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.  This year’s theme is “Beauty is…..”

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.

Students may submit an entry in any of the six arts areas.  Guidelines for each category are linked below.  Only original works of art are accepted.  Students may enter more than one work of art.

General Participation Rules

The guidelines for the six arts areas are as follows:
* Literature
* Visual Arts
* Photography
* Musical Composition
* Dance Choreography
* Film Production

If your child is interested in entering the PTA Reflections Program, review the rules for each category, plus the General Participation Rules.  All submitted artwork much have a Reflections Student Entry Form attached.

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- Grade 2 or up to age 7
• Intermediate: Grades 3-5 or ages 8-10
• Middle/Junior: Grades 6-8 or ages 11-13
• Senior: Grades 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 Maryland 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.

Please remember that:

• 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.

Questions?  Contact Kim Booher or Courtney McGee.