A large crowd greeted President Obama as he arrived at College Heights Early Childhood Learning Center in Decatur on Thursday.
Many, carrying homemade signs, waved and screamed as Obama's motorcade drove onto school grounds. His vehicle pulled into a tent set up next to the school.
Only students and teachers were allowed in the school to meet with Obama. After he finished with his visit, the motorcade began its trek to Decatur's Recreation Center.
The school is on break this week, and once the principal heard of the president's visit, she had to call class back into session, although it is optional.
"We were on vacation the first part of the week, I have three kids in the school system, not here, but we came back just because that was our plan, but there will be enough kids around I think," said Cleveland.
President Obama spent about a half hour with the teachers and students at College Heights.
Student Dash Mayer said that the President talked with students about "balloons and lollipops."
Students in one class said President Obama performed a song with them and worked on some math.
The 4 and 5-year-olds got to ask questions and give him presents.
"I told the president I made a picture for him," said Audrey Schmidt-Davis. That picture was of the White House.
While many of the kids seemed exhausted after the excitement of the day, they said they enjoyed it.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:01 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:01:11 GMT
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