No instruction has been issued to ban waltzes in schools during the "Last Bell" events on May 25. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Preschool and School Education.

It is noted that by May 25, the ministry will prepare and distribute to educational institutions appropriate recommendations and standard scenarios for concluding the academic year in general secondary schools and organizing "Last Bell" events at a high level while ensuring student safety.

According to these, it is recommended to hold "Last Bell" events with the participation of parents, former graduates, and the general public, and to showcase various stage performances and artistic compositions prepared by students who are members of the "Turon" school theater and "Iqtidor" ensembles.

"These recommendations do not include any specific instruction or directive from the ministry to prohibit students from waltzing during the 'Last Bell' events in schools," the ministry stated in its announcement.

However, some parents are objecting to school administrations about their children dancing the waltz at "Last Bell" events, which they argue has nothing to do with their education.

"Due to this 'tradition' invented by certain narrow groups or young people, in some general education schools, graduating students whose main goal is education are attending various dance clubs 2-3 months in advance to learn to waltz for the 'Last Bell' events, or placing orders for special expensive outfits for that event, which, in turn, is causing justified dissatisfaction among many parents. Indeed, a school is an educational institution, and an event dedicated to the end of the academic year is, first and foremost, a celebration of enlightenment and a tribute to teachers," experts say.

"There is no logical connection between graduates waltzing and this event. Therefore, taking into account the justified objections of parents, the school administration may include relevant prohibitive requirements in the event scripts to prevent the 'tradition' of students engaging in activities unrelated to education at the 'Last Bell' events," the ministry added.

What recommendations have been developed for the "Last Bell"?

The Ministry has developed "Recommendations for the completion of the 2024-2025 academic year and the organization of 'Last Bell' events in general secondary educational institutions." These include:

- Organizing the event in general education institutions on May 25, 2025, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.;

- To ensure orderly conduct and student safety, involving only students from grades 1, 4, 9, and 11 in this event, based on their numbers;

- To ensure the event runs smoothly, conducting it in the school yard, garden, or shaded open areas in cooperation with community activists, parents, and law enforcement representatives, and ensuring that vehicles and unauthorized persons are not allowed onto school grounds;

- Properly equipping the event venues, creating conditions that meet hygiene and sanitation requirements, and ensuring student safety in compliance with fire and technical safety regulations;

- During the congratulatory speeches, school administrators should provide information on the country's recent achievements, large-scale development projects, and reforms in the education system during the "Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy," citing specific figures and facts;

- Inviting honorary students, parents, trade unions, community organizations and partners, as well as exemplary school alumni to the event, and having them offer congratulations and well-wishes to the graduates;

- Awarding and encouraging gifted graduates who have demonstrated exemplary behavior and achieved excellent grades throughout the year, attaining the highest rating indicators;

- Recommendations have been given to present certificates of appreciation with nominations such as "Most Active Father," "Dedicated Mother," "Responsible Parent," "Father of an Excellent Student," and "Mother of a Knowledgeable Daughter" to parents of students who actively participate in school life and set an example for their peers with their behavior and aspirations.

What is prohibited?

According to the Ministry's information, in connection with the "Last Bell" events, the following activities are strictly prohibited:

- collecting money from parents for holding "Graduation Parties" in restaurants, cafes, and homes;

- collecting money from students for expensive gifts at graduation events, buying expensive clothes for graduation parties, or holding events in restaurants;

- preventing any collection of money from students, graduates, and their parents for "Last Bell" events, stage control exams, final state attestations, and preparation of educational institutions for the new academic year;

- it is mandatory to prevent students from going in groups to parks, recreation areas, and swimming pools, which could lead to various undesirable situations.

Reminder! If students encounter prohibition regarding waltzing, they can call the government agency's hotline at 71 202 09 09.