Dr. Jim Lowham, NCSD #1 Superintendent

When Adam moved from a small town in Montana to the much larger "city" of Casper, he was not ready for the intense pain he felt the first day of school. He had attended the same small elementary school from kindergarten through third grade. There, he was an outgoing 9-year-old, a leader and usually went home with exciting and funny stories.

But within a week of fourth grade in Casper, he complained that he was "sick to his stomach" each morning before school. He cried to his parents about how much he missed his friends in Montana.

His older brother, who began eighth grade in Casper, showed no outward signs of stress.

After several weeks, Adam met with the school social worker. He told her he felt out of place. The two also talked about the chance to make new friends while keeping his old friends in Montana. With time, Adam made new friends and took on his old personality. He was excited to go to school each day. He had jokes and good playground stories when he returned home.

Some children adjust quickly to new school settings. Others have difficulty with this transition, even if they don't tell an adult how they feel.

Here are some tips for parents to help their children through rough transitions:

* Remain positive with your children and the new school setting.

* Some adults have difficult memories of transitions. These fears can become your child's if you don't acknowledge the negative feelings you might still maintain.

* Listen to and encourage your children to continue talking about their feelings.

* Keep old routines until your child has had time to adjust. (If you always read a book to your child before their bedtime, continue to do so.)

* Find an adult - a teacher, aide or school secretary - with whom you and your child are comfortable. Talk with him/her about your child's fears and difficult adjustment. Ask if he or she can check in with your child at school.

* Contact your child's teacher, principal, the school's social worker or counselor, even if it is just a conversation making them aware of your child's hesitancy.

* Try to avoid morning rushes. These can create stress and anxiety, both for parents and children.

The Natrona County School District offers several programs for students transitioning into the school system - both for those new to town or those going into a new grade.

Back-to-school nights are one of the important services the district offers. Each school has one scheduled and I think it is very important that families attend with their children. Meet your student's teacher(s). Familiarize yourself with your student's learning environment. Show your student that you care.

Middle school especially tends to be a difficult transitional period. Because of this, several middle schools and junior highs are providing "orientations" especially for transitioning students. These orientations will include time to meet the school staff, learn the rules and find their way around.

You, me, your student and his or her teacher(s) have 175 days together this school year. Let's make transitioning a little less stressful and a lot more rewarding.

* Look here every other week for "Parenting with Purpose," a new column presented by the Natrona County Prevention Coalition family and parenting committee. The columns will focus on building healthy families while highlighting family events, classes and activities. For more information on the coalition, dedicated to preventing substance abuse and forming healthy communities, visit www.ncpreventioncoalition.net.