Reflections 2026–2027 

What My Culture Means to Me 

Deadline: Monday, November 2, 2026 

Let your creativity shine! The National PTA Reflections program gives students an opportunity to express themselves through original works of art inspired by this year's theme: 

“What My Culture Means to Me” 

Students can participate in one or more of six arts categories: 

  • 🎨 Visual Arts 

  • 📷 Photography 

  • 🎵 Music Composition 

  • 🎬 Film Production 

  • 💃 Dance Choreography 

  • 📝 Literature 

Students may participate in multiple categories. Each entry must be submitted separately and meet the requirements for its category. 

What is Reflections? 

Reflections is a National PTA arts program that encourages students to explore their creativity and express themselves through the arts. 

Students of all abilities and experience levels are invited to create an original work inspired by the annual Reflections theme. There are six categories: Visual Arts, Photography, Music Composition, Film Production, Dance Choreography, and Literature. 

Reflections is an opportunity for students to share their unique perspectives, ideas, cultures, experiences, and creativity. There is no need to be an experienced artist—just create something that expresses what the theme means to you. 

Students may enter one or more categories. 

Ready to Create? 

Start by thinking about what “What My Culture Means to Me” means to you. 

Your culture can include many things that help shape who you are—for example, family traditions, language, food, music, celebrations, stories, places, communities, values, history, or experiences. 

You can interpret the theme in any way that is meaningful to you. Your entry should be your own original creative work. 

Students may enter multiple categories. Just be sure to submit a digital copy of each entry by November 2, 2026.   

Reflections 2026–2027 Key Rules by Category 

Before You Submit: Entry Checklist 

Please make sure you have completed each of the following: 

☐ My work is original and was created by the student. 

☐ My work responds to the theme “What My Culture Means to Me.” 

☐ I have selected the correct Reflections category. 

☐ My digital file meets the required file format, size, and length requirements for my category as referred in the Key Rules by Category. 

☐ I have completed any required student information and artist statement. 

☐ I have checked my artwork/video/audio file before submitting it. 

☐ I have removed identifying information where the category rules require it. 

☐ If I am entering more than one category, I am submitting each entry separately. 

☐ I will submit my entry by Monday, November 2, 2026. 

How to Submit Your Entry 

Deadline: Monday, November 2, 2026 

Please submit your entry by the deadline. We strongly recommend submitting early rather than waiting until the last day. 

Step 1: Read the rules by category before submitting the entry.  

Step 2: Download and fill out the Student Entry Form (filled and signed by student and parent/guardian) 

Step 3: Email your Student Entry Form and your digital art to reflections@ellabakerptsa.org  

 
If you have any issues uploading, please email reflections@ellabakerptsa.org   

Important Reminders 

  • Keep original artwork safely stored in case it is needed for display or judging at a later level. 

  • Students may enter multiple categories. 

  • Each entry must be an original student-created work. 

  • Review the category requirements carefully before creating and submitting your work. 

  • If your work includes music, images, footage, or other material created by someone else, follow the applicable copyright and credit requirements. 

  • AI-generated artwork, compositions, or other work that replaces the student's own creative process is not eligible. 

Accessibility & Accommodations 

Reflections is intended to be accessible to students of all abilities. 

Students with disabilities may use non-artist accommodations without entering the Accessible Arts division. Examples include speech-to-text assistance or having another person hold a camera. 

Accommodations must not influence the artistic process. Assistants may provide support only under the direction of the student artist. 

Adaptive technology and assistive devices are allowed when they are related to the student's disability. Accommodations should be specific and limited to the student's disability. 

The goal is for the student's own creative ideas and artistic decisions to remain at the center of the work. 

Questions? 

Have a question about Reflections or need help submitting an entry? 

Email: reflections@ellabakerptsa.org 

We are happy to help students and families participate! 

Official Reflections Information 

For complete rules, grade divisions, judging criteria, and information about the National PTA Reflections program, please refer to the official Reflections resources. 

National PTA Reflections: 
https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections 

Ella Baker Elementary PTSA Reflections: 
https://www.ellabakerptsa.org/reflections 

Last Year Reflection Entries 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that gives students an opportunity to explore the annual theme and express their ideas through creativity. Students can participate through visual art, photography, literature, music, dance, or film. 

What is Reflections? 

1

Not at all! Reflections is about your child's ideas, creativity, and personal interpretation of the theme. There is no need to be a professional artist or have previous experience. 

Does my child need to be an experienced artist? 

2

Students may be able to participate in multiple categories. Please follow the current Ella Baker PTSA and Lake Washington PTSA Council submission guidelines for this year's program. 

Can my child enter more than one category? 

3

Does the work need to be original? 

4

Yes. The submitted work should be the student's original creative work and should be created in response to this year's Reflections theme. Please review the category-specific rules for any additional requirements. 

What is the submission deadline? 

5

All entries must be submitted by Monday, November 2, 2026. 

How are entries judged? 

6

Entries are reviewed based on three main areas: 

  • Interpretation of Theme 

  • Creativity 

  • Technical Skill 

The most important thing is that the student's work communicates their own ideas and interpretation of “What My Culture Means to Me.”

What happens after I submit? 

7

Ella Baker PTSA will appoint unbiased judges who will review the entries according to the applicable Reflections guidelines. Selected entries may have the opportunity to advance to the next level of the Reflections program through the Lake Washington PTSA Council and Washington State PTA. 

Students will also be recognized for their participation and creativity at the Ella Baker level. 

What if my child has a disability?

8

Students with disabilities may participate through the Accessible Arts Division, where available. This division provides accommodations and modified requirements to help ensure that students can participate fully.

Who can I contact if I have questions? 

9

Please email the Ella Baker PTSA Reflections team at: 

reflections@ellabakerptsa.org 

Reflections 2026–2027 Key Rules by Category 

The following is a quick-reference guide to help families understand the most important requirements. Please review the official Reflections rules before submitting an entry. 

🎨 Visual Arts 

  • Original work only. Reproductions or enlargements of other artwork are not accepted. 

  • Both fine art and design works are accepted. 

  • 2D artwork: Maximum size is 24 × 30 inches, including matting. 

  • Mount 2D artwork on sturdy material. No frames or glass. 

  • Submit 1 digital image of the artwork. 

  • 3D artwork: The piece must be stable for transportation and should not have loose or assembly-required pieces. 

  • Submit up to 3 digital images of a 3D work from different angles. 

  • DO NOT put the student's name on the artwork. 

  • Please keep the original artwork in good condition. It may be needed for display if the entry advances. 

 📷 Photography 

  • The student must be the photographer. 

  • Digital editing is allowed. 

  • Added graphics, collages, and photo collections are not accepted. 

  • Photomontages—a single print made from multiple original photographs—are allowed. 

  • Submit 1 digital image. 

  • Accepted file formats: JPEG/JPG/PNG. 

  • Minimum image size: 640 × 960 pixels at 300 dpi. 

  • The photograph should be the student's original work. 

 🎵 Music Composition 

  • All musical styles and instrument combinations are accepted. 

  • The student must be the composer and may also perform the composition. 

  • Entries are judged on the composition, not the quality of the performance. 

  • AI-generated or algorithmically generated compositions are not accepted. 

  • File format: MP3. 

  • Maximum length: 5 minutes. 

  • Maximum file size: 1,000 MB. 

  • Middle and high school entries must also include notation, such as a score, tablature, or written reflection. 

 🎬 Film Production 

  • The student must write, direct, and edit the film. 

  • Footage must be original. 

  • Slide presentations, such as PowerPoint presentations, are not accepted. 

  • Credit all background music and other material that is not the student's original work. 

  • File formats: AVI or MP4. 

  • Maximum length: 5 minutes. 

  • Maximum file size: 1,000 MB. 

 💃 Dance Choreography 

  • Solo or group dances are accepted. 

  • Any dance style is allowed, including gymnastics. 

  • The student must choreograph the piece and may also perform it. 

  • The video must clearly show both hands and feet. 

  • Performances of unoriginal choreography are not accepted. 

  • Credit any background music. 

  • File formats: AVI or MP4. 

  • Maximum length: 5 minutes. 

  • Maximum file size: 1,000 MB. 

  • No added visual effects. 

  • Do NOT say or print the artist's full name anywhere in the video. 

 📝 Literature 

  • The student must be the author of the work. 

  • Entries should be original and inspired by the Reflections theme. 

  • Follow the applicable National PTA length, formatting, and submission requirements for the student's grade division. 

  • Submit the work digitally as part of the student's entry. 

  • Do not include identifying information in places where the submission rules prohibit it. 

Check Out Our 2024-2025 Reflections Art Contest Video

We are thrilled to share the incredible talents of our students who participated in this year’s Reflections Art Contest! A total of 19 stunning pieces of artwork across various categories (visual art, literature, music composition, and photography) were submitted, each showcasing the unique creativity and expression of our young artists. 

 To celebrate their efforts, we have compiled all the submissions into a video.  Take a moment to enjoy this artistic journey and support the amazing work of our students. 

 Thank you to all the participants for sharing your talents and inspiring our school community!


CHECK OUT ELLA BAKER STUDENT’S REFLECTIONS ENTRIES AT LAST YEAR’S (2024-2025) LAKE WASHINGTON PTSA COUNCIL OPEN HOUSE!