A Stamford elementary school is using creative strategies to encourage students to attend school this year.

Toquam Magnet Principal Sibyl Brooks says a growing number of her students miss at least 10% of the school year.

"We struggle with chronic absenteeism," Brooks says. "We have a number of newcomers, and we also have a challenge of children coming across town to Toquam."

Nearly 100 teachers and Toquam staff members traveled on school buses to meet face-to-face with students and their families at different spots in the city Thursday.

"Attendance is really important and at Toquam, they really do a good job," Lyda Ruiz-Diaz of Stamford says. "It kicks it off to start next week when we go back to school."

Chronic absenteeism isn't just a citywide problem, Brooks says. It's a national one, too.

"We're all fighting it together in different ways, and this is the way we're doing it. We figured we would start our year kicking it off by being present and powerful."

Toquam Magnet Elementary's first day of school is set for Aug. 28.