Just Getting Started?

• It is okay! You still have time!
• Promote Reflections anyway! See the Leader's Guide!
• The students and families who want to participate will!
• Your Reflections program can be big or small - one art piece submitted = SUCCESS!
• Reflections does not have to be classroom wide
• You are making a difference in a student’s life and that is what PTA is about!
• Did you know? High School students can put Reflections on their college applications!  

Be Compliant!
There are rules for each category within Reflections.  If you turn in a Reflections piece to Council PTSA and it is not compliant, we can not send it up to State PTA for further judging.  It does not matter how amazing it is.

Note: This is important, even when we are doing online submissions to Council and State! If any piece advances to National PTA, it will need to be sent physically. 

The rules for each category are found in the student packets, but here are the highlights.

GENERAL COMPLIANCE

• No names or labels on the front.  If the artist put their name on the front, just leave it.  It's fine.  Please DO NOT add any labels. 
• Visual arts and photography must be on a rigid backing - see below
• Student signatures can be typed on to the entry forms

• Remember! You can submit up to 6 pieces to Council in the Special Artist category over and above the 20 piece limit.
• Please see allowable accommodations for this category on the Rules/Guidelines document

LITERATURE

• Must not exceed 2000 words 
• Accepted formats: Single-sided print on 8 ½ x 11 paper, PDF file
• no name on the front - only on last page
• essays with drawings are okay but judging will only occur on the written words.
• Number each page.

PHOTOGRAPHY

• A single print/digital image will only be accepted. Multiple collage pictures are considered visual arts.
• Print image may not be smaller than 3″ x 5″ and no larger than 8″ x 10″.
• Print should be mounted on rigid backing
• If using a mat, the mat can not be larger than 11″ x 14″.
• Frames are NOT acceptable
• No graphics or letters are allowed.  These would be submitted in the visual arts category.
• Digital image dimensions must be at least 640x960 (pixels) and 300 dpi (resolution).
• Accepted file formats: JPEG, JPG, and PNG.

VISUAL ARTS - 2D

• Entry size must not exceed 24″ x 30″
• Required: Entries should be mounted on foam core, sturdy cardboard, mat board or other rigid material
• NOT ACCEPTED: No wood, metal, plastic, glass or framed canvas - PLEASE - NO CANVAS on mounted wood.
• Include one digital image of artwork with your submission.

VISUAL ARTS - 3D

• 3D artwork submissions must contain 3 digital images of artwork at different angles. Image(s) are used for artwork identification, judging and exhibition purposes. Accepted file formats: JPEG, JPG, and PNG.

MUSIC

• Audio recording must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1,000 MB (1,000 megabyte) in file size.
• Accepted audio file formats include: MP3 and WAV on a USB Flash Drive 
• Notation (score/tablature) in PDF format is only required for middle and high school divisions

DANCE

• Video must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1,000 MB (1,000 megabyte) in file size.
• Accepted file formats include: AVI and MP4.
• Cite background music (if any) on the student entry form.

FILM

• Video must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1,000 MB (1,000 megabyte) in file size.
• Accepted file formats include: AVI and MP4
• Use of background music must be cited on the student entry form.

What Does Rigid Backing Mean?


This means that the entry must be mounted in a way that it cannot be folded, rolled, or bent.

ACCEPTABLE BACKING INCLUDES: foam core, press board, canvas board, cardboard (solid piece, no seams or folds), and thick mat board.

NOT ACCEPTED: Poster board, card stock, scrap-booking paper, construction paper, wood framed canvas, and glass are not acceptable backing materials. Entries not mounted on a rigid backing may be disqualified. An entry that is surrounded by a mat but is not backed to prevent folding, rolling or bending may be disqualified.

Why PTA Reflections?