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.

Mathnasium Summer Programs

-posted April 14, 2025

Incorporate Mathnasium into your summer activities with our flexible scheduling and easy-to-reach location. You can now choose from 16, 24, or unlimited sessions available throughout June, July, and August. Contact us today to arrange an assessment for your child at 1-262-484-4511. Save $100 if you enroll by 5/31/2025.

VPP Egg Hunt (April 11-20)

-posted April 14, 2025

More than 30 Pleasant Prairie businesses have designed a unique VPP Egg Hunt poster for you to find with a chance to win AMAZING prizes from April 11-20! Each prize is valued at up to $500 (minimum value $150)!

Effective School Solutions: Maintaining Children's Mental Health Over the Summer (May 7)

Effective School Solutions: Maintaining Children’s Mental Health Over the Summer (May 7)

-posted April 11, 2025

Join us for a valuable workshop focused on nurturing children’s mental health during the summer. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver or educator, you’ll leave with practical tools to help create a supportive, emotionally healthy environment at home.

Discover strategies for maintaining helpful routines, engaging in meaningful activities, and addressing common summer challenges—ensuring a season filled with resilience, balance and well-being for your child.

Free child care and a family meal will be available during the program. This event is open to the entire community—everyone is welcome!

Growing Gardeners (May 6 & 8)

Growing Gardeners (May 6 & 8)

-posted April 11, 2025

Join us for an evening of gardening fun with Farmer Stephanie from the Funkin Farm! Families will dig into spring planting and take home their plants to nurture and enjoy all summer.

Pick the date and location that works best for your family—everyone is welcome, and no experience is needed. Come ready to get your hands dirty and grow something great together!

  • Tuesday, May 6, at Curtis Strange Elementary, 5414 49th Ave., OR
  • Thursday, May 8, at Somers Elementary, 1245 72nd Ave.
  • 6-7 p.m.
  • REGISTER for Growing Gardeners

Game On at Uptown Library (April 26)

-posted April 11, 2025

Get ready to level up in honor of Uptown Library’s 100th birthday! Elite Gamin will be onsite to host a video game tournament that brings together gamers of all levels for an exciting day of competition, prizes, food and celebration. Whether you’re here to test your skills or just have fun, you’ll be part of a special event marking a century of knowledge, community, and gaming. Teens 8th Grade & Up and Adult tourney players should register. Spectators are welcome!

Sylvan Learning Summer Program

-posted April 11, 2025

Avoid Summer Learning Loss by making Sylvan part of your summer schedule. At Sylvan we will pinpoint the skills your child needs and develop a summer program. We offer flexible hours and have no contracts.

Dance for Hope (June 21)

-posted April 8, 2025

Dance for Hope is an opportunity for dancers regardless of any experience to learn and have fun. We donate all proceeds to the National Children’s Cancer Society. This event will take place at the Boys and Girls Club in Kenosha on June 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This event will make a difference lives of many!

May Farm Day: Garden Kick-Off (May 4)

-posted April 1, 2025

Farmer Stephanie of The Funkin Farm hosts a variety of family and youth events to help educate and mentor the community in topics of growing food, healthy eating choices, animal husbandry and beyond. The May Family Farm day is a Garden Kick-Off workshop and farm exploration day. It will be held on Sunday, May 4, from 1-3 p.m. at the Learning Farm, 1002 12th St. For more details about the farm and events, please see our Facebook page or contact Farmer Stephanie at 262-909-0644.

National Drug Take Back Day (April 26)

-posted April 1, 2025

Kenosha County Behavioral Health Services, local law enforcement departments, and Johnson Bank are hosting the Spring National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at six county locations, please see flyer. This is an opportunity to dispose of unused and/or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications safely and conveniently. While there, you can learn about the behavioral health resources and services available throughout Kenosha County and receive Narcan training and a free box of Narcan along with fentanyl and xylazine test strips. For more information, call 262-605-6607.

Families Branching Out Expo (April 26)

-posted April 1, 2025

Join in free family fun at the Kenosha County Center, NE corner of Hwys 45 and 50 in Bristol. The event starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 1:30 p.m. See a fire truck, learn about fun things to do in the Kenosha area, meet Scoopie from Culvers, make play-dough, and receive all kinds of free things from about 40 exhibitors. Win a t-shirt in the coloring contest. The Kenosha County Fair Queen will have a reading corner — and you get to keep the book! There is information and activities for young and old. This event is sponsored by Kenosha HCE. Hope to see you there!

Wisconsin Elite All-Star Cheerleading Summer Camp (June 23-26)

-posted April 1, 2025

Introductory Color Guard Spin Clinics

-posted March 31, 2025

All students in grades 6-12 are invited to join our Introductory Color Guard Spin Clinics – you do not need to attend KUSD. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned performer, we’ve got a spot for you! Learn the art of spinning flags, rifles and sabres in a fun, supportive environment.

  • Clinics:  May 5, 12, 19 and June 2
  • 6-9 p.m.
  • KSOL Elementary School, 6315 67th St.

We march in parades with the Band of the Blackwatch and Rambler Band and have a competitive winter season. It’s a great way to stay active, learn new skills and be part of an amazing team.

Don’t miss out – sign up today for color guard and spin with us this summer!

Wisconsin Elite All-Star Cheerleading Tryouts (May 27-29)

-posted March 18, 2025

Early Head Start Program at KAC

-posted March 18, 2025

Did you know Kenosha has an Early Head Start program for eligible families who are pregnant or have children under the age of three? Early Head Start provides free (and fun) weekly home visits for parents and children to play, with development and school readiness (even for infants!). Besides home visits, Early Head Start holds events twice a month for families to get out of the house and socialize. We also have playgroups and open play times for families to participate in! Please contact us today to learn more about this free program, by calling Genna Moreno at 262-818-3581.

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!

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.

High Score Hangout (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.

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:

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:

Young Authors Club (May 10)

-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: