Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green | Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) have announced the launch of the 2025 Attendance Matters RI Student Video Contest. This initiative is open to all public high school students in Rhode Island during the summer. The contest aims to encourage students to creatively promote the importance of consistent school attendance.
The contest is part of a broader statewide effort to tackle chronic absenteeism and improve student outcomes through early intervention strategies, expanded mental health support, and engaging school programs. The Attendance Matters RI campaign has been successful in reducing chronic absenteeism by nearly 10% since the pandemic's peak. Data from the 2023-2024 school year showed over 244,000 fewer absences compared to the previous year, resulting in more than 1.3 million additional learning hours. Nearly 90% of school districts saw reductions in chronic absenteeism rates.
Winning videos will be showcased on www.AttendanceMattersRI.org and shared on social media and other platforms as part of ongoing efforts to reduce absenteeism. Winners will receive prizes curated by Hunt’s Photo and Video.
“We’re thrilled to invite students from across Rhode Island to use their creative talent to help us spread the message that: Attendance Matters, Rhode Island!” said Governor Dan McKee. “In every home, every day, learning matters, and we know that when our students are present in class consistently, they succeed."
“Regular school attendance is the foundation for academic success and future opportunities,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “This contest is a great opportunity for students to express why showing up matters -- not just for their education but for their dreams."
Students are invited to create short videos (30 seconds to 3 minutes) that convey why attendance matters. Submissions must target specific audiences such as students or educators and can include various formats like testimonials or animations. Videos should define chronic absenteeism—missing 10% of school days—and include "Attendance Matters, Rhode Island." Resources are available at www.AttendanceMattersRI.org/resources.
Participants must submit signed consent forms via email by September 30, 2025. A panel appointed by RIDE will judge entries based on clarity, creativity, and adherence to guidelines.
Prizes include a video production kit for first place, a photography bundle for second place, and a vlogging kit for third place. Winners will be announced in fall along with a People’s Choice winner chosen through online voting.
“As educators, we see firsthand how attendance impacts learning and student growth,” said Milissa O’Neil, 2025 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year. “I’m thrilled to see students take the lead in this conversation.”
For more information visit attendancemattersri.org/videos.
Alerts Sign-up