Alleghany Highlands Public Schools

First graders William Creasy (left) and Zaiden Lefler enjoy a treat during the Authors’ Party at Mountain View Elementary on May 9. Students celebrated after writing and illustrating books about what they want to be when they grow up, each contributing their page to the project. (AHPS Photo)

First Graders Put Big Dreams on the Page in Published Books

LOW MOOR — First graders at Mountain View Elementary School recently became real authors, writing and illustrating four books about what they want to be when they grow up. Each class created its own book, with every student contributing a page.

To celebrate their achievement, students participated in an authors’ party on May 9. They enjoyed special snacks and had the chance to see the finished books for the first time. The project was made possible through a partnership with Student Treasures, a publishing company that helps classrooms turn student work into professionally bound books.

“My favorite part was that I got to give it to my mom to keep forever,” said student Cason Holt.

“I liked reading about all the different jobs my friends want to have when we grow up,” added student McKinley Yeagley.

First graders Brenden Wolfe (left) and Karan Pretlow wear special hats during the Authors’ Party at Mountain View Elementary on May 9. The celebration marked the end of a class book project that sparked creativity and encouraged students to develop their writing skills as they each shared what they want to be when they grow up. (AHPS Photo)

Teachers Nikki Morris, Sandy Moss, Hannah Porterfield, and Megan Stover guided students through multiple stages of the writing process, including planning, drafting, and revising. Each student wrote about a career they aspire to pursue, with ideas ranging from firefighter and veterinarian to military service member.

“As a teacher, I love seeing my kids have a purpose for writing,” said Moss. “They were so proud of themselves at the publishing party.”

A professionally bound cover of a book created by first graders at Mountain View Elementary, featuring their colorful illustrations and writings about what they want to be when they grow up. Teachers guided the students through this creative project, sparking their imagination and helping them develop valuable writing skills. (AHPS Photo)

Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Division leaders Kim Halterman and Melinda Snead-Johnson said projects like this help kids picture what they want to do when they grow up, even if those dreams change later. This project allowed first graders to develop their writing skills while exploring their future goals. 

“We cannot underestimate how important it is for our children’s long-term success that our families, schools, and entire community believe in their potential,” they said. “This project helped communicate to our first graders that they have a meaningful future ahead. Our children listen to what we say about them, and these students know their teachers believe in them.”

Reflecting on the students’ hard work, Porterfield said, “I am so proud of my students for working so hard to publish their own book. It’s something they can cherish forever.”

A page illustrated and written by student Grayson Lefler, showcasing his dreams for the future, from the class book project at Mountain View Elementary. The project sparked creativity and writing skills as students explored what they want to be when they grow up. (AHPS Photo)

About Alleghany Highlands Public Schools

Mountain View Elementary School is part of the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Division. This school division was created in July 2022 when Alleghany County Public Schools and Covington City Public Schools merged. The division is jointly supported by Alleghany County and the City of Covington.