Reflections

PROGRAM INFORMATION

National PTA's Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. This 50+ year-old program helps them explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life. The theme for the 2020-2021 program year is I Matter Because.... Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.

The Reflections Program provides an excellent opportunity for  students of all ages to:

• Unleash their creative abilities

• Experience the joy of creating art

• Discover hidden talents

• Be inspired to be innovative

• Experience recognition and achievement

• Build confidence

• Learn critical thinking skills

• Strive for excellence

ELIGIBILITY

National PTA Reflections welcomes all grades and abilities to explore and be involved in the arts. Annually, thousands of students will reflect on a common theme and create original works of art in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.

Divisions

Primary: PreK-Grade 2

Intermediate: Grade 3-5

Middle/Junior: Grades 6-8

Senior: Grades 9-12

Special Artist: Non-Graded

The Special Artist Division of the National PTA Reflections Program is a non-graded division limited to students with physical, cognitive, or mental health challenges. Rules and guidelines within the Special Artist Division are intended to ensure accessibility to the program and are modeled after the guidelines outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Qualifying students may choose to participate in this non-graded division with non-artistic assistance from an adult/teacher OR they may choose to participate in the general divisions following all arts category rules in the division that most closely aligns to their functional abilities; without assistance.

JUDGING

Students entries are judged in their portrayal and interpretation of the annual theme, use of materials, and any use of simple or variety of techniques applicable to each category. Judging is done at the local school, District, State and National levels respectively.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Today’s PTA and the Reflections Program is dedicated to empowering parents who make a difference in the education, health, and safety of America’s children. You can be of enormous help to PTA and the Reflections Program. Help as little or as much as you can to make our children the best they can be TODAY!

Ways to get involved/what to do:

• Find out more about Reflections at your local school: spread the word at your school.

• Find your Reflections School Chair and volunteer to help out.

• Sign up to become a Reflections School Chair or Co-Chair/Group. Teachers can sign up too!

• Pay to become a PTA member.

• Volunteer to be on the Reflections District Award Ceremony Committee.

• Items include but are not limited to: media announcements/releases, technology support, ceremony design, ushering, artwork display, graphic design, award presentation, certificate design & distribution and much more.

Contact Your PTA Council Reflections Chairperson Lauren Damico for more information.