Mrs. Faetanini

Sixth Grade Teacher

Guiding and observing the development of her students, as well as interacting with them on a daily basis, are among the things St. Hilary School sixth grade teacher Mrs. Faetanini enjoys most about her job. A St. Hilary faculty member since 2004, Mrs. Faetanini teaches English, spelling and social studies, in addition to sixth grade homeroom subjects.

She is particularly passionate about social studies, and uses interesting techniques to make the subject come alive for her students. Sixth graders complete many exciting projects that allow them to fully experience what they are studying.  "What I love most about the projects the students complete is watching them teach and learn from each other," says Mrs. Faetanini.

Mrs. Faetanini enjoys using technology in her lessons, and makes use of the school’s computer lab and other devices to enhance her students’ educational experience. She says she utilizes unconventional teaching and testing methods, such as peer learning, projects, presentations, and essays. “I don’t think my students are ever tested the same way twice,” she says. She feels this allows her to account for students’ various strengths and weaknesses, and to have a true sense of what they have learned. Mrs. Faetanini likes teaching her students things that have practical applications, such as writing business letters the students actually mail.

St. Hilary School is a unique learning environment in Mrs. Faetanini’s eyes because of its high academic standards, Catholic values and strong parental support. This impressive package of assets is further enhanced by her sixth grade partner teachers, whom she says she “adores”.

A graduate of the University of Akron, Mrs. Faetanini holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, NTE accreditation, and religious certification. In addition to her two years at St. Hilary, Mrs. Faetanini previously taught elsewhere before taking a break to devote time to her family. She is married with five children, three of whom currently attend St. Hilary, and two of whom attend St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. A lifelong Akron resident, Mrs. Faetanini is a product of Catholic education. Her husband has served on the St. Hilary School Board and oversees technology operations for the school's annual Celebration silent auction.

Mrs. Faetanini is a sports enthusiast who enjoys coaching and running the school's CYO basketball program.  "I love watching the kids grow and develop into young adults,"  she says.  "I am privileged to be a part of their life's journey."

Mrs. Macchiarella

Sixth Grade Teacher

The enthusiasm of her students makes St. Hilary School sixth grade teacher Mrs. Macchiarella excited about teaching them, she says. She enjoys doing activities with them and answering their questions. Mrs. Macchiarella, who has been a teacher at St. Hilary since 1996, teaches science and reading in addition to sixth grade homeroom subjects.

Mrs. Macchiarella’s passion for science makes lessons interesting for her students. She enjoys using the school’s science lab to engage her classes in hands-on activities. To enhance her ability to teach science, Mrs. Macchiarella has studied in Maine and Wyoming, where she increased her knowledge about rocks and minerals. She has also studied at a jet propulsion lab in California.

The fact that parents are very involved at St. Hilary makes it easier to teach here, says Mrs. Macchiarella. The family-oriented and spiritual environment are important to her, and one of her most memorable experiences each year is the trip sixth graders take to a local shrine. There, the students prepare a special Mass that showcases their talents in music and other areas.

A graduate of the University of Akron, Mrs. Macchiarella holds a bachelor of science degree in education. The mother of two grown children, she enjoys walking, playing golf and spending time with her close-knit family.

Mrs. Puccio

Sixth Grade Teacher

Teaching students who are hard workers and strive to do their best makes the job of St. Hilary School sixth grade teacher Mrs. Puccio a pleasure. “The kids are great,” she says, “and their parents really value their education.” A teacher at St. Hilary since 1991, Mrs. Puccio teaches sixth grade math and religion in addition to sixth grade homeroom subjects.

Mrs. Puccio likes to instill in her students the philosophy that even when they have done their best they can always do more. Her upbeat approach to teaching often relies on humor and the ability to laugh at oneself when appropriate.

St. Hilary’s extracurricular offerings are among the things Mrs. Puccio feels make the school special. She adds that the teachers are dedicated, the parents are supportive, and the “students are really here to learn”.  Mrs. Puccio notes that there is a strong sense of community at St. Hilary.

A special event for Mrs. Puccio's students each year is their visit to Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine. She says it is a moving experience to see the students all praying together and enjoying their time at the shrine.

A graduate of Eastern Michigan University and the University of Akron, Mrs. Puccio holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, as well as high school math certification. A proud mother and grandmother of seven grandchildren, Gavin, Benjamin, Ella, Hayden, Lauren, Elizabeth, and Noel, Mrs. Puccio enjoys walking, dining out and socializing with family and friends.