July 2026
Dear SCES Families,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! I am deeply honored to continue the work of Mrs. Kitts and to build upon the outstanding programs and culture she helped create. Her dedication to students and families has left a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit our school for years to come.
As we begin 2026-2027 together, our focus is on helping every Pacer grow academically, socially, and emotionally while finding joy in learning each day. This year, our school theme is "All Stars!" At SCES, we believe every student has unique talents, strengths, and the ability to shine. Throughout the year, we will encourage students to be "All Stars!" by prioritizing attendance, setting meaningful goals, and celebrating their growth and achievements. Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in student success, and we want every child in school, on time, and ready to learn each day. Every month we will have a “Surprise Attendance Day.” These are unannounced days where we reward students just for showing up. We will not share the dates in advance. If your child is at school on a “Surprise Attendance Day,” they will get to participate in an unexpected, school-wide celebration during the day. Our goal is to create a culture where every Pacer finds the value and joy in showing up!
I am thrilled to welcome Mr. Cheek as our full-time Dean of Students. His leadership and commitment to students will strengthen our efforts to maintain a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment for all Pacers. We are also excited to welcome two new teachers to our SCES family: Miss Riley, who will be leading our music program, and Miss Bear, who joins our kindergarten team. We know they will make a positive impact on our students and school community.
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to our custodial team for their hard work preparing our building for the new school year. Their efforts ensure that students return to a clean and safe environment. Additionally, thank you to our cafeteria staff for their dedication to serving meals throughout the summer. Their commitment to caring for our students and families demonstrates the heart of our school community.
If you haven't already, make sure you go to the Switzerland County School Corporation Home page and complete the 2026-2027 school year registration. As always we ask that the information input into the system is accurate. If anything changes over the school year, please update your account. The phone number put in Qmlativ is used for notifications. These are alerts that go out during inclement weather, school updates and events.
Please take time to review the Switzerland County Elementary School Student Handbook. The student handbook is filled with important information concerning attendance, tardiness, discipline, cell phone/electronic devices, standards for chaperones, and much more. Any changes reflect our commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment for all our students. You can find a copy of the SCES Student Handbook HERE .
Upcoming Events to Mark on Your Calendar:
Open House: Thursday, August 6, 2026 @ 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Back to School Bash: Friday, August 7, 2026 @ 5:00 - 7:00 PM
First Day of School: Monday, August 10, 2026
I look forward to an incredible year filled with learning, growth, friendship, and Pacer Pride. Together, we will make the 2026-2027 school year full of joy and success.
Go Pacers!
Warmly,
Pamela Dixon
Principal
Switzerland County Elementary School
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!