Uniform and Dress Code

Uniform/Dress Code 2022-2023

Middle School families interested in obtaining assistance in purchasing uniforms

may contact André Lynch (413) 743-7311 ext 713

BART’s uniform/dress code is intended to help create a sense of focus and belonging. 

The middle school uniform is a uniform in the true sense of the word. On special occasions, or in recognition of exceptional work, middle school students may be recognized with a dress pass that will allow them to follow the high school dress code for the day. 

BART recognizes that high school students are progressing towards a goal of collegiate and professional success, and we expect their dress to mirror that transition as developmentally appropriate and as economically possible. As such, the guidelines below set a baseline for appropriate attire while allowing opportunities to experiment and request feedback on more professional dress efforts.  

The goals for the dress code are to:

• Create a sense of community and encourage students to recognize their educational environment.
• Allow students to focus on academics rather than apparel.
• Encourage students to prepare for the world of work through practice with business acceptable attire.
• Reduce peer pressure to wear the latest styles or expensive brands (especially in the Middle School).
• Reduce costs for parents.
• Maintain a safe environment for all students, ensuring that they are easily identifiable on field trips or within the school building (especially in the Middle School).
  
  

Dress Code Exceptions:

• Middle school students who have not received their BART shirts in time for the start of school may wear a short- or long-sleeved shirt of a solid color (no sleeveless, no logos).
• Occasionally BART may announce the one-day relaxation of one or more dress code rules as a part of a charitable-fundraising, school spirit or similar day, or reflecting a BART activity such as a field trip or a messy project. Such waivers will only apply to specific students.
• Students requesting an individualized exception (such as for religious or health reasons) should notify the Principal of the need for a personal waiver. 

All students must wear:  

Clothes in accordance with the dress code listed below (differentiated for middle and high school) worn in such a way that cover the navel/midriff, genitals, buttocks, breasts, and nipples and do not obscure the head, face or ears.

Middle School students should wear "BART on top" which is:

• Clean BART T-shirt (short sleeve) or,

• Clean BART T-shirt (long sleeve) or,

• Clean BART sweatshirt, jacket, or fleece.

Note that only black long-sleeved shirts may be worn underneath short-sleeved BART shirts for warmth.

The high school dress code specifically forbids:

• Bulky coats (worn in the building)
• Flip-flops or open-toed shoes
• Hats/caps or hoods worn in the building (exceptions for religious or medical requirements)
• Sunglasses 
• The purposeful display of undergarments
• Any clothing or accessory that obscures the head, face, or ears (exception for religious or medical requirements)
• Images or language depicting or referring to drugs, alcohol, violence, hate speech, profanity, or pornography
• Swimsuits 
• Pajamas and/or bedding materials
• Accessories that could be considered dangerous or used as a weapon

The middle school dress code specifically forbids:

• Flip-flops or open-toed shoes
• Hats/caps or hoods worn in the building (exceptions for religious or medical requirements)
• Sunglasses
• The purposeful display of undergarments
• Any clothing or accessory that obscures the face or ears (exception for religious or medical requirements)
• Pajamas and/or bedding materials
• Images or language depicting or referring to drugs, alcohol, violence, hate speech, profanity, or pornography. 
• Accessories that could be considered dangerous or used as a weapon

Notes:

• Evaluation of messaging on clothing (in the High School)  will be based on the Landmark Case Tinker vs. Des Moines. BART can disallow attire that impedes the school’s functioning or the rights of others. 

• If students see other students out of the dress code, they should assume individualized exceptions have been made or that corrective action has been taken.  These are often private issues. Students should focus on maintaining the dress code policy themselves. 

• If shoes are not suitable for fitness activities, students must bring an additional pair for fitness classes. 

Families have the opportunity to purchase their child’s BART tee shirts, fleece jackets and vests with our local vendor, Elegant Stitches, through their retail store in Pittsfield.

• Orders can be placed in person, by calling 413-447-9452 or NOW ONLINE AT: https://stores.inksoft.com/bart_charter_school/shop/home

• Store hours are Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Please check sizes carefully, as refunds or exchanges cannot be granted once names are printed
• There is a 5-day turnaround time from order to pick up/shirts

Name may be added to any item for an additional $5.00