What is Reflections?
The PTA Reflections program is a national art program that students from grades Pre-K to 12 are able to participate in. Students who choose to participate will create an on-theme original work in one or more of these categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts. There is also a Special Artist category that students with special needs are encouraged to participate in.
All entries must be related to this year’s theme which is Look Within.
Reflections is a multi-level program where student winners have the opportunity to move up levels from the school, district, region, council, and state PTAs all the way up to the the national PTA level. You can read more about the recognition levels and prizes below.
2019-2020 Call For Entries Details
If your child would like to enter, they must submit an original piece of artwork to the office by Friday, October 11, 2019.
Students may enter into more than one category of their choice, but please review the official rules and category rules below.
Official Rules
Categories
In addition to the official rules above, there are additional details and rules based upon the category you are entering.
Dance Choreography
Film Production
Literature
Music Composition
Photography
Visual Arts
Special Artist
How To Enter
Reflection entries are due in the front office by October 11, 2019.
Entry Form
You may download and print the entry form above, or there will be entry forms available for you to pick up in the office.
Judging
During the evaluation process, judges will consider the following criteria:
Interpretation: How closely the piece relates to the theme, based on the work itself and the artist statement.
Creativity: How creative and original the piece is in its conception of the theme and its presentation.
Technique: The level of skill demonstrated in the basic principles/techniques of the arts area.Judges strongly consider the interpretation of the Reflections theme during the evaluation process. It is suggested that students give their submissions a title that stands out and describes how the piece relates to the student’s personal interpretation of the theme. The following guiding questions can be useful when developing a title and artist statement:
National PTA website, https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections/awards
How does your work relate to the theme?
What is your personal connection to the theme?
What did you use to create your work (e.g., supplies, technology, instrumentation, props, etc.)?
What/who was your inspiration?
Prizes
Artwork that has been submitted to the office will be judged amongst the other submissions from the Stephen Foster. Entries into the Special Artists division will not be judged.
From there, our PTA will choose a selection of entries to send to council and district level PTAs for consideration. Their choices will move on to the state level.
Submissions that make it to the California State PTA level will be considered for one of the following awards.
- Outstanding Interpretation
- Recognition at the California State PTA Annual Convention
- The opportunity to showcase their artwork at the California State PTA Convention Reflections Gallery
- Prizes including an Outstanding Interpretation plaque, award and certificate
- Awards of Excellence
- The opportunity to showcase their artwork at the California State PTA Convention Reflections Gallery
- Prizes including an Award of Excellence medallion, award and certificate
- Awards of Merit
- The opportunity to showcase their artwork at the California State PTA Convention Reflections Gallery
- Prizes including an Award of Merit medallion and certificate
The California PTA choices for Outstanding Interpretation and Award of Excellence will go on to represent California in the National PTA judging round. Of those submitted, over 200 students will receive the following awards from the National PTA.
- Merit Award
- Bronze Medal
- Certificate of Merit
- Work featured in the traveling exhibition
- Award of Excellence
- $200 Young Artist Scholarship
- Silver Medal
- Certificate of Excellence
- Work featured in the traveling exhibition
- Outstanding Interpretation Award
- An expense-paid trip for awardee and chaperone to showcase work on stage at the National PTA Awards and Reflections Celebration
- $800 Young Artist Scholarship
- Gold Medal
- Certificate of Outstanding Interpretation
- Work featured in the traveling exhibition
- $200 Prize for Local PTA Unit
Past Winners
You can view past California State PTA winners here.
You can view past National PTA winners here.
Heros Around me digital exhibit
Outstanding Interpretation Winners 2018-2019
Need Help?
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