1. PTA Reflections® Arts Program “Let Your Imagination Fly”
Welcome to the National PTA Reflections workshop for the 2014 school year, “The world would be a better place if…”
This webinar is presented by members of the National PTA Reflections Committee. (Intros)

2. All children deserve opportunities to
At the PTA, we believe “All children deserve opportunities to explore and be involved in the arts.”
All children deserve opportunities to
explore and be involved in the arts.

3. Participation in the arts…
levels the playing field for underserved students.
develops the whole child.
connects family, schools, and communities.
We also know that the arts play a critical role in students’ success, in school and beyond. Consider the following facts when promoting arts participation in your school:
Participation in the arts can level the playing field for underserved students. Studies find that students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, English language learners, and students with special needs—often underserved in public schools—show the greatest relative improvement in academic achievement when participating in arts programs such as PTA Reflections.
Participation in the arts develops the whole child. Through movement, social interactions, emotional expression and application of skill, arts education provides an academic advantage to students. The arts provide safe learning environments where students take risks, explore ideas, express their individuality and support their peers in a positive way. Studies also find that students are more engaged and teachers are more effective in arts-rich schools.
Participation in the arts connects families and schools to one another and to their communities. Research shows a significant relationship between arts education, family engagement, and community participation. Students who study the arts develop a sense of personal responsibility toward their communities and have the ability to positively affect the community social life through their artwork.
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4. to explore their artistic talents in an educational way.
About PTA Reflections
“The cultural arts are happiness. Happiness is drawing, dancing, finger painting. Happiness is modeling with clay, making music or a poem, performing a play.”
-Mary Lou Anderson, founder of National PTA’s Reflections Program
Since 1969, the Reflections program has allowed millions of students
to explore their artistic talents in an educational way.
Reflect!
Explore!
Celebrate!
The National PTA Reflections program was developed in 1969 by Colorado’s PTA President at the time, Mary Lou Anderson, to encourage students to explore their talents in an educational way. Since then, the Reflections Program has inspired millions of students in grades Pre-K through 12 to reflect on a specific theme and create original artwork in dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts.
As a Local Leader of this program, you will play a critical role in providing opportunities for students to explore and be involved in the arts. Students who participate in the Reflections Program may not recognize themselves as artists when they sign up—but by the end of the Reflections celebrations, they will.
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5. “Let Your Imagination Fly”
Theme:
“Let Your Imagination Fly”
This theme was submitted through the Reflections Theme Search Contest by Rachel Sperry of Northwood, ND.
The Reflections program theme is, “The world would be a better place if...” And the theme comes from inspiration by Mercedes Messer of Puyallup, Washington.

6. Additional Opportunities
Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grants
Applications Available January 4, 2016 at PTA.org/Reflections
Applications Due March 11, 2016
Reflections Theme Search Contest
The next theme could come from your PTA!
Student entry form and list of past themes can be found on the website.
The deadline for Georgia PTA is October 9, 2015
In addition to the Reflections awards program, National PTA offers additional opportunities to be involved in the arts.
Apply for a Mary Lou Anderson Reflections Arts Enhancement Grant to support your arts projects. Applications will be available January 5, 2015 at PTA.org/Reflections. Applications are due March 13, 2015 and grantees will be announced summer 2014.
Each year, the Reflections program theme is determined by the theme search contest. The student winner receives $100 from National PTA and recognition at the annual PTA Convention. Ask your State PTA to participate in the nation-wide search for the theme. The next theme could come from your PTA!
1.2 Appendix A: Theme Search Entry Form

7. Planning & Promoting Reflections
Chapter 1
Planning & Promoting Reflections
One of your most important tasks is to promote the Reflections Program to students and families, to encourage as many students as possible to participate.
Taking time to promote the program to school personnel and the community, as well, can help increase participation, enhance family engagement at the school and garner additional support.

8. Gather your team! 4.1 Publicist
The publicist communicates with teachers, student leaders, and community partners to promote Reflections participation and recognize student achievement.
Judging Coordinator
The judging coordinator recruits judges, collects artwork, and facilitates the judging process.
Recognition Event Manager
The recognition event manager produces an event to recognize student participation and achievement. This event may be an art exhibit, recital, awards ceremony, or a combination of each.
Computer Wiz
The computer wiz organizes student entry information to prepare award announcements and certificates.
Assigning project leaders and dividing tasks will save time and energy. Use the suggested volunteer job descriptions below to help recruit volunteers with specific skills/interests. Remind volunteers they don’t have to be on the committee to play an active role in the success of your PTA’s Reflections program. Don’t forget to publically recognize your volunteer team members for their dedication!
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9. Ideas for Promoting Reflections
Students & Families
Host assembly
Provide morning announcements
Hang posters and flyers
Post info on websites
Post a blog/newspaper article
Use Facebook/Twitter
Appoint student leaders
Teachers & Administrators
Visit staff meetings
Link Reflections to curriculum
Plan awards ceremony with school leaders
Community
Serve as judges
Exhibit artwork
Donate
Provide media coverage
Post announcements on bulletin boards
Also located in your Local Leader’s Guide we’ve included ideas for promoting reflections to Students & Families, [pause] Teachers & Administrators [pause] , and the Community at large [pause].
What should you be doing now:
Establish a deadline for entries.
Making sure your PTA is in good standing.
Look for qualified judges for each category – only 1st and 2nd winners in each category for each grade level and 8 special artists for each category will be judged at county council.
Order awards – ribbons, medals, certificates.
Plan reception/celebration
Promote, promote, promote! Get the word out – use school website, local PTA website, Facebook, morning announcements, attend faculty meeting, etc.
Request time at a staff meeting to present the Reflections Program to teachers. Highlight the benefits of arts education and invite their ideas about how they might encourage their classes to participate.
Provide suggestions for how this year’s theme might be linked to curriculum. Ask a teacher volunteer to create a sample lesson plan and share it with peers.
Make entry forms accessible
Front office
Media Center
Send home in book bags
Hang poster(s)
Work with school officials to customize media releases to invite local coverage. Don’t forget smaller, local media outlets such as neighborhood association blogs and newsletters.
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10. Student Recruitment Messages
Create your own messages targeting:
School newspaper
Morning announcements
Activity fairs promoting school clubs
Customize a participation flyer
Enter your deadline for entries, how to submit entries and contact information
Print flyers or enlarge for posters
Recruit students to hang posters in hallways
Ask teachers to send flyers home
Distribute on Back-to-School Nights
Also share student recruitment messages with teachers and student leaders to promote the PTA Reflections program. You may find these messages work best with in a school newspaper, during morning announcements, and at activity fairs promoting school clubs.
Download a customizable poster at PTA.org/Reflections and let’s get started!
Reflections Toolkit on the National PTA website. Use the Reflections logo.
4.2 Appendix B: Posters and Flyers

11. Chapter 2 Student Entries
In chapter 5 we will review the process for collecting and judging student entries.
We will talk about program rules, collecting artwork, determining eligibility and hosting judging.

12. Sample Student Entry Form
The student entry form is to be completed and submitted with the student’s artwork. Make sure to keep a copy of this form for your records so that you can exhibit and display Reflections artwork with permissions from your student artists and their parents.
Make sure both the student and the parent signs the form!
Determine a deadline for students to submit this form with their work. Expect to need at least two weeks to facilitate the judging process and another two weeks to prepare winners’ artwork for the next round of judging. Therefore, it’s recommended that you set your Local PTA deadline approximately one month before submissions are due to the next round.
This fIMPORTANT NOTE FOR STATE LEADERS: Completing this form is optional for the National PTA
Reflections program. State PTAs may determine that it is a required form for their participants. State
orm can be found on the GA PTA website. It is a fillable PDF. Post it to your local unit website so parents can easily access it.

13. Understanding Program Rules
PTA Units may participate in one or more arts categories
Students may participate in any or all arts categories
General Participation Rules
Arts Category Rules
Special Artist Division Rules
Student Eligibility and Entry Guidelines
Dance Choreography
Music Composition
Film Production
Photography
Literature
Visual Arts
If this is your PTA’s first year hosting Reflections, you may choose to offer one or more arts categories but offering all 6 will encourage student participation. Also, students may participate in any or all arts categories offered by your program.
All participating students must adhere to the General Student Participation Rules, as well as the rules for their specific arts category and the special artist division. For a complete set of National PTA Reflections Rules, reference your Leader’s Guide provided to you by your State PTA.
To be eligible for entry, students must participate in the National PTA Reflections program through a Local PTA/PTSA in good standing, as determined by their State PTA. If you are not sure whether your PTA is in good standing, talk with your PTA President or contact your state office. For a complete set of guidelines for entry, please reference your Local Leader’s Guide.
5.1 Appendix F

14. Film Production
A new work of art created for this theme, include a title and artist statement
Entries not to exceed 5 minutes
Entries can be with our without sound
Student submitting entry is not required to appear in the film
Power points are NOT acceptable
Student submitting entry must be director, screenwriter and cameraperson
Submit entries on DVD with name, grade, and school on DVD and DVD cover
Submit entries in a 9x12 brown clasp envelope with a sheet protector stapled to outside of envelope with entry form inside the protector

15. Literature
A new work of art created for this theme, include a title and artist statement
Entries not to exceed 2,000 words
Collections of poems or short stories are not accepted
Work can be illustrated but is not a part of judging
Entries should reflect grade appropriate grammar, punctuation, and spelling
Pre-K, K, First grade and Special Artists can dictate to an adult
Submit 1 original and 2 copies, in a manila folder with entry form stapled at the top to the back of the folder
Have the student make a copy. Works are not returned

16. Musical Composition
A new work of art created for this theme, include a title and artist statement
The musical piece can be for voice, instrument or a combination
Students are not required to perform their own composition
Submit on CD, with name, grade and school on CD and CD holder
Entries not to exceed 5 minutes
No notation is required for Primary and Intermediate grades
Middle and High division grades must have scores included
Scores sheet size not to exceed 81/2 x 11
Submit entries in a 9x12 brown clasp envelope with a sheet protector stapled to outside of envelope with entry form inside the protector
Have student make a copy to keep. Works are not returned

17. Photography
A new work of art created for this theme, include a title and artist statement
Single print or collage may not exceed 11”x14” including mat
Shrink wrap is highly recommended to protect artwork
Mount photo on cardboard mat or some sort of sturdy material
No names on photograph and no graphics added to image allowed
Place the entry form in a sheet protector; secure with masking tape on the back of artwork, on top of protective wrap
The use of copyrighted places, items, characters, etc can be used if not the main subject of the work

18. Visual Arts
Accepted forms of visual art include: Architecture (2D/3D), carpentry, ceramics, collages, photographic collages (multiple photos cut/pasted), computer-generated image, crafts, design, dioramas, drawing, fiber work, jewelry, kites, metal etching/punch work, mobiles, painting, printmaking, sculpture and wind chimes. Reproductions or enlargements of other artwork are not accepted.

19. Visual Arts Submission Requirements:
Only new pieces of artwork inspired by the theme may be submitted.
Each entry must be the original work of one student only.
2D artwork (e.g. painting) Dimensions must not exceed 24x30 inches, including matting. Paper entries must be mounted on sturdy material.
3D artwork (e.g. sculpture) Dimensions must not exceed 12x12x12 inches.
Must include packaging materials and 3 photos of the entry (a combination of angles) for judging and ID purposes (entries that require assembling/repairing from transporting will be disqualified).
Framed artwork and artwork containing loose materials is not accepted. Matting is accepted.
Label back of entry/entry packaging with student name, title of artwork, arts category and division.
Submit artwork and student entry form according to your PTA’s instructions.

20. 5 Divisions Special Artist All Grades
Primary
Grades Pre-K-2
Intermediate
Grades 3-5
Middle School
Grades 6-8
High School
Grades 9-12
Special Artist
All Grades
You may be asking yourself, What is the Special Artist Division?
This past year, the Special Artist Division emerged as an optional division for students whose physical, cognitive, or mental health challenges meet guidelines set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please check with your state PTA office regarding state availability, guidelines and rules. Students with disabilities may participate in the National PTA Reflections program in one of two ways.
Option 1: The Special Artist Division is an optional division of the Reflections Program, accepting students in all grades, for students whose physical, cognitive or mental health challenges meet guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Qualifying students create their own artwork but may receive nonartistic accommodation and assistance from an adult.
Option 2: Students who qualify for the Special Artist Division may choose instead to enter in one of the four grade divisions (primary, intermediate, middle or high school). In this case, students follow all general rules and arts category rules but may submit their entries in the grade division most closely aligned to their cognitive or functional abilities. These students are recognized and awarded as part of the general student population, without regard to special needs or challenges.
Download a copy of the flyer you see here to promote participation in the arts for all children, including those with disability.
5.1 Appendix B: Posters and Flyers

21. Students can submit more than one entry per arts category.
Summary of Rules
Students must be affiliated with a PTA/PTSA in good standing, as determined by State PTA
Students can submit more than one entry per arts category.
Artwork must be original and created for the purpose of this contest and this year’s theme
Only one student may create the work and be recognized as the award recipient, but other students may appear in the artwork itself
In summary of student entry rules:
Students must be affiliated with a PTA/PTSA in good standing, as determined by the State PTA
Students may submit entries in more than one arts category
Artwork must be original and created for the purpose of this contest and this year’s theme
Only one student may create the work and be recognized as the award recipient, but other students may appear in the artwork itself.
5.1 Appendix C: Rules

22. Your State PTA will provide rules and Local PTA Reflections Guide
Rules Continued
Use of copyrighted material is prohibited except:
Music in dance choreography and film production when the title, composer and performer are cited in the submission
Your State PTA will provide rules and Local PTA Reflections Guide
General participation, specific arts category and Special Artist Division rules must be followed at all levels
Use of copyrighted material is prohibited except for background music in the categories of Dance Choreography and Film Production. Citations are required.
Follow all state-specific rules provided to you in your Local Leader’s Guide.
This includes general participation, specific arts category and special artist division rules.
For a complete set of entry rules, please reference your Local Leader’s Guide.
5.1 Appendix C: Rules

23. Online Registration for LU
Reflections Chairs Please remember: We do not require local schools to input student entries into the online database. Local PTAs and Councils do still need to create an account and register their schools on the new online system.
— 2015 Registration Open Now!
Please also use the excel spreadsheet named GA PTA Reflections Winners Log to input all of the winners that you are advancing to Council and take that with you to your Council drop off.
Go to PTA.org
Programs
Arts in Education – Reflections
National PTA Reflections online registration
Register Now
Create an account
Click on link in
Select category – PTA
PTA Participation form
Enter # of entries received and # that will go to Council
Print report
Save and exit

24. Participation and Achievement
Chapter 4
Celebrate! Recognize Student
Participation and Achievement
Now it’s time to for you to be creative too! Follow your PTA and school traditions or add new ways to celebrate student participation in the arts. Celebrating helps all students recognize themselves as artists, encourages family engagement and provides opportunities to connect with the community.

25. Ideas for Recognizing Students Locally
Public Announcements
School Events
Community-wide Events
PTA Meetings
School Board or City Council Meetings
There are many ways PTAs recognize students locally for their participation and achievement in the arts.
Some examples include:
Presentations at PTA and school board meetings
School awards nights, banquets or luncheons
Announcements in the school newsletter or on the website
Exhibits at community arts galleries or other public spaces (such as: shopping malls, community centers, and coffee shops)
Features in local newspapers or television broadcasts
Sharing photos, links, quotes or anecdotes about the Reflections Program or related events through social media channels such as Twitter or Facebook
Invite the media to your celebration or post-event coverage.
Contact your State PTA to learn more district, region and state level recognition opportunities.
7.1 Appendix G: Template Media Advisory

26. Recognize Partners and Volunteers
Don’t forget to thank those who helped make Reflections a success!
Students who entered, as well as any students who helped to promote or administer the program
PTA and community volunteers
School personnel
Judges
Community partners that provided donations, such as prizes or exhibit space
Savannah Du Daybreak Over a Pond
After your Reflections Program concludes for the year, one of the most important tasks is to thank those who helped make it a success.
Be sure to include all of the following groups in your recognition plan:
Students who entered, as well as any students who helped to promote or administer the program
Family-member volunteers
School personnel
Judges
And Community partners that provided donations, such as prizes or exhibit space
Use the acknowledgment letter in your Local Leader’s Guide to thank volunteers and community partners for any donated goods/services.
Use the acknowledgment letter in Appendix I
to thank volunteers and community partners for any donations.
8.1 Appendix I: Acknowledgement Letter

27. Chapter 3 Wrap Up & Evaluate
You’re almost done! This chapter covers other important items including recognizing volunteers, returning artwork and sharing program information with your PTA President.

28. Visit PTA.org/Reflections
We’re Here to Help You!
National PTA has created a downloadable Reflections Toolkit with template tools and resources to make your program a success!
Visit PTA.org/Reflections
Contact Janice Gurley, State Reflections Chair for
registration information and additional training opportunities!
Don’t forget, we’re here to help you! Engage your PTA Reflections Network.
Your Reflections Network is a support system comprised of national, state and regional PTA Leaders eager to answer your questions and share best practices.
Visit the National PTA Reflections toolkit for additional template tools and resources and check your Local Leader’s Guide for a list of networking events and training opportunities.
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29. Dates to Remember
September 22, 2015 – October 25, Fall Reflections Exhibit High Museum of Art
October 9, Theme Search Entries Deadline
December 4, Reflections Winning Entries Deadline
March 6, Georgia PTA Reflections Celebration
Woodruff Arts Center

30. Georgia PTA Reflections®
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Thank you again for joining us for this presentation in support of Arts Education in your School and community! Have a great evening!