Kevin Blodgett and Tyler Boulanger were glad they had a chance to attend Dirigo High School as newly minted freshmen Wednesday without the upper class men.

“It’s all kind of confusing,” said Tyler, who lives in Peru.

Blodgett, of Carthage, was particularly pleased that he had a chance to learn his way around because he will attend classes in both the main high school and the so-called East Campus in the nearby former elementary school.

“I have to go between campuses,” he said.

At Mountain Valley High School, Dirigo Middle School, Mountain Valley Middle School and Buckfield Junior-Senior High School, freshmen were getting the same kind of help from peer helpers, upperclassmen and staff.

“It’s transition day,” MVHS Assistant Principal Chris Decker said. “It helps avoid embarrassment, confusion and the first day jitters.”

Principal Matt Gilbert said one major goal this year is to provide as many opportunities for students as possible despite the declining enrollment.

About 400 students are enrolled at MVHS.

Michelle Hale, a freshman from Rumford, said starting in a new school is a little frightening.

“But once you sit down in a classroom, it’s a lot calmer,” she said.

Each student had a chance to rotate through their classes so they will feel more comfortable when all students start school on Thursday.

Kayla Drapeau, a freshman from Rumford, said she knew everyone on Wednesday, but Thursday will be awkward.

Teachers, administrators and student representatives from various groups will also be available to help out the freshmen for the next few days.

“Not a lot of people can find their classes and get to them quickly,” said Katlyn Burgess, a junior at MVHS and member of the school’s Civil Rights Team who showed freshmen where their classes were.

Newly appointed assistant principal and athletic director at DHS, Christopher Moreau, said once the young high schoolers rotated through their classes, they had some fun with a scavenger hunt, meant to ensure that students knew each other, and an ice cream social.

Celena Ranger, principal of DMS, said this year’s focus is on respect, responsibility, compassion and cooperation.

After a welcoming assembly, similar to all middle and high schools, in RSU 10, DMS students learned about after-school activities and clubs, visited their classrooms, then played a game of kickball.

An open house is scheduled for Sept. 15.

Similar events were happening at BJSHS, Principal George Reuter said.

Eighth-graders were helping seventh-graders find their lockers and classrooms. Some of the food for lunch came from the school’s massive garden. The annual community Harvest Dinner is scheduled for Sept. 23, and a night to teach parents how to instill good Internet citizenship in their children is set for Thursday at 6 p.m. at the school.

A new assistant principal/athletic director, Ann Bell, joined BJSHS this year, Reuter said.

At SAD 44, all five schools were up and running and experienced a very smooth opening, Superintendent David Murphy said.

Telstar High School freshmen had their day of transition on Aug. 25 and fifth-graders had their step-up day to Telstar Middle School in the spring. Andover Elementary School, which had almost been closed, welcomed more than 30 K-5 graders, and a new teaching principal, Beth Clarke.

Murphy said student enrollment is up slightly to about 860 children this year.

RSU 10 Superintendent, Tom Ward, said enrollment in the Mountain Valley, Dirigo and Nezinscot (Buckfield) regions appeared to rise slightly, as well, with some schools losing a few students and others gaining. He estimated enrollment at slightly more than 2,800.

“We’re very excited with the start. Everyone seems to be ready and excited to be back,” he said.