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April 4, 2006

President Obama Pays Surprise Visit to Sidwell Friends School

October 19, 2009 01:11 PM EDT

views: 674 | comments: 14

Politico reported that President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to the Sidwell Friends schools this morning, stopping at both Sidwell Bethesda and Sidwell D.C. to join the first lady for parent-teacher meetings.

Malia Obama, 11, attends Sidwell Friends middle school located in Northwest Washington D.C., and 8 year old Sasha attends the lower school located in Bethesda, Maryland.

According to their website, Sidwell Friends School (SFS) is a PK-12, co-educational Quaker day school with campuses in Washington, DC and Bethesda, MD. Founded in 1883, the School is a non-profit, tax-exempt institution governed by an independent Board of Trustees.

“Sidwell Friends School is committed as an institution to the ideal of diversity with regard to age, economic background, ethnicity, gender, physical disability, political affiliation, race and sexual orientation in its student body, faculty and staff. The School does not discriminate in the administration of its admissions, financial aid or loan practices; curricular offerings, including inter-scholastic athletics and physical education; other School-sponsored programs and activities; or in the hiring and terms of employment of administrators, faculty and staff. Except for special considerations that may be given to members of the Religious Society of Friends because of the School's Quaker affiliation, the School does not discriminate on the basis of religion.”

The president returned to the White House just after 9 a. m.

Cheri Cabot

Cheri is a freelance writer in Southern California. Her weekly op-ed column, “Personal About Politics,” can be found at www.personalpolitics.com.

Comments: 14

Sheryl O. Oct 19, 2009, 1:17pm EDT

I bet they got good reports on both the girls. They seem like really nice kids. It's nice to see a real family in the WH again, with younger children.

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Ann Gerace Oct 19, 2009, 1:26pm EDT

It certainly is !

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Sandre M. Oct 19, 2009, 1:26pm EDT

The more I see of the President and First Lady, the more I, personally, like them, and the more fortunate I think we as a nation are to have sane people as leaders for a change.

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~Lady Neeetah of California~Obama #44 W. Oct 19, 2009, 2:25pm EDT

Carol,

He was here this weekend (in San Francisco) after New Orleans. Unfortunately, it was a semi-private affair, and I did not win the chance to be there. Oh well; next time.

~Lady Neeetah of California~Obama #44 W. Oct 19, 2009, 2:28pm EDT

. . .his first trip back to the Bay Area since the Inauguration. It's one of the disadvantages to us Bay Areans -- not seeing him here as often since he became President. He has talked about how much he loves it here though, and the frequency of his visits (not so long ago) speaks to that!!!

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Shing Wedzi Oct 19, 2009, 2:33pm EDT

While I had no doubt that he'd continue to participate in parent-teacher conferences, I wish this hadn't been reported, for the sake of his safety and the kids at school. I know Sidwell Friends tries to keep such things under wraps, for good reason.

Cheri Cabot Oct 20, 2009, 5:17pm EDT

it was not reported until after the fact....

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Michael Harvey Oct 19, 2009, 2:43pm EDT

A good parent and the leader of the free world. I like this guy

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J. Reid Oct 19, 2009, 3:29pm EDT

There is a Friends PK>12 school here in Cambridge, MA and once you have had any contact with the school and their instructors it is easy to see that the POTUS 44 made the best possible decision for schooling for the girls.

Quaker schools are exceptionally balanced and involved schools with a competitive curriculum.

Cheri Cabot Oct 20, 2009, 5:18pm EDT

I was certainly impressed with their mission statement and their goals after checking their website.

J. Reid Oct 20, 2009, 5:41pm EDT

It is impressive and something needed in the mainstream education system. Imagine if the education system actually functioned to their mission statement and it was universal and as humane as the Friends Schools!

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R. F. Oct 19, 2009, 3:31pm EDT

I can't wait to see what Fox makes of this.

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Madelyn Asisi Oct 19, 2009, 5:24pm EDT

It is interim card marking time in the Washington area.
I know the children did well.
My own niece got 4 A's on her card marking, but she did not have the pressure that our Presidents daughters have to face.
It is difficult to live in the limelight.
I hope that the children are protected and insulated from the public.

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