Reflections Contest
Unleash Your Creativity with National PTA Reflections
The MVE PTA is proud to host the National PTA Reflections program, a long-standing cultural arts experience that encourages students to explore their creativity and share their unique voices through art.Since 1969, Reflections has provided a platform for millions of students to express themselves. This year, we invite our students to join this legacy by creating original works of art inspired by a single, powerful theme.
This Year's Theme: "What My Culture Means to Me"
The 2026-2027 Reflections theme is "What My Culture Means to Me". This theme invites students to explore and express their personal heritage, traditions, and identity. Through their art, they can reflect on the people, places, values, and experiences that have shaped who they are and what makes their culture meaningful to them.
Arts Categories
Students can submit original works of art in one or more of the following categories:
- Dance Choreography
- Film Production
- Literature
- Music Composition
- Photography
- Visual Arts (including painting, drawing, printmaking, and collage)
Special Division: The program also offers an Accessible Arts division, providing accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure every student can participate fully.
How to Participate
1. Create Your Artwork: Let your imagination soar! Your creation must be an original work inspired by the theme "What My Culture Means to Me."
2. Review the Official Rules: Please read the category rules and entry requirements carefully. The National PTA "Craft an Entry" page is a great resource for students to understand what is required for each category.
3. Submit Your Entry: We are using a simple online form to collect entries. Please have your student complete the entry form with the help of a parent or guardian. Do not forget to submit a copy of the form with your artwork. If your student needs assistance or has questions, our wonderful music teacher, Mrs. Platt, is available to help guide them through the submission process.
Link to form: https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/files/programs/reflections/_evergreen-program-materials/local-leader-resources/fillable-student-entry-form_reflections.pdf
4. Submission Deadline: Please submit your entry using the link below by the deadline. All students who submit an entry will receive a special prize from the MVE PTA to celebrate their participation!
What Happens After You Submit?
Local Review & Recognition
A committee of volunteers will review all entries. We will host a celebration to showcase the incredible creativity of our MVE students and recognize all participants.
Advancing Through the Program
Selected entries from our local review will be advanced to the El Paso Council PTA for the next level of recognition. From there, finalists may advance to the Colorado State PTA and, ultimately, to the National PTA level where they could receive national awards and recognition.PTAs cannot advance entries directly to National PTA. All entries must first go through their state PTA, so participation at the local and council levels is essential.
Program Timeline
While specific dates for MVE will be finalized soon, here is a general timeline for the Reflections program:
| Program Phase | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| MVE PTA Submissions Open | September – October |
| MVE PTA Entry Deadline | November 6th, 2026 |
| Local Review & Celebrations | November-December |
| Council/Region Deadlines | November – January |
| State PTA Deadlines | January – February |
| National PTA Deadlines | March – May |
Important Program Information
- Participation is Free: There is no cost for students to participate in the Reflections program.
- Eligibility: The program is open to all MVE students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
- Original Work: All entries must be original works created by the student specifically for the Reflections program.
- Artist Statement: A key part of your submission will be an artist statement explaining how your work relates to the theme. This statement is a crucial part of the judging criteria.
Volunteer to Make It Happen
The Reflections program is run by parent volunteers. We need help with a variety of tasks, including promoting the program, organizing entries, and recruiting judges (especially arts professionals from our community).If you are interested in volunteering, please email us at mveptateam@gmail.com.