Barbara Bush Skypes With Briarwood Elementary Students

Former First Lady Barbara Bush fired up her laptop to visit with students from Briarwood Elementary School on Monday, September 9.

Through Skype, the "virtual" visit is part of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy's recognition of International Literacy Day, recognized each year on September 8.

Mrs. Bush accepted an invitation from Briarwood Elementary to visit with students and raise their spirits. The school has a temporary home within the Emmaus Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. Bush says she was moved by stories from the Moore community after it suffered unimaginable losses from a tornado in May.

Complete Coverage: May 2013 Tornado Outbreak

"While I couldn't make it in person, I can show students that this 88-year old grandmother is still ‘with it' by connecting with them virtually," said Mrs. Bush. "But mostly, I want them to know I care about them and their ability to keep learning. Even though they are starting the new school year in a temporary home, it's important that they focus on the joy of learning. I want them to know I'm proud of their courage and the work they are all doing to rebuild schools and lives in their hometown."

The entire student body of Briarwood Elementary was able to be a part of the Skype event where Mrs. Bush and students talked about rebuilding efforts of the school and the importance of lifelong learning.

8/16/2013 Related Story: Moore Students Return To School Nearly 3 Months After Deadly Tornado

"We are honored to have Mrs. Bush visit with the students and teachers at Briarwood Elementary," said Dr. Shelley Jaques-McMillin, school principal. "Her support of our children and for their learning is an inspiration to all of us. We are blessed to have met her."

In addition to the elementary students, local teens were on hand to tell Mrs. Bush about a new Barbara Bush Foundation Teen Trendsetters program being established at Southmoore High School. This fall, approximately 20 teens will begin weekly, one-on-one mentoring sessions with a 2nd or 3rd graders at Briarwood to help boost their reading skills.