great opportunity to hang out with friends, try new games, and level up your skills in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.

Reality Check (March 19)

Reality Check (March 19)

-posted Feb. 14, 2025

Families are invited to join staff from Educators Credit Union for a fun, 90-minute interactive simulation to learn about personal finances and how to manage family budgets. This activity is ideal for fourth grade students and older, but everyone is welcome! A light family meal will also be provided.

Active Parenting of Teens (March 6 - April 10)

Active Parenting of Teens (March 6 – April 10)

-posted Feb. 13, 2025

Active Parenting is a supportive program designed to empower parents and caregivers with effective strategies for raising responsible, cooperative children. Each week, we’ll explore key topics such as positive communication, building confidence, setting boundaries, redirecting misbehavior and more. Sessions will be offered in English and Spanish, with an optional family meal and free child care. Consistent attendance is encouraged to get the most out of this valuable experience—join us and strengthen your parenting skills in a welcoming community!

  • Active Parenting of Teens
  • Weekly Thursdays, March 6 through April 10
  • 6-7:15 p.m. (optional family meal served at 5:30 p.m.)
  • Washington Middle School, 2600 50th St.
  • REGISTER for Active Parenting of Teens

Mathnasium

-posted Feb. 11, 2025

Mathnasium of Pleasant Prairie is offering a HUGE discount of $314 for a 12 month commitment. Students can come in for up to 10 sessions a month. This offer expires 3/31/2025.

More information:

Aviation Maintenance Technician Program (Fall 2025)

-posted Feb. 11, 2025

Eagles Nest Projects Wisconsin is partnering with local high schools, Fox Valley Technical College, and aviation maintenance shops to launch an Aviation Maintenance Technician program. Students can earn FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification, preparing them for careers in aviation maintenance. This is your chance to take the first step toward a thrilling and rewarding career in the aviation industry.

More information:

Chili Cook Off (March 22)

-posted Feb. 7, 2025

Enjoy a tasty selection of chili and vote for your favorite to take home the trophy. All proceeds benefit the Kenosha Senior Center.

Book Study: The Anxious Generation (Feb. 12)

Book Study: The Anxious Generation (Feb. 19, March 12 & April 9)

-posted Feb. 5, 2025

Join a small group to meet and discuss the book “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan Haidt. Participants will receive a copy of the book and meet THREE times with teacher facilitators to discuss how technology has changed and shaped the mental health of youth. A family meal will be served and free childcare is available.

  • Book Study: The Anxious Generation
  • Wednesday, Feb. 19, Wednesday, March 12, Wednesday, April 9
  • 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
  • Pleasant Prairie Elementary, 9208 Wilmot Road
  • REGISTER for Book Study

After-School Homework Help

-posted Jan. 30, 2025

Want to get some help on a project, study a difficult subject, or just read with a mentor? Stop by the Carthage Literacy Center, 2222 63rd St., in the KELA Building after school on Wednesdays (3-5:30 p.m.) to work with a Carthage student on these and other school-related assignments or projects. We’ll also provide snacks to give you the energy to finish your work!

  • When: 3-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays from February 12 through June 9
  • Where: Carthage College Community Literacy Center in the KELA Building, 2222 63rd Street, Kenosha

More information:

Kinder Artists

-posted Jan. 30, 2025

Hey, Kindergartners! Join us at the Carthage Literacy Center, 2222 63rd St., for making art and reading books together! We will have fun exploring our creativity based on picture books, music, and poetry. Snacks will be provided, too! See the flyer for meeting dates, time, and location.

  • When: February 21, March 21, April 11 from 1:00 – 2:00pm
  • Where: Carthage College Community Literacy Center in the KELA Building, 2222 63rd Street, Kenosha
  • REGISTER for Kinder Artists

More information:

Young Authors Club

-posted Jan. 30, 2025

Calling creative writers, authors, and storytellers in grades 4 and up! Join our Young Authors Program on the second Saturday morning each month for writing workshops at the Carthage Literacy Center, 2222 63rd St. We will brainstorm ideas, help each other with our writing projects, and get our creative juices flowing so that you can make your dreams of becoming an author come true. Our goal is to publish our own Literary and Arts Magazine! We’ll meet from 9-10 a.m. at the KELA Building.

  • When: FEBRUARY 8, MARCH 8, APRIL 12, MAY 10 from 9-10 a.m.
  • Where: Carthage College Community Literacy Center in the KELA Building, 2222 63rd Street, Kenosha
  • REGISTER for Young Authors Club

More information:

Your search ends today. Join the KUSD family.

Join the KUSD Family – Now Hiring Substitute Teachers

-posted Jan. 28, 2025

WE’RE HIRING! Make an impact today and join our KUSD family by becoming a Substitute Teacher.

  • DO YOU:
    • Want to help students succeed?
    • Have an associate or bachelor’s degree?
    • Enjoy a flexible schedule?
  • Apply today or contact subservices@kusd.edu for more information.

HBCU College Tour (April 21-26)

-posted Jan. 22, 2025

  • For 26 years, Beyond College has been empowering students in the Kenosha and Racine communities through the Annual Spring Break College Tour.
  • This program provides a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of colleges and universities, including public, private, religious, mainstream institutions, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
  • The tour is open to all interested students, parents, and educators, offering an inclusive experience designed to inspire future college and career aspirations.
  • Contact Our Coordinators
    • Nick Payne: 262.492.2514
    • Alvin D. Owens: 773.517.6568

More information:

Youth As Resources (YAR)

-posted Jan. 7, 2025

Youth serving as YAR Board Members meet regularly to discuss community issues, develop leadership skills, and provide grants to youth-led service projects in Kenosha County. The  requirements to participate in Youth as Resources are:

  • Youth must be a student in 8th – 11th grade
  • Youth must possess an overall good attitude, as well as high levels of reliability
  • Youth must participate in YAR Board meetings (every third Tuesday from 5-7pm, Sept – May)
  • Youth must show a willingness to complete committee work outside of Board meetings
  • Youth must participate in one YAR Board community service project

More information: Youth As Resources flyer (PDF)

Vaccines for Children Program

-posted Sept. 19, 2024

Kenosha County Public Health – Job Center Clinic offers free vaccines to eligible children thanks to the Vaccines for Children Program. Call our clinic to find out if your child is eligible (262) 605-6770. Se Habla Español.

La Clínica de Salud Pública del Condado de Kenosha – Centro de Trabajo (Job Center) ofrece vacunas gratis para niños elegibles gracias al Programa de Vacunas para Niños. Llame a nuestra clínica para saber si su hijo/a es elegible. (262) 605-6770. Se Habla Español.

More information: Childhood Immunizations flyer – English & Spanish (PDF)

Sparkler App

-posted Sept. 18, 2024

Sparkler is a free mobile app available to Kenosha families that helps parents support their children’s growth from 0-5. Sparkler is safe and secure and available in English & Spanish.

More information: Sparkler Flyer – English & Spanish (PDF)

Connections grief support group (Oct. through May)

-posted Sept. 6, 2024

Held on the third Thursday of each month from October through May, Connections is a Child and Teen bereavement program for students who have experienced loss. This program is open to all children and teens in the community, and is free to attend. Connections support group includes: dinner, separate groups held for parents/guardians and children/teens, and engaging activities designed to educate about the grief process, remember loved ones, allow participants to share at their own comfort levels, and find hope and insight. To learn more and register, please email: bereavement@hospicealliance.org or call (262) 652-4400.

Free Adult Classes to Learn English

-posted Sept. 4, 2024

Gateway’s English Language Learning (ELL) program offers instruction in reading, vocabulary, writing, grammar, listening and speaking. Classes meet two days a week for six hours per week. Multiple levels of classes are offered.

  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • You will need a photo ID.
  • Students are required to purchase a set of books. Books cost approximately $55 (subject to change without notice).
  • Before attending classes you must first complete a 2-day orientation session in which you will learn about Gateway, learn your English level, and register for classes.
  • Go to Student Services at one of the main campuses to register.
    • Summer semester: May-June
    • Fall semester: September-December
    • Spring semester: January-April
  • Gateway ELL flyer – English and Spanish (PDF)

Kenosha Literacy Council – Classes for Adults

-posted Sept. 4, 2024

Learn English. Get your GED. Many Kenosha Literacy Council students have reached their goals. You can too! At the Kenosha Literacy Council, adult learners are improving their reading, writing, and English language skills. KLC students are adults who come from all walks of life and have different reasons for becoming students. The Kenosha Literacy Council offers tutoring and group classes.

  • Drop-in Tutoring: Tutoring is held at the KLC four days a week to work on reading, writing, and English skills. (Clase de tutoría está en la KLC cuatro días a la semana. En esta clase, los estudiantes aprenden a leer, escribir, y hablar inglés.)
  • ELL Civics Class: Learn English as you explore important topics like public schools & libraries, health, finance, safety, housing and government. (Aprenda inglés mientras explora temas como la escuela pública, la biblioteca, las finanzas, el cuidado de la salud, la seguridad, el alojamiento, y el gobierno.)
  • Citizenship Class: This class prepares learners for the naturalization test and interview. (Esta clase prepara los estudiantes para el proceso de ciudadano.)
  • Small Group Classes: These classes give students the opportunity to practice English conversation and vocabulary. Such classes include: Conversation Class, Art Club, Book Club, Adventure Awaits Conversation, Community Connections, Literacy@Work, and Writing Class. (Estas clases ofrecen la oportunidad de practicar conversación y vocabulario en inglés. Las clases son: Conversation Class, Art Club, Book Club, Adventure Awaits Conversation, Community Connections, Literacy@Work, y Writing Class.)
  • Kenosha Literacy Council flyer – English & Spanish (PDF)