Spooky Story Writing Contest

Velcome, all Sigourney 5th-grade students! If you are afraid of things that go bump in the night, escape now. If you dare to enter, put on your masked thinking caps and get your creatively bloodcurdling juices flowing, for you have now entered.........the Writing Zone! (cue scary music).

One entry per student.
The first sentence of your story must be "It was a dark and stormy night."
You must include at least four of the five senses within your descriptions. (sight, smell, taste, sound, touch)
Plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification and an unfortunate curse be hexed upon you. (Whahaha.)
Short stories only. Your story is limited to 300 words or less. Failing to comply with the word limit will result in disqualification (refer to #4).
Avoid graphic violence and inappropriate vocabulary or content.
Writing conventions and correct mechanics will be used in the judging criteria. Please proofread carefully. This means, among other things, you should read every sentence to make sure it includes end punctuation.
Prizes (SURPRISES) will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place GRADE level winners on or about October 31st.
All prizes are random and cannot be redeemed for cash value; however, they may be traded among contestant winners.
Winning stories may be made available to the public.
5th-grade stories will be judged by 6th graders.
All judges’ decisions are FINAL.