До першого класу на третій рік великої війни
To the first grade in the third year of the great war

Summary/Abstract: This autumn, a new group of adults is experiencing the unique challenge of being parents to first graders during wartime. In Bucha, Kyiv region, the school year begins with a mix of excitement and anxiety, as air raid sirens and the threat of attacks loom over daily routines. The diverse backgrounds of the students, including many from war-torn eastern and southern regions, add to the complexity of the educational environment. Despite the war, the school community remains resilient, with children adapting to new norms, such as learning in shelters during air raids. The absence of traditional grades in lower classes reduces stress, while patriotic rhetoric and donations for the front line have become part of school life. The war's shadow is ever-present, with memorials for fallen soldiers and the constant reminder of the conflict's impact on families. Yet, the vitality and adaptability of the children shine through, offering hope and a sense of normalcy amid the chaos.

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