The start of a new school year is a time of energy, hope, and new beginnings but for many schools, it’s also a critical opportunity to reset culture, strengthen community, and build systems that support both students and staff.
In 2023, Peoria Public Schools (PPS) made the decision to do just that. Faced with growing student needs and a desire for consistent, connected support across all campuses, the district chose to partner with 7 Mindsets to launch a mindset-based learning initiative that would unify their entire community, and the results have been powerful.
Building a Strong Foundation from Day One
As part of their district-wide back-to-school strategy, PPS began implementation in July 2023 with onboarding and professional learning for all educators setting the tone for the year with intentional training, clear expectations, and a shared vision of connection and empowerment.
By September, full implementation was underway in every building, supported by 7 Mindsets’ Education Services team through customized pacing guides, monthly progress reports, and hands-on coaching tailored to each school’s needs.
This back-to-school launch wasn’t just about rolling out a new curriculum—it was about laying the foundation for a thriving school year rooted in belonging and purpose.
Consistency, Culture, and Early Wins
Even within a short time frame, Peoria Public Schools began seeing measurable outcomes across their campuses, including:
- Reduction in disciplinary referrals, especially for more severe behaviors
- Consistent mindset language used across classroom vital for a district with high student mobility
- High staff engagement and buy-in, with educators embracing the program and seeing tangible impact on students
One of the biggest shifts was a change in behavior patterns: students began moving away from physical or aggressive incidents toward less severe disruptions, making space for coaching, connection, and relationship-building instead of constant discipline.
Dr. Ann Bond, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, credits the strong partnership and professional support with that success:
“We’ve seen a decrease in our office discipline referrals and aggressive behaviors, which has been incredibly encouraging. The 7 Mindsets team just stays so connected to us.”
This Back-to-School Season, Model What’s Possible
Whether you’re a classroom teacher or a district leader, now is the time to ask: What kind of culture do we want to build this year and how can we build it together?
The Peoria Public Schools story shows what’s possible when a district commits to mindset-based learning from day one. It’s not just a program, it’s a movement toward schools where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered.
