New York University

New York University

The Office of Public Affairs

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

N-469, 2007-08

MEDIA ALERT / PHOTO OP

Fifty Spanish-speaking students from across New York City and State, most of them recent immigrants or children of immigrants will demonstrate their mastery of their native Spanish language by competing in the 2008 New York State Spanish Spelling Bee. The 50 competing students have reached this competition after competing at their schools and in their school districts.

“We are very proud to support these bright, young Spanish speakers and learners as they demonstrate their academic skills,” says Nellie Mulkay, director of the New York State Spanish Bilingual Education Technical Assistance Center (BETAC) at New York University. “Research shows that strengthening skills in the students’ native language improves academic achievement in English,” she notes.

This competition is sponsored by NYS Education Department Office of Bilingual Education and Foreign Language Services in collaboration with New York State public schools, districts and BOCES and Lectorum/Scholastic, Inc.

• What: 2008 New York State Spanish Spelling Bee
• Who: Fifty 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th graders from New York City and State public schools
• Where: The Auditorium at Scholastic, Inc., 557 Broadway (between Spring and Prince Streets, Manhattan)
• When: Friday, May 30th, Introductions begins at 9:00 a.m., Spelling Bee begins at approximately 10:00 a.m.