E.M.
J.,
My son is almost 2 and I see the same behavior. I have learned that he wants my attention. When I get home, I quickly put something on the stove and then promptly sit down with my son. Dinner sometimes is late or over cooked, but the precious time I have with my son is worth it. I work full time and he wants my attention (100%) when we get home.
At school when he starts acting out, it is because he is bored.
I have not done time outs yet; I cannot help in that department.
Congrats on finishing high school!