Welch Parent News
Week of October 13, 2025
On the Prowl... What is coming up at Welch?
Monday, October 13th -
- No School
Tuesday, October 14th -
- Whole School Pajama Day!
- Chorus (4th Grade Only) 8:00 AM
- Parent Teacher Conference Scheduling Window Closes 6:00 PM
Wednesday, October 15th -
- Bears Day! Wear your orange/blue/Bears apparel!
- 2nd Grade Harry Potter Club 3:35 - 4:30 PM
- 4th Grade Playground Games Club 3:35 - 4:30 PM
Thursday, October 16th -
- Crazy Sock Day!
- 2nd Grade Harry Potter Club 3:35 - 4:30 PM
- Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30 - 8:00 PM
Friday, October 17th -
- Wear your House Color (see below))
- Fall Fun Fest!
- PTA Meeting 9:30 AM
- End of Quarter 1
- PTA Trunk or Treat 5:30 PM
- PTA Spooktacular Dance 7:00 PM
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent/teacher conferences for preschool, elementary, middle and high school will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm and Monday, October 20, 2025 from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to connect with your child's teacher to discuss areas of strength, areas of growth, and to collaborate with the teachers and staff.
To schedule your conference for elementary, middle, and high school students, log in to ParentVUE and select "Conference" from the menu on the left side to see the times available. Once you have scheduled your conference, you can click "Email Schedule" to have the details emailed to you. You can also go back to ParentVUE at any time to view the information. Conference scheduling will remain open through October 14, 2025 at 6:00 pm.
Car Line Reminders
To help keep our arrival and dismissal times safe and efficient, please remember to stay in your vehicle while in the car line. Students should enter and exit the car independently from the passenger side. Our staff will be there to assist as needed — thank you for helping us keep the line moving smoothly and ensuring everyone’s safety!
Project Arrow and Math Acceleration for 5th Graders
District 204 offers a variety of academic programming to meet the needs of our students. Although assessment occurs throughout the school year for all students, some programs require additional information gathering to determine appropriate placement. The Academically Talented section on the District Website provides general information regarding identification for the Project Arrow Gifted Program and the Accelerated Mathematics Program. Letters with specific testing details will be sent home from schools to parents of students for whom further evaluation is recommended. Additional information about either of these programs can be found by contacting your child’s classroom teacher or Julie Vogel, Welch Student Services Coordinator.
Math Acceleration (MA) and Project Arrow (PA) testing will take place between November 17th and December 5th for selected 5th-grade students. Testing for other grade levels will occur in February.
Selecting Your School Photo and Picture Retakes
View and select your School Portrait for use in the Yearbook and/or Class Picture before Retake Day!* *The final deadline is two weeks after retake day; if you do not select an image VIP will choose the pose to use in the Yearbook and/or Class Picture for you. To view your student’s school portrait look for an email sent to you by “Visual Image Photography”, or go to vipis.com (student ID number may be required) Retake pictures will be taken on October 24, 2025. Retake photos will be added to your online image gallery approximately 7-10 days after photo day If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service
email: support@vipis.com
Phone: 262.375.4457
Fall Fun Fest!
We had our House Sorting Assemblies last week and the kids did a FANTASTIC job getting to know one another, laughing, and working together in a variety of games. We’re excited to build upon the momentum next Friday, October 17th, with a fun-filled FALL FEST!
Students will participate alongside their Welch Houses — Valor, Harmony, Aurora, and Ember — building community, teamwork, and school spirit.
During their designated time (approximately 45 minutes), students will rotate through a variety of fall-themed games and activities designed to bring joy, laughter, and connection.
One of these rotations will be a “Corn Field Crunch” snack & tattoo station. Students will be receiving a small cup of popcorn with candy corn. If you don’t wish for your child to partake in the snack, and/or temporary tattoo, please complete the Google form by Wednesday, October 15th. The temporary tattoos will be school-appropriate and are non-toxic and easily washable. Tattoos will be placed on limbs only!
Fall Fest Snack and Temporary Tattoo Opt Out
It’s sure to be a wonderful day of fun and friendship as we celebrate the season together. Thank you for your cooperation and support in making our celebration fun and inclusive for everyone!
Valor House (Represents Courage & Strength)- Wear BROWN - 2:30 - 3:15 PM Fall Fun Fest
Reflects the fierce bravery of tigers—encouraging students to be bold, resilient, and stand up for what’s right.
(Students from KK, 1C, 2EK, 3J, 4O, 5N, Luporini)
Aurora House (Represents Brilliance & Hope) - Wear BLUE
1:40 - 2:25 PM Fall Fun Fest
Inspired by the northern lights and the glow of a white tiger’s coat—symbolizing positivity, curiosity, and bright thinking.(Students from KM, 1M, 2MK, 3B, 4C, 5A, Daly)
Ember House (Represents Passion & Determination) - Wear RED 10:05 - 10:50 AM Fall Fun Fest
Though white tigers may be cool in color, this name reflects the fire within—drive, motivation, and never giving up.
(Students from KH, 1B, 2O, 3A, 4L, 5P, Wild-Leon)
Harmony House (Represents Kindness & Unity) - Wear GREEN
9:15 - 10:00 AM Fall Fun Fest
Symbolizes peaceful cooperation, respect for all, and the quiet power of working together.
(Students from KC, 1W, 2V, 3M, 4K, 5K, McKinney)
Additional Lunch
Please complete this form if your student has permission to purchase a second lunch entree and/or second meal. Each student will need this form completed in order to purchase a second entree or meal. The cost is as follows: Breakfast - Second Meal $3.75; Lunch - Second Entree - $4.40 and Second Meal - $5.75; regardless of Free/Reduced Lunch status, EVERYONE who takes a second entree and/or meal will be charged these amounts.
School Lunch Menus
Welch Girl Scouts
If you have a daughter interested in participating in a Welch Girl Scout Troop, please complete the interest survey below. The goal is that the troop will meet once a month, at the Stillwater Clubhouse, and host one field trip/outing per month. The troop is open to all Welch students. The survey is to gauge interest in participating and seek feedback about their preferred meeting time/date.
Daily Snack
Each classroom has a time during the day to enjoy a HEALTHY snack. We ask that the snack be NUT free. Suggested snacks include fresh fruits and vegetables, crackers, granola bars, pretzels, and goldfish. Please don’t send candy, cookies, cakes, chips, pudding, soda, and other dessert-like items.
Student Health Forms and Medication
Students entering kindergarten and new students to the district, must present proof of the required state of Illinois physical examination and immunizations. The student history portion of the examination form must be completed and signed by the parent. If this is not completed, the student will be excluded from school on October 16, 2025. Out-of-state physical examinations written on approved forms, which meet current state of Illinois requirements, are acceptable if they are less than one year old.
All students entering kindergarten and second grade are required to present proof of an oral health examination completed by a licensed dentist. This will be due prior to May 15, 2026.
A vision examination is required of all students entering kindergarten or enrolling in an Illinois public school for the first time. Written proof of having been examined by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches or a licensed optometrist will be required. This will be due October 16, 2025.
If your student needs medication administered during the school day, please refer to the information below: https://www.ipsd.org/departments/health-services/medication-at-school. All medications must be turned in with the appropriate forms and order.
Fall Celebrations and Costume Parade
On Friday, October 31st, all students/staff will be invited to dress up! Students may choose to wear a *costume, fancy clothes, or Welch spirit wear or Welch colors (green/white). Students that choose to wear costumes should follow the guidelines below:
Student’s heads and faces must not be covered
Costumes should not be scary or gory.
Costumes should not impact a student’s ability to learn
Props including look-alike weapons are NOT allowed at any time during the school day.
We will have a parade in the back of the building where parents are invited to come to view at approximately 1:55PM on Friday, 10.31. All students will participate in the parade. Students will be coming out of door #8 in the rear of the building and will be walking the blacktop before going back into the building via Door #4, located by the playground. We are excited to celebrate fall and continue this fun tradition! We ask that families refrain from picking their children up after 1:45 PM on this day to ensure the safety and security of all Welch White Tigers. In the event of inclement weather the outdoor parade will be canceled. I will notify families of any changes by 1:30 PM that day.
Following the parade we are THRILLED that we will be having fall celebrations in each of our classrooms. From 2:15 - 3:00 PM all Welch White Tigers will be participating in fall games and a craft. Parties will end by 3:00 PM and we ask that parents refrain from taking their child(ren) with them at the conclusion of the parties. All students will be dismissed at the end of the school day.
If you do not wish for your child(ren) to participate in the celebration, please complete this form by the end of the day on Wednesday, October 29th:
This year our amazing PTA will be providing the games and crafts for each of the classroom celebrations, so volunteers do not need to plan for these - they are invited to sign up, attend and enjoy! Parents/Guardians that are interested in volunteering for these fun celebrations should sign up at the link below:
These celebrations are such a fun time for the students and it is essential that we have three volunteers for each classroom to make them a success! Please consider volunteering!
Wickedly Wonderful PTA Updates
Classroom Candy Competition
The Classroom Candy Competition has officially concluded. Thank you for all of the sweet donations! Every bag helps fill the trunks for our upcoming Trunk or Treat, and our families who signed up to host are going to love handing it all out. Check the chart below to see the final standings. Sending a big congratulations to our winning classrooms which will be rewarded with a popsicle party next Friday!
Trunk or Treat
🚗 Trunk or Treat - Friday, October 17th at 5:30pm
• Put on your costume and collect candy from decorated trunks
• We do still need more hosts. Sign up to host a trunk
Spooktacular Dance
🪩 Spooktacular Dance - Friday, October 17th at 7pm
• Dance under the lights with music, glow fun, and friends
• Tickets are required for all children ages 1 to 18: $10 in advance or $15 at the door
• Want free admission for your kids? Volunteer at the dance and they get in free as a thank you
Get Ready for Our Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser! October 17th through November 5th🍯
It’s almost time to stock up on your favorite Texas Roadhouse rolls, honey cinnamon butter, and gift cards!
📅 Mark your calendars:
The site will be live from October 17 through November 5, and items will be available for pickup on November 19 from 3:30–5:30 PM at Welch Elementary.
We will share a QR code to place your order once the site opens next week. In the meantime, here are the details:
- One dozen frozen rolls – $6
- One 8oz. honey cinnamon butter – $2
- Gift cards – face value
Perfect for family dinners and holiday gatherings—plan ahead and don’t miss out!
Other reminders for October:
Our October PTA meeting will be held on October 17th at 9:30 AM
EcoClean Fundraiser runs October 1st to 31st. Use code Welch25 when you book your cleaning so 20% comes back to Welch.
Charleston Wrap Fundraiser is officially under way! Keep sharing your personal links to encourage friends and family to shop and help us reach our goal!!
Thank you for your incredible support. We can't wait to see you at Trunk or Treat and the Spooktacular Dance for a night full of spooky fun!!!
Pop Tabs
Start saving those shiny little pop tabs! We’re gathering them to help families stay close to their sick or injured children at the Ronald McDonald House. Every tab you bring in adds up—and with the help of United Scrap Metal, each pound of tabs helps raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana. Bring your tabs to the office or classroom 239 in the 5th grade hallway, and let’s see how many pounds we can collect together!
Bread Tags
Welch will be collecting plastic bread tags to donate to SCARCE for recycling in partnership with Danielle Cares for Chairs. Plastic bread tags are those square clips commonly used to seal bags around a loaf of bread, bagels, or even produce. If you are trying to reduce your plastic use, they can be hard to avoid. Further, plastic bread tags are not recyclable in your curbside recycling bin. Therefore, millions end up in landfills each year, just adding to our disposable plastic problem. it takes about 260,000 bread tags to purchase a basic wheelchair – so every bread tag counts! We will have collection bags at Welch, so please feel free to bring yours in or send them with your child!