She's hugs her students, too, because of Stites. 'Their success is my success.'Ĭandelaria teaches at Carmel Middle School. 'You're proud when they have babies or are good parents,' she said. It's a point of pride for Stites, who considers her students to be just like her own kids. 'I love, love, love having kids of kids,' Stites said.

So was her sister, brother and her son Easton. 'She had the best smile of everyone I know,' said Kristin Candelaria.Ĭandelaria was once a first grader in Stites' class. 'I want them to learn to be good people,' Stites said.įormer students remember her hugs and smiles. State standards are important but so is common courtesy and manners. More than anything, she wants her students to be kind. The little things can go a long way, Stites said, such as making small talk with the person who bags your groceries. She practices it herself, with her signature smile.

It's one way Stites puts into the world what she'd like to see - kindness. Much like the board, Stites has been a mainstay at Howard Elementary, but there is a big change coming next school year.Īfter 44 years, all spent teaching first grade, at the same school, inside the same classroom, Stites is retiring.Ī day in Stites' classroom begins with a hug and a smile.

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