REFLECTIONS 2024-2025 Reflections Theme:
"Accepting Imperfection"
Submitted by Paige Opaska from Barbara Bush Middle School PTA in Texas
Entry Deadline is November 1st!
ALL ENTRIES WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED DIGITALLY INCLUDING 2D ART
Reflections Entry Form & Submission Link
Reflections has been a staple arts program in many schools for over 50 years. Through the efforts of our Local PTAs, millions of students have found a creative outlet in the areas of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and 2D visual arts.
With positive recognition as the focus of this program, rather than competition, students of all ages and abilities can experience the benefits of creative expression and help in finding their own voice in telling their unique story.
Started in 1969 by Mary Lou Anderson, then Colorado PTA President, Reflections has grown to be one of the largest nationwide programs of its kind, with more than 200,000 students participating annually.
| Student Program Rules Packet | English | Spanish |
| Student Entry Form | English | Spanish |
Categories Include:
Dance Choreography
Solo and ensemble works of all dance styles are accepted. Entrant must be the choreographer and may also be the performer, or one of the performers. If background music is used, cite on entry form.
(Video file must not exceed 5 min. and 1 GB in size)
Film Production
Accepted short film styles include: Animation, narrative, documentary, experimental or multimedia. Use of PowerPoint is prohibited. Entrant must be the screenwriter, cinematographer, director, editor and producer. If student chooses to appear in film, a tripod and remote may be used. If background music is used, cite it on the entry form.
(Video file must not exceed 5 min. and 1 GB in size.)
Literature
Accepted forms of fiction and nonfiction include: Prose, poetry, drama, reflective essay, narrative and short story. Entrants may write in their primary language as long as an interpretive English translation is also attached. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited.
(Must not exceed 2,000 words and may be handwritten or typed on a single-sided on 8 ½x11” paper.
Musical Composition
All music styles and combinations of instrumentation are accepted. Software may be used to produce an audio recording. Entrant must be the composer and may also be the performer, or one of the performers. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited,
(Audio file must not exceed 5 min. and 1 GB in size and be in MP3 or WAV format. Middle School students must also include score, tabulature or written reflective statement that provides a musically technical explanation of how your music was created in 100 words or less.
Photography
Photo must be a single print/digital image. Collages and collections of photos are not accepted. Entrant must be the photographer and may use a variety of digital editing techniques including but not limited to, multiple exposure, negative sandwich and photogram. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited; see above for Copyright exceptions.
(Print image dimensions must be no smaller than 3x5 inches and no larger than 8x10 inches. Framed prints are not accepted. Digital image dimensions must be at least 640x960 (pixels) and 300 dpi (resolution) in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format.
2D Visual Arts
Accepted forms of visual art include: original print, drawing, painting, collage (cut and pasted materials such as clippings and photos), metal etching or punch work, fiber work or computer-generated artwork. Frames and artwork containing loose materials are not accepted. Matting is accepted.
(Dimensions must not exceed 24x30 inches, including mat. Paper entries should be mounted on sturdy
material. Digital image dimensions must be at least 640x960 (pixels) and 300 dpi (resolution) in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format.
Category Specific Rules:
Reflections is always a PTA Member benefit!
The student or at least one person from their primary household must be a current (2024-2025) member of the Rice Middle School PTA in order to participate in Reflections.
Entry Forms and Rules:
Students should download the Program Rules to ensure their entry meets the requirements for the particular category. Each entry must be submitted digitally by following the entry link above.
(Be sure to read the rules in each category and pay attention to your artist statement explaining your work).
Find out more at:
https://www.txpta.org/reflections
Questions: reflections@riceravenspta.org
2023-2024 Results:
A Huge Congratulations to KRIYA MAGESH who received "Overall Award of Excellence" at Council level & has moved to the Texas PTA level judging.
Congrats to these seven Rice Ravens that moved to the Council Level for the Reflections Contest:
| Rice Raven Participant | Grade | Category | Council Award |
| Kriya Magesh | 7 | Literature | Overall Award of Excellence |
| Isabella Chao | 7 | Visual Arts | Award of Excellence |
| Dhyani Thakkar | 8 | Literature | Award of Merit |
| Samvarth Seegehalli | 8 | Literature | Honorable Mention |
| Saniyah Mazumder | 8 | Literature | Honorable Mention |
| Aditya Roy | 6 | Visual Arts | Honorable Mention |
Congratulations to the Rice Ravens below who received School Level Awards:
| Rice Raven Participant | Grade | Category | Title of Work | School Award |
| Kriya Magesh | 7 | Literature | A Touch of Gold | Award of Excellence |
| Isabella Chao | 7 | Visual Arts | Ocean of Hope | Award of Excellence |
| Dhyani Thakkar | 8 | Literature | Journey of Unwavering Curiosity | Award of Excellence |
| Samvarth Seegehalli | 8 | Literature | Journey of Hope | Award of Excellence |
| Saniyah Mazumder | 8 | Literature | Build As Much As You Break | Award of Excellence |
| Aditya Roy | 6 | Visual Arts | Hope Gives Strength | Award of Excellence |
| Aaditya Patel | 8 | Visual Art | Helping Hand | Award of Merit |
| Vihan Bhatia Rao | 6 | Literature | I am helpful because | Award of Merit |
| Vihan Bhatia Rao | 6 | Literature | I am helpful because | Award of Merit |
| Grace Segond | 6 | Visual Art | The Beauty of Nature | Award of Merit |
| Dhyani Thakkar | 8 | Music Composition | In the Awakening of Hope | Award of Merit |
| Uma Vemulapalli | 7 | Visual Art | I have My Reasons | Award of Merit |
| Wanni Zhu | 7 | Dance Choreography | Blossom | Award of Merit |
Click the names below to read the entries which moved on to the Council Level.
Overall Award of Excellence ~ "A Touch of Gold" (Literature)
Award of Excellence ~ "Ocean of Hope" (Visual Arts)
Award of Merit ~ "Journey of Unwavering Curiosity" (Literature)
Samvarth S., 8th Grade
Award of Excellence ~ "Journey of Hope" (Literature)
Award of Excellence ~ "Build As Much As You Break" (Literature)
Award of Excellence ~ "Hope Gives Strength" (Visual Arts)
ABOUT REFLECTIONS
Plano ISD promotes a program called REFLECTIONS every year - you've most likely heard of it. This program is all about creative thinking and offers students opportunities to display their creativity in visual arts, photography, literature, dance choreography, film production, and music composition.
Once we are into the swing of the new school year, students often want to participate in this program but just don't have the time. This might be the perfect long-term project for the summer. We know we have so many talented students and we hope that by giving you the details of next year's program, in advance, we might have lots more entries.
For more details, program rules and examples go to:
Rice & PISD Resources
Stay Connected!
