REFLECTIONS THEME 2012-2013:
"THE MAGIC OF A MOMENT"

CONGRATULATIONS!

The arts entries of the following students have advanced to particpate in the Temecula Valley Council of PTA's Reflection Program and will be recognized for their achievement on Dec. 4, 2012, at the Temecula City Hal Conference Center:

GRACIE BETTGE - Photography
BRENDAN BODNAR - Visual Arts
EMMA EVERETT - Literature
LUKE ZUNIGA - Musical Composition

TMS PTSA would also like to recognize and thank ALL of our Reflections particpants for their creative efforts:

About the Reflections Program:

The National PTA Reflections Program is an arts recognition and achievement program for students. The Reflections Program provides opportunities for students to express themselves creatively and to receive positive recognition for original works of art inspired by pre-selected theme, while increasing community awareness on the importance of the arts in education.

The Reflections Program was established in 1969 by National PTA board member Mary Lou Anderson. Since that time, more than 10 million students have participated in the program. The program's longevity and participation figures attest to its strength. The excitement and enthusiasm that the program generates for children, parents, schools and communities is unmatched.

Participation and appreciation for the arts is the Reflections Program's goal. Although the Reflections Program follows a "contest" format, winning should not be the emphasis. Participation in the Reflections Program is a great way for students to explore and learn about various art forms. Creating art is a valuable learning process that challenges students to use their critical thinking skills as well as their creative talents to create art that supports a specific theme.

Students may submit an entry in any of the SIX arts areas listed below. Only original works of art are accepted. Depending on state and local PTA guidelines, students may enter more than one work of art. The SIX arts areas are as follows:

Literature
Musical Composition
Photography
Visiual Arts
Dance Choregraphy
Film/Video Production

Participation in the Reflections Program is organized by school grade. Student works are critiqued against others in the same grade division. This allows recognition and judging of artworks by appropriate developmental age and skill levels. The four grade divisions are as follows:

• Primary: Preschool - Grade 2 (or up to age 7*)
• Intermediate: Grades 3-5 (or ages 8-10*)
• Middle/Junior: Grades 6-8 (or ages 11-13*)
• Senior: Grades 9-12 (or ages 14+*)

*If students do not fall under specific grade divisions, National PTA suggests that they be grouped accordingly. It is the responsibility of the local PTA/PTSA to determine the appropriate division if necessary.

NEW FOR 2012 - SPECIAL ARTIST: Non-Graded

Special Artist Division:
This year a new division of the Reflections program was introduced – the Special Artist Division. This is a non-graded division limited to students whose physical, cognitive or mental health challenges meet the guidelines in the American Disabilities Act.

Qualifying students create their own artwork. But, they may receive non-artistic accommodation and assistance from an adult.

Students who qualify for the Special Artist Division may choose to enter in the traditional four grade divisions.

If this is the case, students will follow all general and arts category rules, but may submit an entry in the grade division most closely aligned to their cognitive or functional abilities. The student is then recognized and awarded as part of the general student population without regard to special needs or challenges.

The Reflections Program is structured for PTAs to recognize students at the local unit, council, PTA district, state and national levels. Entries are first judged at the local unit level, where selected works are chosen to represent the PTA at each subsequent level depending on each state PTA structure. Once entries reach the state level, the state PTA may select entries to submit to the National PTA. Award of Excellence and Awards of Merit are recognized at the annual National PTA convention and are displayed as part of the program's traveling exhibit.

Participation in the California Reflections program is open to all students in attendance at PTA/PTSA schools where program is sponsored. Entries are forwarded through channels. Each unit, council and PTA district establishes their own deadline dates, allowing adequate time for displaying and judging of entries. PTA units should acquire deadline dates from their council and PTA district. Only PTA districts may submit entries to the California State PTA. Please remember that:

• Students may submit entries only through a PTA or PTSA in good standing.
• All entries submitted must be original works and must relate to the annual Reflections Program theme.
• Each entry must be the work of only one student. Assistance from teachers, parents or friends is not permitted except in special cases (such as for those with visual or physical disabilities).
• Participation encourages creativity and exploration. Students should do their best, but crooked lines, incorrect musical notes, or misspelled words do not disqualify anyone.

Reflections Forms:
Reflections entry forms are updated annually. The TMS PTSA Reflections chairman/coordinator will usually distribute program information and entry forms through your child's advisement teacher sometime in early September. However, parents or students can always download current entry forms and rules from the CALIFORNIA STATE PTA WEBSITE. Reflections forms are either in Adobe PDF format (get the free Adobe Reader software HERE) or are Microsoft Word documents.

Reflections Chairman:
Contact the Council PTA or visit the CALIFORNIA STATE PTA WEBSITE for additional Reflections forms for unit PTA/PTSA chairmen/coordinators in both English and Spanish.

Please CONTACT TMS PTSA if you have any further questions regarding the PTA Reflections Arts Program.