Rhode Island Department of Education Launches Attendance Matters RI Student Video Contest

Published on Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Video contest aims to keep students engaged during the summer break; State continues to raise awareness of the importance of school attendance ahead of new school year

PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) today announced the launch of the 2025 Attendance Matters RI Student Video Contest. Open to all Rhode Island public high school students this summer, the contest encourages students to use their creativity and talent to promote the importance of consistent school attendance.

The contest is part of a broader statewide commitment to addressing the root causes of chronic absenteeism and improving student outcomes through the promotion of early intervention strategies, expansion of mental health supports, innovative and engaging school programming, and more.

Through the statewide Attendance Matters RI campaign, which has been recognized nationally and internationally, the state has reduced chronic absenteeism by nearly 10% since the height of the pandemic. 2023-2024 school year data showed there were more than 244,000 fewer absences compared to the previous year, which accounted for more than 1.3 million additional learning hours. Nearly 90% of school districts decreased their chronic absenteeism rates, some – including Providence and Newport – significantly. To underscore the importance of being in school consistently, state leaders have called attention to the more than 20 percentage point achievement gap that 2024 state assessment results show exists between chronically absent students and their peers.

The winning videos will be showcased on www.AttendanceMattersRI.org, shared widely on social media, and featured at events and other platforms as the state seeks to continue to curb chronic absenteeism. Student winners will also receive exciting prizes specially curated by New England based 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. I look forward to seeing our students’ creativity shine.”

“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. This exciting contest will allow students this summer to put their ideas into motion and express their passion for school through multimedia. I cannot wait to see the creativity and passion our students will bring to this initiative. Remember: Attendance Matters, Rhode Island!”

Students are invited to create short videos (30 seconds to 3 minutes) that creatively convey the message of why attendance matters. Submissions must identify a specific audience such as students, families, and educators, and may include testimonials, dramatizations, animations, or other innovative formats that effectively highlight the importance of attendance. Videos must define chronic absenteeism – missing 10% of school days (about 2 days a month or 18 total for the school year) and include the phrase: “Attendance Matters, Rhode Island.” Attendance facts, videos, and other informational resources to support students’ messaging for the video are available at www.AttendanceMattersRI.org/resources.

The contest is open to high school students attending public schools in Rhode Island. Participants must submit a signed consent form provided by RIDE. Signed forms should be emailed to attendancematters@ride.ri.gov. Upon receipt, RIDE will email a secure link for participants to upload their videos.

All video entries and signed forms must be submitted by September 30, 2025 at 11:59PM. Late entries will not be considered. A panel of judges appointed by RIDE will evaluate the submissions based on message clarity, creativity, and adherence to contest guidelines.

The top three prizes include:

First Place: A 5-piece video production kit featuring a Canon camera, microphone, and tripod.
Second Place: A professional photography bundle featuring a Nikon camera and mount adapter.
Third Place: Vlogging kit with camera.

First, second and third place winners will be announced in the fall. Additionally, the public will be able to vote online for their favorite video, the People’s Choice winner at a later date. The People’s Choice winner will win a $250 gift card to Hunt’s Photo and Video.

“As educators, we see firsthand how attendance impacts learning and student growth,” said 2025 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year Milissa O’Neil. “I’m thrilled to see students take the lead in this conversation and inspire their peers to stay engaged in their education. We can all help our students succeed by raising awareness that Attendance Matters Rhode Island!”

For more information and contest guidelines, visit attendancemattersri.org/videos.