Howard County Library System Spelling Bee

2019 COORDINATOR’S HANDBOOK

The deadline for schools to submit a SCHOOL/ASSOCIATION WINNERS REGISTRATION FORM is January 28, 2019.

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.

The deadline for submitting an INTENT TO PARTICIPATE FORM is September 30, 2016.

The winners of individual school bees held in the fall and winter compete in the HCLS Spelling Bee in March. The champion advances to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC. The HCLS Spelling Bee is sponsored by Friends of Howard County Library System, Howard County Public School System, and BB&T. It is organized under the rules of the Scripps National Spelling Bee and registered with Scripps National as an official regional bee.

Purpose

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

Benefits

Students improve their spelling, increase their vocabularies, learn concepts, and develop correct English. As a result, they 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.

Organization

Spelling bees progression is as follows:

Level 1: Classroom Spelling Bees held
Level 2: Level 1 winners compete in school or home school association spelling bees
Level 3: Level 2 winners compete in the HCLS Spelling Bee on March 8, 2019 at 7pm at River Hill High School (12101 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029)
Level 4: The Level 3 champion competes in the National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC

Levels 1 and 2 winners are determined by the entity holding the bee. A panel of judges selected by HCLS determines the winner of Level 3.

Prizes

Prizes for Levels 1 and 2 bees are determined and awarded by the organizing entity. 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 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 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 28, 2018.
The SCHOOL/ASSOCIATION WINNERS REGISTRATION FORM should be filled out and submitted by January 28, 2019.
Information for school/association spelling bee coordinators is available in the COORDINATOR’S HANDBOOK (PDF).

See the 2018 competition

PHOTO GALLERY

Questions?

If you have questions, please contact Christie Lassen

Sponsored by Friends of Howard County Library System, Howard County Public School System, BB&T and the Josephine B. Scheffenacker Education Trust

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