First Grade Class says "Thanks" to Teacher of the Year

Cranston's Teacher of the Year, Stephanie DiChiro, hosts an author's tea every year to bring parents into the classroom to hear their children read stories they wrote in her first grade class at Garden City School.

It's a chance to show off their burgeoning reading and writing skills. It was also a chance for her students to surprise her with an end-of-the-year-sendoff that brought tears to her eyes.

"You are my mentor," said Maria Santonastaso, who student taught in DiChiro's class this year. "Your influence will last a lifetime and the seeds you planted in me will become blossoms in the spring."