Reflections

2025-26 Arts in Education Chair: Sarah Wilson

The arts are a vital element of a complete and competitive education. Reflections is a National PTA art recognition program that encourages students of all ages and abilities to experience the benefits of creative expression to tell their unique story. It is one of the oldest and largest nationwide programs of its kind, with more than 200,000 students participating annually.

2025-2026 Reflections Theme: I Belong!

For entry forms and rules in English or Spanish, visit www.txpta.org/reflections-participation.

Each entry must be the original work of one student and reflect this year’s theme: I Belong!

Students may participate in one or more of the following categories:

Arts Categories:

Visual Arts (2D only)
Literature
Photography
Music Composition
Dance Choreography
Film Production

Grade Divisions:

Primary: Preschool – Grade 2
Intermediate: Grades 3-5
Middle School: Grades 6-8
High School: Grades 9-12
Accessible Arts (All Grades) – If you believe your entry qualifies for this division, please review the Accessible Arts Guidelines (English) | Spanish.

Reflections Checklist

Register with Texas PTA as your PTA's Reflections Chair
Complete the Council Reflections Participation Survey
List your Chair or main Reflections contact on the Council Executive Board Registration Form under Arts in Education/Reflections Chair
PTA Eligibility: Your PTA must be in Active Status with TX PTA by October 31 and pay Council dues.
- - Entries advanced to Council from ineligible PTAs will not be judge
  - PTAs not in Good Standing may affect student award eligibility at TX PTA

rEFLECTIONS Timeline

May – October: Promote the theme using 2025-26 Promotional Materials and TX PTA resources.

Tip: Highest participation happens when teachers use the theme as an English/Fine Arts assignment or extra credit.

- 1. - July: Set your local due date for entries (suggested: Oct. 24). Decide program format (all-digital, physical, or hybrid).
      - For physical entries, plan to scan/photograph entries advancing to Council.
      - See How to Host a Virtual Reflections Program.

July - September: Recruit committee volunteers and judges → Judging Guidelines

August: Distribute Flyers and Program Rules & Guidelines

August - September: Attend Council Reflections Workshops (see Training section)

October - November: Review entries (rules compliance, plagiarism, and completed forms) and facilitate judging → Leader Resources
Verify PTA membership for advancing entries (top 20% per arts category & division), and complete the TX PTA Advancing Entry Spreadsheet and Local PTA Participation Summary.

November 13: Council Deadline → Submit advancing entries digitally via Council Google Form (available in October)

December – March: Recognize campus participants & thank volunteers
- Use Free downloadable Reflections Certificate or purchase themed ribbons/certificates via Shop PTA
February: Share the Council Awards Ceremony invitation with students receiving a Council Award of Excellence, Award of Merit, or Honorable Mention.
May onward: Promote 2026–27 theme: What My Culture Means to Me (great summer project!)

Training

Council Workshops:
- Aug. 21, 2025 @ 12 PM – Getting Started
- Sept. 18, 2025 @ 11 AM – Next Steps
TX PTA Local Level Reflections Training - Basics for the School Level (45-minute video)

Important Dates

Oct 24, 2025 – Suggested Local PTA deadline for student entries
Late Oct/Early Nov – Hold local judging (advance top 20% per category/division)
Nov 5, 2025 – TX PTA theme search deadline
Nov 13, 2025 - Council Advancing Entry Deadline (digital submissions only - form available in October)
January - Council results released
March 23, 2026 | 6:30–8:30 PM – Council Reflections Awards Ceremony, MacArthur High School Auditorium