The 2015 System Spelling Bee has returned, and The Newton County School System will host the annual event. Each of the system’s elementary and middle schools will compete this year at Newton High School on Feb. 6 at 10:30 a.m. Students in grades four through eight are eligible to participate, with each school sending their own spelling bee champion and runner up to compete in the tournament.

“Spelling is one of the life-long skills that children begin to learn early in school and continue throughout their lifetimes,” said Lee Peck, Director of Elementary Schools, in a press release. “Written communication is an essential component of everyday life.  In order to be an effective and efficient communicator, one must have adequate spelling knowledge.  The Spelling Bee is a fun activity in which children can participate to demonstrate the spelling skills and knowledge they have learned.”

The rules

During the competition, contestants must spell the word they are given correctly. After having started to spell a word, the contestant will not be given any opportunity to change the letters, once pronounced. If a speller fails to spell the word correctly, he must step out of the competition.

Once the competition is down to just two remaining contestants, the elimination procedure will change. If a speller misspells a word, the other contestant is given the opportunity to spell the same word. If the second contestant spells the word correctly and spells the next word on the caller’s list correctly, he or she will be declared the champion. If the second speller misspells the new word after correcting the first contestant’s error, the first contestant will be declared the champion if he or she spells the misspelled word and the next word on the caller’s list correctly.

The judges and the Newton County Spelling Bee Committee are in complete control of the Bee at all times and the judges’ decision shall be final on all matters.

Attending the event

Parents and family members are invited to attend the Bee; however parents are advised from bringing infants and small children to avoid distracting the contestants. Flash photography is also prohibited until the competition is completed.

The full list of competitors: