The elementary, middle and K-8 school performance areas hosted spelling bee competitions across the district throughout the month of December, giving students the opportunity to s-p-e-l-l against their peers and compete for a spot in the district-level competition later this month.

“Spelling bees are one of those academic events that were around when I was in elementary school,” said Dr. Kim Schroeder, associate superintendent of Learning and Teaching. “It’s a part of tradition in schools, and in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, it’s not just an event but part of our literacy instruction. An extension of that instruction.”

As students study in preparation for the competition, they learn to not only memorize the spelling of a word, but they learn its meaning and origin, which Dr. Schroeder says leads to better understanding and comprehension of words as well as reading fluency.

“A lot goes into preparing for a spelling bee,” said Dr. Schroeder. “There’s many hours that no one in the community sees. Spelling bees bring together community, families, staff and students around a shared academic event. It creates traditions much like when I participated when I was in the third grade as well as school pride and belonging. To be part of a spelling bee and to represent your school at a spelling bee for the district is a huge accomplishment.”

Congratulations to the following students who will advance to the next level.

Elementary School Performance Area A 

Aadya Kapoor, Polo Ridge Elementary School, fifth grade

Winning word: FORMULAIC

 

Elementary School Performance Area B 

Remy Cruz Davis, Lebanon Road Elementary School, fifth grade

Winning Word: PORTRAIT

 

Elementary School Performance Area C

Omar Alawad, Elizabeth Traditional Elementary School, fourth grade 

Winning word: BALLAD

 

Elementary School Performance Area D 

Rohan Teja Chalamalasetty, Huntersville Elementary School, fifth grade

Winning word: KAISER

 

Elementary School Performance Area E 

Kshama Ghantasala, Mallard Creek Elementary School, fifth grade

Winning word: RIDDANCE

 

Middle School Performance Area A 

Sai Julakanty, Randolph Middle School, seventh grade

Winning word: BODEGA

 

Middle School Performance Area B 

Jaleah Burke, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, eighth grade

Winning word: MINESTRA

 

K-8 School Performance Area

Kamryn Ballard, North Academy of World Languages, sixth grade

Winning word: WELTERWEIGHT

 

“Any opportunity that we can give our students to showcase their talents is always a plus,” said Dr. Schroeder. “I love to see how proud students are of themselves when they spell a word correctly. It doesn’t matter if it’s their first round or the 21st round. When they spell a word correctly, you see their smile and their sense of relief. They’re so proud of themselves for getting that word correctly, and it’s hard work to stand in front of others and clearly articulate the spelling of a word. So when they get that word correct, that’s a proud moment for them and that’s exciting to see.”