·         Sunday February 26, 4 pm to 6 pm - Providence Child Center, 830 NE 47^th Ave, Portland – NOTE:  Child psychiatrist Dr. Newman of Mind Matters PC will attend to answer questions and remark on his experiences with children in his care.  Very cool.

 ·         Tuesday February 28, 4 pm to 6 pm – Human Solutions-Rockwood, 124 NE 181^st Ave, Gresham, just off the lobby in the large community room

 Comments 

Spring and it’s uplifting mood is on its way, but for kids like ours, Spring is a double-edged sword!  The onset of longer days can trigger serious behavior problems in some children, especially those with mood disorders or mood issues.  I may have shared this before, but here’s some evidence.  It is a graph of the number of hits to my blog, Raising Troubled Kids, by month.  Notice how it peaks in March. 

 News in Children’s Mental Health 

Bipolar children are more easily bored than other children…

which can lead to attention-getting behaviors such as teasing or emotional outbursts.  They also lack focus and have other symptoms that look like ADHD.  This excellent article provides information about why this happens, and offers practical advice for parents on how to manage this exasperating behavior.

http://bipolarchild.com/2004/02/vol-16-boredom-and-the-provocative-behavior-of-children-with-bipolar-disorder/#comment-510

Parental Depression Linked to Children’s Behavior, Emotional Problems

Pediatrics, November 2011

Paternal depression and other mental health problems affect the behavior of children, researchers say. An analysis of surveys of nearly 22,000 U.S. children aged 5 to 17, and their mothers and fathers, found that emotional and behavioral problems were 72 percent more likely with depressed dads. Only 6% of children with two mentally-healthy parents have serious emotional or behavioral problems, but the rate increases to 11 % if the father is depressed, 19% if the mother is depressed and 25% if both parents are depressed. A mothers' mental health may be more influential because they often spend more time with the children than fathers.

Take good care of yourselves. 

Welcome to February and the beginning of second semester.  This is a great time to refocus your energies and set yourselves up for success in the second half of the year.  This time of year we have a lot going on.  We are already starting to connect with our future Senators by visiting feeder schools, preparing for our Open House on February 7^th from 6-8pm, and planning to bring 8^th graders here for a visit as well.  We want to make sure that everyone knows the great things that we have to offer here at Madison and appreciate you all helping us spread the word. 

February is also forecasting month for all current 9^th-11^th grades.  Counselors will be talking with students about the courses we have available for next year and helping them make good choices for their future goals.  Please make sure to have conversations at home about these choices as they are very important for not only the future but the success of the 2012-2013 school year.  In addition to the work that counselors do, students will have the opportunity to attend a Forecasting Fair on February 8^th right after school lets out.  This will be a chance for students to talk with teachers and ask questions about the different classes they are offering.  The purpose is to help students make the best possible decisions for next year. 

Finally, on a positive note, Madison has increased its cohort graduation rate by 6% in the last year from 51% to 57%.  Our cohort graduation rate is based on how many 9^th graders that begin with us, finish with us after four years.  There are many factors that play into this rate.  For example, students who earn GEDs as well as modified diplomas all count against the graduation rate.  That said, we at Madison believe that we should be hitting 100% and will continuously work hard to get there.  A 6% jump in a year is a great start. 

Have a wonderful February,

Petra Callin, Principal

Madison High School

2735 NE 82^nd Ave

Portland, OR 97220

503-916-5220

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Tuesday Feb 21st 2012

Wed Feb 22nd 2012

Thursday Feb 23rd 2012