Reflections
2025-2026 Reflections
This Year’s Theme: “I Belong."
- Entry FAQs can be found here: wastatepta.org/programs/reflections/ and below.
- Choose Your Category – Pick one (or more!) art categories: Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Music Composition, Dance Choreography, or Film Production.
- Create Your Artwork – Make an original piece inspired by this year’s theme.
- Fill Out the Entry Form – Download the student entry form from https://bit.ly/4gRw70K Be sure to complete the artist statement – it’s a key part of the judging process.
- Submit Your Work – Upload your artwork and the entry form to https://bit.ly/4gRw70K by November 24, 2025. All entries must be submitted digitally.
- Wait for Results – Students advancing to the council level will be notified in early 2026.
WSPTA Reflections — Frequently Asked Questions
Where is it okay for a student’s name to be displayed?
Full student names should not be visible anywhere on the entry, nor spoken or displayed within the medium (such as video credits, title slides, or literature bylines). Signatures are acceptable only on the back of a visual art piece.
Who is eligible to enter?
Reflections is a National PTA arts program open to students in grades Pre-K through 12.
Eligibility requirements:
How do I submit a 3D entry?
Check with your local PTA or Council to see whether they want:
What are the recommendations for quality recordings?
To improve audio/video submissions:
Can more than one person create and submit the same entry?
Only one person may submit each entry.
However, more than one person may perform in a dance, music, or film submission — even though only one individual is considered the official entrant.
How many entries can one student submit?
Students may submit one entry per arts category, and enter multiple categories if they choose.
What is considered copyrighted material that would lead to disqualification?
Students may include copyrighted material only if:
✅ Allowed: A photo of someone wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt if the focus is on the person, not Mickey.
❌ Not Allowed: Artwork where Mickey Mouse is the main subject.
If unsure, contact the WSPTA Reflections Chair: [email protected]
Are there restrictions on the use of technology or AI?
Yes. Digital technology may not be the primary designer or concept generator of an entry.
Students must briefly explain how technology or software was used, including any AI or algorithmic tools used in creation.
Why are there so many rules? Isn’t Reflections supposed to be about creativity?
Yes — Reflections exists to celebrate creativity, but rules are necessary to:
Where is it okay for a student’s name to be displayed?
Full student names should not be visible anywhere on the entry, nor spoken or displayed within the medium (such as video credits, title slides, or literature bylines). Signatures are acceptable only on the back of a visual art piece.
Who is eligible to enter?
Reflections is a National PTA arts program open to students in grades Pre-K through 12.
Eligibility requirements:
- The student must attend a school with a current, active PTA.
- PTA membership is not required to enter, but Reflections is offered as a benefit of having a PTA at the school.
- Entries must be submitted through the local school PTA by the PTA’s deadline.
- Entries sent directly to Council, State PTA, or National PTA will not be accepted.
How do I submit a 3D entry?
Check with your local PTA or Council to see whether they want:
- The actual 3D artwork, or
- Three required photos of the artwork only
What are the recommendations for quality recordings?
To improve audio/video submissions:
- Record in a quiet space — close windows and turn off fans, phones, and background noise.
- Do not place recording devices directly on an instrument or speaker.
- Adjust microphone placement and volume for clarity.
- Ensure the background is neutral and not distracting.
- If using a phone, film in landscape mode.
- Do not move the camera during recording.
Can more than one person create and submit the same entry?
Only one person may submit each entry.
However, more than one person may perform in a dance, music, or film submission — even though only one individual is considered the official entrant.
How many entries can one student submit?
Students may submit one entry per arts category, and enter multiple categories if they choose.
What is considered copyrighted material that would lead to disqualification?
Students may include copyrighted material only if:
- It is not the primary focus of the entry, and
- They are not presenting it as their own creation
✅ Allowed: A photo of someone wearing a Mickey Mouse shirt if the focus is on the person, not Mickey.
❌ Not Allowed: Artwork where Mickey Mouse is the main subject.
If unsure, contact the WSPTA Reflections Chair: [email protected]
Are there restrictions on the use of technology or AI?
Yes. Digital technology may not be the primary designer or concept generator of an entry.
Students must briefly explain how technology or software was used, including any AI or algorithmic tools used in creation.
Why are there so many rules? Isn’t Reflections supposed to be about creativity?
Yes — Reflections exists to celebrate creativity, but rules are necessary to:
- Ensure fair judging,
- Enable safe transportation and display of student work, and
- Protect student entries as they advance through Council, State, and National levels.
What is the National Reflections Program?
Chinook's Reflections Program is now open for submissions! If you know a student with a passion for the arts, who is creative and enjoys self-expression, this program offers an excellent chance for them to explore the arts in an enjoyable manner. It's also an advantageous addition to their high school resume, particularly for those planning to pursue higher education. The program provides numerous benefits, but above all, it allows our children to showcase their talents and take pride in their achievements.
Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students pre-K through grade 12
Students may enter in one or more of the available arts categories. Finalists from local PTAs will move on to their council PTSA, then finalists from councils will advance to the state round. Washington State PTA finalists who receive an “Outstanding Interpretation award" will advance to the National PTA round.
Questions? Email Jamie Ro at [email protected]
Chinook's Reflections Program is now open for submissions! If you know a student with a passion for the arts, who is creative and enjoys self-expression, this program offers an excellent chance for them to explore the arts in an enjoyable manner. It's also an advantageous addition to their high school resume, particularly for those planning to pursue higher education. The program provides numerous benefits, but above all, it allows our children to showcase their talents and take pride in their achievements.
Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students pre-K through grade 12
- explore their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas
- develop artistic literacy (by describing how their art relates to a theme)
- increase confidence
- find a love for learning that will help them become more successful not only in school but in life.
Students may enter in one or more of the available arts categories. Finalists from local PTAs will move on to their council PTSA, then finalists from councils will advance to the state round. Washington State PTA finalists who receive an “Outstanding Interpretation award" will advance to the National PTA round.
Questions? Email Jamie Ro at [email protected]
