AJC.com > Blogs > Get Schooled > Archives > 2006 > November > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSo Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodnight
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Since I started Get Schooled in early 2005, reading the comments has been my favorite part of the day. I love hearing from the teachers and parents who are in classrooms day in and day out. I love seeing how a dozen different people can view a simple thing like a male teacher hugging a child a dozen different ways.
The best education stories don’t come out of Washington or the Georgia Department of Education. They come from the people who see for themselves when education happens and when it doesn’t. No matter how many schools I visit, I can never get that first-hand view. Get Schooled opened up a forum for discussing the stickiest education issues such as parents who don’t trust teachers, teachers at their wits end with parents, parents who expect too much and teachers who expect too little.
Discipline, word walls, English papers, discipline, teachers with poor grammar, delusional parents, discipline, drop outs, vocational programs, discipline, test scores, No Child, penmanship, taxes, technology… Did I mention discipline?
Before Get Schooled, I might have named discipline somewhere in a top ten list of problems in our schools. Now I would put it Number One.
You know where this is going … it’s time for me to move on. I’m on adoption leave caring for my daughter (Ohmygosh she is so beautiful and sweet! You know you want to see pictures! Go here!)
Oh, wipe your tears! Get Schooled could use a fresh voice anyway.
I’m happy to announce AJC education reporter Bridget Gutierrez holds the keys to the Get Schooled kingdom. She can tell you more about herself, but trust me you’re in capable hands.
Thanks to all those who took the time to read Get Schooled, post comments and send me suggestions for topics. I’ve learned so much. You’ve helped me be a better education reporter, and you’ve helped me get ready to be my child’s first teacher.
Feel free to e-mail me at pattighezzi@hotmail.com if you need to reach me personally.
Best,
Patti
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Karen Armsby
November 27, 2006 08:20 AM | Link to this
Patti, I found Get Schooled when the Doc Neace controversy started, and I was hooked. You have done an excellent job posing topics, moderating and making me smile. Thank You and congratulations on your adoption! I guess you will blogging over on Momania now ; )
By Cindy Jones
November 27, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this
Have everyone including the AJC Editors here read this Important Blog Site on the Corruption in Gwinnett County Public Schools?
The states largest school district!
This has been featured in the Gwinnett Daily Post but ignored by the AJC…
Why have the editors of the AJC not reported on it to the citizens of Atlanta? Payments to local churches with public dollars by GCPS really bothers and angers me? Read the site and I would like to see your thoughts posted here!
The link is below here: Click on it, Copy, Paste and share it with others!
http://gcps.blogspot.com/
Cindy
By sue
November 27, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this
Congrats!! Your baby is beautiful. Enjoy motherhood.
We all want to know: Public School, Private School, or homeschooling for Celia?
By Janine
November 27, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this
How beautiful she is, Patti. And as one with one daughter and 4 granddaughters, I can tell you…there “ain’t” nothin’ like a girl! And I’ll add, I have found the old adage to be true.. My son is my son, ‘til he gets him a wife, but my daughter’s my daughter for all of her life”!!! I’m sure all of us here wish you sunshine and rainbows. We’ll miss you mightily. Hugs
By high school mom
November 27, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this
Congratulations! There is no better “job” than motherhood. Enjoy it…the years pass by too quickly. And, you’ll be far more educated than the rest of us when you hit the PTA, etc.! Good luck.
By Patti Ghezzi
November 27, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this
Thanks everyone!
I want my children to attend public schools. I think public schools provide a broader view of the world that private schools generally can’t because of their exclusivity. However, I do not believe public schools can provide for every child. And if public school isn’t working for my child, I would go private or homeschool.
Patti
By jim d
November 27, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this
Patti,
Congrats and I personally wish you the best. You’ve done a hell of a job keeping people imformed.
Perhaps you could pass this one on to Bridget as you head out the door.
http://gcps.blogspot.com/
By Ernest
November 27, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this
Patti, Patti, Patti…. Words alone can’t express my happiness for you, your husband, and your beautiful daughter. I know I grumble and complain about bills, buying clothes, and going to recitals, games, or other events but deep down I know I would not trade being a parent for ANYTHING in the world! I sincerely wish you all the best as you experience motherhood.
We go WAAAY back to your first stint as the DeKalb education beat writer. You serving as the blog mistress for GetSchooled provided an opportunity for many of us to gather and share ideas regarding our school systems. I enjoy coming here and ‘meeting’ all the various posters that frequent here. I welcome Bridget but must say, it won’t be the same without you! I know you have new priorities now but hopefully you can stop by and share your thoughts from time to time. Please don’t be a stranger and thanks again for getting this dialogue started!
By scott
November 27, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this
Enjoy Motherhood and all the joys of watching kid movies for the next 10+ years. Be sure to rent Daddy Day Care when your daughter ready to attend a day care.
By Penguinmom
November 27, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this
Congrats and enjoy your little girl! We’ll miss your balanced view and interesting topic selection.
By Taxpayer
November 27, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this
Dear Patti, You’ve done a great job of moderating this blog and writing on timely, interesting topics. Thanks for the education! Best wishes and happiness always to you and your precious little girl.
By JustMe
November 27, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this
Thanks Patti! You have been great!!
Good luck and come back to visit us sometime to let us know how you are doing.
By Lisa B.
November 27, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this
Good luck Patti. You will be missed! Enjoy your time with you daughter. Kids grow up FAST!
By JustMe
November 27, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this
Patti - One more thought…. with everything that you have seen/read/learned about education, you may want to include in your future a run for State Super! You certainly couldn’t do a worse job than Cox!!!!!
By Ernest
November 27, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this
Patti, I forgot to ask, does this mean the GetSchool Holiday party is off now? :)
By OldSchool
November 27, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this
Congratulations on the newest family member (girls are terrific!)
My little bit of advice is READ, READ, READ aloud everyday to the little one. Read newspapers, cereal boxes, great novels…and especially “Olivia” and “Five Naughty Monkeys.”
Simple toys are enduring toys. Blocks, boxes, and such will develop her spatial sense and improve her math down the road.
Play music, dance and sing. Our girls were never carsick and I think it is because we danced with them in our arms. An old fashioned porch swing is almost as good and sets the stage for some great mother/daughter talks.
But mostly ENJOY! She’ll know she’s loved by how comfortable you are with her and how many times you laugh.
Laugh often.
By Jeff
November 27, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this
Patti,
Congrats! While you will be missed deeply, I have talked to Bridgett over the phone, and she soudns like a good replacement for you.
Have fun with the motherhood thing. From what you’ve said over the years here, I have no doubt you’ll make a good one.
By luvs2teach
November 27, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
Parenting - like the Navy - it’s not just a job; it’s an adventure!
Others have said it well, but I’ll add my congratulations, too - and she is adorable!
Unfortunately, I have to add my goodbyes…
:-(
By erin
November 27, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this
Wow, Patti, your new daughter is just gorgeous … Enjoy her!
I don’t always participate here but I’ve certainly enjoyed reading the blogs. I’m sure Bridget will do a great job with it as well!
By Janine
November 27, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
We’ll miss you,too,luvstoteach…Sorry you’re leaving. I have enjoyed reading and reflecting on your posts here.
By Blind Homer
November 27, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this
I’m so glad that something really wonderful has happened for you. Nothing in this world compares to the joys shared with a sweet little girl. Mine is 15 going on 25 and I treasure every moment with her.
By luvs2teach
November 27, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
Janine - thanks, that’s sweet, but I’m not leaving (sorry jim d - LOL) - I meant add my goodbyes to Patti in with everyone elses.
I think everyone’s contributions have been great, and have been a part of what make this blog so fun to read. That everyone’s contributions are so good is a testament to Patti’s choice of topics.
By jim d
November 27, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
Patti,
So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodnight?
I think Sha Na Na said it best
http://www.retiredtractors.com/music/GoodnightSweetheart.html
By jim d
November 27, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
L2T,
Just for you sweetheart.
http://www.noolmusic.com/blogs/YouTubeMusicVideos60s70s-Beatles-LoveMeDo.shtml
By holdingAJCaccountable
November 27, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
Patti,
Thank you for the forum, and for being willing to talk about “those things which we dare not speak of”; yep, you guessed it, the discipline. I can only hope your successor will have the same willingness to tackle the issues that you have. Good luck…now that you’ve read “Get Schooled” are you going to homeschool? :)
By thomas
November 27, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
Patti,
Good luck with your new daughther. I have enjoyed the Get Schooled blog.
By Good Riddance
November 27, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
What will your little pets like Ernest do now? I’m glad you’re leaving. You’ve sucked. You allowed your bias to seep into your management of this blog all the time, especially when your little pets were involved. I have no belief that your successor will be any better, considering her puff pieces about DeKalb County. The AJC has been, is, and will continue to be a joke where education matters are concerned.
Having said all that, I do wish you well with your daughter and congratulate you on the reason for your departure. I wish your family only the best that life has to offer.
Please post an update if Ernest starts stalking you!
By SNY
November 28, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
Patti,
I am so glad that I found this blog. Your topics hit home and made me think. I like that.
Your little girl is the cutest baby I have seen since my daughter was born. :)
Have fun, enjoy her and always trust your instincts. If it feels wrong, don’t do it. Love her and take your time. Becoming a good mother takes time. Don’t expect to know everything at once and ALWAYS, ALWAYS accept help when it is offered. Sleep when the baby sleeps and kiss her often.
God bless your family and have a Merry Christmas.
By MMM
November 28, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this
Blessing—get sleep when you can.
You are to be commended for being willing to share the details of your efforts at family building. 9 years after my first child was born, I am still hesitant to share the 6 years of frustration that proceeded us her birth after what was going to be our final try at IVF. All children are gifts, but I have found that those who must or choose to take extraordinary efforts to create their family feel that gift more keenly.
When it is school time I hope you will consider ICS.
By lynn d
November 28, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this
Patti
She is absolutely gorgeous. Enjoy every minute — it goes by incredibly fast. Take lots of pictures and have lots of snuggles.
You will be missed here — but the journey you are beginning is one that is an amazing ride. Congratulations.
Lynn