Reflections
2025-2026 Reflections
What is Reflections?
The PTA Reflections program invites students to create and submit artwork inspired by a different theme each year. This year’s theme is “I Belong!” With a focus on recognition rather than competition, Reflections encourages students of all ages to share their unique perspectives and stories.
Students’ artwork may be submitted in one of the following categories: visual arts (painting, drawing, collage, etc.), dance, film, writing, music, or photography.
OFE student entries will be proudly displayed in the OFE Library. The Reflections Committee also hosts an Awards Ceremony in early December to celebrate all participants. Every entry will be showcased, winners in each category will be announced, and all participants will receive a special gift. All participants and their families are invited to attend this special event.
The I Belong! theme was submitted by Ben Morgan from Lewis and Clark Middle School PTSA in Idaho. Ben shared his inspiration, that he wanted to create “a theme that many people could relate to.” When asked what “I Belong!” means to him, Ben shared: “I have found belonging with my family and friends. The people in my classes can also be like part of my family, even though we aren’t directly related. For me, “I Belong!” means I know where I am accepted, and I know that I can be myself there without being criticized or judged.”
REFLECTIONS OVERVIEW:
Created over 50 years ago, Reflections is an art program sponsored by the National PTA
- Encourages students’ creative expression and helps them find their own voice through art
- Focuses on recognition, rather than competition
- Open to all students of all ages and abilities
- 6 different categories: dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts
- Students are encouraged to submit as many entries in as many categories as they would like
The theme for the 2025-2026 Reflections program is I belong. Plan your projects now as it is never too early to start!
- Parent or guardian must be a PTA member to participate
- Full eligibility including Participation Rules and Entry Form are included in the Reflections packets below
- Art entry collection will be starting in the fall.
- Entries are collected and displayed in Library
- OFE entries will be collected between October 20-24, 2025
- Reflections Award Ceremony (by invitation only, date to be announced at a later time)
Things to know!
- Parent must be a member of the OFE PTA.
- Entry form must be signed by parent and include a Title and Artist Statement.
- No 3D artwork or sculpture.
- Photography must be single print or digital image taken by the student (phone pics ok), no larger than 8×10 inches, unframed.
- Visual arts dimensions must not exceed 24×30 inches, including mat.
- Dance Choreography, Music Composition and Film Production must not exceed 5 minutes.
- Literature must not exceed 2000 words and may be hand written or typed.
- Refer to the Official participation rules for detailed guidance for each category.
REFLECTIONS RULES AND ENTRY FORMS
Download the entry form and rules (English and Spanish versions) on the buttons below.
Contact reflections2@oakforestpta.com with questions.
Official Participation Rules English