(L-R Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, Superintendent of Schools; John Rubbo, City Council Majority Whip; Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano; Tasha Diaz, Yonkers City Council Majority Leader; Dr. Sandy Hattar, Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy Principal joined by her staff and awarded students)
On June 9, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced the recognition of students of Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy who achieved perfect attendance this school year. Last fall, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano challenged the students of Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy to accept and sign Pledge 180, which asked the students to attend school each of the 180 days of the academic school year.
“Attendance is a powerful predictor of student outcomes,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “Regular attendance is important for student long-term academic and career success. When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances for graduating. Congratulations to our students who recognize the value of 180 days of learning – their futures are bright.”
As promised, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano returned to the school, hosted a pizza party and awarded two groups of students:
· 11 students who achieved 100% perfect attendance during the 2022-2023 academic school year.
· 20 fourth-grade students who signed and accepted the Pledge 180 challenge in October and achieved the goal.
“Student attendance is the foundation for students’ academic and social emotional progress. Our children thrive under the professional guidance and care of Yonkers administrators, teachers, pupil support teams and our support staff. Principal Dr. Sandy Hattar and magnificent team at Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy encourage their students and engage their families to value the importance of consistent attendance in school,” stated Superintendent of Schools Dr. Edwin M. Quezada. “We appreciate Mayor Spano’s encouragement and support to help emphasis the importance of school attendance to our families and the community.”
Research shows that students who miss 10% of the school year (18 days or 2 days per month) are not as academically successful through their school years and have a more difficult time graduating. Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy’s attendance rate increased from 87% to 90% in one year.
