2003-2004 Reflections Theme Contest

"I am Really Happy When..."

Goal

The goal of the Reflections program is participation, not winning. Although it follows a contest format, winning is not the emphasis.

All children have the ability to create a work of art through the visual arts, photography, literature and music fields. This program allows for them to have a chance to experiment and feel good about their artistic expression.

Originality Clause:

All entries must be the original design and artwork of one student, parents, friends and teachers must not assist the student. The student and parent/legal guardian must sign the affirmation/permission slip on the official entry form.

Grade Levels

Type of school	Grade	Age
Primary	Preschool-2nd grade	Up to age 7
Intermediate	3rd-5th grade	Ages 8-10
Middle/Junior	6th-8th grade	Ages 11-13
Senior	9th-12th grade	Ages 14 & up
Special Education*	All grades	Ages 14 & up

*The Special Education level is an optional judging level created for the purpose of recognizing artistic abilities independent of grade level or age. It is recommended if a student can compete at their appropriate level, they should enter the judging category. (Special Education is defined, for this purpose, as students receiving services as required by the ARD and Individual Education Process.)

Other Information

Students may submit more than one entry in any or all of the four art areas.

Students must participate through their PTA/PTSA school that is in good standing with the Texas PTA.

Students can create their entries at home, in the classroom, as a part of a school cooperative effort with the PTA program, or a community center.

The official entry form must be filled out in its entirely, incomplete forms will not be eligible for the program. Make sure your form is clear and easy to read, use blue or black ink for the best results. When duplicating the form, use white or yellow paper only.

To have artwork mailed directly back to the student, send a $10 check or money order made payable to the Texas PTA to the address listed below.

Contacts for the Texas PTA Reflections Program

1-800 TALK PTA

PTA Awards - Tips for applying and due dates

Awards	Due Date
Career Teacher/Administrator Scholarship Spring Membership dues & report forms Spring Membership Award/Achievement entries Outstanding Newsletter Award entries Outstanding Membership Campaign Award entries	March 1 to State PTA March 15 to State PTA March 15 to State PTA April 1 to District April 1 to District

Tips

All entries for awards must be postmarked by (on or before) the designated date.

Entries that are innovative usually carry more weight when being judged. When there are several entries, the uniqueness of an idea may set one apart from the rest.

Often, consideration is given to entries that utilize resources available the Texas or National PTAs and to projects that promote inclusiveness or parental involvement.

Follow all instructions carefully and completely. Complete all forms thoroughly. Applications are eliminated regularly for being incomplete.

Abide by the page limit. Consider picture collages or reduced photocopies of newspaper articles.

Although an entry is judged on its content and not its attractiveness, outstanding presentation often helps when trying to decide between equally deserving entries.

Choose your words carefully. Brief, well-written summaries at the beginning of an application draw attention to the entire application and help summarize the contents quickly.

Always use proper spelling and grammar.

(all of this, and more, information is available in the local unit President’s book, Section 8, page 3, Texas PTA Handbook)