NORTON - Starting in September, Norton Middle School won't let students arrive early unless they're in an extracurricular program or getting extra help.

Students arriving between 7:45 a.m. and 8:35 a.m. have been allowed to sit in the cafeteria until the school day starts at 8:40 a.m. under the supervision of Principal Christopher Baratta or Assistant Principal Michael O'Rourke this year, Baratta said.

Although the students - as many as 95 at one time - have been "well behaved," that practice won't continue in September, Baratta said.

Only students with passes for extra help or who are on before-school club and activities rosters will be allowed in the building before 8:35 a.m.

Baratta said the change will allow him and O'Rourke to respond to parents' calls and other school issues before classes start. This year, one of them has handled that task while the other supervises the cafeteria. Baratta first predicted the policy change might happen last fall. That's when school officials surveyed parents about joining Champions, a fee-based before-school childcare program offered this year at Norton's three elementary schools.

Champions didn't draw enough interest to bring it to the middle school, Baratta said.

However, Baratta said he may explore seeking parent volunteers to help supervise the cafeteria next year. Teaching assistants had watched the students since the middle school opening time changed from 7:50 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. a few years ago.

Baratta relieved the assistants of that duty when their hours were cut this year.