The Program
Reflections is a National PTA-sponsored arts recognition program that encourages self-discovery through artistic exploration and expression, and – above all – participation!   It is designed to complement the outstanding fine, performing, and cultural arts education offered at CES.  It provides an opportunity for students to receive positive recognition for their individual artistic efforts outside of the classroom.  Student participation in the program is voluntary.  Themes are selected from thousands of ideas submitted by students annually to the National PTA’s Reflections Program Theme Search.  This year’s theme is "Diversity Means…"

Participation and Judging
Participation begins right here at the local PTA level and is open to all elementary-aged students grades K-5.  Students at CES may submit one or more entries in any of the following six categories: visual arts, photography, literature, film production, dance choreography and musical composition.  Judging will occur against others in the same grade division.  There are two grade divisions at the elementary school level:  Primary (K-grade 2) and Intermediate (grades 3-5).  Depending upon the number of entries at the local level, selected student entries may be forwarded to the next level for judging.  Judges will consider student entries and award prizes based on creativity, artistic merit, and interpretation of the theme.  All students who participate at the local level will receive some form of recognition, as well as a party, at the CES PTA General Membership Meeting on November 7, 2011.

General Rules
Program rules, as well as an official entry form and consent form, can be found here on the CES PTA website.  Strict guidelines govern student entries.  Please review the category guidelines with your child, and ensure that he/she completes the official entry form legibly and submits it with his/her creation.  If you are unsure of any of the rules or have questions, please contact 2011 Reflections Committee members Kate Jones (kateanddonjones@comcast.net) or Elizabeth Garbarczyk (Elizabethgarb@aol.com).   In those cases where a student cannot complete the entry form or write legibly, a parent may assist.  For purposes of identification, participants must assign a title to their entries (there is a place on the official entry form for the title).  Students are also required to complete the "artist statement" on the entry form.  This statement helps judges understand the student’s intent and how his/her piece relates to the theme.  Additionally, please ensure that all photographic and visual arts entries are mounted on stiff board (in accordance with the program guidelines) to make it easier to prop up for display (poster board is not stiff enough). Wimsey Cove, a framing company here in Edgewater, is offering participants free mat board on which to mount their art work. Wimsey Cove is at 3141 Solomon’s Island Road, Edgewater, Maryland 21037 and their phone number is 410-956-7278. 

Timeline for Local Submission of Entries
CES PTA Entry Deadline:  October 12, 2011
CES PTA Recognition & Party: November 7, 2011 @ 6:30pm

Note:  The Reflections Chair will accept student entries in the Media Center from 8:40-9am October 10-12.