REFLECTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I submit more than one project?
Absolutely! Students may submit as many projects as they like, in as many arts categories as they like.

Can I submit a project with a partner or team?
No. Each entry must be the original work of one student only. An adult may not alter the creative integrity of a student's work. Because the program is designed to encourage and recognize each student's individual creativity, help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed except in the Special Artist Division. Other individuals may appear in or perform a student's work, but the work itself must be the creative product of one student only. Only one student may be recognized as the award recipient for each entry. See specific arts category rules and special artist division rules for details.

Can my parents help with my project?
No. See answer to question above.

Do I have to write an "artist's statement"?
Yes. This is required for each entry. Qualifying entries must include a project title and artist statement. The artist statement communicates what inspired the work, how it relates to the theme, and the content of the work. The statement must include at least 10 words and not exceed 100 words.

What is the judging criteria for projects advancing to the next level?
1) Interpretation - How closely the piece relates to the theme, based on the artwork itself and the artist statement. (The artist statement -- which is part of the Entry Form -- is very important!)
2) Creativity - How creative and original the piece is in its conception of the theme and its presentation.
3) Technique - The level of skill demonstrated in the basic principles / techniques of the arts area.

ABOUT REFLECTIONS

The Reflections Program was established in 1969 by the National PTA. Since that time, more than 10 million students have participated in this annual program.

The PTA Reflections Program is an arts recognition and achievement program for students. A theme is given and students can submit work in one of the categories.  Participation and appreciation for the arts is the Reflections Program's goal. Although the Reflections Program follows a "contest" format, winning is not the emphasis.

State of Illinois PTA Reflections Website

National PTA Reflections Website

Reflections 2022-23: Show your voice!

CONGRATS TO ROWAN HOPPE MOVING TO NATIONAL LEVEL!!!

March 22, 2023 - This is rare! Congratulations to Rowan Hoppe for advancing to the National Level in Literature for the piece titled: The Spark! There were only 26 entries that advanced to the National PTA level. Let's celebrate the arts and Rowan Hoppe! Congratulations again!
In addition, congratulations to all the students who participated in the 2022-23 PTA Reflections cultural arts program! We are so very proud of those who created such amazing works of artistic expression. Two hundred eighty-eight entries, representing all six arts categories, were received at the state level. More than ninety schools, in seven of our PTA Regions, submitted entries reflecting the theme “Show Your Voice!” as PTA leaders, school staff and parents stepped up to encourage and support our imaginative students’ works.
All student Reflections entries that advanced to the Illinois PTA state level will be on display at our Spotlight celebration at Millikin University on May 7. Save the date and join us!
Entries advanced to the National Level have been submitted for further review. These entries may receive additional National recognition announced on May 1.
Questions? Contact Tracy Ries.

CONgrats to students moving to the state Level

January 22, 2023 - Congratulations to the following Sandburg students whose art projects have now advanced to State!

  • Emily Saldanha, Grade 6, in Film: One Step at a Time
  • Savannah Rathbun, Grade 7, in Visual Arts: Express Yourself
  • Maddy Taglia, Grade 6, in Photography for the following pieces:
    • Sound of My Voice
    • Pencil and Paper
    • Breaking the Limits
  • Rowan Hoppe, Grade 6, in Literature: The Spark

Thank you for supporting our student artists this year and good luck to all advancing to State! Questions? Contact Tracy Ries.

Congrats to Students Moving to the Regional Level

December 13, 2022 - Congratulations to the 47 Elmhurst D205 students who are advancing to the Reflections Regional Level. Sandburg students created 9 pieces of art that are advancing!

Judging on the Regional level will take place over the next several weeks. For those curious, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Lombard, Villa Park and Westmont comprise our Region. We will be notified of those moving forward to the State level towards the end of January. In the meantime, let's celebrate the artists' local success! Sandburg students moving on to the Regional Level are:

  • Emily Saldanha, Grade 6, Film: One Step at a Time
  • Evelyn Kemmerer, Grade 7, Literature: The Different Leaf
  • Rowan Hoppe, Grade 6, in Literature for the following pieces:
    • Women Who Shared Their Voice
    • The Spark
  • Maddy Taglia, Grade 6 in Photography for the following pieces:
    • Sound of My Voice
    • Pencil and Paper
    • Breaking the Limits
    • Four Legged Friends
  • Savannah Rathbun, Grade 7, Visual Arts: Express Yourself

The PTA also commends the following artists who did not advance but put in much time and effort to create fantastic works of art:  Vincent Zangan, Lily Ott, and Amelia Mohamed. Each will each receive a Certificate of Recognition. Thank you for supporting our student artists this year and good luck to all advancing to Regionals!

CALL FOR ENTRIES: SHOW YOUR VOICE!
October 2022
Reflections 22-23
The PTA Reflections Program is an arts recognition and achievement program for students. A theme is given and students can submit work in one of the categories. Participation and appreciation for the arts is the Reflections Program's goal. Although the Reflections Program follows a "contest" format, winning is not the emphasis.  
The theme this for 2022-23 is: Show Your Voice! Reflections project categories include: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts. There also is a Special Artist division option for students with disabilities to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate in the program. 
No experience is required to participate and all grade levels are welcome. It does not matter whether an entry created for the Reflections Program has been created as a classroom assignment or independently at home. Only individual, original works of art are accepted. No group projects are allowed. Once judged at the local level, the winners go on to the council and/or district judging. Those winners go to the Illinois PTA to receive recognition.   
Completed projects are due on Friday, November 4th. All rules and regulations for each category, downloadable entry forms, and submission details can be found below.
If you have any other questions please contact Tracy Ries.
RULES & REGULATIONS
Click here (Spanish) to read the overall rules. Then, specific rules and regulations for each category are linked below.  Please carefully read the rules for specific categories. Failure to submit a proper entry form or follow specific arts category rules could disqualify a project.
HOW TO ENTER
Entries are due November 4 and will be submitted by following the directions below:
  1. Make sure to review the Rules and Regulations outlined above before submitting.
  2. Complete the Student Entry Form for your grade. (Fillable PDF; when completed print a copy and sign it.) Each project submission must include an official entry form. Feel free to attach an extra sheet if more room is needed for the Artist Statement, etc. 
  3. Drop off your work to Sandburg's Main Office:
  • Physical artwork (photography, visual arts, literature) and/or video file on a flash drive (dance, music, film/video) as specified for each type of entry
  • Label the physical artwork and/or flash drive as specified 
  • Include your printed out and signed entry form.
  • Include your artist statement.