Mayor Mike Spano and Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. assist Yonkers Early Childhood Academy students in pledging and signing Pledge 182. Photo by Joe Panella/City of Yonkers
In an effort to improve academic readiness,Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Yonkers Public Schools held an assembly at Yonkers Early Childhood Academy on Sept. 20 and asked Yonkers students in grades 1-2 to participate in the Pledge 182 campaign, in which students commit to attend school every day and on time.
“Education is fundamental to our future, and each day a student misses school is a lost chance for development,” said Mayor Spano. “In Yonkers, we are committed to fostering the potential of every child. Together, let’s make sure every child in Yonkers has the chance to thrive by emphasizing the importance of school attendance.”
To increase the school’s attendance rate, Yonkers Early Childhood Academy Principal Stefanie Felidi will continue to incorporate monthly incentives and encourage family involvement by sending students and families a letter informing them of their accomplishments, along with a personalized certificate.
Research has shown that students who miss 10% of the school year (18 days or two days per month) are not as academically successful through their school years and have a more difficult time graduating. Starting as early as Kindergarten, chronic absenteeism can cause a student to fall behind in school. In fact, chronic absenteeism, missing 18 days or more, can make it more difficult for children to learn to read and develop fundamental math skills.
“Attendance is the foundation for student success. Each day in the classroom is an opportunity to learn, grow, and reach new goals. With Pledge 182, we are empowering our students to take an active role in their education by committing to show up every day,” noted Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler, Jr. “With the partnership of Mayor Spano, and the commitment of our families, we can reduce chronic absenteeism and ensure that every child has the support they need to succeed.”
Yonkers Public Schools prioritizes reducing chronic absenteeism and is committed to supporting students and families, by decreasing chronic absenteeism Districtwide. Since the 2023-2024 school year, chronic absenteeism has decreased by approximately 13%, with the current Districtwide percentage now at 35.78%.
In conjunction with professional development, Yonkers Public Schools continues to promote best and promising practices to reduce chronic absenteeism across the district by offering incentives and rewards, engaging families, establishing Attendance Teams, mentoring, and partnering with mental health professionals to support students and families.
Mayor Spano challenged the students of Yonkers Early Childhood Academy, urging them to sign the pledge and promised to return in June and give a pizza party to the students who achieve a perfect attendance during the 2024-2025 academic school year.
