Entries due by October 31st
It’s time for Reflections!
Does your student love to draw, dance, write, take photos, compose music, or create films? The PTA Reflections Program is the perfect way for them to shine!
This year’s theme is “I Belong!”. Students can enter in:
Visual Arts, Photography, Music Composition, Film Production, Dance Choreography and Literature.
Students create original works of art inspired by the theme and submit them through their local PTA. Entries are judged at the school level, with top works advancing to Council, State, and National levels of competition.
The program’s goals are to:
-Promote creativity and self-expression among students.
-Celebrate participation, not just winning.
-Give every student a voice in the arts, regardless of skill level.
Outstanding works from Texas advance to National PTA for further recognition, where students can earn awards, scholarships, and opportunities to have their work showcased..
Entry forms and more details will be available starting this upcoming week. please email our Arts and Education chair
Jordan Williams at jwarmstrongreflections@gmail.com
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What Is The Reflections Art Program?
The National PTA Reflections Program is America's oldest and largest arts education program of its kind. Reflections welcomes students of all grade levels (Pre-K to 12th) and abilities to explore and be involved in the arts. Students are encouraged to reflect on the common theme and create original artistic works in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.
Key Points:
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There is no limit on the number of entries per student as long as the rules are followed.
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Each entry must be submitted online though the Reflections Entry Form.
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If you are wanting to submit multiple entries, the Reflections Entry Form must be filled out separately for each submission.
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Reflect the current theme "I am hopeful because..." in each entry.
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In the Artist's Statement space provided in the Reflections Entry Form, explain your art so that the judges understand what you are trying to communicate in your entry.
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PLEASE KEEP ALL ORIGINAL WORK YOU COMPLETED IN A SAFE PLACE IN CASE YOU ARE SELECTED
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Guidelines and requirements must be met or the entry will not be judged (see the program rules above).
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Submit completed entries via Reflections Entry Form ONLINE.
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Entry Deadline: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023
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Please email us with any questions. (jwarmstrongreflections@gmail.com)
Student Guidelines
The Reflections program is open to all John W. Armstrong Elementary students who meet the necessary requirements below:
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Students must be currently enrolled at John W Armstrong Elementary.
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The student or at least one person from their primary household must be a current member of the John W. Armstrong Elementary PTA where the student is participating.
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If you are currently not a member of the PTA, you can join here at https://www.joinpta.org/
Eligible students may enter any or all of the six art categories. Multiple entries within a single arts category are permitted. Each entry must be the original work of one student and created specifically for the Reflections program based on the national theme. Each entry must also conform to the guidelines developed by National PTA.
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Visit our 2022-2023 Reflections Gallery to see examples of entries from last year.
Advancing Entries
Awards:
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All entrants will receive a participation Certificate! Top entries will be recognized on social media if participant would like it shared.
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Ribbons and certificates will be given for the following awards:
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Award of Excellence (blue ribbon)
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Award of Merit (red ribbon)
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Honorable Mention (white ribbon)
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Top entries will be displayed on our website and will be featured in the yearbook.
What’s next:
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Local Award of Excellence entries advance to Garland ISD Council of PTAs judging in November every year.
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If the entry was submitted digitally, it will need to be turned in physically for Council judging.
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A small percentage of entries are awarded at Council; then one entry per age and category (no more than 30 total) advance to the Texas PTA State level. From there they may move on to the National PTA level.
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The Texas PTA judging rules state only a small percentage of items can be awarded at the Council level:
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Overall Award of Excellence 1 per age division and art category; maximum of 30 total items go to State
Award of Excellence (Blue) 10% of the entries, OAE are chosen to move on to State from this group
Award of Merit (Red) 15% of the entries
Honorable Mention (Yellow) 25% of the entries