Bothell/Kenmore Reporter, November 27, 2015

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HONOR | Northshore Schools Foundation is a 2015 top-rated nonprofit [2]

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REPORTER

NEWSLINE: 425.483.3732

K E N M O R E˜

NCHS | New high school on track for opening [8] Dr. Charles Powell | Bastyr University president sets agenda for Kenmore school [6]

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2015

Bothell sisters refuse to let arthritis slow them down Tessa and Isabel Lawson fight through pain and discomfort to enjoy active lifestyle BY AARON KUNKLER akunkler@bothell-reporter.com

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ooking at 11-yearold Tessa Lawson, it would be nearly impossible to tell the Bothell sixth-grader, who enjoys Sour Patch Kids, martial arts and soccer, is

battling a largely unpublicized and invisible illness: linear scleroderma. Or, that her 16-year-old sister Isabel Lawson is fighting idiopathic arthritis, another painful autoimmune disease. “It’s difficult at times, but I’ve had it since sixth

grade,” Isabel Lawson said, who before her diagnosis said she never thought about having a chronic disease. “I never really thought ‘What if that happened,’” she said. Idiopathic arthritis is a disease which fills

the joints with fluids and wears down connective cartilage. Linear scleroderma causes skin to harden in lines along the body, which can cause difficulty moving, particularly if it grows over joints. The Arthritis Foundation is

a national advocacy and support organization, and considers both conditions similar enough to address both. A commonly cited figure estimates there are around 300,000 children suffering from juvenile arthritis in America. Both conditions can cause pain and discomfort, but that hasn’t

stopped either of the sisters from following their passions. Tessa Lawson loves Taekwondo, particularly choreographed routines, where she’s earned her blue belt which is the sixth-highest rank. She recently held a boardbreaking demonstration [ more SISTERS page 2 ]

Upcoming holiday events in Northshore BY AARON KUNKLER akunkler@bothell-reporter.com

This holiday season there’s an assortment of festivities and events around Northshore to keep the whole family entertained. Here’s a few to check out, but there’s plenty more online at the Bothell/Kenmore Reporter calendar, with new events added daily. Today and tomorrow check out Chick n’ Coup Crafts Holiday Bazaar down at Country Village from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will include shopping for unique gifts, chickens, peeps and hens and doesn’t cost a dime. Santa’s Workshop is also opening at 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. to-

Learning at Sorenson often includes activities designed to improve fine and gross motor skills and communication. A teacher helps students play a game in a mixed classroom comprised of both typically developing and special needs students. AARON KUNKLER,Bothell Reporter

Sorenson offers a place for special needs students to grow akunkler@bothell-reporter.com

From the outside, Sorenson Early Childhood Center looks like a familiar Northshore School District facility and at first glance it would be impossible to tell the humble building holds one of the most specialized schools

in the district. three years. It is staffed by an ener“What we try to do getic and highly trained is have a continuum of group of professionservices for students als, many of whom to meet their indiNORTHSHORE have been with vidual needs,” she the school for ten said. “One of our years or more. primary goals is Doreen Milburn for our kids to leave has headed the Bothwith a functional ell school over the past communication system.”

EDUCATION

While many of the nearly 180 children, ages 3 to 5, are typically developing, the school focuses on children with special education needs. Many of these children need extra help developing fundamental skills due to developmental delays, particularly

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BESTSOHORE NO2R0T11H-2015PORTER

RE ORE EN M B OTHELL/K

Now Enrolling for ½ Day Kindergarten Preparatory Program!

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BY AARON KUNKLER

day at Country Village and will continue through Dec. 24. Come down and get a picture opportunity with Santa, voting on gingerbread houses as a fundraiser for the Northshore School District, and two live reindeer. Pony and train rides will also be available. Mrs. Claus will be joining Santa in offering cookies on weekends beginning Dec. 12 at Country Village. Bastyr University will be showcasing regional


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