PTA Reflections 

 

Reflections is an annual National PTA art program that recognizes creativity and artistry in children from Pre-K through Grade 12.  Every year, our Hounds create original works of art based on the theme in as many of the categories as they choose: Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Dance Choreography, Film Production, and Music Composition.

 

This year’s theme is “Accepting Imperfection”

 

 

RECOGNITION & AWARDS

•  Award of Excellence, Award of Merit, and Honorable Mention winners will receive a ribbon and be recognized on the morning announcements!
• A chance to move on to the Council, State, and National PTA levels and win more awards and prizes!

 

HOW TO ENTER

 

** DIGITAL SUBMISSIONS ONLY **

 

All entries must be submitted digitally by FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 by filling out and uploading your artwork to this form:

 

PTA Reflections Entry Google Form

 

Make sure your artwork conforms to the Official Rules and is prepped and labelled as shown below.  Please keep a hard copy of your artwork in case it is needed at the next level.  If you are submitting multiple entries, you need to fill out an entry form for each entry.

 

All entrants must have a current PTA member in their household for this school year.  Click here to join the SMS PTA.

 

 

OFFICIAL RULES

 

Submission Entry Form

 

Official Participation Rules (Spanish)

Accessible Arts Division Rules

 

Reflections Quick Start Guide

 

Category Rules & Requirements (package your art as described for submitting digitally):

Visual Arts

Photography

Literature

Dance Choreography

Film Production

Music Composition

Summary of All Art Categories

 

 

HOW TO CREATE A DIGITAL VERSION OF YOUR ART:

 

Visual Arts:  Take photos of your artwork on a simple and plain background, then save and label as below.

Photography:  Upload the final high-quality image, then save and label as below.

Dance:  Record a video of your dance, then save and label as below.

Literature:  Type into a document, then save as a PDF (so it cannot be edited) and label as below.  Or, take a clear photo of the neatly handwritten entry, then save and label.

Music:  Record your music or song, then save and label as below.  Take an image or upload the written portion, save and label, then submit along with the audio file.

 

Video Production:  Create your video, edit as needed, then save and label as below.

 

HOW TO LABEL YOUR ART FILES:  Grade#_FirstLast_ArtCategory_ArtworkTitle.FileFormat

Example:  3_SarahJohnson_VisualArt_HopeIsAlive.jpg  (if you have more than one image, add numbers at the end in order)

 

 

INFORMATIONAL VIDEO

PTA Reflections Introduction Video

 

 

FAQ’s

 

How does my child participate?  Your child creates an original work of art in any of the listed categories, making sure to follow the official participation rules.  This is usually done outside of school time and without help from an adult.  Once the artwork is complete, turn in your digital copy (see HOW TO CREATE A DIGITAL VERSION OF YOUR ART above) by filling out this Entry Form by November 8th.

 

Can my child enter more than once?  Yes!  Each student can submit one piece of art in each of the six categories.

 

What is the Artist Statement on the entry form?  It’s important for your child to come up with a meaningful Artist Statement that communicates his or her inspiration for the work and how it relates to the theme. The statement must include at least one sentence and not exceed 100 words.  The Artist Statement makes a huge difference during judging because this is where the artist can explain, in their own words, their thoughts and feelings for the piece.  Interpretation of theme is worth 50% of the judge’s score.

 

Can we submit artwork physically?  No, only digital submissions will be accepted through this online Entry Form.

 

How are the winners selected?  Entries are divided into age division and then art category.  A panel of impartial judges then rates each entry on three criteria: Interpretation of the theme, Creativity, and Technique.  Interpretation of the theme is worth half of the total score, meaning a well-developed concept is more important than technique and mastery of the medium. If two entries are tied, the entry with the higher score for interpretation of theme receives more recognition.  Judges scores will decide who will receive Award of Excellence, Award of Merit, and Honorable Mention awards.

 

How do entries advance?  Entries receiving the Award of Excellence award advance to the next level, Plano ISD Council of PTAs.  From there, entries that receive the Overall Award of Excellence award at the Council level advance to the State level and then possibly the National level.  Students advancing past Council have chances to win monetary prizes for their art!

 

Who can I contact with questions?  You can email your Reflections chair, Robyn Olschewsky, at reflections@smspta.org with any questions.

 

 

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS YEAR’S PTA REFLECTIONS PROGRAM!

 

Visit the 2023-2024 Reflections Gallery to see examples of entries from last year.

  

Celebrating 50+ Years of Reflections

This YouTube Video explores 50 years of the Reflections program. Learn about the impact Reflections has had on students, families, and communities since the program was founded in 1969.