Attendance Measures and Student Support

Consistent student attendance is a cornerstone of academic success. It is our firm belief that every day in the classroom presents a unique opportunity for learning, growth, and connection. Ogdensburg CSD is committed to fostering an environment where regular attendance is not just encouraged, but actively supported and monitored. We believe that by working together, we can cultivate a culture of attendance that empowers our students to reach their full potential. We have developed attendance and student support measures at every grade level.

Student Support Coordination: Connecting with OFA Students and Families

During the 2024-25 school year, the District introduced a new student support coordinator position to tackle the issue of absenteeism. This new Student Support Coordinator role underscores the District’s commitment to a holistic approach to education, recognizing that a student’s attendance is often linked to factors beyond the classroom. By working collaboratively with parents, the Ogdensburg City School District is demonstrating its dedication to supporting the entire family unit and fostering a positive school experience for all students. Our Student Support Coordinator based at Ogdensburg Free Academy is Scott Sargent.

About Mr. Sargent

Scott Sargent grew up in Ogdensburg and was a Boys and Girls Club kid, walked the same hallways where he now works, and raised his family in Ogdensburg. “Always bleed blue for life” is not only a message he shares with his students, but he lives and believes in it. This statement deeply defines the passion, empathy and concern he puts forth each day as an advocate for students and families at Ogdensburg Free Academy. 

Mr. Sargent has been working in education and coaching for 30+ years. He started his career as a teacher in Lyme Central School District, near Watertown, N.Y. From there he finished out his 26-year teaching career at Heuvelton Central School District. He’s certified to teach English, but has had the opportunity to teach multiple subject areas and grade levels, as well as coach at every level from elementary school through college. In addition to teaching and coaching, Sargent is an independent contractor for the Positivity Project, working extensively for the last several years.

OFA Attendance Efforts

Mr. Sargent’s responsibilities include a daily review of attendance data to pinpoint trends and students who are frequently absent. This proactive strategy allows for early intervention and outreach to families to understand the root causes of absenteeism, which can include transportation issues, anxiety, or family challenges. The district is dedicated to offering a variety of support services, from providing transportation during the school day to adjusting student schedules to create a more comfortable learning environment.

The district’s philosophy emphasizes that students’ emotional well-being must be prioritized. School officials believe that a caring adult can be a powerful motivator for a student’s desire to attend school. The district also uses a system of recognition and rewards for students who achieve perfect attendance or show marked improvement, further encouraging consistent school attendance.

WWNYTV recently shared a story featuring Sargent and Superintendent of Schools, Kevin Kendall. View the WWNYTV story.

Elementary Initiatives Make School (Even More) Fun

During the 2024-25 school year, both Madill and JFK Elementary schools began taking a creative approach to encourage consistent attendance from the district’s littlest learners. Both schools’ incentive-based plans reward perfect attendance by offering a one-of-a-kind VIP experience for students.

Both elementary programs generate a buzz among students and anticipation builds for the next drawing. They have proven to be a memorable and effective way to celebrate student achievement and make perfect attendance a coveted goal by transforming a simple act of recognition into fun and engaging school-wide events.

The Principal Taxi Drives Attendance at Madill

Every five weeks, Madill students who have maintained perfect attendance for the preceding period are entered into a drawing. Three lucky winners are then selected to be chauffeured around the school for an entire day by Principal Disalvo herself. Using a distinctive yellow chair, she serves as the designated “taxi driver,” providing door-to-door service from the moment students arrive until they are dismissed.

Two-Wheeled Adventure Makes School at JFK More Exciting

JFK Elementary also launched a super-fun attendance incentive during the 2024-25 school year. Instead of a taxi, Principals Melissa Fennessy and SueEllen Bouchard play chauffeurs on a bicycle built for two!

Every day a student arrives to school, they get a chance to win a ride. Each week, a few lucky winners get to skip the walk and cruise around the school in style, with the principals pedaling them from class to lunch and back. Students are all smiles as they are chauffeured to and from their classes. It seems like a little two-wheeled adventure is all it takes to make showing up to school a whole lot more exciting!

Additional Support during After School and the Summer

Our After School Program welcomes children in grades UPK through 6th grade with a quiet place to work and study after school. Homework help is available during this program.

The Ogdensburg Boys & Girls Club offers several program for school-ages kids after school including a PowerHour Homework & Tutoring session. Transportation is available.

During the summer, Ogdensburg CSD offers an Elementary Summer School and Readiness Program for our elementary school students. OFA offers Summer School with opportunities for credit recovery and advanced credit.

Learn more about after school and summer academic support on the After School & Summer Programs page.