2. Increasing Spelling Bee Participation
I decided to start this project because, through personal observation and through talking with Susan McDougal, the county and state spelling bee coordinator for over fifteen years, I realized that the number of HCS county bee participants had dwindled in recent years. I wanted to do something about that because I believe all students deserve the opportunity to spell in a competition like this.
Erin Howard

3. Program Basics
To participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee competition, a school must first enroll with the program.
After enrolling, the school receives materials with which to conduct their bee, such as the word list, pronouncer’s guide, and other things. The only things schools must provide themselves are a bee coordinator, a pronouncer, and three judges.
The winners from each school compete in the Madison County Spelling Bee.

4. The Spelling Bee and 21st Century Learning
The spelling bee helps students improve skills that are crucial to them as 21st century learners. These include: - vocabulary - communication and public speaking - critical thinking and analysis of etymology - study skills and work ethic
Students have to be able to speak clearly at a microphone in front of judges, understand patterns in words that may assist students in spelling unfamiliar ones, and commit their time and effort to studying.

5. The HCS Participation Decline
In recent years, Huntsville City Schools’ participation in the Madison County Spelling Bee has dwindled.
42% of eligible HCS schools participated (13 schools).
2005
2010
2017
In 2005, 27 HCS schools participated. In 2010, 21 HCS schools participated. By the school year of , I would of course like to see participation at 100%, but if not, I would like it to be at least back to 65-70% (at least 22 schools). By the school year of , my minimum percentage goal would be 80% (25 schools).
64% of eligible HCS schools participated.
54% of eligible HCS schools participated.

6. Bringing the Numbers Back Up
HCS administrative staff have been very helpful with this project, and I know that they are working hard to make our goals a reality.
I believe that Huntsville City Schools can bring widespread spelling bee participation back, and I can’t wait to see what will happen next!
I will be presenting this at the meeting of the gifted teachers later this month, so I will be able to alleviate the lack of information slightly. Possibly, we could have the county bee start later so that students who don’t have transportation to the county bee could be bused there by HCS. If a school has a problem funding its bee, then it could reach out to any civic organization—I received this solution from Susan McDougal, who is part of Huntsville’s Kiwanis Club.

7. Next Steps for HCS P8 Participation
Schools need to identify a local school POC
The POC will register the school on the Scripps website
Registration is August 22nd- October 16th. The fee is $151. 
October 17th- December 15th the fee will go up to $226. 
All registration is closed after December 15th.
Once schools are enrolled, the POC and District Representative will discuss possible ways to promote the Spelling Bee with students and parents (e.g. Spelling Club, timeline for practice opportunities, etc.)
County Spelling Bee is February 6th (held at Randolph School)
Alabama Spelling Bee in Match 10th in Birmingham
National Spelling Bee is normally held the week after Memorial Day weekend