Howard County Library System Spelling Bee

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Howard County Library System (HCLS) invites public and private schools, as well as home school associations, to participate in the HCLS Spelling Bee, a countywide bee for students in grades four through eight.

2020 HCLS Spelling Bee | CANCELED

April 24 update – We received official notice that Scripps has canceled the National Spelling Bee for 2020. The HCLS Spelling Bee is now canceled as well. These actions are due to the ongoing concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus and uncertainty around when public gatherings will be possible or advisable.

This decision follows the announcement on March 20 that Scripps was suspending the national finals with hopes of rescheduling. Scripps has determined there is no clear path to safely set a new date this year.

While plans for a 2020 championship have ended, Scripps National Spelling Bee is engaging with students and parents by offering educational resources and social media-based learning opportunities.

A note from Scripps’ executive director, Paige Kimble:

Our thoughts immediately go to our spellers and their families. The students have dedicated time and effort to their passion for learning. They should be proud of all they have accomplished by winning spelling bees at the classroom, school and regional level. Nevertheless, our first priority has to be the health and well-being of our spellers and their families and the hundreds of staff and spectators that come together for Bee Week.

Our hearts go out to the spellers who won’t get their final shot at winning because of the pandemic and the difficult decisions it is prompting us to make. They are now part of a widely expanding group of children and adults who are missing out on opportunities due to the coronavirus.

This was a very difficult decision and we share in the disappointment of our students, teachers and parents. Our main priority remains the health and safety of our staff and community.

March 20 update – Please note Scripps has suspended the National Bee. In the short term, the HCLS Spelling Bee, which had been rescheduled for May 2, is postponed until further notice.

Scripps is exploring potential solutions, including perhaps an online or virtual solution, to help local sponsors like HCLS hold a local bee. We are in conversation with Scripps and expect to receive further guidance in the next couple of weeks.

As noted by Scripps: If possible, the Bee will work with local sponsors, spellers, convention partners, and ESPN to reschedule the 93rd Scripps National Spelling Bee for later this year.

The world is navigating through uncertainty, and while the timing of the national finals is just outside the eight-week window recommended by the CDC, this is the safest and most responsible action. This was a difficult decision that unfortunately will disappoint students who have spent a great deal of time studying and preparing, along with their parents and teachers who have supported them. The focus now shifts to exploring all options to possibly reimagine a competition for later this year.

In the meantime, please continue to study the word list, and explore and use the Library’s eContent, including e-books and e-audiobooks; streaming TV, movies, and music; online classes; and digital subscriptions to newspapers and magazines for your research and study needs. All you need is your library card and PIN. If you don’t yet have a library card, apply online and use your temporary number. It’s all available 24/7 at hclibrary.org. Thank you.

The HCLS Spelling Bee is organized under the rules of the Scripps National Spelling Bee and registered with Scripps as an official regional bee.

Purpose and Benefits

Spelling bees improve students’ spelling, increase their vocabularies, and develop correct English usage.

Students read and write more effectively and score higher on standardized tests and college prep tests and beyond. The impact lasts a lifetime.
Students learn word etymology and country of origin, the meanings of prefixes and suffixes, and spelling rules.
By studying words grouped in thematic categories, spellers not only acquire knowledge but also develop cognitive skills and increased understanding of ideas and values.
Students of all ages and background participate on an equal, competitive basis.
Spelling bees improve spelling and spark interest among the students.
Spelling bees create friendly, sportsmanlike rivalry among the schools.

Important Dates

September 30, 2019: Deadline for schools to complete Intent to Participate form
October 1, 2019 to January 31, 2020: Classroom and/or school spelling bees held
October 24, 2019: Information session at HCLS Miller Branch at 7 pm
February 7, 2020: Deadline for schools to submit winner and alternates (link in email from [email protected])
Canceled: HCLS Spelling Bee at Oakland Mills High School
Scripps National Spelling Bee Canceled: HCLS Spelling Bee champion competes in Scripps National Spelling Bee *please follow the spellingbee.com page for more updates*

Prizes

Prizes for classroom and school bees are determined and awarded by the schools. Prizes for the HCLS Spelling Bee are awarded by HCLS the evening of the competition:

All contestants and alternates receive certificates of participation.
The first place winner receives a trophy (as does his/her school), a $1,000 college scholarship, and the opportunity to represent Howard County in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, all expenses paid.
The second place winner receives a trophy (as does his/her school), a $750 college scholarship, and the opportunity to represent Howard County in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, all expenses paid, should the winner be unable to compete.

School/Association Participation

Interested schools and home school associations should fill out the Intent to Participate by September 30, 2019.
The SCHOOL/ASSOCIATION WINNERS REGISTRATION FORM should be filled out and submitted by January 31, 2020 (link in email from [email protected]).
Information for school/association spelling bee coordinators is available in the Coordinator Handbook (PDF).

Questions?

If you have questions, please contact us.

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CANCELED: Scripps National Spelling Bee and HCLS Spelling Bee