Reflections is one of PTA’s biggest programs that inspires thousands of students every year to showcase their creativity in visual arts, photography, literature, music competition, dance choreography, and film production. It is a program that encourages students to use their creativity to enter artwork that responds to a basic theme. If your PTA has not participated in the Reflections program, you should strongly consider participating during the upcoming school year.
The 2009-10 Reflections theme is “Beauty Is…”, which is sure to bring about a number of creative entries! But why wait until the beginning of the school year to start promoting it? The start of the school year is a busy time for students who are transitioning into new classes, and for teachers who are getting their plans for the year settled. So if you are an incoming Reflections chair who wants to have a successful program at your school next year, take the initiative NOW to start connecting with teachers and parents and encourage them to get on board with Reflections. Encourage students to prepare their artwork over the summer break, when they have the most time. Encourage teachers to integrate Reflections into one of their assignments–and then make entering that work in Reflections optional for the students. All of these are tried-and-true methods to help Reflections thrive at your school, and now is a great time to get a head start!
Just to give you an idea of the timeline, Reflections entries from all participating units are due to 17th District at the beginning of December (in-council units need to submit to their councils at the end of November), which means that you’ll need to establish the deadline for students to submit their entries in late-October/early-November. This means that if you want to give students enough time to prepare their work in the fall, you would have to start promoting it right at the beginning of the school year. Why not get a head start now and make your work in the fall that much easier?
If your school does not have an active Reflections program, but you would like to get one going, please contact Contessa Messiana, 17th District Reflections Program Chair, and she will be happy to help you get started.
