When it comes to taking attendance, there are a variety of phrases you can use instead of simply saying "call the roll". Some synonyms for this phrase include "take attendance", "mark present", "record attendance", "check off names", and "count heads". Each of these phrases gives a slightly different nuance to the act of taking attendance, but they all convey the same basic idea. Depending on your context and audience, you may want to choose a specific phrase that resonates with them. Ultimately, what matters most is that you have an accurate record of who is present and who is absent.