Tule River spelling bee

Spelling for success and self-esteemCompetitive spelling found a new venue Monday as Tule River Indian Reservation pupils from kindergarten to eighth grade matched wits with words for the tribe's first spelling bee.

In part, the groundbreaking event came about because many of the pupils are shy about participating in traditional spelling bees, according to Tribal Temporary Aid for Needy Families co-coordinator Robin Carrillo--and tribal leaders want to do whatever they can to help raise the reading and academic levels of their pupils.