reflections

2023-2024 Reflections

Theme: “I Am Hopeful Because...”

Deadline for submissions:

November 1st, 2023

Check out our video for inspiration and additional information!

What is the Reflections Program?

  • Reflections is a National PTA arts contest open to students in grades pre-K through 12th grade.
  • While the primary focus of Reflections is a celebration of creativity through positive recognition, finalists from local PTAs will move on to their council PTA (if applicable), then finalists from councils will move on to the state round. Washington State PTA finalists who receive an “Outstanding Interpretation” award will advance to the National PTA round. 

Who can participate?

  • Any Pre-K to 5th Grade student within the Sandburg school boundary plus all Discovery Community School students. We welcome students of ALL abilities!

How does this work?

  • The program has four rounds: Sandburg/DCS (Oct-Nov), District/Council (Nov-Jan), State (Jan-Mar) and National (Mar-May). 
  • Once all Sandburg DCS entries are reviewed, qualifying submissions will advance to LWPTSA Council (district) level. Entries will be submitted to the council by the Reflections Chair. 

What are the Arts Categories?

  • Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts (2D).
  • Students may submit in as many arts categories as they would like, but just one piece per category.

What is the Theme?

  • I am hopeful because...

What is the Deadline?

  • November 1st, 2023

Program & Entry Details

Please read the rules for your entry's category CAREFULLY. Not following them may lead to your entry being disqualified. 

  • Artist Statement: Entries may not have more than 100 words in the Artist Statement. Having more can disqualify the entry.

 

 

  • Planning on participating in more than one category? You will need to fill out the online form for each category you enter.  The entry form must be signed by the submitting student (even if it is only a printed first name) and the student’s parent/guardian. 

 

  • Special Entry Form - Everyone matters! Students who identify as having a disability may enter the Special Artist Division or grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities. Visit the link to find complete details:   2023-24 Special Artist Rules. 

ENTRY CATEGORIES

Click on each heading to open the rules document.

2023-24 Literature Rules 

  • Works of fiction,
  • Nonfiction,
  • Poetry,
  • Prose,
  • Drama,
  • Dhort stories, and lyrics. 

 

2023-24 Photography Rules

  • Color or black and white, included techniques:
  • Photogram, negative sandwich, and multiple exposures. 
  • Minimum size is 3"x5" and maximum size is 8"x10".
  • Photo + Matting cannot be bigger than 11"x14". 

2023-24 Music Composition Rules 

  • An original musical composition, with or without words. 
  • Notation is required and it can be traditional or tablature music score/notation or a written reflective statement that provides a musically technical explanation of how the music was  created (100 words or less). 

2023-24 Film Production Rules

  • Original works,
  • With or without sound,
  • Of animation,
  • Narrative,
  • Documentary,
  • Experimental or music video/film. 

2023-24 Visual Arts Rules (2D only)

  • Drawing,
  • Painting in tempera, Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor & t-shirt paints,
  • Computer-generated art,
  • Two-dimensional collage,
  • Printmaking,
  • Needlework & leather tooling. 
  • Maximum size is 24"x30" (including matting). 
  • Max thickness is 1/2" (including matting).

3D is offered in our State; however, it is not accepted by LWSD. 

Click HERE for a Student Entry Form.

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