As the teachers’ strike in Newton enters its second week , one parent is taking matters into their own hands to get her children back in school.
On Monday, an emergency motion to intervene was filed in Middlesex Superior Court by a Newton parent, Lital Asher-Dotan, who claims the strike has had “severely detrimental effects” on her children’s education and overall well-being.
According to court documents, Asher-Dotan has three children in the Newton Public Schools system, one of whom requires IEP support.
“The lack of structured learning and continuity severely hamper their progress, as regular practice is vital for retaining and understanding new concepts,” the motion reads. “Missing regular assistance in reading, writing, and math could jeopardize her chances of college acceptance. The prolonged strike exacerbates these issues, especially for students with special needs.”
Asher-Dotan also cites the significant emotional toll the strike has on her children. Two of them play sports, and a shortened athletic season, she says, has caused detriments to their mental health.