Reminder: Deadline for Attendance Matters RI Student Video Contest is December 31, 2025
Published on Wednesday, December 03, 2025
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) is reminding students, families, and educators that the Attendance Matters RI Student Video Contest is still open with a deadline of December 31, 2025. The contest encourages secondary students to use their creativity to promote the importance of showing up to school and has been expanded to middle school.
Students attending Rhode Island public middle and high schools can submit a short video (30 seconds to 3 minutes) that highlights why attendance matters. Videos must define chronic absenteeism (missing 10% of school days, or about 18 days per year), include the phrase “Attendance Matters, Rhode Island,” and target a specific audience such as students, families, or educators.
“Students are the most powerful messengers when it comes to changing the culture around attendance,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “We know that each school day matters with a clear link between consistent attendance and academic achievement. We’re excited to see even more voices join the campaign and help us spread the word that showing up every day truly matters.”
The contest comes as Rhode Island continues to make progress in reducing chronic absenteeism. According to the latest data released by RIDE, the statewide chronic absenteeism rate dropped from 24.7% in 2023–2024 to 22.1% in 2024–2025, representing 142,360 more school days attended. However, recent SurveyWorks results show that only 30% of students in Grades 6–12 believe missing 18 days of school could significantly impact their chances of graduating, compared to 58% of families, 68% of educators, and 84% of administrators. Recently released state assessment data also shows a more than 20-percentage point achievement gap at all levels among chronically absent students and their peers.
Winning videos will be featured on http://attendancemattersri.org, shared on social media, and showcased at statewide events. Prizes include:
- First Place: 5-piece video production kit (Canon camera, microphone, tripod)
- Second Place: Professional photography bundle (Nikon camera and mount adapter)
- Third Place: Vlogging kit with camera
- People’s Choice Award: $250 gift card to Hunt’s Photo and Video
To enter, students must submit a signed consent form to AttendanceMatters@ride.ri.gov. Once received, RIDE will send a secure link for video uploads. All entries and forms must be submitted by 11:59 PM on December 31, 2025.
For full contest guidelines and resources, visit http://attendancemattersri.org/videocontest.