Defense Department schools in Japan, South Korea to remain shuttered beyond spring break

URUMA, Okinawa — Defense Department schools in Japan and South Korea will remain closed beyond spring break and virtual instructions will continue “until further notice” due to ongoing coronavirus concerns, school officials announced Tuesday.

“Due to the current health protection conditions in our communities, we will not be able to resume our normal operations on April 13,” said Lois Rapp, director of the Department of Defense Education Activity Pacific, wrote in a letter Tuesday, a copy of which was obtained by Stars and Stripes.

The goal remains for students to meet required standards to move on to their next grade level “and for seniors to graduate as scheduled, whether that accomplishment is celebrated in person or virtually,” Rapp wrote.

DODEA schools in South Korea will also remain closed through spring break, and DODEA-Pacific officials will “continue to monitor the environment in coordination with U.S. Forces Korea,” DODEA-Pacific spokeswoman Miranda Ferguson told Stars and Stripes on Tuesday.

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