Carol Melton still remembers the word: “Bagatelle.”

Down to the final two competitors in a regional round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee competition years ago – herself, a seventh-grade student who won the New York state title, and another competitor from New York City schools – she was given the word by the moderator.

“When I spelled it, I omitted the ‘e’ at the end,” she recalled, noting the word’s French origin tripped her up.

Despite that word and its correct spelling being permanently singed in her memory, Melton’s appreciation for spelling bees remains. That’s why, when Community Schools revives the district’s elementary spelling bee competition next month, she’ll be returning as moderator.

“Spelling bees help children develop their literacy skills, vocabulary and confidence,” the Morse Elementary teacher’s aide said.

After several years without a spelling bee, Community Schools plans to hold an initial competition at Poughkeepsie Middle School Feb. 20 at 6:15 p.m., the same site and night as the department’s second annual African Diaspora Celebration during Black History Month.

The competition is open to students in grades 3-5. Principals in each elementary school will nominate five students to take part.

“It’s going to be ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ inspired,” Community Schools Executive Director Natasha Brown said, citing the 2006 film. “It’s going to be great.”

It also, she said, is only a first step. She plans to use the bee as a jumping off point. She envisions adding spelling practice sessions to Saturday Morning Lights to sharpen students’ skills to perhaps take part in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in the future. And, next year’s bee will allow for an even wider field.

She said word lists will be sent home with students rather than take up class time with teachers.

“This is a way to encourage parent involvement and engagement,” Brown said. “It’s our hope the parents are going to be the ones helping their children, practicing, learning the words.”

Years ago, the district’s Parent University featured spelling bees. Melton served as the moderator then, too.

She praised the academic value of spelling bees, encouraging reading skills, but also the impact they can have on confidence.

“Because the spelling bees are conducted on a stage and they’re viewed by their peers and family members and whoever else is in attendance, they learn how to handle the pressures associated with that,” Melton said.