Originally posted by Female Hawk:
They discovered in the early 90s, I think it was, that teenagers needed more sleep (go think! or as, Tempus would say "DUH!") so, it has been a recent trend to start high school later, so teenagers can sleep in.
So *that's* where it's coming from. There is talk here of starting the high school day at 10am or even 11am!!! 
No fair! They bumped my school up earlier! (Although, not that it really matters anymore- my college classes start at noon, so I guess I've got nothing to complain about). But still!
As for the student/teacher thing, I'd reiterate that teachers can call students whatever they'd like. Most stick with first names, though. The type of teacher changes everything.