HOW TO BEGIN

The PTA Reflections Program was described by its founder, Mary Lou Anderson, as “almost too simple.”  That simplicity—of asking children to express themselves artistically based on a common theme—is the foundation of this long-standing PTA program.

Students submit artwork to their local PTAs. Works are judged at the local level and the winning entries advance to the council, region, and then state PTA levels. Top state award–winning entries advance to the national level of judging.

Each level of Reflections Program judging follows a set of projects that include:

·                     Appointing a Reflections chair (or forming a Reflections committee)

·                     Establishing a timeline

·                     Promoting the program

·                     Distributing the rules, deadlines, and entry forms

·                     Collecting artwork for judging

·                     Organizing and hosting the judging

·                     Celebrating the winners

·                     Submitting winning artwork and required forms to the next level of judging

·                     Returning the remaining artwork to students

Please note: Only PTAs in good standing may host the Reflections Program.

            Students may submit works in any of the eight arts areas:

            (Your school can promote 1 art area or all 8)

            Dance choreography                           Film production

            Literature                                            Musical composition

            Photography                                        Specified Category Photography

            Visual arts                                           Specified Category Visual Arts

Grade Divisions

            Students should enter the Reflections Program in the appropriate division for their grade. The divisions are as follows:                                     Primary: preschool–grade 2

                                                                        Intermediate: grades 3–5

                                                                        Middle/Junior: grades 6–8

                                                                        Senior: grades 9–12