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
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
2026-27 Dance Choreography Category Guidelines | en Español
2026-27 Film Production Category Guidelines| en Español
2026-27 Literature Category Guidelines | en Español
2026-27 Music Composition Category Guidelines | en Español
2026-27 Photography Category Guidelines | en Español
2026-27 Visual Arts Category Guidelines | en Español
2026-27 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)
2026-27 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.
2026-2027 KEY DATES
| Date | Event | Additional Information |
| Monday, September 29, 2026 10AM to 12PM | Issaquah PTSA Council Reflections Kick-Off Meeting for Local Chairs New Chairs Must Attend one Training Event | Issaquah School District 411 Administration Bldg. 5150 220th Ave SE, 98027 |
| Wednesday, September 30, 2026 6PM – 7:30PM | Issaquah PTSA Council Reflections ZOOM Kick-Off Meeting for Local Chairs New Chairs Must Attend one Training Event | Zoom link will be sent directly to those attending. Not recorded |
| September Until Early November | Host Your Local PTA/PTSA Reflections Programs | |
| November 1 until 17, 2026 | Local PTA/PTSA Reflections Finalists Entries Upload to Council OPEN | Link for site to upload will be shared with in October |
| November 19, 2026 9:30AM – 4:00PM | Local PTA/PTSA Reflections Finalist Entries Hand-off to Council | Issaquah School District 411 Administration Bldg. 5150 220th Ave SE, 98027 #110 Mt. Baker Room |
| December 2026 | Issaquah PTSA Council Judging | All student artists advancing to WSPTA will be notified by council in January 2027 |
| January 26, 2027 | Issaquah PTSA Council Reflections Reception and Gallery Plan to Attend to Support Your Students & PTA/PTSA | Issaquah School District 411 Administration Bldg. 5150 220th Ave SE, 98027 MAIN BOARDROOM Set-up 3:00 to 5:00PM Event 6:00 to 8:00PM |
| Updated 8/21/2026 |
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.
How To Craft An Entry & Rules for Each Art Category
2026-27 Student Entry Packet | en Español
2026-27 WSPTA Student Entry Form (fillable) | en Español
Resources for PTA/PTSA Program Leaders:
- Issaquah PTSA Council Training and Resource Document (PDF)
- WSPTA 2026 Reflections Leader Training Video (Vimeo)
- WA State PTA Reflections Program 2026
- National PTA Reflections page for Leaders
- Judges’ Guide (PDF) Includes scoring rubric
Issaquah PTSA Council Reflections Chairs Contact:
Angie Warren & Tamara Paliienko
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.