What Is Reflections?
The National PTA Reflections Program is an arts recognition and achievement program for students. The Reflections Program provides opportunities for students to express themselves creatively and to receive positive recognition for original works of art inspired by a pre-selected theme, while increasing community awareness on the importance of the arts in education.
The Reflections Program was established in 1969 by National PTA board member Mary Lou Anderson. Since that time, more than 10 million students have participated in the program. The program’s longevity and participation figures attest to its strength. The excitement and enthusiasm that the program generates for children, parents, schools and communities is unmatched.
Participation and appreciation for the arts is the Reflections Program’s goal. Although the Reflections Program follows a “contest” format, winning should not be the emphasis.
Participation in the Reflections Program is a great way for students to explore and learn about various art forms. Creating art is a valuable learning process that challenges students to use their critical thinking skills as well as their creative talents to create art that supports a specific theme.
How to Participate
Students may submit an entry in any of the six arts areas listed below. Only original works of art are accepted. Depending on local PTA guidelines, students may enter more than one work of art. The six arts areas are as follows:
- Literature
- Musical composition
- Photography
- Visual arts
- Dance Choreography
- Film/Video Production
Participation in the Reflections Program is organized by school grade. Student works are critiqued against others in the same grade division. This allows recognition and judging of artworks by appropriate developmental age and skill levels. The four grade divisions are as follows:
- Primary: Preschool, Kindergarten – Grade 2 (or up to age 7)
- Intermediate: Grade 3-5 (or ages 8-10)
- Middle/Junior: Grade 6-8 (or ages 11-13)
- Senior: Grade 9-12 (or ages 14+)
The Reflections Program is structured for PTAs to recognize students at the local unit, council, PTA district, state and national levels. Entries are first judged at the local unit level, where selected works are chosen to represent the PTA at each subsequent level. Once entries reach the level of the California State PTA, entries may be selected for submission to the National PTA. Award of Excellence and Awards of Merit are recognized at the annual National PTA convention and are displayed as part of the program’s traveling exhibit.
Participation in the California Reflections program is open to all students in attendance at PTA/PTSA schools where the program is sponsored. Entries are submitted to the PTA unit (school) by their own established deadline. Selected entries are then submitted to 17th District (through the PTA council, if applicable) and are judged at the district level. The “Award of Excellence” winners in each category/grade division are submitted to California State PTA, and their top winners in each category/grade division are submitted to National PTA.
Please remember that:
- Students may submit entries only through a PTA or PTSA in good standing. (PTA/PTSA units in good standing have submitted per capita for at least 15 members and made their insurance payment by the November deadline.
- All entries submitted must be original works and must relate to the annual Reflections Program theme.
- Each entry must be the work of only one student. Assistance from teachers, parents or friends is not permitted except in special cases (such as for those with visual or physical disabilities)
- Participation encourages creativity and exploration. Students should do their best, but crooked lines, incorrect musical notes, or misspelled words do not disqualify anyone.
Where Entries Move On To
Units that are in-council will submit entries receiving Outstanding Interpretation of Theme, Award of Excellence, and Award of Merit on to their Council Reflections Chair, and units that are out-of-council will submit these entries directly to 17th District. Councils will also forward all received entries on to 17th District; there is no judging at the Council level.
17th District will then judge these entries and the winning entries are announced here. Only the 1st Place winners from each division/category at the district level will move on to State PTA. The State winners will be announced in March, and will be on display at the State PTA Convention in Anaheim (May 9-12, 2012). Entrants who receive an Award of Excellence at State PTA will be invited to attend Convention to receive an award, and these entries will move onto National PTA. National PTA winners will be announced in May and displayed at the PTA National Convention in San Jose, CA (June 2012).
If you have any further questions, please contact Christine Semenza, 17th District Reflections Chair for more information.
