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Submissions due by November 6th, 2026
More inspiration coming soon...
How to Participate
The participating student or at least 1 person in the student’s family must be a 2026-2027 PTA member. If you haven’t already, get your membership here.
Reflect on the theme “What My Culture Means to Me”.
Create an original piece of art in one or more of the following categories: dance, film, literature, music composition, photography or visual arts. See the Reflections Official Rules and detailed category rules and tips. Students must create the work themselves and cannot have help from others.
Fill out entry form(s) (FORMA DE PARTICIPACIÓN DE ESTUDIANTE)
Bring your completed entries (form and work) to the Cypress Elementary Office or submit it digitally on or before Friday, November 6, 2026
*students who identify as having a disability may enter in the Accessible Arts Division (rules linked below)
Questions? Email: Programs@CypressPTA.org
Can a student submit more than one entry?
Yes! Multiple entries are allowed, including multiple entries in the same category (i.e. 2 literature submissions are allowed). A separate entry form is required for each submission.
What happens after I submit my entry?
First, ALL participants will receive a participation certificate and be celebrated! We will share submissions digitally for the Cypress community to also celebrate our amazing student artists (we will ask for permission first)!
Submissions will be scored according to the National PTA Reflections guidelines. Based on the scores, some submissions may receive school-level Reflections awards and the top submissions will advance to LISD council judging in November. From there, entries may move on to the state and national PTA levels. (see last year’s results and get inspired!)
About Reflections
Reflections is a national PTA program that provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Every year, students create and submit original works of art that are reviewed for their interpretation, creativity, and technique.
This year's theme winner:
The Reflections theme for 2026-2027 is What My Culture Means to Me. The theme was submitted by Sophia Partola from Wilton High School PTSA in Connecticut. Sophia's theme will be used to inspire hundreds of thousands of artists across the nation as they participate in the PTA Reflections art program. Congratulations to Sophia and Connecticut State PTA on this achievement!
Categories
Category Rules
Dance Choreography is the act of creating movement, usually coordinated with music, to represent an idea through dance (e.g., your interpretation of the Reflections theme).
Make up a dance that shows what your culture means to you — different moves, different styles, all representing your culture.
Film Production is the process of making a film. The producer (student submitting the entry) is not required to appear in the film but if the student chooses a tripod may be used. All screenwriting, directing and editing must be done by the student producer. Digital slide presentations (PowerPoint) are not allowed.
Create a short film that tells a story about your culture — your family’s traditions, your friends celebrating, the importance of your history.
Literature is the art of writing. The author (e.g., student submitting the entry) is a person who expresses their own thoughts and ideas through the use of words. Collections of literary work, such as multiple poems or short stories are not accepted.
Write a story, poem, or even a comic about a character who discovers the value of their culture.
Music Composition is the process of creating a new piece of music. The composer (e.g., student submitting entry) is a person who expresses their own thoughts and ideas through the use of sound.
Write a song or piece of music where each instrument or voice adds something special. Together, they make something amazing—just like the different parts of your culture.
Photography is the process of creating an image. By focusing on objects using various lenses, filters and light sources, photographers may demonstrate the use of photographic techniques conventionally or digitally. Collages and collections of photos are not accepted.
Take a picture of a moment that shows a meaningful part of your culture — your holidays, food or clothing.
Visual Arts includes many art forms that are visual in nature. Through combined elements like color, shape, and texture, visual artwork is not only pleasing to look at but also expresses an idea or thought. Collections are not accepted.
Draw, paint, or build something that shows how different pieces can come together to make a beautiful whole—like a puzzle where every piece matters, and every culture is respected.
Accessible Arts Division (Spanish)
Accessible Arts Division is an option for students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504. The division welcomes students of all ages and offers division-specific accommodations to ensure that every student has the chance to participate fully in the program.
More about the PTA Reflections program
“National PTA has a long-standing commitment to arts education. The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. This 50+ year-old program helps them explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life. Students participate in the appropriate division for their grade: Primary (Pre-K - Grade 2), Intermediate (Grades 3-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), High School (Grades 9-12), Special Artist (All grades welcome), and submit their completed works of art in one or more of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.”
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