Hingham's Saint Paul School Promotes Love of Neighbor, Love of Self

Lisa Fasano discovered her calling as an educator at a young age. Today, as principal of Saint Paul School, a Catholic community in Hingham that promotes a challenging curriculum and academic excellence, Fasano knows that keeping students at the forefront of her efforts is integral to the school's success.

Patch: How does Saint Paul School challenge its students?

Fasano: Saint Paul School is known for the balance of academic and social experiences rooted in the Catholic faith. Students are challenged to reach their personal academic potential and participate in a variety of social activities, while maintaining their faith.

Patch: What is the best item in your cafeteria?

Fasano: My favorite day in the cafeteria is Wednesday because it is “Treat Day.” My preferred treat is the homemade shortbread, but I also like the chocolate chip cookies and Congo bars.

Patch: How did you become involved in education?

Fasano: Ever since I was a little girl playing school, I wanted to be a teacher. While in high school, I had the opportunity to choose the elective of child study. This course not only gave me a basic knowledge of education, but also provided me the opportunity to work with the preschool children in the program at the high school. From here, I knew I had to make teaching a part of my life.

Patch: What is your favorite event at Saint Paul School?

Fasano: Saint Paul School has many wonderful events each year that bring the school community together as one. I have many favorites, but the best is Grandfriends Day in May. My grandparents were an integral part of my childhood, and my fondest memories are spending time with them. I want the children of Saint Paul School to cherish their special times with either their grandparents or friend. This year will be more special because Cardinal Sean O’Malley will be joining us at liturgy.

Patch: What is the best advice a fellow educator has ever given you?

Fasano: What I remember isn’t so much what a teacher said to me, but how she treated me. Just before I entered grade 3, my mother passed away. My third-grade teacher was so nice to me and took me under her wing. I remember her giving her time to me at recess or lunch or after school, where she let me help her in the classroom. My favorite was the last day of school, when she helped me pack up for the summer, and we then went to Papa Gino’s. Thirty years later, I had the pleasure of hearing from an acquaintance of hers, who told me how proud of me she was. This meant the world to me because she remembered me.

Patch: What advice would you give to others in your field?

Fasano: As principal of an elementary school, I strive to keep the students in the forefront of what I do. This could be the decision I make, how I respond to them or preparing for the future of our school. You can never lose sight of their importance and impact educators have on their lives. Also, always keep your mission and goals in mind.

Patch: What is Saint Paul School's teaching philosophy?

Fasano: Saint Paul School philosophy of education is that every child should receive a Catholic, educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally and socially to meet his/her full potential. Every child that enters into the classroom should feel not only physically safe and comfortable, but also able to share and take risks. Teachers engage the students in learning activities that encourage them to use their critical thinking skills and feel comfortable to ask questions in a nonjudgmental learning environment.

We ask the students to apply their prior and newly learned skills. We give them the tools and the opportunities to practice. For example, this year, a group of middle school students are going on a mission strip to Guatemala to utilize their Spanish-speaking skills. There is an abundance of technology (laptops, iPads, Smartboards, Chromecast, Twitter), Kibo the Robot in kindergarten, a science lab, outdoor garden, tables (not desks), project-based learning, individualized instruction and students that graduate to attend the finest high schools in the area. Installed shortly will be outdoor fitness stations with eight pieces of equipment!

Patch: What are some of the more popular extracurricular activities?

Fasano: Last year, we started an after-school enrichment program. It has blossomed into five six-week sessions, with each offering over 20 activities. Students enjoy participating in art, basketball, book club, cooking, creative writing, instrument lessons, running club and sewing classes. What is best is that students can choose a one-day or a six-week activity. Many of the classes sell out quickly. This year, we were fortunate to start a cross-country team and were able to compete in meets with other local, independent schools!

Patch: What makes Saint Paul stand out from other schools?

Fasano: Our school stands out from others because we offer an academic and social program infused with Catholic traditions and values. We are fortunate to be able to teach about our religion, values and virtues and talk about holidays like Christmas. In addition, we are able to offer a small class size that allows for individual growth and mastery. Faculty and staff are able to get to know their students and work with them in small group and/or one-on-one within the classroom. Our school day begins as early as 7 a.m. and lasts well beyond 2:45 p.m., when the enrichment activities, clubs, sports and community events occur.

Patch: How can readers contact the school or learn more?

Fasano: Saint Paul School Director of Admissions is Jean Schnorr. She can be reached at (781) 749-2407 or at jschnorr@spshingham.org.

Photo courtesy of Saint Paul School