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Reflections Arts Program

For Program Leaders: PTA Reflections

Through the National PTA Reflections program, PTAs at all levels invite student artists to submit original works of art inspired by the annual theme. After an artwork review, PTAs announce and celebrate winners and advance winners to potentially receive state and national recognition.

See what each section has to offer, then click the link to go directly to the information you need:


2026-2027 Reflections Registration
Let National PTA know you are participating in Reflections!
 

Register Now


Getting Started

 

Reflections is largely managed by state PTAs. PTAs within each state host the program based on the guidelines from their state PTA. Visit your state PTA Reflections webpage to find deadlines, learn how to submit an entry, and verify eligibility. 

The Role of a Reflections Chair

To host a Reflections program, PTAs collect, review and celebrate Reflections artwork. PTAs may also advance artwork for additional recognition based on state rules.  

Get Started: Download the Program Leader Checklist (en español) and review the role responsibilities.

Role Responsibilities

The role will vary based on your school and community, PTA level and state PTA. District, council, region, SEPTA and community PTAs may also have additional tasks. Connect with your state PTA for guidance on other responsibilities.

Generally, tasks and responsibilities include: 

  • Set Program Goals: Develop goals for student participation and volunteer recruitment. Oversee the planning of tasks, timelines and duties.
  • Share Your Participation: Let your state PTA know you are participating. Complete the national Reflections Registration to share your participation with National PTA.
  • Recruit Volunteers: Recruit a PTA Reflections committee and volunteer reviewers. 
  • Develop and Share Program Materials: Distribute materials to students and families and garner support from school and community partners.
  • Collect and Organize Entries: Set up a simple submission process for students and families. Organize entries for review, checking for eligibility and entry requirements. 
  • Artwork Review: Conduct a fair review of student artwork to select student winners. 
  • Advance Finalists: Move winning submissions to next level for additional awards and recognition. 
    • Celebrate Winners: Coordinate celebration and recognition for student winners.

    Advancing Reflections Entries 

    Reflections is a multi-level contest. Depending on the state, PTAs can advance entries for additional awards. Qualifying entries may be eligible for national-level awards. 

    Get Started: PTA that will advance entries, should contact their state PTA for next steps and program details like state-specific requirements, how to advance an entry, and the deadlines. PTAs cannot advance entries directly to National PTA.

    Host Without Advancing Entries

    PTAs can host Reflections even if their state does not participate or if they wish to pilot the program. While entries will not be eligible for national awards, community-focused arts engagement and celebrations still engage and benefit the community. 

    Get Started: Use the PTA Leader Guide to Reflections to understand the program and start setting up your timeline and processes.

    Reflections Program Resources

     

    Along with tools, materials and support provided by your state PTA, National PTA provides general program resources (Entry Form, Templates, Guides) and promotion materials (Theme Graphics, Program Logos) to support PTAs hosting the program.

    Download Program Materials


    Use these resources to promote and manage your program, collect and review Reflections entries and celebrate student artists. Additional materials may be required and/or available through your state PTA. 

    Program Materials
    • Template Student Certificate (English)
    Upon request, National PTA may be able to provide a template Google Entry Form to support digital entry collection. Email Reflections@PTA.org to learn more. 
    Posters, Graphics and Logos
    Posters
    Graphics
    Logos and Category Images/Icons
    Reflections Art-Making Worksheets

    Reflections Theme

     

    In Reflections, each entry must be an original creation inspired by the annual student-created Reflections theme. PTAs should build the theme into promotion and training to ensure participants understand how important it is in the program.

    The 2026-2027 Reflections program theme is "What My Culture Means to Me." This theme was created by Sophia Partola from Wilton High School PTSA in Connecticut.

    Reflections - What My Culture Means to Me

    Explore the Reflections Theme


    Take your promotion further and create long-lasting impact by embedding the theme in your PTA programming. 

    Use the Theme in PTA Programs

    The theme is an opportunity for PTAs and schools to use the arts to strengthen school communities.

    Learn More

    When students share what their culture means to them, they help classmates, educators and families better understand the many stories and perspectives that make a community whole. Help students engage with the theme by offering thoughtful opportunities for cultural learning, storytelling and exchange that invite students and families to share what is meaningful to them. 

    The key is to approach culture with care. Use this National PTA guide to learn more about welcoming diverse perspectives in your community.

    Ideas for Using the Theme in PTA Programs 

    A strong PTA program that explores or celebrates culture will create space for students and families to speak for themselves, share what matters to them and learn from one another with respect.

    Learn More

    Consider these ideas for embedding the theme and culture exploration into your PTA's programming:

    • Traditional Craft Workshop: Welcome parents or community members to host workshops dedicated to sharing crafts that express their cultural traditions.
    • Culture Writing Contest: Work with teachers and host a writing contest that encourages students to research and explore different cultures in your community, not just their own.
    • Map Your Neighborhood: Encourage families to get outside to create a personalized map of their neighborhood and the people who live in it.
    • Community Documentaries: Welcome your entire school to document their role in your community, compile what you receive and host a school-wide premiere that helps everyone feel proud of their culture and how it creates your community.  

    Program Idea: Multicultural Festival 

    Many schools and PTA already host an annual culture-focused festival or fair that can easily be connected to the 2026-2027 Reflections theme.

    Explore standout ideas from 2025-2027 PTA Schools of Excellence to help inspire and plan your festival.

    James Foster Elementary PTA
    James Foster Elementary PTA (Saugus, California)

    In 2025-2026 school year, the PTA hosted their 2nd Annual Multicultural Festival showing 16 countries through education stations hosted by community members.

    • Activities: Families shared different foods, traditions and encouraged students to collect passport stickers for their booth by learning a new word or doing the craft representing the country
    • Performances: A local junior high’s mariachi band, a Folklorico dance team, a Chinese Fan Dancing team
    • Engagement: PTA collaborated with the school administrators to implement an "Around the World" spirit week to encourage participation for the festival and engage all students. 
    • Highlight: The experience showed how significant an impact cultural exploration can have on parents and families. One parent shared, “You meant to make an impact on the kids, but you have no idea how much of an impact it had on the adults. You wanted to create appreciation, but it’s also created acceptance."
    Lawler Middle School
    Lawler Middle School (Frisco, Texas)

    In 2025-2026 school year, the PTA hosted a Multicultural Night to create accessible and meaningful ways for families to engage with the campus.

    • Activities: Showcased PTA Reflections participants and their artwork, giving families an opportunity to celebrate their students' creativity and accomplishments while highlighting the many talents within our school community.
    • Engagement: Conducted an in-person parent survey, allowing us to connect directly with families and hear their perspectives.
    • Highlight: The event created meaningful opportunities for connection, conversation, and family engagement.
    Washington Drive Primary School PTA
    Washington Drive Primary School PTA (Greenlawn, New York)

    The PTA collaborated closely with school administration and family volunteers to launch an inclusive, building-wide initiative culminating in an inaugural Multicultural Night.

    •  Activities: Stations represented countries spanning Asia, Europe, South America, and Africa. Students receiving a “boarding pass” for admission and a "passport.” To earn stamps, students had to actively engage with presenters, ask questions, sample traditional foods, and explore artifacts.
    • Engagement: Engaging students directly in performances and celebrations, like the cultural fashion show, and welcoming all generations to participate in the activities helped the PTA emphasize that all family members are key to the school’s collective strength
    • Student Success: Impactful learning is tangible, experiential, and reflects the student's world. By inviting families to teach the community about their heritage, the PTA showed students that their homes, languages, and cultures are foundational to academic and social success. 
    • Looking Ahead: The PTA plans to further impact by integrating next year’s fair into the K-2 social studies curriculum and creating a digital "Culture Cookbook" compiled from the family food samples.
    Cora Kelly Elementary Magnet School PTA
    Cora Kelly Elementary Magnet School PTA (Alexandria, Virginia)

    Deepening the impact of their Multicultural Night, the PTA engaged the entire community in the creation of a Master School Quilt which served to collectively celebrate the diversity and unique identities of the student community. 

    • Activities: Using cardstock, every classroom created colorful quilt squares that reflected students' cultures, experiences, interests, and aspirations. The individual squares were then combined into large collaborative displays that showcased the rich diversity of our school community.
    • Engagement: The final displays became a centerpiece of Multicultural Night, sparking conversations, celebrating student voices, and reinforcing a sense of belonging for families from all backgrounds.
    • Highlight: The project demonstrated that meaningful family and student engagement is not dependent on large budgets, but on creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to ensuring every voice is represented.  
    • Lessons Learned: Initially, the PTA planned to have every child design an individual quilt square that would be professionally assembled and quilted. When this idea proved to exceed their budget, the PTA adapted the project to fit existing resources while preserving its purpose and impact.
    Looking for something else?
    Visit the Students and Families page for information and tips about interpretating and creating artwork based on the 2026-2027 Reflections theme, "What My Culture Means to Me."

    PTA Leader Guide to Reflections

     

    The PTA Leader Guide to Reflections outlines how to host a successful PTA Reflections program. The Guide is relevant to all levels of PTA; however, a State Leader Guide is available to state PTA leaders in the hidden, State Reflections Library. Email National PTA to request access.

    How to Use the Guide


    The Guide aligns with each step in the PTA Leader Program Checklist (en español)—Planning, Promoting, Hosting, Celebrating and Program Wrap-Up. While the checklist offers high-level details to help you get started, the Guide helps you take action and deepen your work.   

    Click the each step to find specific resources, templates and advice from National PTA. 

    Planning


    As a PTA Reflections leader you are responsible for creating an easy to follow participation pathway for students and families and, as relevant, successfully collaborating with other levels of PTA in your state.

    The following planning areas will have the most impact on the efficiency and impact of your efforts. Consider each as you create goals and strategy for your program.

    Key Resource: Create a SMARTIE Goals and Project Plan (en español) to get organized and set reachable goals for your Reflections program.

    Arts Categories and Divisions

    Arts Categories and Divisions

    While Reflections offers six arts categories, your PTA can choose one or more of the available arts categories based on goals, capacity and community interest.

    PTAs can also offer the Accessible Arts division as a participation pathway for students with disabilities. The division welcomes students of all ages and offers division-specific accommodations to ensure that every student has the chance to participate fully in the program.

    Planning Tip

    If new to Reflections, consider offering 1-2 categories to measure interest in your community. Popular starting categories are Visual Arts, Photography and Literature. After your contest, survey your community to find what other categories you should offer.

    Learn More

    Find details and national-level requirements for each category and the Accessible Arts division on our  Craft an Entry page. 

    Program Timeline

    Program Timeline

    If advancing entries, work backwards from the deadline to send entries to the next level. Program timelines generally look like the following, but each state may vary:

    • April – August: Connect with state PTA to begin program planning and promotion
    • September – October: Local PTA Launch, Deadlines and review
    • November – January: District/council/region PTA deadlines and review
    • January – February: State PTA deadlines and review
    • March – May: National PTA deadlines and review
    Planning Tip

    Keep these timing considerations in mind:

    • Give students roughly a month from your launch to submit entries.
    • Depending on the number of entries you receive, organizing entries can take a day or a week.
    • To set your review timeline, work backwards from the deadline to advance entries. 
    • Give judges two weeks at minimum to review entries.
    Recruit Program Volunteers

    Recruit Program Volunteers

    Outline specific roles to understand what skills and/or availability you should look for when recruiting volunteers. As you're able, align people to roles based on interest to support consistent and impactful engagement. 

    Seek parents, teachers, staff and/or older students to support program implementation and critical roles like:

    • Publicist: Promote Reflections and share event invites and announcements.
    • Judging Coordinator: Recruit judges, organize artwork, support judges.
    • Computer Wiz: Organize entry info, prepare awards, list advancing students.
    • Celebration Coordinator: Exhibit artwork, prepare awards, lead event activities.

    Awards and Celebration

    Awards and Celebration

    While planning, work to determine what awards, recognition and celebrations you will provide to participants and winners based on your goals, capacity and timeline.

    National PTA recommends and uses the following award classifications:

    • Award of Merit
    • Award of Excellence
    • Outstanding Interpretation Award*

    *Recognizes the entry with the best interpretation of the theme in each category and the Accessible Arts Division.

    Learn More 

    Use the Reflections Celebration Guide (English | en español) to find tips and directions for hosting a Reflections Celebration event. 

    Promoting


    A successful Reflections program requires that your community be aware the program is available and inspired to participate. Engaging, community-relevant promotion is the best way to achieve this. 

    Sharing program materials, raising awareness and promoting the impact of Reflections are necessary to hosting a successful program. To widely share Reflections program materials and information with participants, National PTA recommends using your PTA or school webpage. 

    Key Resource: Download theme and program graphics in the Program Resources section.

    Ideas for Program Promotion

    Ideas for Program Promotion

    Find promotion materials for Reflections in the Program Resources section. Consider these ideas to use the materials in your promotion plans:

    • Promote on Social Media: Regularly highlight the Reflections program on social media and e-newsletters. Share stories about the program’s impact on students, schools and PTAs.
    • Themed Posters and Flyers: Use theme materials from National PTA or design eye-catching posters and flyers to share with PTAs.
    • Video Announcements: Create short videos explaining the theme or highlighting past student winners.
    • Special Events: Leverage National Arts in Education Week and National Arts and Humanities Month to boost participation.
    • Event Presence: Hand out program materials during state trainings or conventions. Offer office hours to answer questions during key promotion times.
    • Student Volunteers: Engage student leaders or past participants to promote the program in their communities.
    • Community Partnerships: Connect with local businesses, arts organizations and/or community centers sponsor parts of the program or volunteer for key support roles.
    • School Art Projects: Engage students in arts-making activities that reflect the program's theme.
    • Arts Engagement Workshops: Connect with artists and arts organizations in your state to host workshops and incorporate the theme into discussions and activities.

    Ideas for Sharing Program Details

    Ideas for Sharing Program Details

    Ensure students and families know key participation details that will help them meet requirements and create successful entries. Here are ways you can share details

    • Resources Available: Emphasize the availability of materials and support from your state PTA to help leaders and participants.
    • Provide Training: Offer a "Reflections 101" training for teachers, students and/or families to share entry requirements and tips.
    • Host Workshops: Coordinate Arts Nights with stations focused on the arts categories available in your program. Engage families in artmaking while they learn program details.
    • Build and Learn From a Network: Connect with nearby PTAs that offer the Reflections program, as well as district, council or region PTAs and learn what strategies work best for them.
    Ideas for a Reflections Webpage

    Ideas for a Reflections Webpage

    Based on input and questions from the Reflections volunteers, we recommend including the following:

    • Participation Info: Include student eligibility requirements and due dates for entries.
    • Contact Info: Provide details for Reflections-specific questions.
    • Category Rules: Outline state-specific guidelines or share National PTA guidelines on the Craft an Entry page.
    • Program Overview: Describe the levels of your state competition.
    • Submission Process: Explain where and how to submit entries (digital or physical).
    • Review Criteria: Highlight the importance of a fair review that prioritizes originality and theme interpretation.
    • Next Steps: Share happens comes after an entry is submitted or advances to the next level, details on celebrations or awards, and/or when students can expect results.

    Hosting


    Hosting a successful state Reflections program requires PTAs to create a process and strategy to efficiently collect entries and conduct a fair artwork review using the the Reflections Review Criteria.

    Key Resource: The Reflections Review Packet (en español) provides the Reflections Review Criteria, as well as customizable outreach and training materials.

    Artwork Collection

    Artwork Collection and Review

    You may collect physical or digital Reflections entries, based on state requirements and what is easiest for participants, families, PTA volunteers and volunteer reviewers. However, how you collect entries will affect how you review entries.

    Consider the following to choose how you will collect and review entries: 

    • Physical Collection and Review: Collect physical entries, including media entries on USBs, CDs, etc. Display works with titles and artist statements. Show media entries using a tablet or computer. Reviewers rotate and score each entry on a scoring sheet.
    • Digital Collection and Review: Collect entries virtually (form, email, digital storage platform). Organize entries in virtual folders, assign numbers to each to keep anonymous. Share digital copies and scorecards. Score each entry and submit via email or form.
    Upon request, National PTA may be able to provide a template Google Entry Form to support digital entry collection. Email Reflections@PTA.org to learn more. 

    Planning Tip
    National PTA recommends a digital collection and review process for easier management and preventing loss or damage.
    Reflections Scoring Criteria

    Reflections Scoring Criteria

    All levels of Reflections, including National PTA, use the same standard, consistent scoring system. This consistency is necessary to conduct a fair and organized review across the program levels.

    To conduct your review, provide judges the official Reflections scoring criteria, as outlined in the Reflections Review Packet:

    • Interpretation of Theme (40 pts.): How closely the piece relates to the theme, based on the artwork itself and the artist statement.
    • Creativity (30 pts.): How creative and original the piece is in its conception of the theme and its presentation.
    • Technical Skill (30 pts.): The level of skill demonstrated in the basic principles/techniques of the arts area.
    Learn More

    The Craft an Entry page provides tips and ideas to help students better incorporate the theme into their artwork. 

    How to Host a Reflections Review

    How to Host a Reflections Review

    Understanding the steps involved in your review will make planning and hosting your review easier and more efficient.

    After collecting your entries, follow these steps for how to host a Reflections review:

    • Prepare Artwork for Review: Organize submissions by category and division for your review. Verify entries are eligible and meet program guidelines and requirements.
    • Prepare Reviewers: Ensure reviewers are well-prepared and consistent in their evaluations by providing the Reviewer Packet and direct support throughout the scoring process.
    • Collect Scores: Have judges record their points and share final scores to be verified. Double check all entries are scored on all criteria. 
    • Find Winners: Combine points and rank the artwork to find your winners based on the award categories your PTA set. In the case of ties, the entry with the higher score for interpretation of theme wins.
    Recruit Volunteer Reviewers

    Recruit Volunteer Reviewers

    Seek arts professionals in your community who can score entries based on the criteria provided. If you don't know where to start, connect with an arts teacher at your school or a local craft store to better understand opportunities for connection in your community. 

    Consider these tips to guide recruitment:

    • Determine the number of reviewers needed. Aim for at least one reviewer per category, with extra judges for categories with many entries.
    • Use personalize outreach. Send direct invitations to community members, parents and alumni with art backgrounds.
    • Be transparent. In your recruitment and invitations, share high-level details explaining the role and time commitment so volunteers understand expectations.
    • Encourage recommendations. Ask members and participants to recommend artists in their network who may be interested. 

    Celebrating


    After you’ve reviewed your entries and selected winners, advance entries for additional recognition and host student celebrations.

    Key Resource: Use the Reflections Celebration Guide (en español) to elevate and recognize your student artists through an arts celebration event.

    Advance Entries for Recognition

    Advance Entries for Recognition

    PTAs are encouraged to advance finalists to the next level for additional recognition and, potentially, national-level review. Advancing entries opens pathways for students to receive more awards and prizes at higher levels and benefits your PTA through enhanced visibility and increased community pride.

    How to Advance Entries

    Reach out to your state PTA or the program leader of the next available level to find deadlines, directions and requirements for advancing entries. National PTA will not accept individual submissions or direct submissions from non-state PTAs.

    Celebrate Student Artists

    Celebrate Student Artists

    Recognizing student winners boosts their confidence and encourages others to participate. Prizes and celebrations creating lasting memories, build community pride and acknowledges hard work.

    Consider these celebration ideas: 

    Organize Celebrations

    • Art Showcase: Host an exhibition displaying Reflections artwork and recognizing winners. Invite family, friends and community members.

    • Award Ceremony: Organize a ceremony to present certificates or trophies. Make it special with music, decorations and refreshments.

    • Award Performances: Let students perform their award-winning pieces, such as dance, musical performances or movie screenings. 

    • Creative Workshops: Incorporate arts education into celebrations with workshops where students can learn new techniques or collaborate on projects. 

    Prizes and Awards for Student Winners

    • Art Supplies, Subscriptions and Gift Cards: High-quality sketchbooks, pen sets, vouchers for art stores or online platforms or subscriptions to art magazines or online learning platforms

    • Books: Inspirational books related to art, creativity or favorite genres.

    • Tech Gadgets: Fun gadgets like headphones, tablet-tech or portable speakers.

    • Merchandise: School-branded items like hoodies, backpacks or water bottles.

    • Fun Outings: Organize special outings, like trips to amusement parks, movie days or tickets to art museums, theaters or workshops.

    • Custom Trophies and Certificates: Personalized trophies, certificates, or medals with students' names and achievements. Download and customize this template certificate, create your own, or visit the ShopPTA Reflections Shop for additional materials.

    Remember Your Thank You's

    Remember Your Thank You's

    Be sure to thank your Reflections reviewers, volunteers and participants while you celebrate your winners. Express your gratitude to reviewers, volunteers, participants, school personnel and sponsors.

    Consider these additional ways to show appreciation:

    • Public Recognition: Acknowledge supporters on the PTA/school website, newsletters and social media.

    • Certificates and Tokens: Present certificates of appreciation or small tokens of gratitude.

    • Thank-You Events: Host a reception or luncheon to thank everyone involved.

    • Spotlight Features: Highlight supporters in a special section of the school newsletter or website.

    • Personalized Notes: Send personalized thank-you notes to students and staff.

    Key Resource: Download and customize this Thank You Letter for Volunteers (en español).

    Program Wrap Up


    To build on your success and continue offering high-impact programs, take time to collect and analyze feedback from participants and volunteers. Use the feedback to document your efforts, create plans for the future and share out the success of your program to increase participation and engagement.

    Key Resource: Download and customize the questions and prompts in PTA Reflections Evaluation Tool (en español) to gather feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of your program.

    Collect and Analyze Feedback

    Collect and Analyze Feedback

    Take time to wrap up each program cycle by connecting with students, conducting evaluations, and planning for next year to ensure Reflections continues to thrive in your community.

    Follow these steps to collect and analyze feedback that helps you building a strong, relevant and impactful program:  

    • Collect Feedback: Use surveys or listening sessions to best engage your community. Find questions and prompts to guide feedback collection, in this Program Assessment Tool. Customize the questions based on your program.
    • Analyze Feedback: Categorize feedback (participation, event organization, communication, overall satisfaction). Identify common themes, specific comments and recurring issues (e.g., logistical challenges, communication gaps).
    • Document and Share Successes: Record what worked well (e.g., high participation, positive event feedback, successful promotions).
    Share Your Successes

    Share Your Success

    Let your community know about key impacts and achievements in your Reflections program (e.g., high participation, positive event feedback, successful promotions) to encourage participation, recruit new volunteers for next year and grow your PTA membership.

    Consider the following measures of success and create talking points or visuals (artwork, videos, theme materials) that you can use to showcase your program's success::

    • Participation and Attendance Numbers: Provide statistics on student participation, broken down by categories and divisions, as well as attendees at your celebration event(s) to show community engagement. 
    • Connect Impact to Membership: Use success to highlight the program as a key benefit of PTA membership
    • Quotes and Storytelling: Share testimonials from students, parents and teachers to capture personal testimonies about the program's positive impact. Emphasize students who advanced or received special recognition as well as accomplished volunteer judges.
    • Community Impact: Highlight how the program fostered pride and mention any local business or organization partnerships.
    • Educational Connection: Show how Reflections supports educational goals and integrates with the curriculum. Mention teachers who used Reflections in their classroom.

    Key Resource: Download and personalize Reflections-specific membership flyers from National PTA to make joining quick and easy.

    Document and Plan for Next Year

    Document and Plan for Next Year

    Lack of connection between each program cycle hurts program integrity and leads to lowered participation and volunteer support. To ensure Reflections remains available to young artists in your community consider these tips when documenting feedback and sharing success: 

    • Be Clear and Concise: Use simple language and short sentences to make your documentation easy to understand.
    • Organize Information: Structure your documents with headings, subheadings, and bullet points for easy navigation.
    • Use Templates: Create or use existing templates to maintain consistency across documents.
    • Provide Context: Explain the purpose of the document and any background information needed to understand it. Include examples to clarify complex concepts or procedures.
    • Make it Accessible: Ensure your documentation is easily accessible to those who need it, whether digitally or in print.

    Reflections Navigation


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