(Originally published at 11:20 a.m.) President Obama made an unannounced visit to Long Branch Elementary School in Lyon Park this morning.
During the visit, the president posed for photo ops and read part of two books to the school’s second graders. The books were Twas The Night Before Christmas and Of Thee I Sing, Mr. Obama’s recently-published children’s book.
The press release on the event from Arlington Public Schools, after the jump.
Long Branch Elementary School students were treated to a surprise visit by President Barack Obama this morning. During his visit, the President read his new children’s book “Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters” to 90 second graders in the school’s library.
The President told students why he wrote his book and also read the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Proceeds from sales of the President’s book will go to military families.
Long Branch Principal Felicia Russo said of the President’s visit, “This was a wonderful holiday gift for our school community. Our students were so excited and attentive during the visit. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of our students.” She went on to say, “At Long Branch, we stress the importance of writing and this experience was important because it taught students that no matter how busy you are in life, anyone can pen a book.”
In addition, he surprised more than 200 students in the multi-purpose room who were watching via the school’s closed-circuit TV. Others watched the President’s visit in rooms throughout the school.
Long Branch was chosen because of its proximity to Fort Myer and because many of its students are from military families. Students at Long Branch reflect Arlington’s diverse and changing population, hailing from more than 25 countries and speaking almost as many languages.
Recent Stories

Need help dealing with anxiety, depression or stress?
If you’re struggling to cope with anxiety, depression or stress, our virtual psychotherapy services can help. We offer a confidential and convenient service that’s tailored to your needs.
In our practice, cognitive behavioral therapy (or CBT) is an important tool we use to provide effective relief for those facing anxiety and depression. We believe that cognitive change can be used to improve behaviors and emotions, thus allowing you to achieve mental wellness. By understanding the cognitive distortions that lead to negative thought patterns, we are able to create interventions tailored to each of our clients. This empowering approach can help you gain control of how your own thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors impact your experience. With CBT, our service provides an effective treatment that can bring long-term change and mental stability.
Book a free consultation today and see how we can help you live a happier and healthier life.

St. Charles offers a play-based curriculum in a welcoming, Christ-centered environment.
Our program focuses on socio-emotional development and kindergarten readiness through hands-on and engaging activities. Our programs offer different schedules ranging from 7:30 am-5:30 pm for students, ages 2-5. We feature a full-day Jr. kindergarten class for older 4’s/5’s. Our facility includes a full-sized gymnasium, school chapel, and library. All of our students enjoy music and physical education weekly. Children have an opportunity to participate in enrichment classes such as soccer, basketball, ballet, and science.
We offer Summer Camp with weekly themes and twice a week water play, including Fun Friday moon bounce. Please join us for our Open House Feb. 3 at 9:30 am and 11:00 am. Click here to sign-up.
For more information or to schedule a tour, visit us at www.stcharlesarlington.org or call (703) 527-0608.
Almost, Maine
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, join us for a series of vignettes that revolve around the theme of love. Taking place in an almost-town called Almost, Maine, we will show you different, but important, facet of love in each
First-time Moms Meet & Greet
The truth, your first pregnancy and new mom months are full of twists and turns, ups and downs, and lots of questions! None of us really know the best way to do it – we just figure it out, together…