What is Reflections?

Reflections is a national arts recognition program sponsored by the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) and being run for the past 50+ years. The program encourages students to explore their creativity through various artistic disciplines, including visual arts, music composition, dance choreography, literature and film production.

Each year, the Reflections program has a different theme that students are invited to interpret through their artwork. The program provides students with an opportunity to express themselves, gain recognition for their talents, and develop their artistic skills. The same artwork is judged at the local unit or school, council, district, state, and national levels, with awards given at each level. Submissions are judged based on creativity, artistic technique, and how well they reflect the theme or their interpretation.

Theme

 This year's (2026-2027)  theme is "What my culture means to me..."

How do I explain  and explore the theme?

It is amazing what the children come up with when they hear the themes! Please have a table for this during the back to school night and arrange a multicultural night to introduce the theme and get more interest in participation!

How to submit entries? 

   Get in touch with your school PTA board/Reflections chair! If you cannot find out, send an email to reflections@fcpta.org

Categories: Students can submit work in six categories:

• Visual Arts 

• Music Composition

• Dance Choreography

• Literature 

• Film Production 

• Photography

Eligibility: The program is open to students of all grade levels, typically from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

How to Participate: Interested students usually need to submit their artwork through their school's PTA. Information about deadlines, rules, and submission procedures can typically be found through the PTA or school communications. Detailed rules can be found here.

Why Reflections? Benefits for Students:

• Provides an outlet for self-expression.

• Engages the critical thinking skills of the students.

• Encourages the development of various artistic skills.

• Builds confidence through recognition of talent.

• Offers a platform for students to showcase their work.

• Why not?! Art makes everyone happy!!

How to craft an entry, National PTA resource :

    https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections/craft-an-entry

You know the theme for this year, now what?

This is an example of how the past year's theme was explored and should give you ideas for this year's theme! Once national pta puts up information regarding this year, it will be updated accordingly. https://ptaourchildren.org/explore-the-2025-2026-pta-reflections-theme-i-belong/

I have a great idea for Reflections theme for the future, what do I do?

  This year, National is exploring a different way of collecting themes directly, look out for more information!