2026 - 2027 Reflections Program

The Texas PTA Reflections Program is a nationwide arts education program sponsored by the local PTA chapters, to encourage students to explore their creativity and express themselves through original works of art based on an annual theme. This program has been a cornerstone PTA program for more than 50 years. Each year, over 300,000 students throughout Texas, in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-created theme. More information about this year's Reflections Program will be shared with students and families once the school year begins.

This year's National PTA theme is "What My Culture Means to Me," which was submitted by Sophia Patrola from Wilton High School in Connecticut.

How it Works

Each year, students create an original work inspired by a specific theme. Entries can be submitted in one or more of the following categories, there is no limit to the number of entries per category. Additional information on each category is provided below.

💃 Dance Choreography
🎬 Film Production
✍️ Literature
🎵 Music Composition
📸 Photography
🎨 2D Visual Arts
⭐ Accessible Arts Division* (for students with disabilities who may benefit from accommodations, all grades welcome)

Why Participate?

The Reflections Program focuses on creative expression rather than competition, helping students:

Develop confidence and artistic skills
Express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences
Explore the arts in a meaningful way
Receive recognition for their creativity and achievements

Eligibility

To participate, the student or at least one member of the students primary household must be a current 2026-2027 PTA member at Green Elementary. Applications will be submitted based on the following divisions:

Primary (Pre-K - Grade 2)
Intermediate (Grades 3-5)
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
High School (Grades 9-12)

Recognition Opportunities

All students who participate are celebrated for their creativity. Outstanding entries may be selected to move forward for consideration at the Allen ISD Council, Texas PTA, and National PTA levels, giving students the chance to have their artwork recognized by a larger audience.

We encourage all Green Explores to participate, showcase their talents, and share their creativity with our school community. Whether through art, photography, dance, music, film, or writing, Reflections is a wonderful opportunity for students to express themselves and celebrate their unique perspectives. We can't wait to see the amazing and creative submissions from our Green Explorers!

Questions?

Contact our Arts Reflections Chair at arts@greenpta.org

Learn more about the program through the Texas PTA Website.

Eligible Arts Categories

Dance Choreography: Solo and ensemble works of all dance styles are accepted. Entrant must be the choreographer and may also be the performer, or one of the performers. Entries with added graphics in the video are not accepted. If background music is used, cite on entry form. Video file must not exceed 5 min. and 1 GB in size. Accepted formats: AVI, FLV, WMV, MOV, MP4. Packaging: specific instructions will be provided by the PTA Arts Chair.

Film Production: Accepted short film styles include: Animation, narrative, documentary, experimental or multimedia. Use of PowerPoint is prohibited. Entrant must be the screenwriter, cinematographer, editor and producer. A tripod and remote may be used. If used, cite background music on the entry form. Video file must not exceed 5 min. and 1 GB in size. Accepted formats: AVI, FLV, WMV, MOV, MP4. Packaging: specific instructions will be provided by the PTA Arts Chair.

Literature: Accepted forms of fiction and nonfiction include: prose, poetry, drama, reflective essay, narrative and short story. Collections of literary work are not accepted. Entrants may write in their primary language as long as an interpretive English translation is provided. Original Illustrations are accepted, but only the writing is judged. Writing must not exceed 2,000 words and may be handwritten or typed (single-sided, 8 ½x11”). Packaging: specific instructions will be provided by the PTA Arts Chair.

Music Composition: All music styles and combinations of instrumentation are accepted. Software may be used to produce an audio recording. Entrant must be the composer and may also be the performer, or one of the performers. Entries containing algorithmic composition techniques are not accepted. Audio file must not exceed 5 min. and 1 GB in size. Accepted formats: MP3, WAV. Notation: Required for middle and high school divisions - score, tabulature or written reflective statement that provides a musically technical explanation of how your music was created (100 words or less). Packaging: specific instructions will be provided by the PTA Arts Chair.

Photography: Photo must be a single print/digital image. Collages, collections of photos and added graphics are not accepted. Entrant must be the photographer and may use a variety of digital editing techniques. Printed images: between 3x5 to 8x10 inches. Glass frames are not accepted. Digital images: at least 640x960 pixels and 300 dpi resolution. Accepted file formats: JPEG, JPG, and PNG. Packaging: specific instructions will be provided by the PTA Arts Chair.

2D Visual Arts: Accepted forms of visual art include: original print, drawing, painting, collage (cut and pasted materials), metal etching or punch work, fiber work or computer-generated artwork. Dimensions must not exceed 24x30 inches, including mat. Check to see if your PTA is accepting entries digitally and follow their instructions. *Physical artwork, attach student entry form to back with sheet protector. Cover front of artwork with paper, securing it along one edge to the back of artwork without covering form and draping over front. Do not wrap in plastic or laminate entry. Digital image dimensions must be at least 640x960 pixels and 300 dpi resolution. Accepted file formats: JPEG, JPG, and PNG. *These guidelines are specific to Texas PTA. Texas PTA has made the decision to only accept 2D Visual Arts entries.

*Accessible Arts Division is open to students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504. Students will participate against other Accessible Arts entries and are awarded as part of the division. Students may receive division-specific accommodations and non-artistic accommodations as outlined in the division guidelines. Students with disabilities who wish to enter the general category judging should follow the general rules and category guidelines, modified only by non-artistic accommodations specific and limited to the student’s disability.