The Syracuse City School District said it is focused on improving attendance for all students as it heads into a new school year. Data from the district shows more than 50 percent of students were chronically absent from 2022 to 2023 and fell slightly last year. By definition, a student is chronically absent after missing 18 days of school. The district is launching its “Show up to Glow up: Rise and Thrive” campaign to emphasize for parents and students the importance of showing up and getting to school on time daily. At a news conference held Wednesday at Meachem Elementary School in Syracuse, Superintendent Anthony Davis said chronic absenteeism undermines educational habits and development for the youngest of learners.