PTA Reflections is a nationally acclaimed student recognition program to encourage artistic creativity in the classroom and at home. Students of all grades and abilities may participate and explore the arts based on the 2018-2019 theme: Heroes Around Me. 

 

Reflections Awards Program Students in Pre-K through grade 12 create theme-based artwork in dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography or visual arts. The deadline for submissions is Friday, November 2rd. Place completed entries in the drop-off bin in the main hallway along with a completed entry form.  Remember to provide a detailed "artist statement" as this is worth half of the available points.  For details visit https://www.vapta.org/arts-and-education/reflections and for questions, email April_Maddox@hotmail.com.

 

Download the 2018/2019 Discovery Student Entry Form

 

 

2017/2018 School Year Reflections

Peyton Johnson (2nd grade) took 2nd place in the primary visual arts category at the district level of the Reflections contest.  Mason Mirable (2nd grade) took 1st place in the primary music composition category at the district level of the Reflections contest and will be advancing to the state competition.  Congratulations Peyton and Mason!

These awards honor imagination, creativity, and interpretation of the 2017-18 Reflections theme, “Within Reach.”

Peyton’s artwork, titled “Masterpiece of Trash” has been recognized with the top place, “Outstanding Interpretation of the Theme” in the Visual Arts category and Primary division (image to the right).

Peyton described her work as follows:  

“I went on a walk around my neighborhood and I noticed a lot of trash.  Me and my mom and my dad picked up all the trash.  When we got home, I made a hand out of trash.  I can't believe how much people litter.  My goal is to make our world a cleaner place.  If everybody does their part, my goal is within reach!!!!”

Mason’s artwork, titled “Within Reach” has been recognized with the top place, “Outstanding Interpretation of the Theme” in the Musical Composition category and Primary division.

Mason wrote a 2 part “garage band piece” and described his work as follows:

“I am 7 and have taken piano for 2 years.  I divided my music into 3 sections: sad, medium, and happy, to show how I feel when I reach a goal.  On sad sections, I used minor chords and slow drums.  On the happy sections, I used major chords and fast drums.  I made up the tune for the bass and piano and played it to match the chords.  I have written a whole lot of music and I like this one the best!”

The National PTA Reflections program encourages students of all ages and abilities to explore and be involved in the arts. Through the program, PTAs across the country urge students in preschool through grade 12 to create and submit original works of art in the medium of their choice— dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts — reflecting on a specific theme. There also is a special artist division option for students with disabilities to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate in the program. Students are recognized each year for their artistic ingenuity to bring the theme to life in a way that is personal and meaningful.

Peyton and Mason, along with the other Discovery students who advanced to the county contest (Addison Smith, Ever Rose D’Addio, Lauren Upadhyaya, Jonah Treitler, Will O’Sullivan, Amelia Warlick, Ada Zanni, and Aidan O’Connell) were celebrated for their work during an Arlington County awards ceremony on January 9, 2018.

Founded in 1969, the National PTA Reflections engages nearly 300,000 students and their families in arts education activities each year—encouraging students to explore the arts for fun and recognition. For more information about the program, visit PTA.org/Reflections.