The Peoria Board of Education meeting on September 22, 2025, highlighted several key initiatives aimed at enhancing student support and community engagement.

One of the main topics discussed was the upcoming "7 Mindsets" kickoff, which will focus on the "Connected Mindset" starting October 20. This initiative aims to foster a sense of community and connection among students. Additionally, the meeting acknowledged the ongoing celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through October 15, encouraging schools to honor and share Hispanic culture.

Two significant announcements were made during the meeting. The first was an invitation to a session at Richwoods on October 1 to learn about the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. This program is designed to provide students with challenging coursework that enhances their chances of college acceptance and develops critical skills such as leadership and teamwork.

The second announcement addressed mental health support for students. Peoria Public Schools has partnered with Cartwheel to offer free therapy sessions, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being. Students interested in these services can contact their school principal for more information.

Vice President McConnell also introduced the Wraparound Center, a resource hub located in the La Trobe side of Trewin's Building K Through 8. This center provides various services, including counseling, a food pantry, and housing assistance, and is open to all community members, not just Peoria Public School families.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to supporting students' academic and emotional needs while fostering community connections.