Welcome to Bennett Elementary's School Counseling Program! There will be a lot of new and exciting things to look forward to this school year from the school counseling department. At Bennett the mission of the counseling department is: “to build a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate counseling program. It will address the academic, personal/social, and career needs of our students through classroom lessons, small group counseling, and school wide programs. We will continually respond to each student’s individual needs. Together with students, staff, parents, and community members, we will empower all students in a safe and respectful environment to build the productive citizens and lifelong learners of tomorrow." The professional school counselors of Bennett Elementary School believe: All students can achieve and deserve equitable access to resources and a rigorous curriculum to prepare for their post-school options All students’ dignity and culture (including race, ethnicity, gender, abilities/disabilities,spirituality/religion, home language, socioeconomic status) is respected and valued All students will have access to a comprehensive, developmental school counseling program run by masters level, state certified, professional school counselors The school counselors will proactively act as advocates for all students, including collaborating with stakeholders for needed systemic change The school counselors will lead a collaborative effort to design, implement, assess, and continuously improve the comprehensive, data driven school counseling program The school counselors will collaborate with families, stakeholders, and community resources to assist student development The school counselors will abide by ASCA’s professional school counseling ethics The school counselor will engage in professional development including, but not limited to, regular supervision and activities to enhance cultural competency in order to address the changing community. Both the students and the parents at Bennett will have multiple opportunities to be involved with the counselors this year. A few things on our calendar include classroom guidance lessons, small groups, parent workshops, lunch bunches, and much more! The goal of the counselors is to help all students succeed, both academically and personally, in a respectful and encouraging environment. Again, we look forward to meeting you and your child this school year. We know it will be a successful one!