Reflections is a National PTA program that encourages students to explore the arts and express themselves through a nationwide contest. Students can submit art in the form of visual arts, literature, music composition, film production, photography or dance choreography. Entries are judged on how well the art relates to the theme, creativity and technical aspects of the medium. 

The National PTA selects a different theme each year.  This year, the theme is “I am Hopeful Because...”

Participation for the Reflections Contest is organized by grade.  There are five grade divisions.  For BCS, students will be under the following levels:

Intermediate Level:  Grade 3 to 5

Middle School Level:  Grade 6 to 8

Special Artist Division: for students with disabilities (please specify Special Artist in the Entry Form/Category)

Students can apply online at the link below. Please make sure to read the Rules and Guidelines, and fill out the entry form below before applying. Prior to submitting, students should have the digital files of their Entry Form, artwork file, and consent form(s) (if applicable) ready to be uploaded with their submissions. Please ensure that your artwork file is in the appropriate format as specified in the category rules. 

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ARTWORK IS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH.

Guidelines for all entries: 

• Please make sure that you have read and complied with all of the rules for the category to which you are submitting.

• Please make sure that your artist’s name/initials are NOT INCLUDED ANYWHERE on the artwork (unless instructed by category specific rules) or the entry will be disqualified.

• Please make sure that the entry form/consent form are filled out COMPLETELY.

• Only one student may submit an entry (no collaborations). 

• A student can submit a maximum of one entry per category, but a student may enter multiple categories.

Entry Forms

Each individual entry needs its own student entry form.   The entry form will ask for an artist's statement which consists of 10 to 100 words explaining how the entry is related to the theme, what inspired the work, etc.  The artist statement is very important.  Please provide a title and do not title the entry the theme.

Students are required to submit a Consent Form(s) if a person’s image, voice, or likeness appears in your artwork.

• Reflections Entry Form (PTAReflectionsEntryForm.pdf)

• Reflections Consent Form (PTA Reflections 23-24 Consent Form.pdf)

Rules for Entering

• Student Rules Packet

• Dance Choreography

• Film Production

• Literature

• Music Composition

• Photography

• Visual Arts

• Special Artist

The PTA volunteers who run the Reflections contest do not judge the entries themselves. Judges are experts in their assigned arts field. 

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Judges assign points to each entry, based on three criteria:

• Interpretation of Theme (40 pts.)

• Creativity (30 pts.)

• Technique (30 pts.)

The Reflections Program is structured for PTAs to recognize students at the school, district, state and national PTA levels.  Entries are first judged at the school level, where selected artworks are chosen to be judged at district level and then state level.  Once entries reach the state level, the state PTA may select entries to submit to the National PTA.  

For recognition at BCS, there will be announcements of winners at each level.  State winners will be recognized at the district PTA evening and the Michigan PTA Reflections celebration. Certificates will be provided for all Reflections participants and winners.

The search is on for a future Reflections theme! Students can participate in the annual Theme Search Contest.  Through the annual search process, one winning student's theme will inspire the hundreds of thousands of student artists that participate in the Reflections program. The winning student will also receive a $100 award and national recognition. Theme Search entries need to be submitted by Wednesday, NOVEMBER 22, 2023. Please complete the following (Theme Search Submission Form) and follow the instructions.

Click below to see BCS Reflections Winners’ lists and Virtual Art Exhibits:

2022-2023 BCS Reflections Winners

2021-2022 BCS Reflections Winners List

2021-2022 BCS Virtual Art Exhibit

2020-2021 BCS Reflections Winners List

2020-2021 BCS Virtual Art Exhibit

For additional information, please see: BPS PTA Reflections Home Page, Michigan PTA Reflections Home Page, or National PTA Reflections Home Page

Questions? Email bcsreflections@yahoo.com.