Meet the Counselors!

Mrs. Noble grew up in Waterford, Michigan. She graduated from Waterford Mott High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree from Orchard Lake Saint Mary's College in 1992 graduating with Cum Laude honors. She earned her Masters in Counseling in 2000 and her post Masters education in School Counseling from Oakland University in 2002. Mrs. Noble has experience as both a social worker and counselor. She worked for the State of Michigan as a Social Worker for families and children until 2006 when she transitioned into school counseling working for Flint schools until 2013 when she came to Waterford School District. Mrs. Noble is a lifelong learner who enjoys reading, camping, biking, archery and spending time with her husband and two sons.

Mrs. Taplin grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan, home of Tony the Tiger and Kellogg Cereal! She earned her Special Education degree from Western Michigan University in 1997 and her School Counseling degree from Oakland University in 2000. She has worked as a K-8 Special Education teacher in Grosse Pointe, as well as an Elementary School counselor in both Utica and Lake Orion, as a High School counselor in Oxford, and as a Behavior Interventionist at Brandon Middle School. She is very excited to continue to work with middle school students, as she truly enjoys this age group the most! Mrs. Taplin enjoys traveling to new places, reading, golf, tennis, snowshoeing/skiing and spending time with her husband and three children.

Mr. Tunnicliff grew up in Ferndale, Michigan. He earned his Bachelor's degree in psychology and Master's degree in Counseling from Wayne State University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.). He came to Pierce Middle School from Mott High School where he was the prevention specialist and 9th grade academic interventionist. Prior to coming to work in Waterford in 2008, he was a counselor with L'Anse Cruse Schools in Mount Clemens and the Detroit Public Schools.

Students who need to visit one of the counselors for a concern or question, we are here for you! Please use the sign-up link in our Google Classroom to sign up to see us for non-emergency issues. Find our link in "The Offices": Main Office, Counseling, Student Support Services:

Get to know your child's teachers. As a parent, you know your student best. Attend curriculum night, so that you know the teachers by name and by face. If you feel you have information to share with the teachers, set a time to meet with them to talk.

Talk with your child's teacher about problems. A student's life at home affects life at school. Separation, family illness, new baby or even a move to a new school can affect a child's school work. You don't need to tell teachers all of your personal business, but make sure the teachers and counselors know the important facts.

Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Tired students can not do their best work. Set a bedtime at the beginning of the school year, remove all electronics from the bedroom and stick to the rules.

Learn what is expected of your child. At Curriculum Night, you will find out if there will be homework, projects and other expectations. Check the Portal regularly to be sure your child is up-to-date on work.

Limit TV and Video games. Studies show that students who do best in school watch the least television. Read a book or magazine. Take a walk. Visit the library or play a board game.

Keep track of your child's progress. Post schoolwork on the refrigerator. Keep a chart of how your child helps around the house. Talk about a good soccer game at the dinner table or in the car.

Teach your child to set goals. Use your child's planner to set goals for the week, month, and marking period. Review their progress often.

Praise your child constantly and reward them with your time.

Be organized

• Use your student planner.
• Keep your locker and backpack neat.
• Have a separate pocket folder for each class.
• Get everything organized for the next day before you go to bed!

Manage your time well

• Use any extra time in school to get started on homework.
• Have a regular time and place to study!
• Allow more time for homework than you think you'll need.

Be successful in the classroom

• Check your MiStar Student Portal weekly to keep up on assignments.
• Be in school everyday, on time!
• Bring everything you need to class.
• Always do your homework and turn it in on time!
• Participate in class.
• Treat others with respect.
• Learn how to get along with different types of teachers.
• Don't leave class with unanswered questions!
• Turn in work that's neat and easy to read!