Explore the Arts and Express Yourself
For more than 50 years, National PTA’s Reflections program has helped students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life.
Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.
Student winners from the local level have the opportunity to move up through their district, region, council and state PTA programs to the national level. State and National Reflections winners are celebrated annually at the Florida PTA Annual Reflections Awards in April. National PTA Reflections winners will be announced May 1st, 2026
All students attending PTA schools sponsoring the program are invited to participate and submit original artwork in one of six areas (click on the category for instructions):
For OCCPTA Students and Families: PTA Reflections
The PTA Reflections program provides access to the arts and opportunities for recognition to help students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas using art and to develop confidence and a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life.
The PTA Reflections Program aims to:
- Inspire students and families to creatively engage around the annual theme.
- Share resources to support families’ artistic endeavors and access arts education opportunities.
- Encourage continued participation in the arts.
- Provide student artists access to recognition and celebrations for their creative talent.
Reflections Theme: I Belong!
How to Participate
Express your interest in participating to your PTA/PTSA to collect details on participation options, the submission process, deadlines and arts category and division requirements. Not sure if your PTA/PTSA is participating? Email [email protected] for assistance.
Reflections Chairs:
Your Role as a PTA Reflections Chair
As a Reflections leader for your PTA, you are responsible for the overall implementation of the program for your community. To prepare for this role, use the materials, training and processes outlined by your state PTA, as well as what National PTA provides on this webpage.
The role will vary based on your unit. Set your PTA /PTSA up for success by carefully planning around the tasks you are responsible for as a Reflections Chair.
General Tasks
Typical tasks and responsibilities of PTA/PTSA Reflections Chairs include:
- Recruit Volunteers: Recruit a PTA /PTSA Reflections committee and volunteer reviewers. Oversee the planning of tasks, timelines and duties.
- Set Program Goals: Develop goals for student participation and Reflections registration.
- Develop and Share Program Materials: Distribute materials to students and families and garner support from school and community partners.
- Artwork Review: Conduct a fair review of student artwork to select student winners.
- Celebrate Winners: Coordinate celebration and recognition for student winners.
- Advance Finalists: Move winning submissions to next level for additional awards and recognition.
- Participate in Theme Contest: Promote and coordinate participation in National PTA’s Theme Search Contest according to state PTA requirements.