Reflections Art Program 2025-2026
2025-26 Theme: "I Belong"
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The National PTA Reflections program encourages students from Pre-K through 12th grade to express themselves through various artistic categories including dance, film, literature, music, photography, and visual arts. Students may submit multiple entries in any or all categories, with opportunities to advance through Council, State, and National levels. Scholarships and prizes are available for top entries.
Participation requires that students, or a member of their immediate family, hold a current membership in their local PTA. Entries are initially judged at the local campus level, with the potential to progress to Council, Texas, and National PTAs.
Texas PTA provides comprehensive resources to support your PTA in managing a successful Reflections season.
Submit theme ideas for a chance to win $100. council key datesLocal PTA Deadlines: Typically late October, Council deadline is earlier this year, so campus timelines may need to be adjusted. Plano Council Deadline: 11:59 PM, Monday, November 10, 2025 Texas PTA Deadline: January 15, 2026 National PTA Submission Deadline: March 1, 2026
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Quick-Start Actions for arts in education chairs
- Collaborate with the outgoing Arts Chair to assess materials needed for the school.
- Register annually with Texas PTA: here.
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with important dates.
- Sign the Texas PTA Confidentiality and Ethics Agreement: download here.
- Complete the required FOUNDATIONS Essentials by October 15.
- Review the Texas PTA Basics Programs Resource Guide (English | Spanish) as needed for detailed support and best practices and for all things related to the Arts in Education position, including running the Reflections program.
Duties at a Glance
- Support year-round arts-related activities at your school.
- Coordinate with the Programs VP to include arts in the school calendar.
- Promote the Reflections program and recognize participating students.
- Ensure your PTA maintains Active Status with Texas PTA by October 31 for eligibility.
TX PTA Resources
- Reflections Leader Resources for guidelines, forms, and judging rules.
- Training Video covering all the basics of running a successful program.
- Download the entry forms and promotional materials for this year.
- Use the Advancing Entry Spreadsheet to track and submit entries advancing to Council.
Centralized Judges List Available
Calling all Reflections enthusiasts! We’re working on updating a centralized list of judges who have agreed to help you with judging. We will post it here when it's available!
Council Judging
All advancing entries will be submitted to Council through our Council PTA Reflections 2025-26 Art Submissions Google Form by November 10, 2025.
- Please follow the category rules found here.
- If an entry advances to state, we will make arrangements based on the Texas PTA Reflections guidelines. Please plan and communicate this with your families.
Judging Overview
- Judging is based on interpretation of theme, creativity, and technique.
- Entries are divided by age and category (dance, literature, film, music, photography, visual arts).
- Students with disabilities may choose to enter the Accessible Arts Division, which has modified guidelines.
Awards
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Now that judging is complete on your campus, it is time for celebrating! Art prizes, certificates and ribbons are given to top entries! (Varies per campus coordinator.)
- Awards at the campus level:
- Award of Excellence (Blue ribbon) 20% of entries, these entries advance to Council
- Award of Merit (Red ribbon) 20% of entries
- Honorable Mention (White ribbon) 30% of entries
- Optional: Participation (green ribbon) may be given to all entries just for participating in Reflections on your campus whether they receive an award or not.
- Order ribbons through our local vendor for fair pricing and quick turnaround: Spirit Promotions Lynette@spiritpromotions.net
- Another option is PTA's online market with National PTA ribbons and certificates.
More on Arts in Education
Arts in Education is a long-standing priority for PTA. Working to incorporate the arts into daily learning contributes to growth and education of the whole child. We are passionate about supporting creative kids and giving all students the chance to express themselves creatively.
ARTS IN EDUCATION RESOURCES
ARTS SUCCESS
One of the most valuable benefits of PTA is that our Leaders are part of a larger community who have the opportunity to network and share with one another. We know that PTAs across Texas are doing great things, and we want to hear about each one of them! Submit your success story and be the Talk of Texas!
LOCAL ART GROUPS
- https://www.collaborativeartsofplano.org/
- https://www.plano.gov/816/Art-in-the-Library
- https://www.facebook.com/planoarts
- https://www.facebook.com/planoartwalk
- https://www.facebook.com/planoartscoalition
- https://www.facebook.com/planosymphony
