Do enhanced dress codes in schools decrease peer pressure or are they a burden to parents? Superintendent Jennifer Gill says District 186 is getting ready to survey teachers, staff, families, and administrators on different aspects of the enhanced dress code.

Six District 186 schools including Harvard Park Elementary, Matheny Withrow Elementary, Franklin Middle School, Washington Middle School, Jefferson Middle School, and Grant Middle School currently have enhanced dress codes that require students to wear a certain type of shirt or spirit wear and pants.  The remaining schools in the district have a standard dress code.

The survey will touch on topics including access to laundry facilities and cost of required clothing as well as the effect on learning outcomes and sense of security.  Each school with an enhanced dress code has a clothing closet with new and gently used items that can be purchased or provided to a family in need.