The bells are ringing a little earlier throughout schools in the Meridian district, and classes are dismissing later. That's because the administration wanted to extend the academic learning to match the physical education time.

The school day at Meridian High is 7:20 a.m. to 2:50 p.m., Monday through Friday. The short day on Wednesdays is also a thing of the past.

Some parents don't like the change. For others, it's more convenient.

"I'm not too crazy about the time change. I feel that it should be set at one particular time and left there," said Tony Lindsey.

"Actually, I like it," said Gina Page. "It works better for my work schedule. So I can drop her off at school, go to work, come back and pick her up when I'm done because I don't get off till three. So it really works out well."

The district was meeting the minimal time, but the instructional time and P.E. time needed to match. With the time being extended, some are concerned some students may become restless, possibly creating behavior problems.

"Where the misbehavior and those type of things come in is when students are bored," said superintendent Charlie Kent. "And if the teachers are not keeping them engaged, then yes, they may get bored. But if they're engaged, no, they won't be bored."

School buses are also heading out earlier. And now afterschool programs are being pushed back. These changes will remain in effect for at least this year. But things could change the next school year. Kent says research shows high school students who start school later in the morning, learn better.

"But this way, we have the high school students coming first and not the elementary," said Kent. "So we're going to look at this year and whatever works best for us school-wise, and what we think will be in the best interest of the children, is what we're going to do."