First lady tells students everyone has bad days

[jefferson_dem]

Michelle Obama Pool Report for Wednesday, May 13

First Lady Michelle Obama continued her outreach around D.C., and her support of community-based programs, with a visit to the Ferebee-Hope Community School located in Southeast Washington.

Today, FLOTUS was to visit Mrs. Andrea Jacobs' third-grade class. Restless students sang songs like "Old McDonald" and "Wheels on the Bus" while waiting for FLOTUS to arrive.

When FLOTUS arrived at 3:13 p.m., she was greeted by 18 students--nine students (one boy and eight girls) sitting in chairs in circle, with another nine students (two boys and seven girls) sitting to the right of the circle on the stairs. All students (except one) were in school uniforms (burgundy short-sleeve polo-type shirts and khaki pants)

These students were selected because they participate in the school's "Community In Schools" after-school program, where they receive 45-minute one-on-one tutoring every Tuesday. According to a media backgrounder, Community In Schools, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., is the nation's largest dropout prevention organization.

FLOTUS' press office said that her visit is geared towards highlighting the importance of aftercare programs which provide additional support to students and schools that face challenges.

According to the teacher, all students in her class could be considered to be from "low income" families. All receive free lunch and most come single-family households.

The students clapped wheb FLOTUS arrived. She sat in child-sized chair within the circle. She wore a blue dress with white polka-dots. Directly behind her was a green chalkboard with "Ferebee-Hope Welcomes Mrs. Obama" written on it.

FLOTUS asked each student to give their name and age. Most of the students were eight years old. Afterwards, she told them how proud she was of them.

She asked the students if they like to read. All raised their hands. She then asked what books do they like.

One student said the Jonas Brothers. FLOTUS said that she didn't know that the Jonas Brothers had written a book.

FLOTUS then read the book "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" by Judith Viorst.

She pauses after every page to comment on how bad Alexander's day was turning out to be. "Is it going to get better for this kid," she asked.

The students, many if whom admitted that they had already read the story, answered, "No."

How many of you kids like going to the dentists?

Every student raises their hand.

"Well you are the only ones I know. I don't like going to the dentist"
Everything from lima beans, to soap in his eye to biting his tongue.

After reading the book, FLOTUS asked the students, "What do you do when you have a bad day?"

One student said that she remembers that tomorrow will be a good day.

FLOTUS then asked, "What did you learn from the book?"

One student said to never go to sleep with gum in your mouth, as Alexander did in the book.

Another student said that "Nobody's life is perfect."

Another student said, "Every day is not a good day."

FLOTUS then told the students that she had to leave, but before she goes did anyone have a question.

One student asked: "Do you sign autographs?"

FLOTUS said "yes," and that she would sign one for the class on her way out.

Another student ask: "Is it hard being First Lady?"

She said no.

FLOTUS then made the students promise her "that you won't quit. We all have bad days, but please promise me that you will not quit."

FLOTUS gathered for a group photo with students. Afterwards students all wanted hugs. Some got two or three hugs.

She gave the student high-fives before she left.

Transcript to follow.

Later, FLOTUS is scheduled to meet with the Communities In Schools board to discuss how their program works to keep kids in school and how it operates Ferebee-Hope's afterschool program. This meeting is closed press.

http://thepage.time.com/michelle-obama-pool-report-for-wednesday-may-13/

[Cha]

1. Guess who's having a

bad day today?

[Kdillard]

2. Thanks for the article. Michelle is doing a great job and I like that she

met with the board afterward to find out how the programs works.