Virtual Backpack

91制片厂鈥檚 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 91制片厂 or its personnel.


Organizations or individuals聽who want to add an item to the Virtual Backpack must submit a at least 1聽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, 91制片厂 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.


April


New Readers’ Adventures at KELA (April 16)

-posted April 13, 2026

Kids ages 5-8 are invited to join us for fun activities using leveled readers that provide practice using their new reading skills. We鈥檒l enjoy creative activities and games together based on the books we鈥檝e read. Snacks and take-home handouts included.

  • Theme: Spring Fun and Earth Day
  • Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
  • Time: 4-5 p.m.
  • Where: Kenosha Emerging Leaders Academy 2222 63rd St., Kenosha

For more information, contact Jackie Easley at jeasley@carthage.edu

Check out all of our events at our website:


Young Authors Club at KELA (April 21)

-posted April 14, 2026

Calling all future authors ages 9 and up! You are invited to join our Young Authors Club, where we participate in creative writing activities and work on publishing our own literature and arts magazine. Snacks included!

  • Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
  • Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
  • Location: Kenosha Emerging Leaders Academy, 2222 63rd St., Kenosha

For more information, contact Jackie Easley at jeasley@carthage.edu

Check out all of our events at our website:


Pause the Scroll: Healthy Social Media Use for Families (April 22)

-posted April 14, 2026

Join us for an engaging and eye-opening evening designed just for parents and caregivers! As social media becomes an increasingly powerful part of adolescents鈥 lives, it鈥檚 more important than ever to understand its impact鈥攁nd how to help kids navigate it in a healthy way.

In this interactive workshop, we鈥檒l explore why kids are drawn to social media and uncover meaningful strategies to meet those same needs beyond the screen. You鈥檒l leave with practical ideas to strengthen your connection with your child, inspire more offline engagement, and create a balanced approach to technology at home.

Let鈥檚 work together to pause the scroll and build stronger, more connected families!

Free childcare is available, and a meal will be served prior to the presentation.

Event Details:

馃搮 Wednesday, April 22

馃晳 5:30-7 p.m.

馃搶 Educational Support Center, 3600 52nd St.

馃枈锔

Everyone is welcome to participate in our family education programs! Non-91制片厂 families and community members must join our to register for this event. Once joined, you鈥檒l receive updates and can register for future events without rejoining.

Questions about this program or your registration? Contact 91制片厂’s Community Relations Department at engage@kusd.edu or 262-359-2256.


Families Branching Out Expo (April 25)

-posted April 13, 2026

Free family fun, make and take activities, become a Jr. Fireman, and other activities for all ages hosted by Kenosha County Association for Home and Community Education.

  • April 25, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Kenosha County Center, 19600 75th Street, Bristol (Hwy 45 & 50).
  • Bring non-perishables for The Sharing Center.

Event includes:

  • Free backpack with goodies.
  • Kids receive a free hot dog, chips and water (while 200 last).
  • Lions Vision Screening, Sheriff’s Child ID, info about community resources for families.
  • Run/Walk hosted by PSG at 9 a.m. prior to the event.

Questions? Contact Donna Z. at 262-945-7502 or Jeri at 262-697-3459.

More info:


Cinnamon “Roll” Models (April 28, 29, 20 or May 1)

-posted March 25, 2026

Elementary students are invited to bring a special 鈥渞oll model鈥 in their life for a fun, memorable morning before the start of school! Students and their guests will enjoy cinnamon rolls, simple activities, and meaningful conversation as they celebrate the important “roll models” who help guide and inspire them every day!

Choose the date and location that works best for you, and let鈥檚 鈥渞oll鈥 into the day with kindness, connection, and a little sweetness!

Event Details:

馃搮 Tuesday, April 28

  • Chavez, 6300 27th Ave. @ 7:15 a.m.
  • Nash, 6801 99th Ave. @ 7:15 a.m.

馃搮 Wednesday, April 29

  • Frank, 1816 57th St. @ 7:15 a.m.
  • LakeView K-8, 6729 18th Ave. @ 7:15 a.m.
  • Brass, 6400 15th Ave. @ 8 a.m.

馃搮 Thursday, April 30

  • Grewenow, 7714 20th Ave. @ 7 a.m.

馃搮 Friday, May 1

  • KSOL, 6315 67th St. @ 7:15 a.m.
  • Bose, 1900 15th St. @ 7:15 a.m.
  • Southport, 723 76th St. @ 7:20 a.m.
  • Pleasant Prairie, 9208 Wilmot Road @ 8 a.m.

馃棐锔

Non-91制片厂 families and community members: Community members who are not current 91制片厂 students, families or staff must join our to register for this event. Once joined, you鈥檒l receive updates and can register for future events without rejoining.

Questions about this program or your registration? Contact 91制片厂’s Community Relations Department at engage@kusd.edu or 262-359-2256.


National Drug Take Back Day (April 25)

-posted April 1, 2026

On Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., join the Kenosha County Division of Behavioral Health Services, Kenosha Police Dept, Kenosha Sheriff’s Office, Pleasant Prairie Police Dept, Somers Fire & Rescue, Twin Lakes Police Dept, UW-Parkside, and BMO Bank for Drug Take Back Day.

Drop off your unused and/or expired medications, get trained on naloxone (NARCAN庐), and learn about Kenosha County behavioral health services and resources. Stop at any of these locations:

  • Somers Fire & Rescue, 7511 12th St., Somers;
  • UW-Parkside, 900 Wood Rd., Kenosha; BMO Bank, 4235 52nd St, Kenosha;
  • Pleasant Prairie Police Dept, 10111 39th St.,
  • Pleasant Prairie; Kenosha County Center, 19600 75th St., Bristol; or
  • Twin Lakes Police Dept, 920 Lance Dr., Twin Lakes.

Only medication drop-off (no naloxone training) is available at Twin Lakes Police Dept and UW-Parkside (Tallent Hall).

For more information, see our webpage at . Questions? Call 262-605-6788.


May


Growing Gardeners Family Education Program (May 5 or 7)

-posted April 14, 2026

Elementary students and their families are invited to plant a 鈥淪alsa Pot鈥 filled with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, cilantro, and peppers! Choose the date and location that works best for you, and join Farmer Stephanie from the Funkin Farm for a fun, interactive program that will help your family learn how to care for your plants and enjoy the rewards all summer long. From garden to table鈥攜our homemade salsa journey starts here!

Event Details:

馃搮 Tuesday, May 5 @ Jeffery Elementary
OR
馃搮 Thursday, May 7 @ Grant Elementary

馃晳 6-7 p.m.

馃枈锔

Everyone is welcome to participate in our family education programs! Non-91制片厂 families and community members must join our to register for this event. Once joined, you鈥檒l receive updates and can register for future events without rejoining.


FREE – Multi-sport Clinic (May 9)

-posted April 1, 2026

i9 Sports is focused on high-quality, community-based kids sports. We offer will offer Flag Football, Soccer, and Baseball / T-Ball for this day as a way to enjoy the i9 Sports experience.
  • FREE Clinic
  • Nash Elementary School
  • Saturday, May 9, from 9-11 a.m.
  • Register ASAP, it’s FREE
  • Register at www.i9sports.com

Youth Sailing Course Discount (before May 15)

-posted April 14, 2026

The Kenosha Community Sailing Center (KCSC) is offering 15% off with Early Bird Registration for their youth classes. KCSC is a non-profit that teaches sailing, water safety and conservation. No experience necessary.

before May 15 using code EARLYBIRD26.

  • Kids Morning Sailing (Grades 2-5)
  • Youth All Day Sailing (Ages 7-14)
  • Teen/Preteen Afternoon Sailing (Grades 6-9)

Contact: info@kenoshasailing.org or 262-997-9343


WI Elite Cheerleading 2026-27 Season Tryouts (May 26-29)

-posted April 1, 2026


Kenosha Beach House Touch-A-Truck (and Boat) (May 31)

-posted April 14, 2026

The Kenosha Beach House on Simmons Island will be hosting a FREE Touch-A-Truck event on Sunday, May 31, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (10-11 a.m. no horns), 5001 Simmons Island Road, Kenosha.

Get up close and explore the vehicles that keep our community running at our Touch-a-Truck event! It鈥檚 a hands-on, family-friendly experience where kids (and adults!) can meet local heroes, learn how these vehicles work, and enjoy a day of discovery and fun.

In partnership with the Kenosha Community Sailing Center, we will also have rescue and other working boats on display at Great Lakes Yacht Sales which is in walking distance of the Beach House.

Contact: | info@kenoshabeachhouse.com


July


Wisconsin Humane Society Summer Camps (July and August)

-posted April 14, 2026

The Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus offers fun-filled weeklong summer camps for animal lovers entering grades 1-9. Whether it鈥檚 your first time attending or you鈥檙e a returning camper, each year brings exciting new adventures and activities! Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Camp Critter: Grades 1-3 鈥 We鈥檒l cover topics like animal behavior, safety, training, and more! Offered Monday, July 13, through Friday, July 17, OR Monday, August 10, through Friday, August 14.
  • Camp Unleashed: Grades 4-6 鈥 Take camp to the next level with hands-on service projects that make a difference for animals in your community. Offered Monday, July 6, thorugh Friday, July 10, OR Monday, July 20, through Friday, July 24.
  • Junior Veterinary Camp: Grades 6-9 鈥 Dive into the exciting world of veterinary science and discover what it takes to become an animal doctor. Offered Monday, August 3, through Friday, August 7.

More info: Visit or contact Racyouthprograms@wihumane.org


August


Kindergarten Readiness Bootcamp (Aug. 3-6)

-posted April 1, 2026

Simply Spoken Therapy and Kid Power OT are hosting a Kindergarten Readiness Bootcamp to prepare children for school with confidence. This group will support regulation, communication, and classroom skills through structured, play-based learning in a low-pressure environment.

馃搯聽 August 3-6, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. OR聽 12:30-2:30 p.m.
鉁吢 Registration is required

Why Families Value This Program:

鉁 Builds confidence for a smooth kindergarten transition
鉁 Supports communication, regulation, and classroom readiness skills
鉁 Play-based and developmentally appropriate
鉁 Small group format led by an experienced pediatric OT and SLP professional

Register:

Contact Angela Born at angela@simplyspokentherapy.com with questions.


Friends Forward Girl Scout Day Camp (Aug. 10-14)

-posted April 1, 2026

  • For: Racine and Kenosha Counties
  • What: Week-long Girl Scout day camp
  • When: August 10-14, 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Where: Camp Alice Chester, East Troy (buses available for Kenosha)
  • Who: Girls K-12 looking for a fun summer activity, you don’t have to be a Girl Scout member to register!

Girl Scout Camp is a guaranteed good time while creating lasting memories and life skills. Join us for outdoor fun and skills, new friendships, and lots of fun games and activities!

Learn more and register here:

Contact friendsforwarddaycamp@gmail.com with any questions!


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鈥 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鈥檚 possible in aviation and beyond.


Ongoing


Summer Camps at the DNA Learning Center

-posted April 1, 2026

Looking for an unforgettable, hands-on science experience for your student? The Notre Dame DNA Learning Center is offering immersive summer camps for grades 7鈥12:
馃敩 Explore DNA and genetics in real labs
馃懇鈥嶐煆 All labs taught by an Notre Dame professor/human geneticist
馃彨 Residential options for some camps
鉁 No previous lab experience required, just curiosity!
Camp options include:
鈥 Camp Catalyst (3-day residential)
鈥 Camp Odyssey (6-day residential)
鈥 2-Day DNA Workshops (Food/Taste and Sports Performance)
鈥 Gene Expression Research Virtual Camp
Small camp sizes mean lots of hands-on learning and personal attention from Notre Dame staff and student counselors. For more information:

Make Mathnasium Part of Your Summer Plans

-posted April 1, 2026

Make Mathnasium part of your summer plans! Schedule free assessment at or by calling 1-262-484-4511
Customized Learning Plans 鈥 Flexible Scheduling 鈥 Great Summer Learning Environment
It’s important for kids to keep up their math skills during the summer so they don’t lose what they learned over the school year and are ready for new material in the fall. Summer at Mathnasium allows them to do this right alongside their other summer activities, with flexible hours and a great learning environment. It starts with a comprehensive assessment and customized learning plan that details summer goals for long-term success. And we make it fun!
EPIC SUMMER- Enjoy Mathnasium all summer. Schedule one-hour sessions anytime
and get ready for the fall.
CORE 24- Get going with 24, one-hour sessions to be used anytime during the summer.
POWER 16- Avoid the summer slide with 16, one-hour sessions to be used anytime during the summer.

Summer Learning with Sylvan

-posted April 1, 2026

Avoid Summer Learning Loss – Make Sylvan part of your summer schedule.

Summer Programs for all ages: Reading, Math, Writing, Study Skills, College Prep, and more

Why Wait? Call today 262-694-6286 or email learning@sylvankenosha.com


Kenosha Alateen Tuesday Meetings

-posted March 12, 2026

Al-anon district 21 is hosting a local Alateen meeting for teenagers affected by alcoholism and/or drug abuse every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at the Kenosha Alano Club, 630 56th St.

The meeting is facilitated by two adult 鈥淎MIAS鈥 ( Al-anon member involved in Alateen service) who have a complete background check and have been trained to facilitate Alateen meetings.


Teen Achievers – Free Afterschool Tutoring

-posted Feb. 17, 2026

Free Homework and Tutoring for middle school students after school offered by the YMCA Teen Achievers program located at the Kenosha Emerging Leaders Academy building. Transportation provided from Washington Middle School and Lance Middle School.

Contact Nate Kreamalmyer, nkreamalmyer@kenoshaymca.org or Dr. M. Rachel Mall, EdD rmall@kenoshaymca.org if interested in registering/scheduling your student.


Reading Tune-Ups at the KELA

-posted Feb. 11, 2026

Teachers and Parents: Do you have a reader that would benefit from an extra boost in developing their reading skills while focusing on joyful interactions with books?

Contact Jackie Easley at jeasley@carthage.edu to set up an appointment.


AFS – Host an Exchange Student

-posted Jan. 12, 2026

Bring the world into your home with AFS!

Starting March 1, 91制片厂 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.

to learn more about hosting with AFS, and contact AFS Rep Erica Ness at聽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鈥檚 healthy development and school readiness鈥攅ven for infants!

Plus, don鈥檛 miss our free weekly playgroups for families with children ages 0鈥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 March 25, 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 91制片厂 to participate鈥攚e welcome all members of our community!

  • April – Cinnamon Roll Models (multiple dates and locations)
  • May – Growing Gardeners (multiple dates and locations)

To register, watch for program information in the 91制片厂 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:


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鈥檚 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鈥攆rom 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鈥攁ll personalized for their child.

Sparkler makes parenting easier while helping you understand and celebrate your child鈥檚 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.

for more information.