September 15, 2026

JAE Starts School Year with Shared Story

A group of students and two teachers pose together in a bright classroom with hexagonal desks.

Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School Principal Ms. Pletka is bringing the book, “Begin Again,” to life this September through a series of special read-alouds with classes throughout the building.

Each JAE classroom received a copy of “Begin Again” by Oliver Jeffers, giving students the opportunity to explore the thought-provoking and beautifully illustrated book together. Throughout the month, Ms. Pletka is visiting classrooms to share the story and engage students in conversations about its meaningful themes.

“Begin Again” explores the history of human existence, encouraging readers to reflect on where we have come from, while also considering the possibilities of where we might go in the future. At the heart of the schoolwide reading experience is an important message – wherever we go, we all go together. The book provides a meaningful opportunity for students to think about community, connection and the importance of moving forward together.

A group of students and two teachers pose together in a bright classroom with hexagonal desks.

A teacher in a red jacket stands at the front of a brightly lit classroom, holding a poster while students sit at hexagon tables.

A teacher in a bright pink blazer reads a colorful book aloud to a group of attentive students in a classroom.

A teacher in a bright pink jacket holds open a picture book, engaging attentive students in a classroom setting.