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NEWTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Classes are in session in Newton, but attendance is not what teachers had hoped for.
After the Newton Teachers Association (NTA) went on strike for more than two weeks of classes, Newton schools decided to make up part of that time during what would be February Vacation. They will be forging ahead with new material, but said they will also have support systems in place for those that missed classes.
Newton North High School teacher Denise Cremin said attendance is light in her Spanish classes.
“Some of my colleagues had full classes, [or] almost full classes. I had about 50 percent attendance,” said Cremin. “I miss the kids that aren’t there for sure.”
Read More: Newton Students Back In Classrooms After Striking Teachers Make A Deal
The school said they will not punish students who did not show up, as many already had plans for the vacation.
“For twelfth graders, it’s particularly difficult because some of them had already scheduled college visits during this week,” said Cremin.
Although she misses the kids, she said having a smaller class size is rare and can have a positive impact.
“Right now, there are 15 students in front of me, so students that might need that extra support in the classroom can get it,” said Cremin.
WBZ NewsRadio's Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports.
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