President Obama Visits Long Branch Elementary School

(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.