REFLECTIONS
“I am Hopeful because…”
That’s the theme for the 2023-2024 Reflections Art Program which has been bringing the arts to life for more than 10 million students since 1969. And California State PTA and its members, families and kids are on the forefront of this amazing program, which increases community awareness of the importance of arts in education.
Reflections encourages students of all ages to:
Unleash creative talents and be inspired
Express themselves imaginatively in their artwork
Experience the fun and joy of making art
Tap into critical-thinking skills to create art inspired by the annual theme
Receive positive recognition for their original works of art.
The Reflections Program was established in 1969 by National PTA board member Mary Lou Anderson. Since that time, more than 10 million students have participated in the program. The program's longevity and participation figures attest to its strength. The excitement and enthusiasm that the program generates for children, parents, schools and communities is unmatched.
Participation and appreciation for the arts is the Reflections Program's goal. Although the Reflections Program follows a "contest" format, winning is not the emphasis.
Students may submit an entry in any of the six arts areas listed below. Only original works of art are accepted. Students may enter more than one work of art but no more than one in each art area. For example, the student may have a Literature entry and a Photography entry. The six arts areas are as follows:
Literature
Musical composition
Photography
Visual arts
Dance Choreography
Film/Video Production
Participation in the Reflections Program is organized by school grade. At Laurelwood, we will judge entries in Transitional Kindergarten-Grade 2 and Grades 3-5.
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 California State 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.
Participation in the California Reflections program is open to all students in attendance at Laurelwood. Please remember that:
Students may submit entries only through Laurelwood PTA.
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.