Rooster Springs Elementary · Dripping Springs ISD School website

PTA Reflections · 2026-27

Reflections

Every Rooster can create something original and be celebrated for it. This year’s theme: “What My Culture Means to Me.”

  • Due Thu, Nov 5
  • 6 arts categories
  • All grades welcome

Submit your entry See the categories

Theme
“What My Culture Means to Me”
All entries are new work for this theme.
RSES deadline
Thursday, November 5
Check back here or watch for announcements.
Who
Every RSES student
With a current PTA member in the household.

About Reflections

Reflections is the PTA’s national arts program. It gives every student a chance to create something original, share what they see and feel, and be recognized for it. Since 1969, it has become one of the largest arts programs of its kind, with more than 200,000 students taking part each year. The focus is on positive recognition, not competition.

This year, students are invited to explore the theme “What My Culture Means to Me” through their chosen art form.

Submit your entry

Who Can Participate

All Rooster Springs Elementary students may enter. The student or at least one person in their household must be a current RSES PTA member. Not a member yet? Join the RSES PTA today.

Students may enter any or all of the six arts categories, and may submit more than one entry in a single category. Each entry must be the original work of one student, created for this year’s theme.

Grade Divisions

PPrimary
Preschool through Grade 2
IIntermediate
Grades 3 through 5
★Accessible Arts
All grades welcome. Students with disabilities can receive non-artistic accommodation and assistance from an adult, while keeping full creative control of the work.

Arts Categories

♬Dance Choreography
Solo or ensemble work in any dance style. Video up to 5 minutes and 1 GB.
▶Film Production
Animation, narrative, documentary, experimental, or multimedia. Video up to 5 minutes and 1 GB.
✎Literature
Prose, poetry, drama, reflective essay, narrative, or short story. Up to 2,000 words, handwritten or typed.
♫Music Composition
Any music style or instrumentation. Recording up to 5 minutes and 1 GB.
◉Photography
A single print or digital image. Prints from 3x5 to 8x10 inches. Digital images at least 640x960 pixels and 300 dpi.
■Visual Arts (2D)
Original print, drawing, painting, collage, metal etching or punch work, fiber work, or computer-generated artwork. No larger than 24x30 inches, including mat.

Key Rules

  • Each entry must be the original work of one student only. No collaboration with other students (except as allowed in the Accessible Arts division).
  • Only new artwork inspired by this year’s theme will be accepted.
  • Every entry needs an artist statement of 10 to 100 words. It should explain what inspired the piece, how it relates to the theme, and what it shows.
  • Copyrighted material is not allowed, except for recorded music in dance and film entries.
  • PowerPoint templates and generative AI elements are not allowed.
A student working on a Reflections art entry
A Rooster hard at work on a Reflections entry

How Entries Are Judged

Entries are judged mainly on how well the student uses their artistic vision to portray the theme, along with originality and creativity. Technical skill matters less than the idea behind the work.

Entries that advance from RSES move on to the next levels of judging, up to Texas PTA and National PTA. Texas PTA results are announced in March, and National PTA award notifications go out in May.

Resources

Rules Packet (English)Rules Packet (Spanish)Texas PTA Reflections2025-26 Reflections Gallery

 
Questions?
Email the RSES Reflections team at reflections@rsespta.org.
The 2026-27 Texas PTA Reflections program is sponsored by Walmart.
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HOW WE PTA!

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