THEME: I AM HOPEFUL BECAUSE...

About the program

Reflections is a National PTA arts in education program. The program was started in 1969 and is the largest arts program of its kind in the United States. Students have the opportunity to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works created around a theme that changes each year. The theme for the 2023-2024 year is: I am Hopeful Because...

Reflections Categories

A student may submit entries in Any or All (one submission per category) of six categories. 

Please review the rules for each category as LWSD Council does not accept any entries that deviate from the rules. 

• Dance Choreography 
• Film Production 
• Literature 
• Music Composition
• Photography 
• Visual Art — 2D entries ONLY 
  
  
  

Reflections Divisions

Participation is organized by student age and grade levels. Student works are critiqued against others in the same grade division. The grade divisions are:

• Primary: Preschool – Grade 2
• Intermediate: Grades 3 – 5
• Additionally, the Special Artist division is an option for students with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  
  

Submission Process and Entry Information

• The student entry package (Student Entry Packet (PDF)) includes all the information regarding how to enter the competition and rules.
• Please submit your original art works in digital format, along with student entry form to the Ella Baker PTSA Reflections team, reflection@ellabakerptsa.org, by Oct. 31st, 2023.
• Student Entry Form | en español (fillable PDF)
  
  

Judging

Entries are judged anonymously on creative ability and interpretation of the theme. 

2023-2024 Key Dates 

• Tuesday, October 31, 2023 —Submission to Ella Baker PTSA Reflections team
• Monday, November 20, 2023 (Before 10 pm) —Submission from PTSA to council
• Friday, December 1 to Friday, December 15, 2023 — Council judging process
• Friday, January 5, 2024 — Target date to announce Council winners
• Thursday, January 18, 2024 (Noon) — Council entries due to WSPTA (LWPTSA Council Reflections chair will upload all advancing entries.)
• Friday, January 19, 2024 – Open house (finalist celebration)
• March 2024 — Results of WSPTA Reflections competition announced
• May 2024 — Results of National PTA Reflections competition announced

Resources 

For additional details please check out the following resources  

Lake Washington PTSA Council Reflections 

National PTA Reflections Arts Program  

Contact reflection@ellabakerptsa.org