
First graders attend a ceremony marking the start of the new semester at School No. 362 in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 1, 2023. Russia marks the traditional Day of Knowledge on Sept. 1, which is normally the start of a new academic year. Photo: Xinhua

First graders attend a ceremony marking the start of the new semester at School No. 362 in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 1, 2023. Russia marks the traditional Day of Knowledge on Sept. 1, which is normally the start of a new academic year. Photo: Xinhua

First graders read textbooks in the classroom on the first school day at School No. 362 in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 1, 2023. Russia marks the traditional Day of Knowledge on Sept. 1, which is normally the start of a new academic year. Photo: Xinhua

First graders attend a ceremony marking the start of the new semester at School No. 362 in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 1, 2023. Russia marks the traditional Day of Knowledge on Sept. 1, which is normally the start of a new academic year. Photo: Xinhua

A teacher introduces curricula and school rules to first graders at School No. 362 in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 1, 2023. Russia marks the traditional Day of Knowledge on Sept. 1, which is normally the start of a new academic year. Photo: Xinhua

This photo taken on Sept. 1, 2023 shows a flag raising ceremony at the beginning of the new semester at School No. 362 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Russia marks the traditional Day of Knowledge on Sept. 1, which is normally the start of a new academic year. Photo: Xinhua

Parents watch their children attending class at School No. 362 in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 1, 2023. Russia marks the traditional Day of Knowledge on Sept. 1, which is normally the start of a new academic year. Photo: Xinhua

First graders attend a ceremony marking the start of the new semester at School No. 362 in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 1, 2023. Russia marks the traditional Day of Knowledge on Sept. 1, which is normally the start of a new academic year. Photo: Xinhua

First graders attend class on the first school day at School No. 362 in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 1, 2023. Russia marks the traditional Day of Knowledge on Sept. 1, which is normally the start of a new academic year. Photo: Xinhua