2026-27 Theme: "What My Culture Means to Me"

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

RSES entry deadline: Coming soon. Check back here or watch for announcements.

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

Primary: Preschool through Grade 2
Intermediate: Grades 3 through 5
Accessible Arts: All grades welcome. This division lets students with disabilities receive non-artistic accommodation and assistance from an adult, while the student keeps 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.

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.