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Reigniting BART: New Initiatives Power a Thriving School Community!
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Dr. Huston Reflects on His First Year at BART
As Principal Dr. Joe Huston enters his second year at BART, he describes feeling more committed than ever to the school, its students, and its mission. After a year of learning, listening, and relationship-building, he says, “I am 100 percent all in for this school, our teachers, our students, and this community.”
Dr. Huston joined BART at the start of the 2023–2024 school year. His top priority was to become a fully engaged member of the community by spending time in classrooms, getting to know students, collaborating with teachers, and showing up for school events.
“One of the things that stood out to me early on was how much students and staff genuinely support one another. There is a real sense of care and shared purpose here that you don’t often find in schools. It is something you cannot manufacture. It is authentically BART.”
Throughout the year, Dr. Huston focused on strengthening academic programs, listening to feedback, and creating more opportunities for students to thrive. He noted that student engagement has increased and that students are taking more pride in learning. “When students invite me to attend their student-led conferences, show me their high-scoring tests, or ask me to review their projects, I know we are building something powerful,” he said.
He also pointed to a number of milestones from the past year, including the expansion of extracurricular programs, a growing number of community partnerships, and a successful push to secure new grant funding. “There is a contagious energy among the faculty and staff. They are excited to innovate, collaborate, and raise the bar. It is a privilege to work alongside a team so committed to our students’ success.”
Dr. Huston emphasized that while the work has been rewarding, it has also come with challenges. “Balancing the need to move the school forward with the need to hear and support every voice in the community is not easy, but it has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career.”
Looking to the year ahead, he is excited about new academic initiatives, including the launch of AP Biology supported by a science equipment grant, new certification programs in technology and coding, expanded Project-Based Learning Labs in middle school, and the introduction of senior project-based learning experiences through a partnership with SpringPoint.
“My vision is to reignite BART as a thriving school and a leading model for holistic secondary education,” he said. “I want every student to have access to deep, meaningful learning experiences and to graduate with the skills and confidence to succeed in college and beyond.”
Reflecting on what motivates him most, Dr. Huston says it always comes back to the students. “They are creative, funny, hardworking, and full of potential. Whether I’m watching them lead a discussion in class, cheering them on at a game, or getting soaked alongside them on Field Day, I’m reminded every day why this work matters.”
“To our families, I want to say thank you for your trust and your partnership. To our students, know that I see something great in each of you. I cannot wait to see what you accomplish this year.” |
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Looking ahead 2025-2030 Strategic Plan
This summer, the BART Board of Trustees approved a new five-year Strategic Plan that sets a clear course for the future. Developed with input from faculty, staff, students, families, trustees, and community partners, the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan reflects our shared commitment to student success and continued growth.
The Strategic Plan has a renewed focus on academic excellence, a thriving school culture, and the operational strength to sustain our mission for years to come.
The plan is organized around three key goals:
1. Academic Excellence
We are committed to providing rigorous, engaging instruction that prepares all students for college and career. This includes expanding access to AP® and early college courses, strengthening instructional practices, and offering targeted academic support so every student can succeed.
2. School Culture & Community
A strong, inclusive school culture is essential for student and staff success. The plan prioritizes positive school climate, meaningful student leadership, greater family engagement, and continued efforts to recruit and retain a dedicated, talented, and diverse faculty.
3. Operational Strength
To ensure a strong foundation, the plan outlines strategies for improving our facilities and technology infrastructure, streamlining policies and procedures, and strengthening financial sustainability through development efforts and board governance.
We look forward to sharing updates and progress throughout the year and invite all members of the BART community to stay engaged as we implement this vision for the future. |
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Elevating Academics: BART Launches Exciting New Programs
At BART, we believe that rigorous academics and real-world experiences are key to preparing students for success beyond graduation. That’s why we are expanding our focus on academic excellence with a set of bold new initiatives designed to deepen learning, spark curiosity, and give students the tools they need to thrive in college, career, and life.
This year, we have increased our Advanced Placement (AP®) offerings, giving more students the opportunity to take on challenging, college-level coursework and earn credit before leaving high school. Our teachers are collaborating across subject areas to strengthen instruction and ensure that students are supported as they take these important academic leaps.
Beyond the classroom, BART is transforming learning through project-based learning labs, where students tackle real-world problems. These experiences build critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills — all essential for today’s workforce.
We are also investing in cutting-edge technology to bring learning to life. Our new virtual reality (VR) labs give students the chance to step inside history, science, and technology concepts, experiencing lessons in ways that deepen understanding and engagement.
Importantly, these efforts are not just about academics; they are about opening doors to future opportunities. BART now offers pathways for students to earn industry-recognized credentials while still in high school, setting them up for success in the field. Combined with internships and connections to local employers, these initiatives create a strong pipeline from classroom to career.
“Our students now have the chance to graduate with college credits and industry-recognized credentials already in hand,” said Executive Director Jonathan Igoe. “That can save families thousands of dollars on tuition and give graduates a head start on securing high-paying, in-demand jobs right after high school. It’s an incredibly exciting step forward for BART and for our community.”
Together, these programs reflect BART’s commitment to preparing every student not just for graduation, but for meaningful participation in the workforce and in their communities. We are proud to help students become confident, capable leaders ready to meet the demands of the future. |
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World Cube Association @ BART
BART is excited to share that on January 24, 2026, we will host an official World Cube Association Rubik’s Cube competition. This exciting event, featuring the world’s leading Rubik’s Cube organization, will bring this fast-paced, fun, and friendly competition right to our campus.
Our very own BART Cubing Group, led by our resident Cubing Competitor and middle school math teacher, Mr. Gordon Holey, will be steering the event.
We look forward to welcoming Rubik’s Cube enthusiasts, students, families, and community members in January. More details will be available as we get closer to the date.
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BART to The Clark for Ground/Work 2025
Over the course of four weeks, every BART student visited The Clark Art Institute and experienced Ground/Work 2025, its celebrated outdoor sculpture exhibition. This unique collaboration between BART and The Clark ensures that every one of our students engages with world-class art right in our region.
The Ground/Work exhibition transforms The Clark’s grounds into an open-air gallery, featuring large-scale sculptures set against the stunning natural landscape. During their visits, students explored the works, discussed themes with their teachers, and considered how art interacts with the environment.
“Field experiences like this are a powerful way to bring learning to life,” said Stephanie Shelsy, Arts & Technology teacher. “Students get to see how art connects to nature, community, and their own creative expression.”
By ensuring that every student participates, BART reaffirms its commitment to providing equitable access to the arts, an essential part of a well-rounded education. |
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BART Launches Q1 Attendance Challenge
Attendance matters. When students are in school consistently, they are more likely to succeed academically, build stronger relationships, and stay on track for graduation. To help emphasize the importance of being present, BART has launched a new attendance campaign for Quarter 1.
Every student who reaches 95% attendance or better during Q1 will receive an award and will be entered into a drawing to win a Meta VR Headset. The goal is to celebrate the commitment students and families make to showing up, even when it’s not always easy.
As a regional school, BART knows that attending every day can be challenging. Many of our families live 45+ minutes from campus, which can make something as simple as a dentist appointment or picking up a sick child a significant disruption to the day. Even so, consistent attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success, which is why BART is committed to supporting families and recognizing students’ efforts to be here.
“We want students to know that their presence in class makes a difference, not just for their own learning, but for the whole community,” said Principal Huston. “This campaign is about celebrating students who prioritize being here and encouraging everyone to make attendance a habit.”
With this new initiative, BART is sending a clear message: every day counts, and together we can make strong attendance a priority. |
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Enrolling the BART Class of 2032
Do you know a child who would thrive at BART? The School's Enrollment Department is available to connect with Massachusetts families seeking a challenging, innovative, and college-preparatory school in Berkshire County.
The next enrollment deadline for the 2025-2026 school year is October 14, 2025. Interested families should apply online, visit our website to learn more, or contact enrollment@bartcharter.org with questions. BART educates students in grades 6-12 and accepts applications for students enrolling in grades 6-10.
There are currently openings in grades 6, 9, and 10!
enrollment@bartcharter.org(413) 743-7311 x732 |
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Fall 2025
