The Issaquah PTSA Council Reflections Program
The Issaquah PTSA Council supports local PTA/PTSA Reflections programs by offering guidance, resources, and coordination to help chairpersons run successful school-level programs and celebrations. The Council hosts a districtwide gallery and reception to honor student artists and advances top entries to the Washington State PTA Reflections program. All local PTAs/PTSAs must submit their selected entries to the Council for judging and state-level consideration.
The Issaquah PTSA Council celebrates the creativity of all students and expects sportsmanship from all participants and community members. Encourage your artist to embrace the creative path, build resilience, and find grace in every outcome.
PTA/PTSA Eligibility
Issaquah PTSA Council’s Reflections program welcomes all grades and abilities to explore and participate in the arts. Any local PTA/PTSA in good standing, as defined by PTA Standards of Affiliation by the date shown below, may sponsor a Reflections program. Only students enrolled at a school with a participating PTA/PTSA may submit their original artwork through their local unit.
Student Eligibility
Only original works created entirely by the student will be accepted.
This means the student alone must develop the idea, plan the composition, choose the materials, media, or technology, and execute every part of the artwork and Artist Statement. No portion of the work may be created, directed, altered, or assisted by parents, peers, teachers, or other adults.
Entries must meet the criteria written in the guidelines, especially file type/format, length, and size. Students should not have their full names displayed in the art piece.
All entries must be submitted with a completed Student Entry Form from the current program year.
For questions or support please contact Reflections@IssaquahPTSA.org
Resources for Local PTA/PTSAs
Advancing Local Entries to Council
2024-2025 Council- Level Winners
2024 – 2025 WSPTA Finalists
The National PTA Reflections Program
Reflections program is a National PTA, WSPTA and local PTA/PTSA cultural arts competition. The program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life.
Reflections encourages and recognizes individual creativity, therefore entries must be the creative product of the student artist alone. National PTA will recognize only one student as the award recipient for an entry, and they should be the primary creator of the piece—especially the interpretation of the theme and the execution of the piece. Other individuals may appear in or perform a student’s work but help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed. For specific questions regarding eligibility, refer to WSPTA Reflections webpage to ensure that you are participating in the program per their requirements.
Prekindergarten through 12th grade artists get involved and submit entries through their local Issaquah PTA/PTSAs in good standing.
Theme
Original student entries and artist statements should be created to reflect upon the annual theme in unique, interesting and imaginative ways. Students should strive to communicate their whole concept based on the theme with meaning, purpose, and integrity. Interpretation represents 40% of the score.
Categories
A student may submit an entry in any of six art categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts. See rules and guidelines for each category before submitting entries.
Issaquah PTSA Council is unable to accept entries that have not met the rules and guidelines set by WSPTA and National PTA.
Dance Choreography is the act of creating movement, usually coordinated with music, to represent an idea through dance (e.g., your interpretation of the Reflections theme).
Portray Your Original Choreography
- Consider the following styles and ensembles, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Folk Dance, Religious Dance, Dance Ensembles (color guard/indoor guard), Ice Skating/Dancing and Gymnastics-floor Routine.
- Show clear relation between choreography and the theme with choreographic style and techniques, background song(s), props and the location to show a clear relation of the dance choreography to the theme.
Film Production is the process of making a film. The producer (student submitting the entry) is not required to appear in the film but if the student chooses a tripod may be used. All screenwriting, directing and editing must be done by the student producer. PowerPoint presentations are not allowed.
To Portray Your Original Film
- Consider creating your film in using the following styles:
- Animation: Demonstrates motion by sequencing still objects or using computer-generated graphics.
- Narrative: Tells a fictional story developed by the student.
- Documentary: Presents facts and information.
- Experimental: Explores movement, light and montage.
- Multimedia: Uses a combination of different contents (text, audio, still images, animation, etc.).
- To show a clear relation to the theme, develop a work of fiction or nonfiction and make use of plot and characters, visuals (setting, costumes, animation), sound and background music, editing, etc.
Literature is the art of writing. The author (e.g., student submitting the entry) is a person who expresses their own thoughts and ideas through the use of words. Collections of literary work, such as multiple poems or short stories are not accepted.
To Portray Your Original Writing
- Consider the following literary styles, Prose, Poetry, Drama, Reflective Essay, Narrative, Short Story.
- To show a clear relation to the theme, use fiction or non-fiction, plot and characterization, setting and imagery, style, symbolism, etc.
Music Composition is the process of creating a new piece of music. The composer (e.g., student submitting entry) is a person who expresses their own thoughts and ideas through the use of sound. Entries in the middle and high school grade divisions must include music score/notation.
To Portray Your Original Composition
- Consider the following musical styles and instruments, A Cappella, Blues, Choral, Country, Electronic, Hip hop, Jazz, Latin, Musical, Orchestral, Pop, R&B, Religious, Rock, Symphonic/Concert Band and Traditional.
- To show a clear relation to the theme, use structure, melody, rhythm, instruments, lyrics, emotion, etc. to show a clear relation to the theme.
- Explore new methods and make use of instruments, sounds, styles and combinations. All are accepted.
Photography is the process of creating an image. By focusing on objects using various lenses, filters and light sources, photographers may demonstrate the use of photographic techniques conventionally or digitally. Collages and collections of photos are not accepted.
To Portray Your Original Artwork
- Consider the following accepted forms of photography: a single photo, panoramic, photomontage (one print of multiple original photos), a multiple exposure, negative sandwich or photogram and original black-and-white and color images.
- Avoid the following unaccepted forms of photography: entries with added graphics and/or non-photographic elements (e.g., lettering, icons), collages and collections of photos, original film (negatives or transparencies) and multidimensional pieces.
- To show a clear relation of the photo to the theme, use objects, lighting and the location.
Visual Arts includes many art forms that are visual in nature. Through combined elements like color, shape, and texture, visual artwork is not only pleasing to look at but also expresses an idea or thought. Collections are not accepted.
To Portray Your Original Artwork
- Consider the following accepted forms of visual arts: Architecture (2D/3D), carpentry, ceramics, collages (combined non-photographic and/or photographic elements), digital art and graphics (drawings/paintings/illustration), crafts, design, dioramas, drawing, fiber work, jewelry, kites, metal etching/punch work, mobiles, painting, printmaking, sculpture and wind chimes.
- Avoid the following unaccepted forms of visual: Reproductions or enlargements of other art work are not accepted.
- Show a clear relation to the theme using art form, use of color, texture, shape, proportion etc. to show a clear relation to the theme.
Guidelines & Rules
2025-26 Dance Choreography Category Guidelines | en Español
2025-26 Film Production Category Guidelines| en Español
2025-26 Literature Category Guidelines | en Español
2025-26 Music Composition Category Guidelines | en Español
2025-26 Photography Category Guidelines | en Español
2025-26 Visual Arts Category Guidelines | en Español
2025-26 Accessible Arts Guidelines | en Español
Divisions
Participation is organized by student age and grade levels. Student entries are evaluated against others in the same division. This allows recognition and critique of artworks by appropriate developmental age and skill levels.
The divisions are:
Primary: K – Grade 2
Intermediate: Grades 3 – 5
Middle: Grades 6 – 8
High: Grades 9 -12
Accessible Artist (Pre-K to Grade 5)
Accessible Artist (Grade 6 to Grade 12)
Beginning in 2024, the Accessible Arts Division (formerly Special Artist) [División de Arte Accesible] is an option for students with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Generally, rules and guidelines within the Accessible Arts division are intended to ensure accessibility to the National PTA Reflections program and are modeled after the guidelines outlined in the ADA. Local PTA chairs should verify that artists meet the criteria before judging.
2025-26 Accessible Arts Division Guidelines | en Español
Judging
While the primary focus of Reflections is a celebration of creativity through positive recognition, finalists from local PTA/PTSAs may advance to Issaquah PTSA Council then council-level finalists will advance to Washington State PTA (WSPTA) judging. Lastly, WSPTA finalists who receive an “Outstanding Interpretation” award will then advance to the National PTA round.
Entries are evaluated based on creativity and interpretation of the theme by qualified impartial judges identified from the community by our council Reflections program committee. Entries are grouped for evaluation by Division. Students’ names and any identifying information are concealed from the entries before judging, for purposes of fair evaluation. See Judges’ Guide (PDF)
Reflections Judging Results Are Final
Per National PTA policy, results from Reflections judging at the local, council, and state levels are final and may not be challenged or appealed. This rule ensures fairness, consistency, and respect for the time and expertise of our volunteer judges. We kindly ask all students, families, and volunteers to uphold the values of the Reflections program by demonstrating courtesy, integrity, and good sportsmanship—celebrating the creativity and achievements of every participant.
2025-2026 KEY DATES
| September 29, 2025 | Issaquah PTSA Council Reflections Kick-Off Meeting (for Local Chairs) | Location: Issaquah School District 411 Administration Bldg. 5150 220th Ave SE, 98027 Room TBD Coming Soon: View Slides Here (PDF) |
| September 30, 2025 | Issaquah PTSA Council Reflections Kick-Off Meeting (for Local Chairs) | Zoom link will be sent directly to chairs. Coming Soon: View Slides Here (PDF) |
| November 17, 2025 | Deadline to verify your PTA/PTSA has met the Standards of Affiliation | Entries cannot be accepted from PTA/PTSAs that are not in good standing as defined by WSPTA Standards of Affiliation by this date. Please confirm your unit’s status with your PTA/PTSA president. |
| November 17, 2025 | Local Finalist Entries Upload Due | ((Link Coming in October)) |
| November 20, 2025 | Local Finalist Entries Hand-off to Council Reflections Program | Location: Issaquah School District 411 Administration Bldg. 5150 220th Ave SE, 98027 Room TBD |
| December 2025 | Council Judging Process | |
| January 6, 2026 | Issaquah PTSA Council Announces Winners | PDF LINK TBD All Local PTA/PTSAs and winners will be notified by the council Reflections program. |
| January 2026 | Issaquah PTSA Council-Level Entries Due to WSPTA | No action needed from local chairs or student artists. PTSA Council Reflections will upload all advancing entries with images provided for participation. |
| January 2026 | Issaquah PTSA Council Reflections Reception and Gallery | Join our celebration featuring our local PTA/PTSA finalist artwork. Local chairs will be notified of set up and collection times. Date TBD |
| March 2026 | WSPTA Announces State-Level Winners | PDF LINK WSPTA will notify all councils and winners directly. A recognition event is held in May. |
| May 1, 2026 | National PTA Announces Nationwide Winners | PDF LINK National PTA no longer holds an in-person celebration for Reflections winners. Awards are mailed directly to recipients, and a virtual showcase is presented in January. Visit the National PTA Reflections webpage for the latest details. |
| May 2026 | WSPTA Student Program Celebration for all honorees of WSPTA Essay, WSPTA Scholarship, and WSPTA Reflections Contests. | All students honored by WSPTA with Outstanding Interpretation, Award of Excellence, and Award of Merit will be sent an invitation to the event by WSPTA Programs Director. Location, Date, Time TBD. |
| Updated 7/27/2025 |
Student Entry Forms
Always Use the Current Student Entry Form
WSPTA and National PTA may update Reflections program requirements each year, which are reflected in the official Student Entry Form. Please use the most current version when launching your program.
Fill in your PTA/PTSA information at the top of the form, save a copy to your drive, and share it digitally. Printed copies should also be made available in a common, accessible location.
Entries may be declined if submitted on outdated forms or lack complete information.
Resources for PTA/PTSA Program Leaders:
Coming Soon. IPTSA Council’s Link Kick-off meeting document (pdf)
Coming Soon. WSPTA’s Link 2025 Reflections Leader Training Video (Vimeo)
2025 National PTA Reflections Registration Form
National PTA Reflections page for Leaders
Judges’ Guide (PDF) Includes scoring rubric
https://www.wastatepta.org/events-programs/reflections/pta-leaders/
https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections/startyourprogram
Issaquah PTSA Council Reflections Chair Contact:
Angie Warren Reflections@IssaquahPTSA.org
The Issaquah PTSA Council celebrates the creativity of all students and expects sportsmanship from all participants and community members.
Encourage your artist to embrace the creative path, build resilience, and find grace in every outcome.