Another academic year has begun
New school year in Russia begins on Knowledge Day (День Знаний) – September 1. This, undoubtedly, is one of the brightest events in the life of every Russian. For students and their parents, this holiday is associated with a school assembly (линейка), where the school principal (директор школы) gives a solemn speech, and excited first-graders bring flowers to their first teachers. Traditionally on this day, a senior student puts a first-grader on his/her shoulder, and they circle around the school yard, accompanied by the loud ringing of a bell.
Knowledge Day in schools begins with a school assembly, followed by various events, where special attention is given to first-graders.
For college and university students, a solemn meeting of first-year students is held, where they get student ID cards and academic record books (зачетки). Students start a new academic year, although teachers are not too strict on this day. After classes, students joyfully celebrate the first day of autumn.
