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Reflections is a TX PTA and national program designed to encourage the arts within the school. Students are asked to reflect on a common theme and use their imaginations to create and submit an original work of art in the medium of their choice — dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography or visual arts. 

The theme this year is “I Belong”. This is a topic we’re excited to promote as we work to foster a sense of belonging here within the vibrant and diverse OTE community. You are invited to discuss with your child and help them to explore their thoughts, feelings and ideas around this topic. Your child may also encounter discussions at school to inspire some thinking around this theme.

Participating in the Reflections program can help your child to develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and inspire a love of learning for success in school and in life. It’s also FUN! The lucky winners will be recognized at the school and awarded with prizes such as art supplies to help foster their creativity. Winners will also have the opportunity to advance for work for prizes at the district, state and national levels.

The deadline to participate in the OTE Reflections program is Wednesday, October 29th. To enter your student’s work, please complete this entry form and return to the Reflections coordinator at amandarmallen@gmail.com, OR use the Google submission form here.  Please note: This is a PTA member program, which means you must be a part of the PTA to enter your student. Join PTA here.

Accessible Arts

Read everything about Reflections on the National PTA website.

These are basic guidelines that all Reflections entries must meet to be eligible on the national level. 

Each entry must be new artwork inspired by the current year’s theme.

• Theme-Inspired: Engage with the theme and create inspired artwork. This is critical to success in Reflections.

• New Artwork: Do not “recycle” artwork by submitting a piece created for other purposes (e.g., homework not related to Reflections; art used in another competition).  

Each entry must be the original work of one student only.

• Individual Originality: Reflections is designed to encourage and recognize individual creativity, artistic assistance from friends, family and/or teachers is not allowed.

• No Group Submissions: Only one student will be awarded for each entry.

• Artwork Details: Titles or artist statements must be the student’s own words and interpretations of the theme.

• Creative Choices: Decisions in the creative process must be made and/or directed by the student. If support is required, it should be limited and appropriate to the student’s grade and needs.

Each entry must contain a title and an artist statement.

• Word Count: Artists statement must include at least 10 words and not exceed 100 words.

• Be Creative and Unique: Each entry submitted in Reflections must have a unique title and artist statement specific to that submission. Learn more about crafting a title and artist statement in the section below.

Each entry using digital technology/software in creation process must consider the following:

• Enhance: Technology/software may be used to develop, enhance and/or present an entry. 

• Original Use: Technology/software may not be use to provide the primary design and/or concept.

• Use Description: Entrants must use the “Additional Details” field on their entry form to briefly describe the tools and method used in the creation process, including any generative elements (10 to 50 words).