BHS/IB Dress Code Information
Administration has the final approval on dress code clarifications.
The Bartow High School/IB dress code has been established to help students demonstrate consideration and respect for themselves and others, as well as develop employability and life skills. This dress code will be enforced in compliance with the Polk County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct.
- School Issued identification badges (ID badges) must be worn above the waist. Either around the neck on a lanyard or clipped at the collar throughout the school day. ID badges are considered part of our Dress Code.
- Free ID badges will be issued at the beginning of the school year. If lost, a badge will be re-printed for $5.
Bottoms:
- Pants: Pants shall be worn so that the waistband is worn at the waist and not below the waist. Cut-off jeans and cut-off sweat pant are not allowed. No clothing can be worn that exposes undergarments or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner or disrupts the orderly learning environment. Each student is responsible for compliance with appropriate dress. Jeans with frays are allowed if skin is not showing.
- Shorts: All students may wear hemmed walking shorts or Bermuda shorts and students may wear shorts, provided that such shorts or skorts are worn at fingertip length with elbows locked. Spandex-style bottoms must be worn with a covered top at knee length. Short shorts, running shorts, and see-through boxer-type shorts are not allowed. Jean shorts with frays are allowed if skin is not showing.
Shirts:
Shirts should be worn where the waistband hem of the shirts cover the torso. Shirts must cover shoulders. No clothing can be worn that exposes undergarments or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner or disrupts the orderly learning environment. Overshirts must be buttoned up to cover undershirts that expose the torso.
Skirts and Dresses:
The hem of skirts or dresses shall be worn at fingertip length with elbows locked as determined by administration.
Masks:
Polk County Public Schools has adopted a “mask optional” policy and no longer requires students or staff to wear face coverings while attending school functions. The CDC still recommends unvaccinated people wear face coverings when social distancing is not possible. If a face covering is worn it must comply with general dress code and school uniform requirements.
Shoes:
Closed-toed shoes are encouraged. Students in BHS Academy classes are required to wear closed-toed shoes as a safety requirement. Each academy will share specific uniform and shoe requirements specific to that program.
Students are permitted to wear the following:
- Pants with the waistband worn at the waist
- Frayed jeans are allowed (NO skin may show)
- Shorts must be at fingertip length (Elbows Locked)
- Skirts and dresses must be at fingertip length (Elbows Locked)
- Shirts must cover shoulders and torso
Students are not permitted to wear the follow:
- Clothing associated with gangs.
- Clothing encouraging the use of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or violence.
- Clothing associated with discrimination on the basis of age, color, handicap, national origin, marital status, race, religion, or sex.
- Clothing exposing the torso or upper thighs such as see-through garments, mini-skirts, or mini-dresses, halters, backless dresses, tube tops or tank tops without over blouses or shirts, spaghetti strap garments without over blouses or shirts, bare midriff outfits, or shirts or blouses tied at the midriff.
- Clothing not properly fastened or with tears.
- Clothing or outer garments traditionally designed as undergarments such as boxer shorts, bloomers, tights, hosiery, and sleepwear (pajamas are not allowed).
- Clothing or footwear that is construed by administration as hazardous or dangerous to the health of the student or others
- Overalls – any bibbed pants or shorts (with an inseam).
- Trench coats.
- Hooded sweatshirts are acceptable, but hoods may not be worn during school hours.
Dress Expectations
Prepare attire, backpack and ID the night before.
Respect the school dress code.
Integrity to keeping attire World Class.
Dedicate to wearing dress appropriately.
Engage by presenting yourself dressed and ready to work.
