New 9th graders reflect on the worries they had as middle school students about moving into high school. They also suggest ways of easing the transition and providing support in 9th grade. Teens want teachers to connect middle school students regularly with high school students, give them more responsibility in middle school, and focus on meaningful student-teacher relationships. In 9th grade, students prefer smaller learning environments and point out the value of orientation, student mentors, advisory groups, longer class periods, and the availability of extra help.