1. So, you’ve agreed to Chair Reflections…
What’s Next?
Summer Leadership Training July/August 2019
So, you’ve agreed to Chair Reflections…
Katie Sprouse
Reflections Chairperson-VA PTA

2. Objectives Know your program First Steps Promotion Processing Judging
Progression
Recognition
Follow up

3. History and Mission
The Reflections Program was started in 1969 by then Colorado PTA President Mary Lou Anderson. In its 50-year history, the program has encouraged millions of students across the nation and in American schools overseas to create works of art. Participating in the Reflections Program is an opportunity for students to explore and learn about various art forms. An entry may be created as a classroom assignment or independently at home. Artistic exploration and expression improve and develop intellectual, social, and physical skills. The Reflections Program is designed to enhance rather than replace a quality arts education. It provides opportunities for students to express themselves and to receive positive recognition for their artistic efforts. Parents, teachers and community members all play a critical role in fostering a positive learning environment for children. Supporting the Reflections Program is one way adults can help create that environment.

4. Reflections is… An opportunity for students to express themselves and to receive positive recognition for their artistic efforts
Six Categories plus Theme Search:
Dance Choreography
Film Production
Literature
Music Composition
Photography
Visual Arts
Theme Search: Suggest the theme for a future Reflections Competition

5. Reflections is… Five Divisions: Primary: Pre-K through 2nd Grade
Intermediate: 3rd through 5th Grade
Middle School: 6th through 8th Grade
High School: 9th through 12th Grade
Special Artist: an option for students with disabilities who receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 to have the opportunity and accommodations they may need in order to participate fully in the program.

6. Reflections is… Five Levels (In Virginia): Local Unit
Council (if applicable)
District (if applicable)
Region (does not apply in Virginia)
State
National

7. First Steps BUILD A COMMITTEE!
Register your local unit with National PTA at
Take the Reflections Leader Training eLearning course offered by National PTA at Courses
Download the Local Leader Guide from the Virginia PTA website at education/reflections-top
Create a timeline and set a local unit due date (it’s best to work backwards from state, district, and council)
BUILD A COMMITTEE!

8. Build a Committee!
According to the National PTA’s Local Leader Guide, an ideal committee consists of these five categories:
Committee Chair
Publicist: To promote Reflections to school leaders and teachers, post fliers in school and around the community, share celebration event invitations with participating families, share announcements with local media outlets.
Judging Coordinator: To recruit volunteer judges, organize artwork for judging, support judges and calculate their scores.
Computer Whiz: To organize student entry information for award announcements, printed programs, certificates/awards and provide a list of students advancing to the next round of judging
Celebration Coordinator: To exhibit artwork, prepare student awards and lead on site event activities (program, refreshments, decorations, etc.)

9. Build a Committee! continued
Alternate Sample of Committee Structure:
Committee Chair
Promotion: To promote Reflections to school leaders and teachers, post fliers in school and around the community, handle all social media promotion and reminders, etc
Judging Coordinator: To recruit volunteer judges, organize artwork for judging, support judges and calculate their scores.
Celebration Coordinator: To exhibit artwork, prepare student awards and lead on site event activities (program, refreshments, decorations, etc.)
Publications: Create flyers for promotion, assemble entry packets (if distributing hard copies) create invitations, ceremony program, awards certificates, etc

10. Planning Assemble your committee and assign roles
Establish To Do list for the program
Build a timeline around the to do list
Establish protocols involving submission of entries
Drop off location
Collection bins

11. PROMOTE! PROMOTE! PROMOTE!
Paper
Posters, flyers, handouts
Digital
s to parents, digital newsletters, SOCIAL MEDIA-continuous
Teachers
Teacher packets, class assignments, morning/afternoon announcements
Curriculum based
Work with resource teachers to promote in their areas
Build relationships with community partners
Open House/Back to School Night
Set up a table, display previous works, etc

12. Processing Collect all entries
Enter each piece into tracking spreadsheet
Ensure all pieces are in compliance with rules
Ensure all entry forms are COMPLETELY filled out and have necessary signatures
There are exceptions. Always err on the side of the student

13. Judging Process Recruit judges at the beginning of your program
Decide if having a single judging event or dropping packages off to individual judges
Prepare packets for judges with detailed instructions
Host judging event(s) or drop entries off with judges

14. Post judging process Track judging results Thank your judges
Photograph and/or save copies of all works
Send out invitations to all participants, judges, and community partners for awards ceremony

15. Post judging process cont.
Separate all first place winners
Double check for rule compliance
Package as necessary
Photograph any 3D pieces-only photo’s should proceed past the local unit level
Submit all first place entries at the next level of competition

16. Plan to Celebrate!
Work with school to plan a time to recognize student achievements
Ideally, before pieces must be passed on to next level of competition
Certificates
Medals, Ribbons, or Trophies
Display artwork
Reception

17. Snapshot of a Celebration This is an example (at the elementary level)
Dessert reception held at the beginning of family reading night event/PTA general membership meeting
PowerPoint created containing all student works, playing in the background while families arrive and get settled
Formal recognition of all winners with certificate and ribbon presented by Reflections chair, Principle, PTA President
Families are instructed to take pieces home EXCEPT first place entries

18. Post Celebration Allow time to breathe
Continue tracking entries that progress
Stay in communication with families
Report progress to PTA Board
Meet with committee
Lessons learned: what worked, what didn’t
Recognize volunteers for their hard work
Begin planning next year

19. Suggested Publications
Promotional Flyer
Promotional Poster
Letter to teachers
Letter to judges
Student invitation
Administration/Dignitaries invitation
Program
Artwork PowerPoint
Certificates

20. Discussion
Questions?
Comments?
Ideas?
Testimonials?
Feedback?

21. Thank You!
I always welcome feedback, comments, questions, suggestions, etc. Please keep in touch and share your successes!
Katie Sprouse