Very interesting. In the former Soviet Union all schools always start on September 1st (or first Monday in September). It was a celebration too, especially for the first grade... I'm not sure whether it is still a tradition in post Soviet republics...

Here in US the first day of school doesn't look like a holiday... And as we found it varies from school to school...

>Hi Naomi,
>
>I don't know what the parents get. ::)
>
>They moved from germany within the last year. We in germany celebrate the first day of school. It is a important day in a live where the whole family gathers together. The child will also get small gifts (like a book or a set of color pens) from friends and neighbors. The most important gift is called "Zuckertüte". As far as I know there is no good translation. It's a cone of cardboard aprox. 1m high (usual taller then then the child) filled with candys and small toys.
>
>So I have to place some congratulations. (Let the kids do a painting or so)
>
>Thanks for all of your help
>
>Agnes
>
>>>Hi all,
>>>
>>>I need a little help. I friend of mine moved last year to Redmond WA. One of his childs is of age to start school this year. Do I understand right that this will start today?
>>>
>>>TIA
>>>
>>>Agnes
>>
>>Didn't the parents get all the information from the school? They should find out the start date from the school.
>>
>>BTW, my son school starts on September 7th. When I was going to work today I found one parent with a child standing at the bus stop, so I told her that we have two more days before school starts. I guess she didn't receive the information by mail.