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Dear Frankie

September 23, 2026 by Staff Writer

Middle School

Dear Frankie,

I’m anxious about going to middle school. None of my friends are in my class. What if no one likes me, they don’t have gluten free food in the cafe­teria, or I can’t keep up with the homework assignments? 

My mom said there is no need to worry, I have always had friends, get good grades, and can take my lunch. That’s fine for her to say, she never worries about anything. 

Is it normal to be as worried as I am? 

Selena

Dear Selena,

Being nervous about going to a new school with lots of unknowns is normal. Many students entering middle school have similar concerns which is why schools have an orientation session to give you the lay of the land, and clubs for students to join with similar interests. Gluten free options are required in schools, so no worries there. 

What your mom was trying to tell you is that you have never had trouble socially or academically, and she has every reason to believe it will continue to be so. 

She does make a good point.  

Best, Frankie

© 2026 Geneva Woodruff

Dear Frankie also publishes a video series. Find her on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Search for dearfrankie dogtodogadvice. 

Comments and letters can be sent to Frankie at dearfrankiecolumn@gmail.com. The Fairhaven Neighbor­hood News publishes the Dear Frankie column. To receive a free online sub­scrip­tion, readers can email neighbnews@comcast.net, request their name be added to the email list or visit www.neighbnews.com to read the paper online or to download the latest issue.

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Click here to download the 9/24/26 issue: 09-24-26 POW-MIA

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