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DES hosts revived islandwide spelling bee
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Posted on Mar 04 2005
Dandan Elementary School will be hosting the revival of the islandwide spelling bee competition, which will be held today, from 8:30 to 12pm at the Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.
Dandan Elementary School principal Jonas Barcinas said he has been concerned why CNMI students seem to be performing poorly at the Scripps National Spelling competition on Guam. He said he has observed the situation for four years now.
This prompted him to write Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos expressing his concerns. He told Inos that preparation was never a factor and that the main reason could be the lack of exposure of students to actual competitions.
He said he saw in previous contests that some of his students would cry even before the contests began. Some of the participants did not even go up on stage for the actual competition. With another competition set this month, Barcinas said he is worried he might see another episode like this.
To remedy this, Barcinas took the liberty to host this year’s islandwide spelling contest. Nine schools will be participating: San Antonio Elementary School, William S. Reyes Elementary School, San Vicente Elementary School, Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School, Oleai Elementary School, Mount Carmel Grade School, Saipan International School and Dandan Elementary School.
Barcinas said the competition aims to build more confidence in the students when they face off again in the spelling bee on Guam.
“The contest [today] will be a preparatory program for the National Spelling Bee contest scheduled on March 19 on Guam,” Barcinas said.
Major sponsors for Saturday’s event are Herman’s Bakery, Coca Cola Beverage Co. (Micronesia) Inc., and LSG Catering Services, as well as other donors and school administrators.
Public School System coordinator for language arts program Stephen Smith will be the quizmaster.
