Pacer Pulse Newsletter
Pacer Pulse Newsletter
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Dear SCES Families,
As we welcome October, I want to take a moment to thank you for your partnership and support. Parent-Teacher Conferences provided a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate student successes, discuss growth, and strengthen the connection between home and school. Thank you for taking the time to participate. When families and schools work together, our students benefit in tremendous ways.
As a reminder, Fall Break begins on October 5. I hope this time allows your family an opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy time together. We look forward to welcoming our Pacers back refreshed and ready to learn.
Pacers in grades 3-6 will be participating in ILEARN Checkpoints this month. These assessments provide valuable information about student progress and help teachers adjust instruction to best meet student needs. We encourage students to do their best, get a good night's sleep, and come to school ready to learn each day. Follow the link for more information: ILEARN Checkpoint Guidance for Families
We are also excited to celebrate Red Ribbon Week beginning October 26. This annual event promotes healthy choices, positive decision-making, and a commitment to living a drug-free lifestyle. Throughout the week, students will participate in activities that reinforce the importance of making safe and responsible choices.
As we continue our "All Stars" journey this year, we remain focused on attendance, goal setting, and celebrating growth. Every day our students are in school is an opportunity to learn, build friendships, and shine brightly. Thank you for helping us make SCES a place where students find joy in learning and take pride in being a Pacer.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are helping every Pacer reach their full potential.
With gratitude,
Mrs. Pamela Dixon
Mrs. Cole's Counselor Corner
Mrs. Cole's Counselor Corner
October is recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and fostering safe, healthy environments for all families. As a school community, we know that children thrive best when they feel secure both at school and at home. Strong families build strong futures, and access to the right resources can make all the difference.
If you or someone you know ever needs confidential support, advice, or a safe person to talk to, help is always available:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text "START" to 88788 (available 24/7).
Local School Support: Our school counselors and family advocate team are always here to help connect families with local community support services in a private, supportive environment.
Safe Passage: 24/7 Toll-Free Helpline: 1-877-733-1990
Thank you for helping us build a safe, caring, and connected community for our kids!
Safety with Deputy Whitham
Safety with Deputy Whitham
Meta Changes Social Media Rules for Children
Meta, the company that owns Instagram and Facebook, is changing how its platforms work for those under the age of 18. The changes come after an August 2026 agreement with attorneys general from 52 U.S. states, territories, and the District of Columbia. The new requirements are designed to provide more protection to children while using social media.
New Time Limits
One of the biggest changes is a two-hour daily limit for children across Instagram and Facebook. Time spent on both platforms counts toward the same limit. Children will also receive reminders after spending 15 minutes continuously on the platforms and additional reminders at 60 and 90 minutes. Turning off the two-hour limit will require parental permission.
Changes During School and Nighttime Hours
Youth accounts will have a default midnight-to-6 a.m. block that prevents access to several parts of Instagram and Facebook, including Reels, Stories, Explore and Feed. During school hours, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., push notifications will be muted. Messages and important safety notifications can still come through.
More Control Over Recommendations
Children will also have the option to use a non-personalized feed instead of one based on Meta’s recommendation algorithms. Parents can require this setting. Autoplay can also be turned off, preventing videos from automatically continuing to the next piece of content.
Stronger Age and Parent Controls
Meta is increasing its use of technology to determine whether an account may belong to someone under 18. Accounts identified as belonging to teens or below can receive additional protections. Parents will also have more control over their children’s accounts, including additional information about certain accounts and interactions. While these changes are designed to protect younger users, the changes are only as good as parental involvement during the initial setting up of the account and being proactive with routine checks of their child’s social media use.
What Does This Mean for Students?
For students who use Instagram or Facebook, these changes could make social media feel different. There will be more limits on when children can use certain features, how content is recommended and how parents can supervise accounts. For students, the main takeaway is simple: social media platforms are changing, and age-based protections are becoming a bigger part of the online experience.
Device-Light Learning
Device-Light Learning
At Switzerland County Elementary School, we are committed to creating a focused learning environment where every student can thrive. This year, SCES is adopting a device-light approach to minimize distractions, reduce unnecessary screen time, and boost student engagement and collaboration.
To support this effort, student cell phones must be powered off and stored away upon arriving and through dismissal of school. Additionally, Chromebooks issued at Open House will stay at home, with school-provided devices used in class only when technology directly enhances learning.
By balancing intentional technology use with screen-free collaboration, we ensure students stay fully engaged while still building essential digital skills. We appreciate our families' partnership in supporting these expectations!
Meet the Staff at SCE
Meet the Staff at SCE
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