On a day filled with love and inspiration, the students of Kawas Elementary’s Functional Life Skills program shared something truly meaningful—pages filled with dreams, hopes, and aspirations. The school hosted a Publishing Party to celebrate the release of “I Have Big Dreams,” the second book published by its students, marking another milestone in their literacy journey.
This year, 16 young authors took part in the project, selecting career paths, researching job responsibilities, and illustrating their visions of the future. From doctors and firefighters to artists and teachers, each student’s contribution reflects not only their ambition but also their determination to turn dreams into reality.
The book project was made possible through the Student Treasures Program, which provided a unique opportunity for students to engage in literacy and the writing process. FLS Unit Teacher Jaqueline Escamilla, who helped lead the initiative, emphasized the importance of fostering a love for reading and writing in students.
"This project came to me last year, and I saw a wonderful opportunity to engage our students in literacy in a meaningful way," Escamilla said. "This year, 16 students created and illustrated their own pages, depicting their future dreams and aspirations. With the incredible support of our campus community, parents, administrators, and staff, we guided our students through this process and celebrated their achievements. It truly takes a team effort, and I am grateful for everyone who contributed to making this event a success, especially in the special needs community."
This heartfelt project beautifully embodies this year’s district theme, “Our Hopes, Our Dreams, Our Best,” as students transformed their aspirations into something real, much like a Valentine’s message of encouragement and love.
FLS Unit Teacher Jessica Nava captured the heart of the moment, saying, “Being an author in this book is a big stepping stone for our students to realize that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to. This event serves as motivation for our students to continue growing and believing in themselves. We must work as a team to continue reinforcing our students’ achievements and breaking in their subconscious the barrier of the ‘I can’t.’” Her words served as a powerful reminder that every dream begins with belief, and every success starts with the courage to try.
During the event, each student proudly autographed their personal copy of “I Have Big Dreams,” and presented them to their parents, marking a moment of accomplishment and recognition. They were also presented with certificates officially acknowledging their achievement, reinforcing the significance of their hard work and dedication.
“This book is more than just pages filled with writing and drawings. It is a reflection of their hopes, aspirations, and creativity. It represents their dedication, hard work, and the belief that their voices matter,” Erika Rodriguez, Kawas Elementary Principal, said. “We are beyond ecstatic to recognize their achievements, and we also want to extend our deepest gratitude to their teachers, Mrs. Escamilla and Mrs. Nava. Through their guidance, encouragement, and passion for learning, they have created opportunities that inspire our students to dream, create, and achieve.”
Families, teachers, and administrators gathered in the school library to celebrate the young authors. The event provided an opportunity for students to share excerpts from their book, reinforcing their confidence in self-expression and their excitement for learning.
Through projects like these, students are not only encouraged to dream big but are also given the tools to bring those dreams to life—reflecting the very essence of “Our Hopes, Our Dreams, Our Best.”
“At Kawas Elementary, we continue to shine because of educators who nurture talent and students who rise to the challenge. To our young authors–this is just the beginning! Keep dreaming, keep writing, and always believe in the power of your words. Go Armadillos!,” Rodriguez said.