2025 - 2026 Arts in Education/Reflections 

Have a question about the Reflections program? Please contact COE PTA's Reflection Chair Raya Koryagina at reflections@chandleroakspta.org 

 

ENTER SUBMISSION HERE

 

 

Every year, students across the country and in U.S. schools abroad participate in the Reflections Theme Search Contest – a competition where students submit unique and inspiring theme suggestions to inspire a future Reflections program cycle. State PTAs select the top five finalists and advance the submissions to National PTA, where they go through multiple stages of review by National PTA volunteer leadership.  

Reviewers look for submissions that are focused, without being too narrow or too broad, inspiring and unique from past program themes. Additionally, because Reflections themes are selected two years in advance, reviewers also seek themes that will be relevant in the future.  

With these considerations in mind, reviewers selected the theme “I Belong!,” which was submitted by Ben Morgan, a 6th grader from Lewis and Clark Middle School PTSA in Boise, Idaho! Ben’s winning theme, “I Belong!” was selected from over 75 other entries from 17 state PTAs. As the Theme Search Contest winner, Ben has earned $100 and will inspire thousands of students across the country to create artwork during the 2025-2026 Reflections program.  

Ben shared his inspiration, that he wanted to create “a theme that many people could relate to.” When asked what “I Belong!” means to him, Ben shared: “I have found belonging with my family and friends. The people in my classes can also be like part of my family, even though we aren’t directly related. For me, “I Belong!” means I know where I am accepted, and I know that I can be myself there without being criticized or judged.” 

Ben and his siblings have been active participants in the Reflections program, and he mentioned: “We do a lot of art at my house. Especially music.” Ben plays piano and is learning to play the cello. However, his favorite way to create art is by making pencil sketches. He values asking for input from friends and family about what he should add to his creations and said they “turn out to be interesting!” 

Julia Ford is the 2023-2025 National PTA Arts in Education Fellow.  

 

Exploring Creative Interpretations of the Theme 

Because “Accepting Imperfection” is a personal experience and concept, there are endless possibilities for artistic expression across the PTA Reflections arts categories:  

  • Dance Choreography: A dancer might choreograph a piece that highlights moments of imbalance or missteps, weaving these “mistakes” into the performance to show that they are expressions of humanity and growth. 
  • Music Composition: Musicians can explore imperfection by embracing the natural variability in performances. A piece doesn’t need to be flawless to be powerful; often, it’s the slight deviations and emotional nuances that make it memorable. 
  • Photography: Photographs can capture the beauty of candid, unposed moments or highlight unique flaws—wrinkles, scars or everyday messiness—which can tell a more compelling story than a picture-perfect image. 
  • Literature: Writers can explore imperfection through storytelling about a character who finds strength in their flaws or through an acrostic poem that uses each line to celebrate a different, personal imperfection.  
  • Visual Arts: Drawings, paintings and sculptures can elevate imperfections as the true standard of beauty, contrasting them with traditionally “perfect” elements to emphasize the value of the imperfect.  
  • Film Production: Filmmakers can capture and edit day-to-day footage to create a narrative that showcases the beauty of everyday life, using cinematic techniques to explore how the world would look if ordinary people, not Hollywood, defined perfection. 

CONTESTANT INFORMATION

All entries must include a title and an artist statement. The artist statement communicates what inspired the work, how it relates to the theme, and the content of the work. The statement must include 10-100 words.

A member of your household must be a PTA member (anyone can join for $10). If you have not joined Chandler Oaks PTA yet, you can do so here. 

Entry Forms and Rules

Students should download the Program Rules to ensure their art meets the requirements for each art category. Each entry must be accompanied by a completed Student Entry form.

 

Category Rules Individually 

The Student Program Rules and Student Entry Form can be found on the Eligibility & Participation page. If you wish to download the category rules individually, they are linked below:

 

Make sure to read PTA eNews and follow the COE PTA Facebook page to get the latest information. You can also email Reflections@chandleroakspta.org for more information.

 
 
The Reflections program encourages students of all ages and abilities to explore and be involved in the arts in an educational way. Students create and submit original works of art in the medium of their choice— dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts — reflecting on a specific theme. There also is a special artist division option for students with disabilities to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate in the program. Students are recognized each year for their artistic ingenuity to bring the theme to life in a way that is personal and meaningful.
 

Founded in 1969, the National PTA Reflections engages nearly 300,000 students and their families in arts education activities each year—encouraging students to explore the arts for fun and recognition. For more information about the program, visit https://www.txpta.org/reflections.

 
 
 
2024 - 2025 Arts in Education/Reflections Winners

"Accepting Imperfection"

We are so proud of Leah from kindergarten! (24/25) 🌟
She won at the state level and received an Honorable Mention at the National PTA level! 🎉💖 Way to go, Leah — your creativity and hard work are truly inspiring.