Reflections 2024-09

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By Jennifer Nerad Sultan

Hope you all are geared up and promoting your 2024-2025 National PTA Reflection Program.  If not, it’s not too late!!  Register today and get started.  It’s not as hard as you may think.  

You can check out the “How To” videos from CAPTA Reflections Chair Eric Thompson posted on the 31st District Website. These will help you get your Reflections Program started, complete the virtual forms, and do virtual judging. All you’ll need to do is set a deadline to collect your Unit’s art (in early November) and begin promoting the program with flyers, social media and in classrooms.  The National PTA page where you register also has resources for your program.  Check it out when you Register.

The Reflections Program was started in 1969 by Mary Lou Anderson who said, “Without the Arts, education is paltry indeed!”.  Today’s Reflections Program embraces Mary Lou Anderson’s mission. “To help all children find their voices and tell their unique stories through the arts” and endorses the arts nationwide in 6 categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts and the newly named, Adaptive Artists Division.  I’m thrilled about this year’s Reflections theme, Accepting Imperfection!  What a great assertation especially in today’s climate!

Please remember this an Art Program, not a contest, to inspire art for today’s youth – And, for some,  it may be just what is needed as a way for students to express themselves, find a voice, let off some steam, succeed where they may be struggling in other classes, and just have fun!  Plus it looks great on college applications. You never know who has budding talent just waiting to bubble out!

The deadline to turn in completed art to the 31st District is December 5, 2024 at 4pm.  

All Actual Art pieces will be needed for the Reflections Gala & Showcase which will be held in the Spring 2025.

I’m looking for Judges with Category Specific Expertise / Background for the District Reflections Program and Committee Members to help plan and set up the Reflections Gala & Showcase in the Spring (Tentatively April).  If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to 

WANTED: 

  • REFLECTIONS JUDGES – Art Background Preferred
  • COMMITTEE MEMBERS – To help set up Reflections Gala & Showcase in the Spring