PTA Reflections Contest
What is the Reflections program?
The National PTA Reflections is an 50+ year-old art program that reinforces the importance of arts in education and provides students an opportunity to receive recognition for their creative talents.
Each year, students in grades TK-12 across the country create and submit original works of art in response to a student-created theme selected through the annual Reflections Theme Search Contest.
Artwork is first reviewed at the school level, with an opportunity to advance to regional, state and national levels. Entries are reviewed primarily on how well the student uses their artistic vision to portray the theme while demonstrating their originality and creativity.
The 2024-2025 PTA Reflections theme is: “Accepting Imperfection”
The program 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
By participating, students 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.
Who can participate?
All students at Mountain Meadows Elementary (TK through 5th grade) are invited to participate! Students participate in the appropriate division for their grade:
- Primary (TK - grade 2)
- Intermediate (grades 3-5)
- Special Artist (All grades welcome)
What is the special artist division?
In 2012, the special artist division was created through collaboration between a National PTA volunteer committee and arts professionals with expertise in disability advocacy in the arts. The division offers modified rules and guidelines for students with disabilities, who may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504, to participate in the Reflections program. Students may enter the grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities and be recognized and awarded prizes as part of the general student population OR they may enter the special artist division and be recognized and awarded prizes as part of this division.
See Special Artist Division Rules for California PTA entry requirements.
Art categories
There are six arts categories – dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts. Students may enter the National PTA Reflections Program in one or more arts categories. See each arts category rules for additional entry requirements.
How to enter
Students will create one or more new, original works of art based on this year’s theme, “Accepting Imperfection”….. in any of the six art categories while following the specific rules for each category. Entrants must follow requirements and instructions specific to each arts category and division. Students should not sign or write their name on their artwork prior to submission.
Print the entry form (Forms also available in the school office).
Complete an entry form for each artwork. Please note the following important criteria:
Title of work MUST be included on the form.
An artist statement for each submitted artwork MUST be included. The artist statement communicates what inspired the work, how it relates to the theme and the content of the work. The statement should be in the student’s own words and must include at least 10 words and not exceed 100 words.
If copyrighted background music is used in either dance choreography or film production entries, the music MUST be cited on the entry form. All other use of copyrighted material is prohibited.
Submit the completed entry form along with the student’s artwork to the school office no later than the end of the school day on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.
Reflection events: Save the date!
Family Art Night at Mesa Verde Middle School:
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 6pm
All grades are welcome at this free family event! Supplies will be available for students to brainstorm or get started with creating. Parent/guardian supervision is required. Families must RSVP for the event here. Your signup helps ensure adequate supplies are provided for attendees.
Council Reflections Art Show at Mesa Verde Middle School
Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 6-8 p.m.
This awards event will be held for participants to showcase the work produced by students across the Moorpark Unified School District.
Annual Reflections Theme Search
Each year, students are invited to submit themes for the annual Reflections Art Program that will inspire young artists to create original works. Please review themes from previous years before submitting a theme for 2025-2026, as past themes will not be considered for future submission.
Submit your theme search entries between Sept. 1, 2024 and 5 p.m. Nov. 1, 2024. Visit capta.org/programs-events/reflections for more information about how to submit your student’s ideas.
2023-24 Reflections Committee
Allyson Verity, chair
Jennifer Lawson- Molinets, co-chair
If you have questions or need assistance with art materials or other resources, contact the Mountain Meadows PTA Reflections Chairs at mountainmeadowsreflections@gmail.com.