As 11-year-old Jade Hampe deleted some old computer files from elementary school, she thinks she’s ready to create some new memories in middle school.

"I was getting kind of sick of the routine they were doing all the time," Jade said.

Although Jade says she’s a little nervous about all the new challenges she’ll face, like getting more homework, she says the Logan Middle School's Jump Start program has helped her gain the confidence to succeed.

"First we got to meet all our friends again because we were in the cafeteria,"Jade said. "Then all the teachers took all our classes and we went up to our rooms and we got to know each other and our lockers."

Logan Middle School Principal Dr. Troy Harcey says about 115 sixth graders participated in its day-long Jump Start program last week. He says students who go through the program tend to have an easier time transitioning to school.

"There were a few tears this morning and as you were walking around, you noticed there’s still some students who are struggling with that combination lock, but the more they practice, they get it," said Principal Harcey.

Lincoln Middle School also has a program in place to help students transition. It’s called AKA, or Academics-Knowledge-Activities.

"We now bring students in, seventh and eighth graders, that can actually answer questions about things that they maybe don’t want to ask adults and we find there’s always something new that they ask about,” said Lincoln Middle School Principal Larry Myhra.

Principal Myhra says sixth graders there spent two mornings in mid-August meeting their teachers and getting used to using lockers.

"Things are off to a great start," he said. "It’s fun to see the excitement and the kids have really been well-behaved today.”

Logan Middle School Sixth Grade Teacher Samantha Parkhurst says, "I think what we really just focus on these first couple of days is trying to build up their confidence, learn to ask questions...not just sit back; Be kind of an active learner.”

Parkhurst says students spent part of the first day of school just getting used to a new schedule.

"It’s a lot bigger school, I don’t know everybody yet and hope I do get to know ‘em," said Logan Middle School sixth grader Joe Bond.

"I’m excited to go to a different school and meet new friends and we get to meet our new teachers and our new principal," Jade said.

And Jade says she’s excited to start a different school routine.

New students at Longfellow Middle School went through similar transition programs to prepare for the first day of school.