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For Students and Families

In This Section

Reflections Arts Program

For Students and Families: ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøReflections

 

The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøReflections program provides access to the arts and opportunities for recognition to help students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas using art and to develop confidence and a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life.

The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøReflections Program aims to:

    • Inspire students and families to creatively engage around the annual theme.
      • Share resources to support families' artistic endeavors and access arts education opportunities.
        • Provide student artists access to recognition and celebrations for their creative talent.
        • Encourage continued participation in the arts.
        2025-2026
        Reflections Theme
        The current Reflections theme is I Belong!
         

        2025- 2026 Reflections Theme



        How to Participate

         

        Managed at the state level, Reflections participation depends on each state PTA's forms, deadlines, and guidelines. Students must participate through a PTA and must follow the processes specific to the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøand their state’s program. You cannot submit entries directly to National PTA. 

        What do I do to get started?

        Connect with a local ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøas a first step. Express your interest in participating to your local ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøto collect details on participation options, the submission process, deadlines and arts category and division requirements.

        Not sure if your school has a PTA?
        Check out your school's website, ask someone in your school's front office and use  tool to see what options are available.

        What if my local ºÚÁϳԹÏÍødoes not support the Reflections program?

        Visit your state PTA Reflections website to explore additional participation options that may be available to students without a local PTA.


        Reflections Theme

         

        In Reflections, entries must be inspired by the annual theme. Creativity and uniqueness of your creative interpretation of the theme are highly valued during the review process.

        2025-2026 Reflections is I Belong! Special thanks and congratulations to Ben Morgan from Lewis and Clark Middle School PTSA in Idaho who created this year's Reflections theme. Meet Ben and .

        2025- 2026 Reflections Theme

        Let National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøknow you're participating! 

        Register for the 2025-2026 program to help National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøshow the program's reach and impact. Registration is open until Feb. 1, 2026.  

        Registration Reminders
        • Registration is an opportunity through National PTA. To submit a Reflections entry, you must participate through a ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøunit in your state, even if you complete the registration form.
        • To receive confirmation for your registration, follow the directions outlined in the . Due to the high volume of responses, automatic confirmation via email is not available.


        Reflections Helpful Hints

         
        While students must follow the submission and participation guidelines provided by their PTA, here are handy tips for navigating Reflections and to set yourself up for success. 
        Frequently Asked Questions

        National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøoutlines frequently asked questions and offers general answers about the Reflections program. Topics range from general program details, category-specific tips and participation details.

        Reflections Reminders 

        Here are high-level reminders for students and families to keep in mind while preparing to participate in Reflections:

        • Reflections is a ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøprogram, and any student interested in participating in must do so through a  and in the arts categories and divisions offered.
        • Reflections prioritizes the student artist's interpretation of theme and entries should clearly show a connection to the annual theme. 
        • Student artists must create new, original artwork in response to the annual theme for each Reflections program.
        • Entries must be the original work of one student only and only one student may be recognized for each entry on the national level. 
        Arts Categories and Divisions

        In Reflections, students participate through the arts categories and divisions available through their PTA. Be sure your entries follow the arts category and division rules and requirements outlined by your PTA.

        Arts Categories

        Students create and submit original works of art in the areas of Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts.

        Dance Choreography

        Dance Choreography


        Film

        Film Production


        Literature

        Literature


        Music

        Music Composition


        Photography

        Photography


        Visual Arts

        Visual Arts


        Divisions

        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), Accessible Arts (All grades welcome).

        The Accessible Arts Division is a participation option for students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504. 



        Reflections Celebrations Awards

         
        National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøbelieves that celebrating student achievement in the arts encourages students to keep creating and growing as artists. Positive recognition also strong family engagement, which result in higher rates of student success in school and in life.
         

        Reflections Awards

        For information and questions about the status of your Reflections entry or prizes, contact the most relevant ºÚÁϳԹÏÍølevel for support. 
         
        Local, District, Council Level Awards

        Check out your school's website, ask someone in your school's front office and/or use this  to learn more.

        State Level Awards

        Visit your state PTA's Reflections webpage or contact your state PTA.

        National Level Awards

        National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøannounces national awards on May 1 via the Reflections Awards Page and social media. Winners are contacted by National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍødirectly.

        Additional Reflections Awards

        Join the Annual Reflections Theme Search Contest!

        Each year, through the Annual Reflections Theme Search Contest National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøselects one student theme each year to inspire a future Reflections program. The national winner receives a $100 award and national recognition. Themes are chosen two years in advance.

        Students can participate through a ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøand by following their state PTA's process and guidelines.

        For details on how to join, contact your state PTA or visit the Reflections Awards Page.



        Reflections Navigation



        REFLECTIONS HOME

        Encourage and celebrate student participation in arts education.


        REFLECTIONS
        HISTORY

        Explore over 50 years of Reflections history.


        ARTS ED RESOURCES

        Find art-making activities and learn more about advocating for arts education.