What My Culture Means to Me

We are excited to officially present this year’s PTA Reflections Students ART Showcase, with the national theme “What My Culture Means to Me.” This program gives every student a unique opportunity to express their perspectives, talents, and interpretations through art. Whether your child loves art, dance, writing, music, photography, or filmmaking, we invite them to take part and create something meaningful around the theme “What My Culture Means to Me.”

What is Reflections?

Reflections is a long-standing National PTA arts enrichment program that encourages creativity and self-expression in students. Each year, a theme is chosen for students to interpret through various art forms.

Below are more details. If you have any questions, need materials or ideas, or would like to volunteer, please contact the PTA at Coronado.es.pta@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support. We are excited to see how our Coronado students interpret “What My Culture Means to Me” and celebrate their voices, stories, and creativity!

How Students Can Participate

Students may submit an original work in one (or more) of the following categories:

● Visual Arts (painting, drawing, collage, etc.)

● Dance / Choreography

● Music Composition

● Literature (poems, short stories, essays)

● Photography

● Film / Video / Digital Media

When creating their piece, students must also prepare and include in their submission an Artist Statement (short narrative) explaining their creative choices and how their work connects to the theme “What My Culture Means to Me.”

Timeline

• September 22, 2026 - Interest Sign-Up Due 

• October 5, 2026 – Online Project turn-in -OR- Drop-off during school hours at Front Office

• October 16, 2026 - Gallery Show in Coronado Library, 5 pm

Why This Matters

● Creative Expression & Voice: Reflections gives students a platform to share their inner thoughts, emotions, and stories—through art.

● Fostering Belonging: This year’s theme invites conversations about inclusion, identity, empathy, and community.

● Recognition & Pride: Participants will have their works displayed, celebrated, and recognized. Some works may advance beyond the school to district or state levels.

● Family & School Engagement: Reflections helps build bridges between students, their families, and school: it encourages discussion, collaboration, and support.

How Parents & Teachers Can Support

● Encourage your child to think about the theme “What My Culture Means to Me” brainstorm, and experiment with mediums.

● Provide time, materials, and feedback (without doing the work for them).

● Help students refine their artist statements—asking questions like “Why did you make that choice?” or “How does this show your culture to you?”

● Promote the program among other families and staff, so more students participate.

● Volunteer to help with judging, exhibition setup, or outreach.

Next Steps

1. Sign Up & Look over the provided detailed guideline packet.

2. Talk with your child about ideas tied to “What My Culture Means to Me.”

3. Work on the art, writing, video, or performance piece.

4. Submit final entry by Oct 5

5. Join us at the showcase event Oct 16 and celebrate our students’ creativity!

Questions?

Contact Madeline Murack call/text: 720-577-5622, coronado.es.pta@gmail.com