An orientation and peer helper program was developed at a public middle school in a rural community to reduce the problems associated with sixth-grade students transferring into the school during the school year. Transfer students and their parents or guardians were provided with a video and brochure that explained the school's services, programs, and requirements. In addition, a peer helper club was designed to match the transfer student to a peer helper with similar interests. The peer helper served as a mentor and friend to help the transfer student with homework, classwork, and social activities. Four of the 8 transfer students entering the school during the 12-week implementation period participated in the program. A teacher, the transfer students, and peer helpers met every week or 2 for 15 minutes to implement various activities, such as role playing and journal writing, to help the transfer students through the transition period. Transfer students, their parents or guardians, and their teachers evaluated the program after 12 weeks. The transfer students expressed positive attitudes about their new school, and had a better understanding of what was expected of them in academic classes. Teachers indicated that the orientation program was helpful and expressed an interest in seeing all transfer students participate. Parents also found the video helpful. All participants liked the peer helper club best. (AC)