A New School Year, New Dreams: New York Children Return to Class with Excitement: After nearly two months of summer break, New York students return to school for a new academic year filled with new classrooms, new friends and new dreams; parents welcome the new beginning while placing renewed emphasis on education, safety and their children’s future
Uttom kumer shaha :
After nearly two months of summer vacation, schools across New York City are once again filled with the energy and excitement of a new academic year. Children have returned to classrooms carrying new school supplies, wearing new clothes and looking forward to new teachers, new friendships and new experiences.
For some students, the first day marked their first experience in a new school. For others, it was a joyful reunion with old friends and familiar teachers. School hallways and classrooms across the city reflected the excitement of students beginning another chapter in their educational journey.
Parents were equally busy on the first day of school. Some accompanied their children to school, while others made sure they safely boarded school buses. Along with the excitement came the familiar concerns of parents—whether their children would adjust comfortably to a new environment, remain safe and stay focused on their studies.
The beginning of the school year also generated considerable enthusiasm on social media. Parents shared photographs of their children in new school clothes, first-day moments and school activities with friends and relatives. The images captured the excitement of children, the emotions of parents and the hopes families place in their children’s education and future.
Schools across New York also made preparations to welcome returning and new students. Teachers worked to prepare classrooms, greet students and launch academic programs for the new school year. A welcoming school environment and supportive teachers can play an important role in helping children adjust to new routines and responsibilities.
In addition to traditional academics, many New York schools and community organizations are placing greater emphasis on creativity, sports, leadership, technology and social development.
One example is Zone 126: Beyond the Bell, a free after-school program being offered at IS 126Q in Queens. Designed for students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades, the program combines academic support with opportunities in the arts, creative projects, performing arts, sports, STEM education, leadership development, and college and career exploration.
According to information provided by the organizers, the program will begin September 14, 2026, and will operate Monday through Friday from 2:20 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. Participation is free, although space is limited. Students in grades 6 through 8 who attend IS 126Q are encouraged to apply.
The program offers a wide range of clubs and activities, including Bridge to Success Club, Debate Club, Dorrill Dance Initiative, Drama PAWS, Creative Arts Club, Groundswell, Level Up Club, Move & Improve, Stream Team, Studio 126, Study Zone, The Art Lab and Urban Lens.
Through these programs, students can participate in dance, drama, debate, photography, video production, visual arts, sports, teamwork, homework assistance and other creative activities. The goal is to provide students with opportunities to develop skills and interests beyond the traditional classroom.
For more information, families may contact Hayley Mitchell, program director, at hmitchell@zone126.org or 347-899-0614. The program is located in Room 102A and is operated in collaboration with DYCD, NYC and Zone 126.
Meanwhile, members of New York’s Bangladeshi-American community have also expressed their best wishes to children beginning the new academic year. Ataur Rahman Selim, candidate for president, and Mohammad Ali, candidate for general secretary of the Selim-Ali panel in the Bangladesh Society election, expressed their hopes that children will begin the new school year with enthusiasm, gain knowledge and move toward a bright and prosperous future.
Good wishes for students returning to school were also extended by Fahad Solaiman, general secretary of the Bangladesh Business Association of New York; Mir Nizam-ul Haque, founder and president of the Jackson Heights Area Residents Organization; Sakil Mia, president; Mohammad Alam Nomi, general secretary; Shah J. Chowdhury, editor and columnist of Weekly Generation; Husnaara Chowdhury, co-founder of Shah Group; Md. Aminul Islam, member of a central subcommittee of the Bangladesh Awami League and community leader; noted writer Humayun Kabir Dhali; community leader Dulal Mia; community leader Md. Sakhawat Biswas; Biplab Saha, president of Ruposhi Chandpur Foundation Inc.; Gazi Sohel, general secretary; Uttam Kumar Saha, editor and publisher of Progga News; Munmun Saha, director of Progga Foundation and a Realtor; Shakti D. Gupta; and other members of the community.
They expressed the hope that the new academic year will bring children opportunities to develop knowledge, creativity, confidence and strong human values. They also emphasized the importance of ensuring that every child has access to a safe and supportive environment in which to learn and grow.
For parents, teachers and community members alike, the beginning of a new school year represents more than a return to classrooms. It is a renewed opportunity to help children discover their potential, build lasting friendships, develop new skills and take another step toward their future.
As New York students begin this new chapter, families and the broader community share a common hope: that the school year ahead will be filled with learning, joy, safety, creativity and success.
