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Spicewood Elementary UIL A+ Academics Competition Round Rock ISDThe program of academic competition for elementary, middle school and junior high officially became "A+ Academics" in 2008. A+ Academics includes 20 different events for grades 2-8. These events span the curriculum - they are designed to complement and expand upon what students learn in the classroom, both through learning specific subject knowledge, and through learning skills that are valuable in many disciplines. Approximately 3,000 Texas schools participate in A+ Academics, competing in more than 300 district meets each year.Spicewood Elementary will participate in the following events for the 2014-15 School Year:Story Telling(2nd Grade)Story Telling(3rd Grade)Spelling(3rd Grade)Spelling(4th Grade)Spelling(5th Grade)Number Sense(4th Grade)Number Sense(5th Grade)StorytellingTo tell a story, the participant must develop skills in listening, thinking and speaking. This contest also allows for the development of creative expression, something being given more attention in the professional world. For practice, teachers can use stories from any good children's books or magazines. Contestants in the second and third grades shall listen to a storyteller read a brief story (between 600 and 1100 words long) only once, and then retell that story in their own words before a judge or judges. There are no time restrictions on the length of the story the student creates.SpellingThe spelling contest is designed to give students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 exposure to a wide variety of vocabulary words. It is not a contest of memorization. For the most educational value, preparation for this contest should include instruction in the rules of the English language, meanings and definitions, and root words. In addition to learning to spell proficiently, contestants will learn to write clearly and to capitalize words properly. Students will write down words given by the pronouncer on their paper at a rate of approximately five words per minute.(A) Grades 3 and 4: 50 words; tiebreaker, 15 words.(B) Grades 5 and 6: 80 words; tiebreaker, 20 words.The tiebreaker is given to all contestants immediately following the initial test.Number SenseIndividuals are called upon every day to use their ability to make quick mental calculations to make decisions. The development of such abilities should be an integral part of the math curriculum. Concepts covered include, but are not limited to: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, proportions, and use of mathematic notation. Students will be given a 10-minute, fill-in-the-blank test which they must complete without doing calculations on paper or on a calculator. Erasures and mark-outs are not permitted.Materials Provided? A+ Handbook for 2014-15? Spelling List for Grades 3-5? Elementary Study Booklet (w/ sample tests from 2013-14) for:Number Sense for Grades 4-5Storytelling for Grades 2-3? T-Shirts will be provided to all participants for contestTimelineJanuary 16, 2015 – Final event and grade level participant listEnd of February – Spicewood preliminary competition for choosing the school representatives (3 representatives for each category)March 7 – RRISD Inaugural A+ Academic UIL Competition at Walsh Middle School (Time TBA)CoachesIf you are interested in participating as a coach for any category, please contact to the following e-mail address : spicewoodptaedcomp@? Learn the rulesCoaches should carefully read the rules for each contest for which they are responsible. Current rules can be found in the A+ Handbook and on the UIL web site. They are also in the Constitution and Contest Rules, which is posted on the UIL web site and which may be purchased using the Academic Study Materials Order Form found on the UIL web site. The principal or campus coordinator should see that every coach has a copy of the appropriate rules. In addition, coordinators should regularly check the A+ web site for any notices, corrections or clarifications. Updates and online Leaguer articles concerning A+ academic programs are posted on the web throughout the year. ? Attend invitational meetsAttend and/or host an invitational meet. It’s the best way to learn the format of the contests and how to run the contests. It’s also a great chance to network with other coaches.? Use study materialsUtilize study materials published by UIL. An Academic Study Material Order Form is available on the web. Materials may also be purchased through the UIL online store. ? Be the initiatorSomeone must initiate the process that can provide an academic competitive experience for students. Coaches should expect an enthusiastic response from almost every student and parent, but they have to be prepared to provide the time and resources it takes to have a successful program. ................
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