In an age of slouched pants, bare midriffs and flip-flop sandals, many local school superintendents say the practices and policies they have in place have eliminated or kept to a minimum the appearance of such fashion trends in their schools.

Whether it be through uniforms or other dress code restrictions, local school administrators and educators are doing what they can to keep their teaching and learning climates free from problems and distractions caused by certain types of clothing.

And in Sunnybrook Elementary District 171, where officials are looking at tightening up the existing dress code, some say a step taken by the Lynwood Village Board may help.

The village recently adopted an ordinance prohibiting anyone from wearing on public property -- including streets, sidewalks or buses -- pants that fall three or more inches below the hips. Violators are to be ticketed and subject to a fine of at least $25.

Lynwood Mayor Gene Williams said he thinks the ordinance is a way to give youngsters some direction and help them "get out from under the pressure" of their peers.

Rita Oberman, District 171 School Board secretary and policy committee member, said she thinks Lynwood's ordinance is "a good idea."

She said baggy pants are "half the battle" in the district's push for appropriate school attire. The other half involves inappropriate and provocative clothing, Oberman said.

In January 2004, the District 171 School Board agreed to make uniforms part of its dress code, but did not include an activation date.

In recent months, some parents and faculty members have raised the issue of uniforms and dress code.

"I don't think, if in fact the policy is activated, it's going to eradicate all concerns about student dress and apparel," said District 171 Superintendent Joseph Majchrowicz. "I believe there will still be issues. I think a uniform policy would minimize those issues."

At least six local elementary districts -- including Dolton Elementary Districts 148 and 149, Calumet City Elementary District 155, Lincoln Elementary District 156, Hoover-Schrum Elementary District 157 and Sauk Village Elementary District 168 -- have uniform policies in place that identify the types and colors of clothing students are to wear at school.

District 156 Superintendent Darryl Taylor said he thinks the uniform requirement at Lincoln Elementary School gives individual students "an opportunity to work collectively as a group while still maintaining their individuality," helps eliminate "gang flagging" at school and cuts back on the competition of "who can dress better and look better."

Sandridge Elementary District 172, which serves students from Lynwood, does not have uniforms but does have a dress code. The district includes details of the types of clothing, footwear, accessories and other items that are not allowed at school in its annual parent/student handbooks.

"Bare midriffs are not allowed" and "waistbands must be worn at the waistline with no undergarments visible," were among the items listed in the 2005-06 Sandridge School handbook.

"Our dress code, in my opinion, is working," said John Sawyer III, District 172 superintendent.