Miami — The Miami School Board approved several major changes to the Miami Jr./Sr.. High School student handbook at its May 15 meeting.

Principal Glen Lineberry outlined the changes to the school board, and also said that the handbook is now more streamlined and concise. It has been reduced from 96 pages to 35 pages. Seventh and eighth graders will no longer be allowed to have cell phones with them during the school day.

Lineberry said cell phones have been used in several instances of bullying at the junior high. He added that students may still be able to have their cell phones if there is a safety concern.

“All rules have exceptions,” Lineberry said.

Another major change is that no students, including upperclassmen, will be allowed off campus during the lunch hour. Lineberry cited the safety of students as the reason for closing the campus during lunch.

He said there have been two students injured in traffic accidents this year while on lunch.

“I’m afraid a student is going to get killed,” Lineberry said.

The school board expressed its support for the change.

“In the long run, this will be best for our students,” Debbie Allen said.

Students will now be required to address all staff members with an honorific, such as Mr., Mrs., Miss or Coach. Lineberry said many students had become accustomed to addressing teachers and other staff members by their first names.

Finally, Lineberry said that the policy on cursing has been cleaned up and made more specific.

“We’ll take a shot at reducing (cursing),” Lineberry said.