National PTA Reflections  

National PTA has a long-standing commitment to arts education. The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life.

Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. This 50+ year-old program helps them explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life.

Who can participate?

Students in grades K-6 and of all abilities may participate and explore the arts based on this year’s theme: Show Your Voice!

Can my child enter more than once? Enter in more than one category? Or collaborate with another child?

Yes, yes, and sort of. Your child may submit as many entries as s/he would like, in as many categories as s/he would like. Another child may appear in or perform in another student’s work, such being a model in a photograph, acting in a film, performing a musical composition, or performing a choreographed dance. But the creative work itself must be the original product of one student only. See the Official Rules

Is there an accommodation for students with special needs?

The Special Artist Division is an option for students with disabilities to participate fully in the program, with modified rules and guidelines to ensure that every student has the chance to be part of the program. See Special Artists Official Rules

How does my child enter the Reflections Contest?

Submissions this year can be done physically or virtually. However, ALL entries must be submitted virtually using this Google Forms Link. The google form must be completed and the students artwork must be uploaded by the submission deadline of Monday, November 14th. In addition, ALL physical entries need to be dropped at the BES on Monday, November 14th.  Entrants must follow requirements and instructions specific to each art categories and division. Please follow rules carefully, only entries that meet all category rules and requirements will be eligible for judging. See links to Category Rules below.

When is the deadline for submissions?

All entries must be submitted no later than Monday, November 14, 2022. ALL submissions need to be virtually submitted by this day and ALL physical entries need to be dropped at the Babylon Elementary School as well.

How are the submissions judged?

We will be putting together a body of local experts to choose the winners. Judging will occur this week and plans for a display are in the works.  Winning entries will go on to county level competition, and county winners go on to state level competition. Those who win at the state level go on to the national competition. Several children from the NY metro area received awards in the national PTA Reflections competition, and we hope that a student from Babylon will soon join their ranks!

So…will there be prizes?

For each completed accepted entry the student will receive a raffle ticket, good for a chance to win lunch with either Principal Keogh or Principal Haubrich & Assistant Principal Fretto. All participants will receive a certificate and 1st place winners will be announced at school. 

Help, I have more questions!

Your brave and forthright Reflections co-chairperson, Allyson Uttendorfer, will be happy to answer any of your questions.

More Links