Program Co-Chairs: Nayana Nambiar & Susan Huffman Music credits: Lindsey Stirling, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Theme from Star Wars, Theme from Harry Potter, J.Geils Band “Freeze Frame”, Don McClean’s “Vincent” etc PTA-Sponsored Reflections

W elcome to the Reflections Program, a nationally recognized PTA-sponsored art contest for students ranging from kindergarten through high school. This means any Cedar Wood Elementary student can enter! You can even enter in multiple categories! All entries have to be your own work with no help from an adult.

This year’s theme is “The World Would Be a Better Place If …”

T here are Six Categories to choose from. Dance Choreography Film Production Literature Music Composition Photography Visual Arts Let’s talk a little about each of these and we’ll show you some examples.

D o you know who painted the Sistine Chapel? What about the Mona Lisa? Michael Angelo and Leonardo Da Vinci had to start somewhere! These famous works of art were created by people just like you! If you have a passion for drawing or painting, this contest is for you. The category you want to enter in is “Visual Arts.” Here are two examples from last year using the theme “Believe, Dream, Inspire”

H ave you heard of Ansel Adams or Imogen Cunningham? Maybe your next photograph will be on the cover of a magazine! If you consider yourself a “shutterbug“, the category you would choose would be “Photography”. Here is a student’s photograph from last year.

Y ou have surely heard of J. R. Rowling’s character “Harry Potter”! Author Christopher Paolini was only 15 years old, when he began writing the 4-book series of Eragon! If you have a way with words and want to put your pen to paper, submit your most fantastic story under the category “Literature”.

M usic moves us, inspires us, and invokes emotion. It is a form of artistic expression. Do you love to compose music? Don’t miss an opportunity to gain recognition for your unique talent and enter under the category of “Music”. Michael Jackson was just 5-years-old when he became the lead singer of the Jackson 5, in 1954, playing at local venues in Gary, Indiana. He later became the solo artist we know and love, famous as singer, song writer and extraordinary performer.

A choreographer gives guidance, organization and purpose to a dancer's movements. He or she is to the dancer what the songwriter is to the singer. M artha Graham was an American modern dancer and choreographer whose influence on dance has been compared with the influence Picasso had on the modern visual arts, Stravinsky had on music, or Frank Lloyd Wright had on architecture. She was one of the first choreographers famous because of how much she pushed the boundaries and how much her work would go to influence future generations. She essentially created the role of the choreographer. The art continues to evolve and adapt new styles, is ever changing and ever evolving. D o you love dance and performing? Maybe you were in ballet or dance class and have created your own routine. Why not record it and enter it in this year’s Reflections Contest under “Dance Choreography”?!

G eorge Lucas’ movie Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope was turned down by several studios until 20th Century Fox gave him a chance. The movie went on to break all box office records and earned seven Academy Awards.Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope If you have a great imagination and a wonderful story to share using today’s technology choose the category “Film Production”. Please note: All screenwriting, directing, camera/filming and editing must be done by the student producer.

Deadline for submission is Wednesday, November 12, 2014 All entries must be received at the Cedar Wood Office by 4PM. Submissions beyond that time will not be accepted. There are rules to follow for each category so be sure to read and follow them!

But, wait! I still have questions….  Q – Where do I start?  A – Go to the website to read the rules. Remember the theme!  Q - When do I start?  A - NOW! Get those creative juices going and do your best! GOOD LUCK to you!  Q - I have a question, who do I ask?  A - Mrs. Nambiar or Mrs. Huffman and allow 24 hours for answers, please.  Q – Where do I find the rules? The forms? The guidelines?  A – At the Reflections website under Co-Chairs can your parents the PDF if your parent need this.  Q – Can I use last year’s artwork?  A – Sadly, no.  Q – If there is something wrong with my entry, how will I know?  A – You will be notified by a Co-Chair Mrs. Nambiar or Mrs. Huffman via or through your teacher.  Q – If I turn my entry in at 4:01 pm on Wednesday, will it be accepted?  A – Sadly, no. It will be returned to you. Deadline is November 12, 4pm sharp!

F or contest rules, guidelines, and forms go to For questions contact Mrs.Nayana Nambiar or Mrs. Susan Huffman by and A Reflections Reference Binder is located in the front office at the PTA table. This is duplicative information from the website. Forms, Rules and Guidelines are in PDF format and should be printed at home.

Let’s See If You Remember… W here do I go for the contest Rules? W ho do I go to with questions? Mrs. Nambiar or Mrs. Huffman W here and when do I drop off my artwork? At the front office no later than November 12, 4pm.

Best of Luck to You All! We hope to see many of your “Masterpieces”! Don’t be shy!