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 should review the procedures and Board Policy 1520 prior to submitting requests as outlined.

Girl Scouts

-posted Dec. 5, 2023

Nash

  • Girls in K5 and 1st grade along with their caregivers are invited to come try Girl Scout activities and learn about the new Daisy Troop.
  • Membership is $50 annually and financial assistance is available.
  • Spark your creativity at Gilmore Fine Arts Daisy Troop 37890
  • Wednesday, December 13, 4:30-5:30 pm
  • Meeting in classroom 109
  • Girls Scouts at Nash flyer (PDF)

Whittier

  • Multi-level Girl Scout Troop at Whittier
  • Virtual parent interest meeting: Thursday, December 14, 5:00-6:00 pm
  • Girls in K5-3 grade can join the new troop.
  • Girl Scouts at Whittier flyer (PDF)

EBSOLA

  • Join Girl Scouts at EBSOLA (both Creative Arts & Dual Language). Girls in grades K5–5 will have tons of fun and will get the chance to learn new skills, earn badges, go on field trips, sell Girl Scout Cookies, and make new friends!
  • Troop meetings will be held the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month (starting in October and ending in May) from dismissal (3:15 or 3:50) until 5:00 PM
  • Girls Scouts at EBSOLA flyer (PDF)

2024 WI Elite Cheerleading Clinic – Jan. 9

-posted Dec. 5, 2023

Santa’s Workshop – Dec. 9

-posted Dec. 4, 2023

Joy House Christmas Countdown

-posted Nov. 28, 2023

Pleasant Prairie Presents: Polar Express Literacy & Craft Night - Dec. 14

Pleasant Prairie Presents: Polar Express Literacy & Craft Night – Dec. 14

-posted Nov. 28, 2023

Elementary students and their families are invited to get cozy in their pajamas and come listen to a read aloud of “The Polar Express.” There will be popcorn, hot cocoa, and fun literacy activities to round out the evening!

  • Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023
  • 6-7 p.m.
  • Pleasant Prairie Elementary, 9208 Wilmot Road

Register for Polar Express Night

Webinar: “I Need Sleep. There is No Time!” – Feb. 6

-posted Nov. 28, 2023

Your AAH Student and Family Assistance Program is proud to present a free 4-part webinar series, Things We Wish Grown Ups Knew, that highlights current trends of school-aged children that impact both their academic and home-life.

  • Research shows that a good night’s sleep is vital for maintaining the health and wellbeing of children. This presentation will focus on these health benefits and offer tips for parents to help ensure that their children are getting enough sleep.
  • Presented by: Lynn O’Brien, LCSW, LMFT Aurora EAP Counselor
  • 2/6/2024 12pm | 6:30pm
  • Register now: Click on either of the above times OR email EAP.LiveWellBeWell@aah.org
  • As always, to access our free, confidential SFAP services, parents &/or legal guardians can call us at 800.236.3231.
  • I Need Sleep flyer – English (PDF)
  • I Need Sleep flyer – Spanish (PDF)

Webinar: “Life is Hard. I Can Do Hard Things!” – March 5

-posted Nov. 28, 2023

Your AAH Student and Family Assistance Program is proud to present a free 4-part webinar series, Things We Wish Grown Ups Knew, that highlights current trends of school-aged children that impact both their academic and home-life.

  • This presentation will focus on the importance of helping children develop resilience in the face of a fast changing world. In addition, parents will learn tips for helping their children manage stress and deal with intense emotions in a healthy way.
  • Presented by: Lynn O’Brien, LCSW, LMFT Aurora EAP Counselor
  • 3/5/2024 12pm | 6:30pm
  • Register now: Click on either of the above times OR email EAP.LiveWellBeWell@aah.org
  • As always, to access our free, confidential SFAP services, parents &/or legal guardians can call us at 800.236.3231.
  • Life is Hard flyer – English (PDF)
  • Life is Hard flyer – Spanish (PDF)

Pleasant Prairie Christmas Holiday Lights Tour – Nov. 24 – Dec. 26

-posted Nov. 28, 2023

In Pleasant Prairie, we’re amping up this holiday season yet again! Starting on December 12th, pull up our tour map, sip on some hot cocoa, and drive around to see the best holiday decor Pleasant Prairie has to offer! The tour map and voting for the top five homes on the map will be available from December 12-26 on the Holiday Lights Tour website.

Try Lacrosse Clinic – Dec. 10 & 17

-posted Nov. 28, 2023

The Wagner Family Fire Fund – Dec. 27

-posted Nov. 28, 2023

The Wagner Family Fire Fund works directly with all the Kenosha County fire chiefs to help families devastated by a fire. By providing the chiefs with our Go Bags, families are given a two-night hotel stay, two days of meal gift cards, a gift card for clothing, basic toiletries, a mental health kit, a workbook to take families through the recovery process and more. Established in 2021, we have helped numerous area families with our bags that value at roughly $700.00 each.

On Wednesday, December 27th, Monkey Joe’s will be hosting a fundraiser, promoting our mission of relief, assistance and support to families in need. We ask that you kindly include the attached flyer in electronic communication to your school community and families through the December holiday break. 25% of admissions during our event will be donated to our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which will go a long way in helping us help others.

Youth Kindness Nominations, Written, or Creative Arts Challenge

-posted Nov. 14, 2023

You’re invited!  KUSD is gearing up to join the Kenosha community in celebrating the 28th Annual Kindness Week, January 13-20, 2024. This year’s theme is “Kindness: The Ripple Effect.”

Each year students are invited to show off their gifts and talents while promoting kindness. For example, participating students are asked to submit poetry, short essays, paintings, drawings, music, film, animation, etc.

Imagine ripples of kindness traveling throughout our schools and communities. “An act of kindness is never wasted” – Aesop. Join us in spreading kindness throughout your school and community.  See the flyer for details, deadlines and more info!

FREE: Student and Family Assistance Program

-posted Nov. 13, 2023

To promote healthy homes, minds and families, as well as address mental health concerns, KUSD is proud to offer the Student and Family Assistance Program (SFAP) sponsored by the Employee Assistance Program of Advocate Aurora Health.

The SFAP offers counseling and problem-solving services in a variety of areas at no charge to all students and family members residing within the household. Help begins when a family member or legally responsible adult calls the program. This program is not designed to diagnose or treat individuals, but can help find appropriate supports if needed. LEARN MORE

Kenosha Public Museums

Kenosha Public Museum, Dinosaur Discovery Museum, and Civil War Museum

-posted Oct. 25, 2023

  • We offer many paid and free activities for children, adults, and families all year round!
  • ¡Ofrecemos muchas actividades gratuitas y de pago para niños, adultos y familias durante todo el año!
  • Kenosha Public Museums Events

Connections: Planting Seeds of Hope

-posted Oct. 25, 2023

A support group for children and their trusted adults to meet others who are also experiencing grief.

Kenosha Literacy Council – Classes for Adults

-posted Oct. 24, 2023

Come learn with us!

AmeriCorps Seniors

-posted Oct. 12, 2023

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Mentoring

Get involved and make a positive difference in your community with RSVP Mentoring. Become a mentor and help guide students to improved academic achievement and support higher levels of social-emotional learning in as little as 1 hour a week. Consider joining today!

AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program

AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program volunteers help guide students to higher academic achievement. The Foster Grandparent program connects role models like you with young people in need. You will assist students from grades K-8 in subjects such as reading and writing and serve as a mentor to children going through difficult times. Enrich your life while enriching the lives of others by providing the kind of comfort and love that sets a child on a path to a successful future. Consider joining today!

We’re Hiring Substitute Teachers

-posted Aug. 31, 2023

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.

More information: Substitute Teacher flyer (PDF)

Learn English at Gateway Technical College

-posted Aug. 22, 2023

Learn to read, write and speak English with Gateway’s ELL program. Our free ELL classes meet two days a week for six hours per week. You’ll start with an orientation that helps instructors find the best starting place for you. You only pay for the cost of a textbook and workbook that you’ll use the whole year. Classes are free to Wisconsin residents 18 years or older.

Mathnasium logo

Mathnasium

-posted July 28, 2023

THE MATHNASIUM METHOD™ – WHERE CHILDREN ARE EMPOWERED TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE IN MATH

EL MÉTODO MATHNASIUM™ – DONDE LOS NIÑOS ESTÁN EMPODERADOS PARA ALCANZAR LA EXCELENCIA EN MATEMÁTICAS

RecPlex Program Scholarship Offerings

-posted June 8, 2023

At the RecPlex, we believe everyone should have access to quality recreation, regardless of finances. To qualify for a scholarship, participant/applicant must provide written documentation supporting their hardship.

  • Step 1: Fill out our form (online or scan QR code below)
  • Step 2: RecPlex staff will review info and follow up on required documentation needed to complete the application.
  • Step 3: Choose from current offerings, enroll & participate!

RecPlex Scholarship flyer – English (PDF)

RecPlex Scholarship flyer – Spanish (PDF)

Sail the Norwegian Jade Leaving Tampa, Florida – March 31, 2024

-posted May 16, 2023

Your dream vacation is waiting on board Norwegian Jade. As you cruise from port to port along stunning coastlines, we’ll keep you entertained day and night with exciting nightclubs, award-winning restaurants, a grand casino, lush swimming pools, a luxurious spa and so much more. There’s tons of fun for kids too, so bring the whole family and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.

Earn your GED or HSED at Gateway

We’re here to help you get your high school diploma. Gateway Technical College gives you a personal education plan and free support while you prepare to earn your GED/HSED.

Enroll in an upcoming GED/HSED Prep Course:

  • Learn in person or online.
  • Attend during the day or in the evening.
  • Courses taught in English or Spanish.
  • Classes are FREE to Wisconsin residents, and financial assistance is available to cover test fees.

Learn more about the program and how to register with this flier.

Hummingbird Tutor

-posted Feb. 24, 2023

Whether you’re looking for homework help, skills-based learning, or something else, Hummingbird tutor is here to help and support your child’s learning. Sign up today to view open sessions by visiting hummingbirdtutor.com.

Help Me Grow

-posted Feb. 23, 2023

Help Me Grow is a national resource program that is now in Kenosha! We work with families with children birth to 5 with any childhood questions, concerns or needs as well as developmental screenings. We are a resource hub for parents to call to then get connected to the local resources within our community that best fits their needs.

Inclusive & Adaptive Programs at Kenosha YMCA

-posted Jan. 23, 2023

We believe everyone, regardless of ability, has the right to recreational opportunities, and that is why Inclusive and Adaptive Programs exist here at the Y. These programs offer kids the opportunity to break through the perceived boundaries of their disabilities, while making new and lasting friendships and having fun.

  • The Miracle League (Spring/Summer & Fall Leagues), ages 3 – 19 years old
  • Super All-Stars Sports (Year-Round), ages 3 – 19 years old
  • Super Stars Dance (Year-Round), ages 7 – 17 years old

More information:

Kenosha YMCA Programs

-posted Sept. 2, 2022

  • Before and after school enrichment
  • Achievers
  • Youth sports
  • Aquatics
  • All-stars
  • Dance
  • Martial Arts
  • STEM

More information:

Cub Scouts

-posted Sept. 2, 2022

Join a Cub Scout Pack in your area and experience a variety of fun activities that build skills and character, both indoors and outdoors. All girls and boys are welcome!

For more information, visit BeAScout.org or contact Austin Gulbrandson at Austin.Gulbrandson@Scouting.org or 414.443.2860.

More information:

Building Our Future

-posted Aug. 19, 2022

Building Our Future is a network of community leaders representing all sectors of Kenosha County committed to improving student outcomes. Our partnership unites existing programs, organizations and community resources to reach our shared goals. ​Data allows us to measure our impact, continuously evaluate and improve our process, while shining a light on our successes and bright spots!

  • Kindergarten Readiness Brochures: English and Spanish
  • Podcast: Together, We’re Better!
  • Get Involved: Whether you are a concerned citizen, business leader, educator, parent, or community volunteer, please consider donating your time, talents, or treasure to help make a difference in the lives of every child, from cradle to career. Complete this form to get involved and learn more today!

Bright by Text – text BADGER to 274448 for free parenting tips

-posted June 24, 2022

We know parenting can be overwhelming. We’re here to help, one text message at a time. What to expect from our weekly text messages?

  • Easy, practical tips and info for parents & caregivers.
  • Messages timed exactly to your child’s due date or date of birth.
  • Info about free services and events based on your zip code.

Sign up online for Bright by Text

Bright by Text flyer – English

Bright by Text flyer – Spanish

Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha

Each child attending the Club needs a membership. Memberships are $20 per child per year or $30 per family per year. The fee is waived for all teen members (ages 13-18). Program areas of focus include education, leadership, recreation, health and life skills. A healthy meal or snack is served daily.

  • Troha Youth Center & Tween Center
    • ​​Ages 6-9 and 10-12
  • Teen Center
    • ​​Ages 13-18
  • Laken Family Jefferson Elementary Extension
    • ​​Age 6 and up
  • BGC Sports
    • ​​BGC Sports (part of Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha) offers youth sport leagues and
      clinics to kids ages 4 – 18. Adult leagues are also run in select sports.
  • Boys & Girls Club Information Flyer (PDF)
  • Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha website

Education Foundation of Kenosha: Seeking Board Members

  • The Education Foundation of Kenosha was organized in 1980 to support the Kenosha Unified School District and its
    mission. The Foundation has financed a wide range of educational and enrichment projects not able to be funded
    through the District’s normal budgetary allotments.
  • The Board raises and administers funds to support:
    • College scholarships for Kenosha K-12 students
    • Classroom grants to support K-12 teachers
  • Commitment:
    • Attend four board meetings per year
    • Promote and attend fundraising events
    • Participate on one subcommittee
  • INTERESTED? Send your resume and a letter of interest to Stacy Busby at sbusby@kusd.edu or 3600 52nd St.,
    Kenosha, WI 53144
  • Learn more about the EFK at educationfoundationkenosha.org​

Even Start Family Literacy Program

Need Help with English? Want to Learn English?

For families who reside in the Kenosha Unified School District attendance area.

  • Adult education provides parents with basic skills, including English, life skills and the opportunity to earn a high school credential.
  • Parent education provides parents with a wide variety of learning topics, including parenting strategies, how to be advocates and role models for their children and strategies to support their children’s learning.

Learn more about Even Start

Register for Even Start

FoodShares Benefits

  • Families with FoodShares benefits: Use your EBT card at Kenosha HarborMarket and Westosha Market
  • More information

Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project – Water Safety Resources

  • The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, Inc. (GLSRP) is a nonprofit 501c3 corporation that is about saving lives through water safety advocacy and drowning survival strategies.
  • Videos
    • WGN Chicago’s Very Own segment, “Man makes water safety education his life’s passion”
    • Dave Benjamin’s drowning accident and ‘Because I said I would’ water safety promise video
    • John & Kathy Kocher’s “Gentle Giant” ‘Because I said I would promise video.

Kenosha Community Health Center

High-quality, affordable health care for all. Visit KCHC online.

Dental Services

Back to School Annual Physical Appointments

Sports Physicals

Student Immunizations

Prescription Program

Kenosha Public Library