2008-2009

Participating in National and Illinois PTA's Reflection Program is an opportunity for students to explore and learn about various art forms.  It does not matter whether an entry created for the Reflections Program has been created as a classroom assignment or independently at home.

When children express themselves through words, pictures, music, photography, and other art forms, they grow intellectually.  They learn to analyze their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. They learn to look at things, people, and experiences in a fresh and exciting way, and they become more interested in the ideas and works of others.  The Reflections Program also helps parents encourage and recognize the continuous self-discovery process of their children.

Young artists participate in the Reflections Program through their local PTA or PTSA. A student may submit an entry in any of the six arts areas listed below.  Only original works of art are accepted.  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.  The best project in each grade level, from each category, will advance to the National PTA level.

The six categories are:

• Dance Choreography 
• Film/Video Production
• Literature
• Musical Composition
• Photography
• Visual Arts

The Grade divisions are:

• Primary (preschool-grade 2)
• Intermediate (grades 3-5)
• Middle/Junior (grades 6-8)
• Senior (grades 9-12)

All students attending a school in Illinois where their PTA offers the Reflection Program may participate.  Each participant MUST be enrolled in a school where there is a PTA/PTSA in good standing.

If your PTA/PTSA would like to participate in the Reflections Program and want additional information, contact your local district director, or you may call the Illinois PTA office.

If you wish to view the 2007 National PTA Reflections Gallery click here:  http://pta.browsermedia.com/