Reflections program is a National PTA, WSPTA and local PTA/PTSA cultural arts competition. The program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life. 

 

ATTENTION ALL ARTISTS!

Express yourself and use the arts to share your personal Reflections on this year’s theme: I BELONG!

The Reflections Program is a National PTA and Washington State PTA cultural arts competition. The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for students to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works.

This program encourages students to explore an idea, centered around a theme in visual arts, photography, dance choreography, film making, literature, or music composition. Start working on your piece today. More information can be found at https://www.wastatepta.org/events-programs/reflections/.

Contact PTSA at newcastleptsa.reflections@gmail.com if you have any questions. Submissions are due to the Reflections bin in front of the Main Office at Newcastle Elementary by Friday, October 24, 2025 (late entry may be considered if submitted by Friday October 31, 2025).

PROGRAM DETAILS

A student may submit an entry through the Newcastle PTSA and in any of six art categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts. See rules and guidelines for each category before submitting entries. Student must follow the specific guidelines for each art area.

The six artistic categories are:

    • Literature -- is the art of writing. The author (e.g., student submitting the entry) is a person who expresses their own thoughts and ideas through the use of words. Collections of literary work, such as multiple poems or short stories are not accepted. Consider the following literary styles:  Prose, Poetry, Drama, Reflective Essay, Narrative, Short Story.
    • Music Composition -- is the process of creating a new piece of music. The composer (e.g., student submitting entry) is a person who expresses their own thoughts and ideas through the use of sound. Accepted forms: A Cappella, Blues, Choral, Country, Electronic, Hip hop, Jazz, Latin, Musical, Orchestral, Pop, R&B, Religious, Rock, Symphonic/Concert Band and Traditional.
    • Photography – is the process of creating an image. By focusing on objects using various lenses, filters and light sources, photographers may demonstrate the use of photographic techniques conventionally or digitally. Accepted forms: single photo, panoramic, photomontage (one print of multiple original photos), a multiple exposure, negative sandwich or photogram and original black-and-white and color images.
    • Visual Arts -- includes many art forms that are visual in nature. Through combined elements like color, shape, and texture, visual artwork is not only pleasing to look at but also expresses an idea or thought. Accepted forms: Architecture (2D/3D), carpentry, ceramics, collages (combined non-photographic and/or photographic elements), digital art and graphics (drawings/paintings/illustration), crafts, design, dioramas, drawing, fiber work, jewelry, kites, metal etching/punch work, mobiles, painting, printmaking, sculpture and wind chimes.
    • Film/Video -- is the process of making a film. The producer (student submitting the entry) is not required to appear in the film but if the student chooses a tripod may be used. All screenwriting, directing and editing must be done by the student producer. PowerPoint presentations are not allowed.
    • Dance Choreography -- is the act of creating movement, usually coordinated with music, to represent an idea through dance (e.g., your interpretation of the Reflections theme). Consider: Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Folk Dance, Religious Dance, Dance Ensembles (color guard/indoor guard), Ice Skating/Dancing and Gymnastics-floor Routine.

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM

Entries are judged on creative ability and interpretation of the theme. Download the form HERE.

RULES & GUIDELINES

To ensure your entry can move on to the higher levels, please submit artwork that adheres to the rules and guidelines, which can be found HERE.

DIVISIONS FOR NEWCASTLE ELEMENTARY: 

  • Primary: Pre-school – Grade 2
  • Intermediate: Grades 3 – 5

Accessible Artist (Pre-K to Grade 5)*

*Beginning in 2024, the Accessible Arts Division (formerly Special Artist) [División de Arte Accesible] is an option for students with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Generally, rules and guidelines within the Accessible Arts division are intended to ensure accessibility to the National PTA Reflections program and are modeled after the guidelines outlined in the ADA. Local PTA chairs should verify that artists meet the criteria before judging.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact our PTSA Reflections Chair, Bindi Patel, at newcastleptsa.reflections@gmail.com.