WHS Seniors come ‘Full Circle’ in creating picture books for kindergarteners

By Lorraine Glowczak

For many seniors at Windham High School, graduation marks the end of a journey that began more than a decade ago in a kindergarten classroom. This spring, members of the Class of 2026 had the opportunity to revisit those beginnings in a meaningful way through a literacy project that connected them with the youngest learners in the district.

As part of an English class assignment, 130 Windham High
School seniors authored and published original children's
picture books and then visited Windham Primary School,
where they were paired with kindergarten students to
read their stories aloud. SUBMITTED PHOTO  

As part of their English class assignment, 130 seniors stepped into the role of children's authors, drawing on memories of books they loved when they were young.

“The students illustrated and published original picture books designed specifically for kindergarten readers,” said Donna Marcotte-Bell, English teacher at Windham High School, who created the project. “Before beginning their own stories, students researched favorite childhood books and examined the elements that make children’s literature engaging, memorable, and effective.”

After completing their books, they were sent to Full Court Press for professional publication. In mid-May, the seniors traveled to Windham Primary School, where they were paired with kindergarten students to read their stories aloud. Following the readings, each book was donated to a kindergarten classroom.

The seniors took some time to reflect upon their final English assignments before they graduated on Sunday, June 7th. Many described the experience as both nostalgic and rewarding.

“I found this assignment meaningful because it’s a full-circle moment, and it allowed me to remember when I was in kindergarten,” said Abby Trainor.

Carter Mathieu shared a similar thought. “Creating a book that I am passionate about and returning to where I started made this project like a gift to be able to finish high school with a nostalgic memory.”

For Rory Wilson, the project provided an opportunity to combine creativity with service. “The best part of this assignment was being able to write about our passions, be creative, and have a lasting impact on younger kids,” she said.

Izzy Butler agreed. “This is an amazing way for our seniors to give back to the schools and to build our community and be role models for younger students.”

The project began in 2025 when Marcotte-Bell reached out to Windham Primary School kindergarten teacher Kelsey Douglass to collaborate on a literacy initiative. She wanted to create an engaging way for seniors to meet the narrative writing standards while also giving back to the community.

“Connecting seniors to the very beginning of their educational journeys makes for a meaningful project that motivates all students to finish strong, especially when ‘senioritis’ kicks in,” she said.

The seniors also evaluated picture books provided by Windham Primary School librarian Erika Desjardins to gain a better understanding of the books currently enjoyed by kindergarten students. Using those insights, students crafted stories that featured age-appropriate themes, engaging characters, and meaningful lessons.

The result was a collection of unique books that reflected the interests, talents, and experiences of the senior authors.

Several students chose to draw from their own lives. Wyatt Anderle, who moved from Texas to Maine in the middle of his senior year, wrote a story about moving to a new school. After reading his book to a kindergarten student, Anderle reflected positively on the impact of the experience.

Other students created imaginative tales designed to teach valuable lessons. Lacie Higgins wrote The Roopgaloo, a story about a monster who wants to become a helpful friend. Carter Mathieu created a book featuring an unconventional character who learns that true strengths are discovered by pursuing individual interests rather than simply following the crowd.

Some stories highlighted future career pathways and role models. Elise Biggs, a student in the Heavy Equipment Operations program at Westbrook Regional Vocational Center, wrote about a boy who discovers that his mother operates excavators and becomes inspired to follow in her footsteps. 

For Bella Smothers, the project carried special significance because she knew exactly where she wanted her book to go. She chose to donate her book to the classroom of her former kindergarten teacher, Lindsey Pettus. 

In some cases, the project created opportunities for family connections as well. Senior Charlie Copp shared his book with his cousin. Written entirely in rhyme, Charlie’s story follows a truck that learns an important life lesson.

For many seniors, the experience was a fitting way to conclude their final year of school.

Marcotte-Bell said that this project was more than just a writing assignment. “The project fostered literacy, creativity, mentorship, and community connections. It allowed seniors to share their voices with younger students while leaving behind a lasting legacy in the classrooms where their own educational journeys began,” she said.

As the Class of 2026 prepares to move on to new chapters in life, their stories will remain on the shelves of Windham Primary School – a lasting gift from one generation of students to the next and a reminder that learning, storytelling, and community can truly come full circle. <