Students at Martin Luther King Junior Academy in Yonkers took a pledge promising to attend school and be punctual.

The Pledge 180 campaign was led by Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, who recited the pledge to the students.

Research shows that students who miss 10% of the school year are not as academically successful and have a more difficult time graduating.

School officials say they hope the campaign will improve student attendance.

“Martin Luther King Academy had a 90% attendance rate for the month of September. We're looking to get that increased slowly but gradually and with this initiative we know that will occur,” said Dr. Sandy Hattar, the school’s principal.