Reflections Program: 2020-2021

MESSAGE FROM ISSAQUAH PTSA COUNCIL REFLECTIONS CHAIRS

The Issaquah PTSA Council Reflections team is committed to supporting all student artists. We acknowledge that this year’s theme may be triggering for many students.

We have furthered the concerns of the students to State level leaders of PTSA. To that end, we would like to suggest ways to make the Reflections program inclusive to all artists:

  • Encourage artists to think of the theme as “I am valuable because” or “I am strong because”.
  • Encourage artists to make art in direct response to the theme. An interpretation that protests the theme, is still an interpretation of that theme.
  • Include an explanation of the students’ concerns about the theme on schools websites and share with the judging community.
  • Remind students that art is a powerful way to make a statement. Artists reflect the world and have the power to change hearts and minds.

As District chairs, we do not have the power to rewrite the theme. Choosing to run our own contest is also not an option, as we are required to provide a Reflections Program as part of our affiliation with the National PTSA. We also want all of our artists to have the opportunity to be considered for recognition at the state and national level.

We appreciate our students coming to us in good faith and with a clear, reasoned, bridge building approach to this issue.

Sincerely,
Kristen Allen-Bentsen
Heather Bratton
Leah Gibson

Concerned Students and Reflections Team Letters

State & National Responses

The Reflections Program is a National PTA and Washington State PTA cultural arts competition.

The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works.

Young artists get involved through their local PTA or PTSA. A student may submit an entry in any of six arts areas. Only original works of art are accepted. The six art areas are: Visual Arts Photography, Literature, Music Composition, Dance Choreography, and Film Production.

IMPORTANT DATES

  • District Reflections Training:
    Sept 28th at 10 via ZOOM
  • District Reflections Reception:
    TBD (Expect Mid-January 2021)

Reflections Chair Training Presentation: PNG || PDF

Categories for 2020-2021  

  • Special Artist
  • Dance Choreography
  • Film Production
  • Literature
  • Music Composition
  • Photography
  • Visual Arts

About Reflections

All children deserve opportunities to explore and be involved in the arts.

What will you create? The Arts–and the National PTA Reflection program can be a valuable tool for fostering strong partnerships in your school community. The National PTA Reflections program is PTA’s cornerstone arts program. It was developed in 1969 by Colorado’s PTA President Mary Lou Anderson to encourage students to explore their talents and express themselves. Since then, the Reflections Program has inspired millions of students to reflect on a specific theme and create original artwork. Each year, students in Grades Pre-K through 12 are recognized for bringing the theme to life through dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts.

In 2012, the Special Artist Division emerged as an optional division for students whose physical, cognitive, or mental health challenges meet ADA guidelines. More information regarding guidelines and rules will be in your Reflections Guide.

Are you a new Reflections Chair or would like some info on how to implement Reflections in your school? Follow along with your WSPTA Reflections Guide for Local PTAs (you will receive the Fall from your PTA President).

Want to know more?

Issaquah PTSA Council Reflections Chairs:

Leah Gibson
Kristen Allen-Bentsen
Heather Bratton
reflections@issaquahptsa.org

Chair Documents
Reflections Chair Training Presentation: PNG || PDF

Click HERE to visit the WSPTA Reflections Website