Counselor

Benjamin Duong

My name is Benjamin Duong, I am a counselor at Ashbel Smith Elementary. I have been in education for 6 years. Some of my hobbies include gardening, cooking, and gaming. My goal is to support the students with what they need to succeed, in and out of school. I am grateful that the community, students, and staff are welcoming at Ashbel Smith. I am excited to grow and learn with everyone.

How does a student see the Counselor?

Students can see the Elementary Counselor via a self-referral, parental request, and/or teacher or administrative referral. Sessions may be held on a regular, ongoing basis or simply as needed.

Elementary School Counseling Program

Our counseling program is a model of a Comprehensive, Developmental Guidance and Counseling Program which includes the four components of Guidance Curriculum, Responsive Services, Individual Planning, and System Support. The responsibilities of each area are:

Guidance Curriculum - Guidance lessons on a variety of topics: large-group consultations with students

Responsive Services - Individual counseling sessions: parent consultations regarding individual student needs; coordination with outside referral sources

Individual Planning - Academic and career guidance; parent and student consultation regarding planning and goal-setting; interpretation and analysis of assessment instruments

System Support - Community outreach; parent education programs; teacher consultation; school improvement planning

Character

Developing good character is an on-going process at Ashbel Smith elementary. We focus on a different character trait each month. Our character traits are kindness, courage, self-control, forgiveness, respect, diligence, loyalty, honesty, and confidence.