Reflections

Illinois PTA Reflections Get ready for the 2026–2027 PTA Reflections theme “What My Culture Means to Me”

Reflections is a National PTA competition supported by members like you!

Reflections is a National PTA program focused on the arts that provides opportunities for student growth and recognition which can boost student confidence. Visual and performing arts naturally align with established Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) goals.

Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 nationwide create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. Entering its 57th year, this 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.

2025-2026 National Advancing Projects

Celebrate the creativity of our 2025–2026 “I Belong!” Reflections artists! Watch the Illinois finalist spotlight video and visit PTA.org/IBelongWinners to explore how students across the country brought the theme to life.

25-26 National Winners

HOW TO ENTER.

Students must submit their artwork via Student Entry Form to a local PTA/PTSA. Contact your local PTA Reflections chair for deadlines and additional information.

5 Steps to Guide Your Reflections Program from Start to Finish:

Step 1: Getting started (August)
PTA Reflections Leaders Start Here

Participation in the 2026–2027 PTA Reflections program, “What My Culture Means to Me,” requires each local PTA/PTSA to register its Reflections chair in Givebacks. Having a clear point of contact at the local level is vital to supporting students and keeping the program connected to the community.

Illinois Rules in Brief (Here)

PTA Leader Program Checklist (English | en Español)

Important! Visual Arts and Photography entries must be submitted in both physical and digital formats. Physical entries that advance to the State Level will be displayed at SPOTLIGHT and returned to the artists in May.

Training Resources for PTA Reflections Leaders

PTA Reflections: Start Simple, Dream Big

Thursday, Sept. 10th at 7 PM CT (Register)

Monday, Sept. 14th at 7 PM CT (Register)

Entry Form

If you are a STUDENT, start by asking your School Reflections Chair for the entry form specific to your school. Next, visit the Craft an Entry page for helpful guidance on creating your entry, telling your story through your title and artist statement, and understanding how your work will be reviewed.

If you are a SCHOOL REFLECTIONS CHAIR, start by personalizing the PDF templates below with your school’s information: PTA name, National PTA 8-digit ID, your name and e-mail.

Student Entry Packet PDF (English | en Español)

Student Entry Form (English | en Español)

New! Digital Student Entry Form (How-To| FAQ)

Next, share entry forms with Reflections participants and clearly communicate the submission date and where physical entries should be dropped off.

Arts Category and Division Guidelines

Accessible Arts Division (English | en Español)

Dance Choreography (English | en Español)

Film Production (English | en Español)

Literature (English | en Español)

Music Composition (English | en Español)

Photography (English | en Español)

Visual Arts (English | en Español)

More

Step 2: Promote your program (August/September)

Posters

8.5×11 Poster – Color (English | en español), B&W (English | en español)

11×17 Poster – Color (English | en español), B&W (English | en español)

Graphics

Social Media Graphic (1080×1080)(English | en español)

Theme Text Icon (English | en español)

Zoom Background (English | en español)

Newsletters/Web Ads (200×200 px) (English | en español)

Email Signature (English)

Logos and Category Images/Icons

Reflections Logo

Dance Choreography (26-27 Icon | Standard)

Film Production (26-27 Icon | Standard)

Literature (26-27 Icon | Standard)

Music Composition (26-27 Icon | Standard)

Photography (26-27 Icon | Standard)

Visual Arts (26-27 Icon | Standard)

Step 3: Judging (October/November)
All PTA Reflections program entries are judged on three criteria:

Interpretation of Theme (40 pts.)

Creativity (30 pts.)

Technique (30 pts.)

Notice how heavily “Interpretation of Theme” is weighted? This is what makes the National PTA Reflections Arts Program unique. Entries should be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme. A well-developed concept is more important than technique. If two entries are tied, the entry with the higher score for interpretation of theme receives more recognition.

Reflections Review Packet (English | en español) Includes scoring rubric and criteria.

Step 4: Advance entries to your Council or Region (October/November/December)
From National PTA:

Entries are reviewed at local, regional, state and national levels. Each PTA determines its own reviewers for the program. National PTA reserves the right to use its sole discretion in selecting the submissions to be recognized at the national level. Under no condition may parents or students contact a reviewer to dispute the status/score of any entry. Each PTA in its sole discretion will select finalists for exhibition and provide awards/prizes. Awards are announced per local and state procedures.

Timeline

Local entry submission due dates vary depending on where you live. Please reach out to your PTA unit, council and region contact to inquire about your local due dates, which are generally in the Fall.

If you are a STUDENT -Contact your School Reflections chair for your school submission date.

If you are a SCHOOL REFLECTIONS CHAIR:

In a PTA Council school -Contact your PTA Council Reflections chair for your PTA Council submission date.

In an Out-of-Council PTA school -Contact your PTA Region Reflections chair or your Region Director.

Entries advance to the Regions level by Sunday, December 6th. Illinois PTA results announced in March and celebrated at SPOTLIGHT in April. National PTA results announced May 1 at PTA.org/Reflections.

Process

We’re creating something we can’t wait to share. Stay tuned!

Step 5: Celebrate! (November-June)
Template Student Certificate (English)

Thank You Letter for Volunteers (English | en español)

Reflections Celebration Guide (English | en español)

Join us for 14th Annual SPOTLIGHT Celebration on 04.24.27

Info

Sponsors and Partners

Illinois PTA Reflections Get ready for the 2026–2027 PTA Reflections theme “What My Culture Means to Me”

2025-2026 National Advancing Projects

HOW TO ENTER.

5 Steps to Guide Your Reflections Program from Start to Finish:

Subscribe Now!