Welcome to the AES School Counseling Program!
At Ashland Elementary, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and successful. Our comprehensive school counseling program helps students grow academically, socially, and emotionally so they can become confident learners and caring community members.
Whether we're teaching a classroom lesson, helping students navigate friendships, supporting positive behavior, or celebrating student growth, our mission is to help every Tiger reach their full potential.
Together, we can ensure every student feels seen, supported, and ready to thrive!
Contact
Mrs. Wallace serves as the Kindergarten, 2nd, and 4th grade school counselor and can be reached at 804-365-4605, via email, or reach out through ParentSquare. She is in House Tatonka!
Mrs. Chandler serves as the 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade school counselor and can be reached at 804-365-4643, via email, or each out through ParentSquare. She is in House Huruma!
Our Counseling Program: Goals and Learning By Grade
At Ashland Elementary School, our counseling curriculum is designed to meet students where they are developmentally.
What Parents Can Expect Each Year
- Classroom Counseling Lessons (monthly)
- Lunch Bunch with the Counselor (every student participates)
- Small Groups (as needed)
- Individual Counseling (short-term support by parent, teacher, or student request)
- Family Collaboration
- Schoolwide Programs (Kindness Week, Career Day, Unity activities, etc.)
Kindergarten
Building a Strong Foundation
- Learning school expectations and routines
- Identifying and expressing emotions
- Making friends and including others
- Sharing, taking turns, and solving simple problems
- Learning calming strategies and self-control
- Identifying trusted adults
First Grade
Growing as Kind and Responsible Learners
- Developing empathy and kindness
- Building healthy friendships
- Practicing good listening and communication skills
- Understanding responsibility and making good choices
- Managing big feelings
- Learning about different careers in the community
Second Grade
Building Confidence and Independence
- Strengthening self-control and perseverance
- Resolving conflicts respectfully
- Developing a growth mindset
- Recognizing personal strengths
- Setting simple academic and personal goals
- Practicing organization and responsibility
Third Grade
Developing Leadership Skills
- Working cooperatively with others
- Managing stress and emotions
- Preventing bullying and standing up respectfully
- Making responsible decisions
- Strengthening problem-solving skills
- Exploring interests and future careers
Fourth Grade
Preparing for Greater Responsibility
- Building resilience through challenges
- Developing leadership and teamwork skills
- Practicing digital citizenship and online safety
- Managing peer relationships
- Setting meaningful goals and monitoring progress
- Developing strong study and organizational habits
Fifth Grade
Preparing for Middle School
- Building confidence during transitions
- Strengthening leadership and character
- Managing peer pressure and conflict
- Practicing decision-making and self-advocacy
- Developing organization and time management skills
- Exploring future careers and personal interests
- Preparing for a successful transition to middle school (class schedules and course selection)
Throughout Every Grade
Students participate in classroom counseling lessons, Lunch Bunches, school-wide initiatives, and special activities that reinforce important character traits and social-emotional learning. Topics include kindness, empathy, friendship, coping skills, emotional regulation, conflict resolution, respect, responsibility, safety, and career awareness. Our goal is to help every Tiger develop the confidence, resilience, and skills needed to thrive both in and out of the classroom.