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. Organizations wanting to add an item to the Virtual Backpack should review the procedures and Board Policy 1520 prior to submitting requests as outlined. Inclusion on the list shall not be construed as an endorsement or approval of the materials by the district. Recognizing the primary mission of the district is to meet the educational needs of its students, the district reserves the right to deny requests. Materials and/or activities below may not sponsored by KUSD or its personnel.

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
  • Tri My Best Triathlon (Aug. 13, 2023), ages 5 – young adult

More information:

Youth In Governance

-posted Jan. 20, 2023

SEEKING NOMINATIONS NOW. Adults and teens may nominate Kenosha County youth who are high school sophomores or juniors with a GPA of 2.5 or higher to be part of the next cohort of Kenosha County Youth In Governance Representatives. Nominations are due by Friday, February 10, 2023.

More information:

Camp Invention

-posted Jan. 20, 2023

  • Register at INVENT.ORG/CAMP or 800-968-4332
  • Grades: 1st – 6th
  • Location: All Saints Catholic School, 4400 22nd Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140
  • Date: June 26 – 30, 2023
  • Time: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
  • Cost: $270 (before discount)

More information:

NIA: Pathways and Purpose for the Future – Jan. 19 & Feb. 16

-posted Jan. 18, 2023

Nia is a UW-Madison Division of Extension program designed for 8th-12th grade youth in the Black community to explore their skills, interests, and options for after high school. Nia provides training and resources youth need to pursue their career and higher-educational goals. While in Nia, youth have the opportunity to work with local mentors and learn about college, professional training, and work options in a fun, hands-on way as they prepare for their futures. “Nia” is a Swahili word meaning purpose, and that is what we strive to help young people find! Nia will meet at the Kenosha Southwest Neighborhood Library from 4:30-6pm on the following dates this Spring:

Thursday, January 19, 4:30-6pm: Rest & Reset
Young people gather to relax after a busy week of exams with food and ice cream and the opportunity to play with therapy dogs, meditate, socialize, and create a vision board to plan for 2023 and beyond!

Thursday, February 16, 4:30-6pm: Career, College, and Leadership Fair
An opportunity for young people to connect with professional and leadership opportunities in the community. This includes, local colleges, employers, young professionals, and youth-serving institutions.

More information:

World Language Instructional Materials Review

-posted Jan. 13. 2023

Community Review of Student Materials:

Mahone Fund Scholarships – March 3 deadline

-posted Jan. 10, 2023

The Mahone Fund Scholarships are now open for students to apply! The deadline for applicants is Friday, March 3 and students can apply online or download the paper application at mahonefund.org. Hard copies can either be turned into their school guidance counselor or the Kenosha Community Foundation.

Available Scholarships 

  • Mary Lou & Arthur F. Mahone Fund CEO Scholarship – 10 Available
  • Mahone Fund Carthage College Full Tuition Scholarship – 1 Available
  • Mahone Fund Carthage College Access Education Award – 15 available
  • Mahone Fund Herzing University Scholarship – 2 Available

KUSD Family Education Programs

-posted Jan. 10, 2023

KUSD’s Office of Community School Relations hosts a variety of family education programs for families, students, and stakeholders. Family engagement is key to student success, which is why each interactive family learning experience focuses on curriculum, safety, and/or strengthening family communication and school connections.

Please register for all programs that are a fit for your family – we’d love to have you! Unless noted otherwise, programs are open to all residents in our community regardless of the schools your children attend – all are welcome!

Upcoming Programs Offered by Grade Level:

Please email questions you may have to engage@kusd.edu.

Student Volunteers Needed for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)

-posted Dec. 7, 2022

  • The United Way of Kenosha County is looking for student volunteers for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).
  • No experience is necessary. You do not need to learn tax law to volunteer. We have a need for greeters, translators, administrative support, and tax preparers if volunteers wish to learn tax law.
  • Volunteers can work as little or as much as they like January through April.
  • Interested students can visit the VITA website or call 262-658-4104.

More information:

Kenosha County speed test – ensuring high-quality internet for Kenosha County

From now until the end of the year, Kenosha County residents have a unique opportunity to help ensure we have fast, affordable internet access for all — just by taking a brief speed test online. The test takes less than a minute to complete and collects information on how fast data can be downloaded and uploaded with the internet connection used to run the test. The data gathered from the test will be shared with local, state and federal governments, granting agencies and internet service providers in an effort to improve the quality of internet services in Kenosha County. 

More information: Kenosha County Broadband Survey Information (PDF)

Little Scoopers Lacrosse

-posted Nov. 1, 2022

More information:

“Kindness Begins with Me” Youth Kindness Nomination, Written, or Creative Arts Challenge

-posted Oct. 24, 2022

The Coalition for Dismantling Racism has been recognizing and celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for 27 years through various events and programs. This year, Kenosha County students are invited to participate in a written and/or creative arts challenge which are outlined below.

Winners will be recognized at the “Kindness Begins with Me” Community Unity Breakfast and awards recognition ceremony on Saturday, January 14, 2023. The ceremony will begin at 8:30 A.M. and will be held in the Indian Trail High School cafeteria.

Selected winners will be recognized and presented with a gift card and certificate at the awards recognition ceremony noted above. Winners will be notified the week of December 12, 2022.

More information: “Kindness Begins with Me” flyer (PDF)

FREE: Student and Family Assistance Program

-posted Oct. 10, 2022

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.

How it Works

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

We’re Hiring Substitute Teachers

-posted Oct. 10, 2022

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)

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:

Free Classes to Learn English at Gateway Technical College

-posted Aug. 29, 2022

  • Gateway’s English Language Learning 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.
  • Summer semester: May-June
  • Fall semester: September-December
  • Spring semester: January-April

More information: Gateway ELL flyer – English and Spanish (PDF)

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

Everything Under the Sun

A youth and family activity guide of things to do in the Kenosha area.

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