2023 - 2024  

PTA Reflections Program

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Started in 1969, Reflections is an annual arts recognition program sponsored by the National PTA. Kindergarten through 12th grade students can enter into six different categories: dance choreography, film/video production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts! Students may submit entries in all 6 categories, and there is no limit on the amount of entries. Reflections is designed to provide an opportunity for students of all ages and ability levels to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original work! Each Reflections entry has the opportunity to advance from the Bedford Heights PTA level, to HEB-ISD Council level, Texas PTA level, or even National PTA level.

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The 2023 - 2024 Reflections theme is...

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We had 23 entries in 2 different categories this year:

Visual Arts and Literature Arts​

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RESULTS ARE IN from the 2023 Reflections theme of “I am Hopeful Because...”

 

7 Bedford Heights students advanced to the HEB-ISD Council of PTAs level of judging!

• Romeo Patino - Visual Arts

• Rachel Boyer - Visual Arts

• Lainey Schneider - Visual Arts *Lainey's artwork has advanced to the Council Level 2 years in a row!*

• Sophia Lopez Velarde - Visual Arts *Sophia's artwork has advanced to Council Level 4 Years in a Row!*

• Naia Berry - Visual Arts

• Farrah Snow - Literature Arts

• Lillian Park - Literature Arts

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We are proud of our talented Bulldogs!!

Results from Council Level Judging will be announced sometime in late January

Please enjoy the 2023-2024 Reflections Virtual Gallery

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How to Participate:

1. Choose an arts category and get inspired by this year's theme, "I Am Hopeful Because..."

2. Create your work of art following the category's guidelines (available through the links below)

3. Write your 10-100 word Artist Statement describing how your work relates to the theme

4. Submit your creation through the “Virtual Judging Submission Link” below and fill out the student entry form google form

 

Take a few moments to review the Official Participation Rules and Category Guidelines before submitting an entry. Your student can pick up a physical copy of each of these on the school’s Bulletin Board. Each student can submit multiple entries!

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Ready to participate in the Reflections program?

Next Steps:

1. Make sure 1 member of your household is a 2023 - 2024 PTA member to participate. If not, join the PTA at: http://www.joinpta.org

2. Bedford Heights will continue with the Virtual Judging platform we have utilized the last few years. To start this process for your artist, begin by submitting each reflections entry ONLINE at: Virtual Judging Submission Link

3. Once you have completed the Student Entry Form, keep your creation in a safe place. We will collect the entries in April for our end of the year Reflections Celebration Breakfast.

4. Check your email throughout the school year for more information! 

 

Each Reflections entry should be submitted online individually.

First Entry Deadline: September 15, 2023 - Students that submit their online entry on or before September 15th will receive a Reflections Prize! 

Final Entry Deadline: Thursday, October 19, 2023

 

Student entries are judged based on:

• Interpretation of the Theme: how closely the piece relates to the theme, based on the artwork itself and the artist statement

• Artistic Merit/Creativity: how creative and original the piece is in its conception of the theme and its presentation

• Mastery of Medium: the level of skill demonstrated in the basic principles/techniques of the arts area

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2025 - 2026 Reflections theme

Start dreaming up the 2025 - 2026 Reflections Theme! Deadline to submit themes is November 5, 2023.

When suggesting a theme, judges take into consideration if the theme is:

​​​- Unique, inspiring and unlike past program themes​

- Focused without being too narrow or too broad

- Clear, concise, and appropriate for all grade levels

- Applicable to all arts categories

- Promotes PTA values

- Relevant in 2 years

- Past themes and duplicate entries are not considered.

 

Do you have a creative new idea for a theme? Completed a Theme Search Student Entry Form.

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Questions?

Contact BHE Arts in Education Chair, Melissa Wilhelmi at bheartsineducation@gmail.com.