When I activate a new page, does a "page update" email automatically go out to the entire class?

Yes, unless you uncheck the option for Notify X# of Classmates located near the Save buttons.

Looking at Edit Site Pages/Edit Link/Active button/Save. I don't see anyway to uncheck notify classmates.

Edit Site Pages > Edit PAGE > look for the save button below the Editor Window and there should also be a note that says Notify X# of classmates that is checked. If you want to have this unchecked by default, there is a setting on the Preferences page to make the default unchecked.

Thanks Scott. I understand edit the page - I'm looking at Edit LINK. I want to make a new page Active. Can I click the Active button under Edit Link and save without sending out an email?

Making the page active using the Edit Link screen will NOT send a notify.

Alternatively, you can always click the "Mark the page Active" check box after editing the page itself, and make sure the the "Notify Classmates" check box that pops up is NOT checked.

Perfect, thanks!