The program is designed to enhance rather than replace a quality arts education. It provides opportunities for students to express themselves and to receive positive recognition for National PTAs Reflections their artistic efforts. Parents, teachers, and community members all play a critical role in fostering a positive learning environment for children.

ü Participation

Young artists participate in the Reflections Program through their local PTA or PTSA. A student may submit an entry in any of the six arts areas listed below. Only original works of art are accepted.

Each PTSA/PTA Unit site will chose their input deadline based on the Council deadlines.  Check your unit website for your schools input deadline.

ü Grade divisions

• Primary (preschool-grade 2) or up to age 7
• Intermediate (grades 3-5) or ages 8 - 10
• Middle/Junior (grades 6-8) or ages 11 - 13
• Senior (grades 9-12) or ages 14

The Reflections Program is structured for PTAs to recognize students at the local, council, district, state, and national levels. Entries are first judged at the local level, where selected works, are chosen to represent the PTA at each subsequent level-council, district, or state-depending on each state PTAs structure. Once entries reach the state level, the state PTA may select entries to submit to the National PTA. Awards of Excellence and Awards of Merit are recognized at the annual National PTA Convention and are displayed as a part of the programs traveling exhibit.

ü Council and Fourth District Recognition and Honors

Professionals working individuals in the literature, musical composition, photography, and visual arts fields volunteer to judge student entries at the district level. Awards of Excellence, Merit, and Distinction are selected in each grade division for each of the four arts areas.

Awards will be given at an awards reception that will take place at the opening of a show of the works that make it to the Capistrano Unified Council PTSA level and to the Fourth District level, for public viewing.

ü Deadline for Entries

ü General rules

Please remember that:

• Students may submit entries only through a PTA or PTSA in good standing
• All entries submitted must be original works and must relate to the annual Reflections Program theme
• Each entry must be the work of only one student. Assistance from teachers, parents, or friends is not permitted except in special cases (such as for those with visual or physical disabilities)
• Participation encourages creativity and exploration. Students should do their best, but crooked lines, incorrect musical notes, or misspelled words do not disqualify anyone.