What is the Maine State Spelling Bee?

The Maine State Spelling Bee is an event brought to you by MaineToday Media. The spelling bee is a tradition that not only improves students’ spelling skills but also provides a valuable experience for developing skills such as public speaking and stage presence.

The Maine State Spelling Bee is the state competition and sends only one competitor to the Scripps National Spelling Bee held in Washington, D.C.

The next Maine State Spelling Bee will be held March 17, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Hannaford Hall on the USM campus.

How does it work?
The Maine State Spelling Bee is open to all students (public, private, home-school, etc), whose schools enroll with the Scripps National Spelling Bee (http://www.spellingbee.com). To compete in the Maine State Spelling Bee, students must win the local/school bee and the county bee. Each School will send two students to the county level where they will compete for the position to carry onto the state bee. Each county will send only one student to compete in the Maine State Spelling Bee. The champion of the Maine State Spelling Bee will proceed to the national level where they will represent the state of Maine at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Timeline
August 16-October 17

Schools must enroll with Scripps for participation in the 2012 program.
October 18- December 18

Schools are still able to enroll with Scripps, but a late fee will apply.
December- January 14

Schools conduct local spelling bee programs.
February 11, 2012

County Bees must be held by this date. (County Bees location/dates/times TBA)
February 20, 2012

Names and contact information for each county winner must be submitted to MaineToday Media along with a photograph of the student.
March 17, 2012

Maine State Spelling Bee, Hannaford Hall at the University of Southern Maine, 2pm. Admission is free!
June 2012

Scripps National Spelling Bee held in Washington D.C.
Contact

Please contact Sarah Madeira with questions or for more information.

smadeira@mainetoday.com / 207-791-6440