MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Matthew C. Perry Elementary and High Schools will be out of school for spring break starting today.
There are a variety of activities available to occupy the time of the youth on Station until classes restart April 15.
"I'm going to take advantage of what's available during spring break, because it will be a chance to have fun with my friends,"said Michelle Racki, 14. "The activities planned are something fun."
For younger children, the Youth Center will hold a Spring Break Camp, which features theme days, arts, crafts and sports.
Older children will find plenty to do at the Teen Center, which is scheduled to move into Building 443, near the American Forces Network building, Wednesday.
"We want to keep the kids occupied and out of trouble," said Heather Rendon, Teen Center recreation and operations assistant. "We give them a place to go."
The Teen Center will offer an Apollo Night, where students can showcase their talent for prizes. There will also be a barbeque, a water balloon fight, a basketball tournament, and a spring dance on different days during the week, according to Rendon.
The Teen Center will also operate its regular facilities, which include a television, pool table, and Internet-capable computers.
Other Station facilities will be available for youth during the break.
The Main Gym indoor pool will be offering a junior lifeguard and lifeguard certification classes, according to Sean Kim Han, Marine Corps Community Services aquatics director. Junior lifeguard students are ages 10 to 14 years old, and lifeguard students can be 15 years old and up.
The Skate Park, across the road from the Marine Memorial Chapel, not only provides Station residents with a place to use their skateboards, but will also be hosting a demonstration and competition.
Top skater Willy Santos will give a demonstration the day before the Skateboard Invitational Competition, according to Doriann Geller, MCCS marketing director. Prizes will be awarded for the competition. Individuals must register in advance.
The break should give the students the opportunity for rest, and to prepare them for the last leg of the school year.
"It's the end of the third quarter, and when they get back, they start off the last quarter of the school year," said Michael Johnson, M.C. Perry High School assistant principal. "Having a week off will be a nice mental relaxation for them to drive hard and finish off the school year."
The school wishes the students and their families a fun and safe spring break, added Johnson.
"We hope families will have an enjoyable time with their kids," said Johnson. "We want everyone to return happy, healthy, and strong. Be safe in your trips and activities, and stay trouble-free."