FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1) Is there a cost to register?

No, thanks to our generous sponsors!

2) How do I register my school? Is there a deadline?

You can roster your team through the online Roster Form. It is recommended that teams be rostered by Sept. 15, 2023.  But, we will accept teams until October 13, 2023.  

3) Will all the words be in Spanish?

Yes!  This spelling contest will take place in Spanish.

4) Do spellers have to spell words out loud?

No, this is a written spelling contest.  It will feel more like a dictado than the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

5) Will there be an individual winner?  

No, this is a team based event.  The school with the most points overall will be declared the winner and will receive a trophy.

6) Is this spelling contest for all grades?

No, this year it is only for fourth graders.

7) Will the spelling contest be in person?

No, the contest will transpire over Zoom.

8) How many students can be on the team?

Teams must have 8 unique spellers (no student can participate in more than one round).  We recommend identifying at least 1 alternate should a team member be absent for the contest.

9) How do we pick our team?

This is a decision each school will need to make for themselves.  Schools will often run their own spell-off to determine who the top spellers are in their fourth grade.  (During the actual event, we encourage all fourth graders in a class to participate by spelling each word.  We will provide answer sheets for photocopying.  However, only the scores of the two rostered students on the team will count as part of the team total.) 

10) Do capitalization, accent marks, tildes, umlauts, etc.. count?  

Yes!  Students should be aware that they need to write legibly so the proctor can clearly read each word on the answer sheet. 

11) Can the coach and the proctor be the same person?

No, the proctor will need to carefully grade each word during the competition. The coach will want to monitor and cheer on the students.  We recommend a school administrator serve as the proctor.