2025-2026 Reflections
This year's theme is...
What is Reflections?
Reflections is a National PTA arts competition that encourages students to showcase their creativity. If your child enjoys art, they’ll love participating in this year’s program.
Students may submit work in one or more categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, or Visual Arts.
Entries are judged on creativity and interpretation of the theme. Each category has specific rules, so please review them before submitting.
Submission Information
ATTENTION PARENTS:
Failure to follow submission guidelines will result in rejected submissions.
Do not include your child’s name on any artwork, writing, audio, or video. This ensures anonymous judging.
Please refrain from using AI for ideas and artist statements.
Submissions will be accepted:
October 15 - November 10, 2025
Submission Guidelines:
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Download the PTA Reflections Entry form HERE.
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Fill out the form and scan it as pdf document.
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Upload your scanned entry form along with artwork photo/video of your entry HERE.
NOTE: Please keep your original work safe, as a physical submission will be required according to the submission guidelines listed below. The drop-off location will be shared at a later date.
Submission Categories and Requirements:
A student may submit an entry in any of six art categories:
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See rules and guidelines below for each category before submitting entries.
Discovery Elementary PTSA is unable to accept entries that have not met the rules and guidelines set by WSPTA and National PTA.
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). Submissions must be originally choreographed dance composition.
To Portray Your Original Choreography
- Consider the following styles and ensembles, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Folk Dance, Religious Dance, Dance Ensembles (color guard/indoor guard), Ice Skating/Dancing and Gymnastics-floor Routine.
- Show clear relation between choreography and the theme with choreographic style and techniques, background song(s), props and the location to show a clear relation of the dance choreography to the theme.
Submission Checklist
- Student Artist: Must be the original choreographer. Only the choreographer (e.g., student submitting the entry) is recognized for awards.
- Performers:The choreographer may be the performer or one of the performers but does not have to perform in the entry.
- Lengths and Size: Videos must not exceed 5 minutes or 1GB (one gigabyte) in file size.
- Cite Sources:If background music is used, it must be cited on the entry form.
- Formats: Accepted file formats: MP4, MOV, AVI.
- Submit one (1) USB drive with the recorded performance saved as a file in a re-closable manila envelope.
- Label USB drive with student name, title of artwork, category, division, PTA name and state ID number.
- Original signed and completed student entry forms should be securely affixed to the front of the re-closable manila envelope in a sheet protector or plastic sleeve. DO NOT use resealable bags (i.e. Ziplocs).
LABELING AND WRAPPING EXAMPLE:
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. PowerPoint presentations are not allowed. Submissions must be original works, with or without sound, of animation, narrative, documentary, experimental or music video/film.
To Portray Your Original Film
- Consider creating your film in using the following styles:
- Animation: Demonstrates motion by sequencing still objects or using computer-generated graphics.
- Narrative: Tells a fictional story developed by the student.
- Documentary: Presents facts and information.
- Experimental: Explores movement, light and montage.
- Multimedia: Uses a combination of different contents (text, audio, still images, animation, etc.).
- To show a clear relation to the theme, develop a work of fiction or nonfiction and make use of plot and characters, visuals (setting, costumes, animation), sound and background music, editing, etc.
Submission Checklist
- Student Artist: All screenwriting, directing and editing must be done by the student producer. Only the producer (e.g., student submitting the entry) is recognized for awards. The producer is not required to appear in the film.
- PowerPoint: Use of PowerPoint presentations or other pre-made, template-based tools is prohibited.
- Lengths and Size: Videos must not exceed 5 minutes or 1GB (One Gigabyte) in file size.
- Cite Sources: If background music is used, it must be cited on the entry form.
- Formats: Accepted file formats: MP4, MOV, AVI.
- Submit one (1) USB drive with the recorded performance saved as a file in a re-closable manila envelope.
- Label USB drive with student name, title of artwork, category, division, PTA name and state ID number.
- Original signed and completed student entry forms should be securely affixed to the front of the re-closable manila envelope in a sheet protector or plastic sleeve. DO NOT use resealable bags (i.e. Ziplocs).
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. Submissions may be works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, prose, drama, short stories and lyrics.
To Portray Your Original Writing
- Consider the following literary styles, Prose, Poetry, Drama, Reflective Essay, Narrative, Short Story.
- To show a clear relation to the theme, use fiction or non-fiction, plot and characterization, setting and imagery, style, symbolism, etc.
Submission Checklist
- Student Artist: Authors submit a single literary work using grammar, punctuation and spelling appropriate for their grade and/or support needs.
- Word-count: Entry must not exceed 2,000 words.
- Accepted formats: Handwritten & typed entries are accepted on 8.5x11 paper (one sided only). Must number each page.
- Originality: Illustrated entries are acceptable if the visual content is created by the student artist. Only literary content is judged.
- Length Considerations: While there is no minimum word count, entries less than 10 words must be intentionally short, and the artist should explain the creative reason for the shortened entry.
- Copyright: Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified.
- Label back of last page of entries with student name, title, category, division, PTA name and state ID number.
- Original signed and completed student entry forms should be securely affixed to the front of the re-closable manila envelope in a sheet protector or plastic sleeve. DO NOT use resealable bags (i.e. Ziplocs).
LABELING AND WRAPPING EXAMPLE:
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. Entries in the middle and high school grade divisions must include music score/notation. Submissions may be original musical composition, with or without words.
To Portray Your Original Composition
- Consider the following musical styles and instruments, A Cappella, Blues, Choral, Country, Electronic, Hip hop, Jazz, Latin, Musical, Orchestral, Pop, R&B, Religious, Rock, Symphonic/Concert Band and Traditional.
- To show a clear relation to the theme, use structure, melody, rhythm, instruments, lyrics, emotion, etc. to show a clear relation to the theme.
- Explore new methods and make use of instruments, sounds, styles and combinations. All are accepted.
Submission Checklist
- Student Artist: The student submitting the entry must be the composer. This category focuses on original music compositions, rather than songwriting or performance skills. The composition must be the primary focus, and entries are scored on musical elements and style.
- Performers: The composer may be the performer or one of the performers but does not have to perform in the entry.
- Music Recording: Required for all entries.
- Lengths and Size: Audio files must not exceed 5 minutes or 1,000 MB (1,000 megabyte).
- Accepted formats: Audio recording: MP3, WAV. Notation: PDF.
- Copyright: Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified.
- Submit one (1) USB drive recording of the composition in a re-closable manila envelope.
- Submit one (1) copy of music scores and lyrics (middle and high school) electronically on USB drive (PDF) or printed in same re-closable manila envelope. USBs may not be returned.
- Label USB drive with student name, title of artwork, category, division, PTA name and state ID number.
- Original signed and completed student entry forms should be securely affixed to the front of the re-closable manila envelope in a sheet protector or plastic sleeve. DO NOT use resealable bags (i.e. Ziplocs).
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. Submissions may be color or black and white, included techniques: photogram, negative sandwich, and multiple exposure.
To Portray Your Original Artwork
- Consider the following accepted forms of photography: a single photo, panoramic, photomontage (one print of multiple original photos), a multiple exposure, negative sandwich or photogram and original black-and-white and color images.
- Avoid the following unaccepted forms of photography: entries with added graphics and/or non-photographic elements (e.g., lettering, icons), collages and collections of photos, original film (negatives or transparencies) and multidimensional pieces.
- To show a clear relation of the photo to the theme, use objects, lighting and the location.
Submission Checklist
- Student Artist:The photographer (student submitting entry) is a person who captures their own thoughts and ideas with a camera.
- Accepted formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG.
- Sizing: Print images should be between 3x5 to 8x10 inches. Digital should be at least 640x960 pixels and 300 dpi resolution. Mounted prints must not exceed11x14 inches, including matting. Framed photos are not accepted.
- Entries should be mounted on foam core, sturdy cardboard, mat board, or some other rigid material.
- Label back of entries with student name, title, category, division, PTA name and state ID number.
- Mark proper orientation on back of entry.
- Original signed and completed student entry forms should be securely affixed to the front of the re-closable manila envelope in a sheet protector or plastic sleeve. DO NOT use resealable bags (i.e. Ziplocs).
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. Submissions may be drawn, painted in tempera, oil, acrylic, watercolor & t-shirt paints, computer generated art, two-dimensional collage, printmaking, needlework & leather tooling.
To Portray Your Original Artwork
- Consider the following accepted forms of visual arts: Architecture (2D/3D), carpentry, ceramics, collages (combined non-photographic and/or photographic elements), digital art and graphics (drawings/paintings/illustration), crafts, design, dioramas, drawing, fiber work, jewelry, kites, metal etching/punch work, mobiles, painting, printmaking, sculpture and wind chimes.
- Avoid the following unaccepted forms of visual: Reproductions or enlargements of other art work are not accepted.
- Show a clear relation to the theme using art form, use of color, texture, shape, proportion etc. to show a clear relation to the theme.
Submission Checklist
- Student Artist: The artist (student submitting entry) is a person who captures their own thoughts and ideas to create a visual piece of art.
- Accepted formats for digital images: JPEG, JPG, PNG.
- Entries may be created on paper, canvas board, cardboard, hot or cold pressboard, or cut canvas.
- 2D artwork (e.g., painting): Must include at least 1 digital image of artwork for judging. Dimensions must not exceed 24x30 inches, including matting. Paper entries must be mounted on sturdy material like foam core, sturdy cardboard, mat board, or some other rigid material. Framed artwork is not accepted.
- Make sure no material (fabric, string, noodles, beans, beads, etc.) is moving freely off the surface of a work.
- 3D artwork(e.g., sculpture): Must include at least 3 digital images of artwork at different angles for judging. Artwork containing loose materials and/or requiring assembly/repair from transporting is not accepted.
- Label back of entries with student name, title of artwork, category, division, PTA name and state ID number.
- Mark proper orientation on back of entry.
- Original signed and completed student entry forms should be securely affixed to the front of the re-closable manila envelope in a sheet protector or plastic sleeve. DO NOT use resealable bags (i.e. Ziplocs).
- It is highly suggested to protect entries with transparent cellophane wrap or sleeve designed for artwork. DO NOT laminate or use plastic food wrap.
LABELING AND WRAPPING EXAMPLE:
Accessible Arts
The National PTA 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.
