The First day of school was on September 1st. It was a big celebration, called the First Bell. I helped one of the Vice Principles, my “real” counterpart on paper, to decorate the week before. We made posters, cut outs of school like paraphernalia, and a huge balloon arch to hang outside. The day of, I came super early to school to help my counterpart (CP for now on) to set up. It was so exciting; especially to see all the kids come dressed in their best school outfits. All the boys were in suits and the girls were in black and white jumpers or dresses. The littlest ones were really adorable. They wear little white pompoms with ribbons in pig tails in their hair. There was a big celebration outside in the back courtyard of my school, the Gola Pristan Gymnasium, with dancing and various performances. I also had to give an introduction speech. I said it first in English and then in Russian. All the kids were excited about hearing me, but I could hear the collective “what is she saying?” when I was speaking in English, but then when I said it in Russian, I then heard a collective “ohhhh.” Besides all the singing and dancing for the celebration, there’s also a tradition of giving flowers to your teachers during a set time in the concert. Unexpectedly I did receive some flowers. One from a girl that was at my summer camp and then after my speech the 11th graders gave me a bouquet. The last step is one of the 1st graders to set on the shoulders of a man and then walk around the yard, ringing a bell to mark the beginning of classes. When the presentation was finished all the kids went to their classes with their class teachers. Class teachers are kind of like homeroom teachers, except they stay with the same class throughout their school career, from 1st grade to 11th grade, and then restart with a new 1st grade. During the “1st class” I was invited to a small lunch in with the school principle and a few others where there toasts congratulating each other and well wishes made. I also was asked several times if, in America, we celebrate this holiday, and when I sadly told them no they were very curious about what we did to start the school year. They were a bit disappointed with our lack of celebrations, but very enthusiastic to share their day with me. I look forward to next year’s first bell ( kinda because I want to see if I will get more flowers ; ] )
