2025-2026 PSHS Reflections Art Entry Deadline is November 3

2025-2026 PSHS Reflections Art Entry Deadline is November 3

Entry Forms and Rules:

Students should download the Program Rules to ensure their art meets the requirements for each art category. Each entry must be accompanied by a completed Student Entry form.

Find out more at:

https://www.txpta.org/reflections

Reflections has been a staple arts program in many schools for over 50 years. Through the efforts of our Local PTAs, millions of students have found a creative outlet in the areas of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts.

With positive recognition as the focus of this program, rather than competition, students of all ages and abilities can experience the benefits of creative expression and help in finding their own voice in telling their unique story.

Started in 1969 by Mary Lou Anderson, then Colorado PTA President, Reflections has grown to be one of the largest nationwide programs of its kind, with more than 200,000 students participating annually.

Reflections is always a PTA Member benefit!

The student or at least one person from their primary household must be a current member of the Local PTA/PTSA where the student is participating.

Categories Include:

Dance Choreography

Solo and ensemble works of all dance styles are accepted. Entrant must be the choreographer and may also be the performer, or one of the performers. Entries with added graphics in the video are not accepted. If background music is used, cite on entry form. Video file must not exceed 5 min. and 1 GB in size. Accepted formats: AVI, FLV, WMV, MOV, MP4. Packaging: Check to see if your PTA is accepting entries digitally and follow their instructions. If not, place flash inside envelope with student entry form attached to outside in sheet protector

Film Production

Accepted short film styles include: Animation, narrative, documentary, experimental or multimedia. Use of PowerPoint is prohibited. Entrant must be the screenwriter, cinematographer, editor and producer. A tripod and remote may be used. If used, cite background music on the entry form. Video file must not exceed 5 min. and 1 GB in size. Accepted formats: AVI, FLV, WMV, MOV, MP4. Packaging: Check to see if your PTA is accepting entries digitally and follow their instructions. If not, place flash inside envelope with student entry form attached to outside in sheet protector.

Literature

Accepted forms of fiction and nonfiction include: prose, poetry, drama, reflective essay, narrative and short story. Collections of literary work are not accepted. Entrants may write in their primary language as long as an interpretive English translation is provided. Original Illustrations are accepted, but only the writing is judged. Writing must not exceed 2,000 words and may be handwritten or typed (single-sided, 8 ½x11”). Packaging: Check to see if your PTA is accepting entries digitally and follow their instructions. If not, place 1 copy of literature inside folder with student entry form attached to outside in sheet protector.

Musical Composition

All music styles and combinations of instrumentation are accepted. Software may be used to produce an audio recording. Entrant must be the composer and may also be the performer, or one of the performers. Entries containing algorithmic composition techniques are not accepted. Audio file must not exceed 5 min. and 1 GB in size. Accepted formats: MP3, WAV. Notation: Required for middle and high school divisions - score, tabulature or written reflective statement that provides a musically technical explanation of how your music was created (100 words or less). Packaging: Check to see if your PTA is accepting entries digitally and follow their instructions. If not, place flash inside envelope with student entry form attached to outside in sheet protector.

Photography

Photo must be a single print/digital image. Collages, collections of photos and added graphics are not accepted. Entrant must be the photographer and may use a variety of digital editing techniques. Printed images: between 3x5 to 8x10 inches. Glass frames are not accepted. Digital images: at least 640x960 pixels and 300 dpi resolution. Accepted file formats: JPEG, JPG, and PNG. Packaging: Check to see if your PTA is accepting entries digitally and follow their instructions. If not, attach student entry form to back with sheet protector.

2D Visual Arts

Accepted forms of visual art include: original print, drawing, painting, collage (cut and pasted materials), metal etching or punch work, fiber work or computer-generated artwork. Dimensions must not exceed 24x30 inches, including mat. Check to see if your PTA is accepting entries digitally and follow their instructions. *Physical artwork, attach student entry form to back with sheet protector. Cover front of artwork with paper, securing it along one edge to the back of artwork without covering form and draping over front. Do not wrap in plastic or laminate entry. Digital image dimensions must be at least 640x960 pixels and 300 dpi resolution. Accepted file formats: JPEG, JPG, and PNG. *These guidelines are specific to Texas PTA. Texas PTA has made the decision to only accept 2D Visual Arts entries

Accessible Arts Division

is open to students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504. Students will participate against other Accessible Arts entries and are awarded as part of the division. Students may receive division-specific accommodations and non-artistic accommodations as outlined in the division guidelines. Students with disabilities who wish to enter the general category judging should follow the general rules and category guidelines, modified only by non-artistic accommodations specific and limited to the student’s disability.

Visit the Texas PTA Online Reflections Gallery to view all entries awarded by Texas PTA.

For questions regarding Reflections, please contact Alicia Wanek at  reflections@planoseniorptsa.org