Thousands of San Diego Unified School District students returned to their classrooms after summer break on Monday. At Bell Middle School, students picked up their class schedules and said goodbye to their parents.

Christopher Palmer said he was excited for his first day of sixth grade.

“I get to see my old friends,” he said.

The transition from elementary to middle school can be challenging. Those students deserve more attention from district leaders, said superintendent Fabiola Bagula.

“Their academics take a dip right when they enter middle school and also right when they enter high school,” she said. “They also have an increase of behavior issues.”

Bell Middle School has done a lot to support its students, Bagula said.

One example is the Wellness Center on campus. It’s a place whe

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