Reflections: Accepting Imperfections

National PTA Reflections is a nationally acclaimed student recognition program to encourage artistic creativity in the classroom and at home. Thanks to your support of the Garden City PTA we can sponsor this very popular program.  Last year, hundreds of GC students participated in Reflections and we were thrilled to have a national Award of Merit winner among them.

Who can participate?

Each year, students in all grades (K-12) and of all abilities may participate and explore the arts based on an annual theme. Students may choose one or all of the available art categories (click to see all Category Rules, Forms & FAQs):

• Dance Choreography - 2024/25 information & forms pending
• Film Production  - 2024/25 information & forms pending
• Literature  - 2024/25 information & forms pending
• Music Composition  - 2024/25 information & forms pending
• Photography  - 2024/25 information & forms pending
• Visual Arts  - 2024/25 information & forms pending

How does my child enter the Reflections Contest?

Entrants must submit their artwork and student entry form to their school by the submission deadline (date to be announced). A Google Form submission will also available for certain categories prior to the deadline (link to be published).

Entrants must follow requirements and instructions specific to each art categories and division. Please follow rules carefully, only entry that meet all category rules and requirements will be eligible for judging.

As noted on the student entry form, each entry must contain a title and all entries must include an artist statement. The artist statement communicates what inspired the work, how it relates to the theme and the content of the work. The statement must include at least 10 words and not exceed 100 words. The artist statement is very important and is part of the criteria used for judging. 

Can my child submit more than one entry?

Yes. Your child may submit as many entries as they would like.

Can my child work on a submission with another child?

Yes and no. Only one student may be recognized as the award recipient for each entry.  Other individuals may appear in or perform a student's work, but the work itself must be the creative product of one student only. 

Official Reflections Rules state:

“Each entry must be the original work of one student only.  An adult may not alter the creative integrity of a student’s work. Because the program is designed to encourage and recognize each student’s individual creativity, help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed except in the Special Artist Division. Other individuals may appear in or perform a student’s work, but the work itself must be the creative product of one student only. Only one student may be recognized as the award recipient for each entry.”

What is the Special Arts Division?

The National PTA Special Artist Division is an option for students with disabilities to have the opportunity and accommodations they may need in order to participate fully in the program. The Special Artist Division offers modified rules and guidelines to ensure that every student has the chance to be part of the National PTA Reflections® program. For more information click here.

How and when are winners contacted?

District winners will be contacted by members of the Reflections Committee in December. Be careful when completing your contact information on the Student Entry Form. Nassau Region PTA will announce the Nassau County winners that will advance to the NYS PTA level in early January.

Garden City Reflections Ceremonies

District level winners and their families are invited to attend their school’s Reflections award ceremony held later in the year. Winning entries will be showcased that evening. Students will receive an award certificate presented by the school's principal, representatives from central administration, Board of Education Trustees, members of the Reflections Committee, and the PTA President. 

When will my child get their entries back?

Classroom teachers will return student entries that did not receive recognition at the District level, in December. District level winning entries will be returned after the awards ceremony. All students will receive a certificate of participation to celebrate their commitment to this program.