"We invite both students and par-
ents to come view the school before
they actually start classes," he said.
"This way they can see some of the
things we have here and how our
school is set up, which seems to alle-
viate a significant amount of stress."
When new students start classes,
they are paired with a classmate as
part of a special buddy system.
"The new student is shov'n where
classes are and invited to sit at the
lunch table of the existing student,"
said Raczak. "Both students involved
seem to enjoy the program and it
kind of gives the new student an
instant friend and someone who can •
answer their questions."
Raczak said helping new students
ger adjusted quickly is necessary to
insure success.
"We've found that new students
have lower test scores, more academic
problems and more discipline referrals
than students who have been here for
longer periods of time," he said.
"Once they ger adjusted and feel
accepted, they tend to do dramatical-
ly better in all areas."
For students who move into a dis-
trict during the summer months,
Raczak suggests that parents seek
activities for their children.
"It is so important that they start
to meet people," he said. "It makes
starting in a new school that much
easier."
A lot of the problems new students
experience are social. Social problems
can also be created by other types of
events, such as a failing grade, getting
cut from a sports team or an embar-
rassing situation.
"When a child feels like they fir in
socially, things like academics tend to
follow right along," Raczak said.
"When a child is confident and corn-
fortable in their environment, good
things happen for them."
If you see changes in your child's
behavior that seem to resemble adult
depression over a prolonged period of
time, professional help may be neces-
sary.
"If you notice changes in eatihg or
sleeping patterns or regular activities
for more than four or five weeks after
a significant change, you need to talk
with someone about what's happen-
ing," said Burch, suggesting that par-
ents start with a school counselor or
teacher or input. "Kids do get
depressed and saying snap out of it or
grow up doesn't work. Depression is a
real problem for many children. It
-
can usually be overcome, but many
times, outside help is necessary.

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8/28
1998

Detroit Jewish News 111