Attendance Department

Student success starts with daily attendance. The Rochester City School District is committed to equitable education, empowering all students to reach their full potential. Consistent attendance is essential for this success.  In collaboration with RCSD staff, families, and the community, our Attendance Department implements strategies to support and encourage regular attendance. 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 students thrive!

If you need to report a student absence, please contact your child's school directly. School staff are best equipped to handle daily attendance updates and immediate needs.

• Need extra support? Each school has a dedicated Attendance Department Specialist who serve as collaborative partners by coaching school staff, advising their attendance teams, and analyzing data to identify trends and at-risk students. They support outreach efforts, troubleshoot unexplained absences, and assist with address verification. Additionally, they help schools leverage district resources and connect families with vital community and social service agencies to overcome barriers to attendance.

• Unresolved issues? If you have contacted your child's school and have not received a follow-up, our central district team is here to assist you:

Contact Us

Phone: 585-262-8489
Email: attendance@rcsdk12.org

The “Strive for Five: Show Up Strong, Five Days Long” 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 routinely works to identify barriers to attendance and co-design solutions with students, families, staff, and community members.

“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!

Get tips on how to Strive for 5!

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 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