BRISTOL, Conn. (WTNH) — As kids settle into their classrooms for the new school year, education leaders want to know the seats are filled each day.

News 8 sat down for an exclusive update on chronic absenteeism in Connecticut- and whether our state makes the grade.

The new school year is officially underway and the top assignment for school leaders? Making sure your child is in their classroom each day.

"We've gotten about 34,000 more students to attend school regularly," state education commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker said.

She sat down with News 8 in a Stafford Elementary School classroom in Bristol for an exclusive look into the state's chronic absenteeism, which is defined as missing 10 percent or more of the school year.

Alongside her? Hedy Chang with Attendance Works, a nat

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