A new program that will keep kids at a Rockland middle school for an additional two class hours a day continues to generate controversy and confusion.

Under a $2.6 million grant from the state Department of Education, Pomona Middle School students will stay in class until 5:21 p.m, starting in September. At an informational meeting Wednesday night, many parents remained divided over the extended day program that many say was shoved down their throats with little advance notice.

Meanwhile, the school's principal says parents who need to pick their children up early for an occasional appointment or other important reason will be allowed to do so.

School officials say although the two additional periods of the school day will not be graded, attendance will be taken.