ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø

For ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøLeaders

In This Section

Reflections Arts Program

Welcome ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøReflections Leaders

 
Thank you for your leadership in the National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøReflections program! PTAs at all levels play a crucial role in providing arts education, boosting student confidence and success. The National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøReflections Program helps PTAs:
    • Inspire students and families to creatively engage around the annual theme.
    • Host annual arts education events.
      • Share resources to support families' artistic endeavors.
        • Connect student artists to additional levels of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøreview to earn more awards and prizes.
        • Celebrate student artists and encourage continued participation in the arts.
         

        How to Participate

         

        Reflections is largely managed on the state-level, so PTAs should connect with their state ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøfor opportunities, resources, training, and support. National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøonly accepts entries submitted by state PTAs, so state-level guidance is essential.

        Host a Reflections Program

        Any ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøcan use the Reflections program to foster creativity, family engagement, and celebrate young artists. Hosting depends on whether you will advance entries for further recognition and prizes.

        1. Host and Advance Entries. Work with your state ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøfor training, forms, materials, submission directions, and timelines. The process varies by state.

        2. Host and Celebrate Locally: PTAs can host smaller programs without advancing entries. This helps build capacity for future programs, create community connections, and explore interest in arts programming.



        2025-2026 Reflections Program

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

        Let us know you’re participating!

        Register for the 2024-2025 Reflections program and help National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøshow the reach and impact of the program. Registration is open until Feb. 1, 2026. Completing registration may be required by some state PTAs. Connect with your State Reflections leaders to learn more.  


        Reflections Leader Resources

        Use these general resources provided by National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøto host and enhance your ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøReflections programs. PTAs that will advance artwork for additional review and recognition must use the materials, tools and processes required by their state PTA. To purchase additional promotional materials, awards and recognition supplies, visit . 

        Entry and Support Materials
        Reflections Program Materials

        Along with the materials provided by your state PTA, these template materials can help your ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøhost a Reflections program. 

        Support Materials

        These materials can help you enhance elements of your Reflections program to better serve your participants.

        • Arts Education Materials and Resources: PTAs can help ensure that every child has access to-and takes part in-high quality arts learning experiences. Head to PTA.org/ArtsEd to find resources artmaking activities for families as well as resources to help PTAs deepen their impact as an arts education advocates.

         

        Embracing the Reflections Theme

        Use the theme in your Reflections promotions to inspire students with I Belong! and encourage participation in the program!

        In Reflections, the student artist's interpretation of the theme is critical because each entry must be a new, original creation inspired by the annual theme. Students express their creative interpretation through their original artwork, title and artist statement.

        2025- 2026 Reflections Theme

        Promotion Ideas
        Promotion and Awareness
        • Themed Posters and Flyers: Use theme materials from your state or National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøor design eye-catching posters and flyers.
        • School Promotion: Share calls for entries in morning announcements, a dedicated section of a website or newsletter, social media or school bulletin boards.
        • Video Announcements: Create short videos explaining the theme.
        Engagement and Participation
        • Event Presence: Hand out program materials and answer participant questions at a Reflections table during school events. Set up in high-traffic areas like school entrances, the front office, or the library.
        • Teacher Involvement: Ask teachers to announce the program in classes or during parent-teacher conferences and to incorporate the theme into lessons and projects.
        • Student Volunteers: Engage student leaders or past participants to promote the program in their classes.
        • Special Events: Leverage National Arts in Education Week and National Arts and Humanities Month to boost participation.
        Community Involvement
        • Community Partnerships: Display theme posters in local businesses or community centers.
        • School Art Projects: Engage students in creating murals or other public art installations that reflect the program's theme.
        • Local Business Sponsorships: Seek sponsorships from local businesses to support the program and offer incentives for participation.
        • Community Workshops: Host workshops led by local artists and incorporate the theme into discussions and activities.
        Download Promotion Materials
        Printable Promotional Material 

        Download and customize the Call for Entries Posters to include due dates and other important participation information.

        Social Media Graphics

        Share these materials to promote Reflections on your social media accounts and newsletters. 

        Reflections Logos 

        Use the program logos and theme images to create your own Reflections promotions!



        Reflections and ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøMembership

        Grow Your ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøFamily with Reflections 

        The Reflections program is a benefit available because of your PTA's efforts and commitment to expanding access to the arts. Use National PTA's YOU Belong in PTA materials to start conversations about your accomplishments in advancing arts education and invite others to join.

        Here are a few ideas you can incorporate into your program efforts:

        • Create customized content flyers. Download and personalize Reflections-specific membership flyers to include with Student Entry Packets. Find resources and directions for customization.

        • Make joining quick and easy. Include a membership collection box at celebration events or exhibits, provide membership forms, envelopes, and a collection box to facilitate easy joining.

        • Engage students in recruitment. Have student artists manage a membership table or speak at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍømeetings/events to share how Reflections benefits them.



        Questions?

        Questions?

        Because Reflections is largely managed on the state level, you should first share questions with your State ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøReflections Program or your State PTA to find state-specific Reflections information and support.

        However, National ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøis here to support you. You can also email info@PTA.org.



        Reflections Navigation



        REFLECTIONS HOME

        Encourage and celebrate student participation in arts education.


        AWARDS

        Learn about our winners, events and exhibits and see what you can win!


        ARTS ED RESOURCES

        Apply for a grant and use our toolkit to advocate for arts education.