Strive For Five: Show Up Strong, 5 Days Long.

This year, the Rochester City School District launched its “Strive for Five: Show Up Strong, Five Days Long” Attendance Campaign.

The campaign’s goal is to improve attendance through a community-driven, student-centered approach that engages families, builds trust, and inspires students to be present and ready to learn every school day. The District is also seeking community feedback through a survey to identify barriers to attendance and co-design solutions with students, families, staff, and community members.

As part of the campaign, RCSD has partnered with WDKX Radio, which will host a quarterly celebration for the school with the most improved attendance. This partnership amplifies the message of Strive for Five across the city while rewarding schools that are making real progress.

“When our children show up every day, they have the best chance to learn, grow, and thrive,” said Dr. Eric Jay Rosser, Superintendent of Schools. “That means all of us, families, educators, and community partners, must work together to make school attendance a shared priority. Every day in school is a day of opportunity, connection, and progress.”

Chronic absenteeism, missing 10% or more of the school year, impacts learning and student social-emotional health and well-being. It is a serious problem that can lead to students falling behind in their studies, struggling with reading, and having difficulty graduating on time.

The Rochester City School District is committed to all students receiving an equitable education and reaching their full potential. When students are present and engaged, they are more likely to succeed academically, graduate on time, and contribute to their community.

Join us in making attendance a priority and helping all students thrive by striving for 5!

Take the Attendance Community Feedback Survey

Reporting Student Absence

We understand that students may need to miss school occasionally. When this happens, families should follow these steps:

1. Notify the School: Call your child’s school in advance of any planned absences or as soon as possible if your child will be absent, arriving late, or leaving early.  Find your school’s contact info: School/Program Directory
2. Provide Documentation: Written documentation (e.g., doctor’s note, court letter) should be submitted within three days of the absence to avoid being marked as unexcused.
3. Monitor Attendance: Families can track their child’s attendance through the PowerSchool Parent Portal

Excused vs Unexcused Absence

Excused Absences:

• Child’s illness. A doctor’s note is required after 3 consecutive absences.
• Doctor or Dentist Appointments
• Sickness or death of an out-of-town family member for up to 3 days within New York State or five days outside the state
• Court appearances
• Religious observances

Unexcused Absences:

• Oversleeping
• Missing the bus
• Family vacations
• Leaving school early without permission
• Skipping class
• All unexplained or undocumented absences are unexcused

Contact Us

If your child is absent, arriving late, or leaving early, please contact your child's school to report the reason for the specific absence. If you have any questions regarding the attendance policy or issues that extend beyond what your child's school can help you with, please reach out to us:

RCSD Attendance Department    30 Hart St, Rochester, NY 14605    585-324-2621    attendance@rcsdk12.org