Parents and Students

Hello and welcome to the PTA Reflections Program!

We are so excited that you want to encourage your child to explore the arts and to BE CREATIVE!  

Families can support their children’s participation by:

• Creating time and space for students to work on their entries.

• Providing encouragement and needed materials.

• Reading the Category Official Rules with your child or children (i.e. Photography, Visual Arts, etc.).

• Entries should represent students’ unique creativity.

• Adults are welcome to encourage students but are NOT to assist in any way with their interpretation of the theme or artistic expression.  Yes, an open discussion of the theme is appropriate.  Appropriate accommodation for Accessible Arts Division is allowed.

• Volunteering to support the Reflections Program! Promoting the program on social media, assisting with and/or donating items for the celebrations are easy and impactful ways you can volunteer.

• Don't forget!!  There is an Annual Theme Search Contest for students!  The PAPTA search resets on November 1st each year. Students may win $100 from the National PTA!

• Contact us for more information! Reach out to your local PTA or reflections@papta.org to get our most current contact information for your local PTA unit.

General Guidelines

• Each entry must be the work of only one student. Assistance from teachers, parents or friends is not permitted, except in special cases (see the Accessible Arts section of the rules).

• Each entry must be original work that relates to the annual Reflections Program theme. 

• Parents, adults and other children are not permitted to be involved in the creation of the entry except to perform in the categories Dance Choreography, Film Production, and Music Composition. Additional accommodations are permitted in the Accessible Artist divisions.

• A student may develop an entry inside or outside of the school.

• A student may submit entries in more than one arts area and/or multiple entries in a single arts area.

• Each entry must be accompanied by the Student Entry Form, signed by the student and a parent or guardian. Your local PTA/PTSA must provide this form to you as they are specific to each organization.

• Participation encourages creativity and exploration. Students should do their best; crooked lines, incorrect musical notes, or misspelled words are welcomed imperfections that authentically demonstrate the student's abilities.

• Full PAPTA Official Rules can be found here: 2025-26 Entry Rules