It also means respecting the school day itself by not interrupting it.

Although emergencies sometimes arise, here’s how to minimize everyday interruptions:

• Maintain a morning routine. Have your child verify that everything she needs is in her backpack. Make sure she arrives at school with time to go to her locker and get ready for the day.

• Have a “Plan B” in place. If you’ll be late getting in, make sure your child already knows what to do: “If I’m not here, grab our extra key from the neighbor and let yourself in.” This keeps you from needing to call the school to give her instructions.

• Schedule doctor and dentist appointments after school hours, on weekends or on teacher work days. Missing even one class can make a difference.

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