Over 50 third, fourth, and fifth graders participated in our school spelling bee over the past week. Each grade had three finalists that will be competing on Thursday afterschool to represent Carpenter in the district spelling bee in a couple of weeks. Congratulations to Annie, Brandon, William, Katie, Sara, Joanne, Sam, Sargon, and Zoe. However, as I shared with all of our students, I was impressed with their participation and willingness to take a risk. It is an exceptionally challenging social skill to get up in front of your peers, particularly with a chance of making an error at some point. Our groups were all respectful of one another and supported each other when they were correct and incorrect. I was proud of all them. Good luck to our finalists! Thank you to Mrs. Douglass, our coordinator, and to Mrs. Stevens who supported the process during their own lunches.