The Art of Welcoming All Families

Family School PartnershipsIf you were to paint a picture representing how you felt the first time you entered your child’s school building, what would it look like? Go ahead, take a minute to draw a picture of the feelings you had when you entered the building. We’re serious, go ahead and grab a crayon or marker from your kids’ excessive crayon collection or a trusty pen from that catch-all kitchen drawer.

  • Consider using colors that represent how you felt as you approached the front door. Include people you interacted with and when you’re done, write one sentence describing what your picture represents.
  • Take a photo and upload it to you favorite social media site like Twitter, Facebook or Instragram and use the hashtag #StartTheArts.

The National Standards for Family-School Partnerships provide a framework for strengthening family engagement programs to focus on what parents, schools and communities can do together to support student success. Welcoming All Families into the school community is the first of the six standards.

When schools are successful in meeting this standard, families are active participants in the life of the school, and feel welcomed, valued and connected to each other, to school staff, and to what students are learning and doing in class. When families walk into the school building, they should feel it’s a place where they belong. Also, all of the school policies and programs should reflect, respect and value the diversity of the families in the community.

The arts — and the National PTA Reflections program, in particular — can be a valuable tool for building stronger partnerships in your school community and meeting the Standard for Welcoming All Families.

#StartTheArts with PTA Reflections and bring families together during National Arts in Education Week — the second full week in September. Learn more about PTA Start the Arts Week and use the Reflections Toolkit to get started today.

Read more to learn about each of the National Standards for Family-School Partnerships and the steps you can take with PTA Reflections to meet them. Also, consider enrolling in the National PTA School of Excellence program to gain new ways to engage all families in each of the standards. National PTA School of Excellence is a recognition program that supports and celebrates partnerships between PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being for all students. Contact excellence@pta.org or call (800)307-4782 for more info.


First in a series of blog posts co-authored by National PTA’s Senior Manager of Family Engagement Sherri Wilson & Manager of Arts in Education Ethan Clark.

Got Art?

PTA Start the Arts Week—September 15-19, 2014—is the official Reflections kick-off celebration to promote the benefits of arts education. During Start the Arts Week, PTA invites students, teachers, families, schools and communities to celebrate and participate in the arts. We celebrate this week in conjunction with National Arts in Education Week.

Sandra Ruppert is Director of the Arts Education Partnership (AEP).

Sandra Ruppert is Director of the Arts Education Partnership (AEP).

Another school year has started. You’ve likely checked and double-checked your children’s backpacks to make sure they have their lunch, notebooks, pencils, and textbooks before letting them run out to catch the bus. But have you checked for their flute or paint brushes? Do they even need them?

Unfortunately, for many students across the country, the answer is no. The U.S. Department of Education’s survey data reveal that millions of students attend schools that provide limited or no access to arts education opportunities. This is despite the fact that we are accumulating more and better evidence all the time about the multi-faceted and beneficial outcomes associated with learning in and through the arts for all students.

As we get ready to kick off another National Arts in Education Week, what can you, as parents, do to ensure that your children receive a complete and competitive education that includes the arts? Here are a few steps to consider:

Investigate your arts education policies

Find out about your state’s arts standards and what else your state requires at ArtScan on the AEP website, then ask what your school or school district is actually providing to students. If there are disparities between what’s required and what’s being offered, find out why and go from there to explore what can be done to ensure all kids are receiving a high quality education that includes the arts.

Know the benefits of an arts education

A growing body of knowledge documents that, in addition to academic outcomes, an education in the arts contributes directly to the success in all areas of school, work, and life. AEP’s most recent research bulletin, Preparing Students for the Next America: The Benefits of an Arts Education provides an overview of many of these benefits.

If you want a little more depth, ArtsEdSearch.org is AEP’s one-stop shop for research about the educational outcomes associated with arts learning across arts forms and grade levels, both in and out of school. We developed ArtsEdSearch because there was nothing else like it, where high quality research is available in one place, readily accessible, and easily understandable.

Make a case for the arts

Overall, one key challenge we face is how to shape and influence both public and political will to ensure that the arts in education matter. Depending on your audience, be prepared to make a strong case that includes at least three key points related to the role and contribution of the arts:

  1. Academic achievement and student success
  2. Economic development and workforce preparation
  3. Quality of life and civic engagement

A balanced education that includes the arts as an essential component is vital to ensuring that all students are graduate ready for college, career, and citizenship. Take these few steps to help ensure that your child has the arts education necessary for him or her to succeed!

AEP LogoSandra Ruppert is Director of the Arts Education Partnership (AEP), which is part of the Council of Chief State School Officers, a Washington DC-based nonprofit and nonpartisan membership organization representing the top leaders of state education agencies.

Reflections: A Gallery of 2013-2014 Student Art

Since 1969, the PTA Reflections program has encouraged students across the nation and in American schools overseas to explore their creativity. Each year, students in preschool through high school are invited to create and submit works of art in the areas of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and the visual arts. In the 2013-2014 school year, Reflections students shared their artistic interpretations on the theme “Believe, Dream, Inspire.”

National PTA Reflections submissions are reviewed by experts in the visual, literary and performing arts. Judges look for personal interpretation on the program theme that best exemplify creativity and technical skill. We are proud to share with you this year’s award winning works of art and invite you to join us at future exhibitions.

Reflections Icon_Dance

Dance Choreography

Outstanding Interpretation in Dance Choreography –
“One World” by Ella Carter-Klauschie

“The words Believe, Dream, and Inspire make me think of Peace on Earth. I Believe that it can happen. I Dream that people can make a difference. I’m Inspired by dances from other cultures. Dance can bring people together. This dance represents Brazil, Senegal, India and the U.S. as separate cultures to cherish. We come together to respect each other’s cultures, and learn new things. Learning about one another helps us find our similarities, and celebrate our differences. This piece includes Contemporary, West African,Samba-Reggae, Bollywood, Bhangra, and Hip-Hop dance. I shaped the traditional styles to show connection.” – Ella Carter-Klauschie

View all national award winning dance choreography submissions.

 

Reflections Icon_Film

Film Production

Outstanding Interpretation in Film Production –
“Dream Walking” by Eric Gillespie

“The film I created is about my Dad. My dad still dreams of running marathons. My dad inspires me very much. My dad believes in things that he didn’t think he could do before. When we believe in our dreams we can do the difficult things that are inspiring.” – Eric Gillespie

View all national award winning film production submissions.

 

Reflections Icon_Literature

Literature

Outstanding Interpretation in Literature –
The Girl Who Called the Moon” by Biz Rasich

Literature_Award

“My piece was an experiment. I used a new style and a new voice, challenging myself to let my muse direct me instead of vice versa. The idea of Delia really spoke to me–her indignation at having been left behind, her hope that the moon would bring her father back, all of her spitfire, four-year-old naivety–resulting in the story essentially writing itself. Such moments of clarity are rare for me. That’s the struggle of writing, I suppose: inspiration comes at the most unexpected times and with such unexpected ferocity.” – Biz Rasich

View all national award winning literature submissions.

 

Reflections Icon__Music

Music Composition

Outstanding Interpretation in Music Composition –
“Live Your Dreams” by Joseph Codispoti

“This piece is about people who are afraid to take chances and live their dreams. This work expresses the struggle and frustration that comes with doubting yourself, but shows the benefits of chasing your dreams in the end.” – Joseph Codispoti

Listen to all national award winning music composition submissions.

 

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Photography

Outstanding Interpretation in Photography –
“Ink Mirage” by Hannah Shoultz

Hannah Shoultz OIA Photograph_2

“In this photo, a self-portrait, the pages of a book form an almost mask-like covering over my face to mirror the idea that inspiration covers, it reaches all depths of the mind and urges you on to greater heights. The pages are translucent, lending a dream-like quality to the photo and illustrating the idea that inspiration lends itself to dreaming: imagining new worlds, new experiences, and new lives. When one finds themselves in a place where they are truly inspired and able to dream, they can then finally begin to believe, and with that, a belief in themselves.” – Hannah Shoultz

View all national award winning photography submissions.

 

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Visual Arts

Outstanding Interpretation in Visual Arts –
“Dream and Inspiration” by Daniel Chang

 Daniel Chang OIA VisArtwork

“The title of my artwork is “Dream and Inspiration.” I dream about being a great scientist. I can create the future and change the world better. Thomas Edison inspires me the most. “Genius is one percent inspiration ninety-nine percent perspiration.” – Daniel Chang

View all national award winning photography submissions.

 

 Reflections Logo_2

Special Artist

Outstanding Interpretation in Special Artist Division –
“Imagine” by Jessica Clay

“I choreographed my dance to the song “Imagine,” because the song is about having no lines and the world living as one. This is an integrated dance which brings people with and without disabilities together. I believe everyone should be equal. I hope my dance can educate and open people’s minds. Also, I hope to inspire some social change and make a difference in this world.” – Jessica Clay

Learn more about the Special Artist Division for students with disability.

 

Upcoming Exhibitions: Reflections at the U.S. Department of Education

Join us Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 11:00am for the annual Reflections Exhibit Opening & Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at the U.S. Department of Education, adjacent to the National Mall in Washington, DC. Exhibit will feature national award winning works of art in film production, dance choreography, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts from the 2013-2014 school-year theme: Believe, Dream, Inspire. To RSVP, email reflections@pta.org.

The public exhibit is open Monday-Friday, except federal holidays, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., January 6 – February 25, and is located in the LBJ Education Building, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202. To schedule a visit, contact Nicole Carinci, Management & Program Analyst at the U.S. Dept. of Education, at nicole.carinci@ed.gov or call (202)453-5585.

The Reflections Believe, Dream, Inspire exhibit will also be featured at the National PTA Convention June 26-27 in Charlotte, NC. Save the date!

Please email reflections@pta.org for questions regarding Reflections student art exhibits.

 

Reflections Celebrates Month of the Asian American Child

In May, National PTA’s Every Child in Focus campaign celebrates the arts and culture of Asian American/Pacific Islanders. Educators, families and PTAs are encouraged to deepen family engagement using the PTA National Standards for Family-School Partnerships and provided resources.

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Student Artist Narhee Kim “Epiphany”

Explore additional arts and cultural resources for Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month provided by The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

To help paint the picture of family engagement, The National PTA Reflections award recipient Jordan Whitmer shares his original film titled “Forever Family” based on the 2013-2014 program theme: Believe, Dream, Inspire.

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Jordan Whitmer and family

“Approximately ten years ago, in a snow-covered village in mainland China, a baby girl was born. Sadly, her parents were not able to keep her. Left in a basket in a very public place, this girl was found, and brought to an orphanage.  One year later, this baby girl met her forever family. She will always be my sister.” – Jordan Whitmer

Watch Jordan’s award winning film production Forever Family.”

“We are passionate about family.  As parents, we pour into our kids every day, knowing that we only have a few short years to invest in their lives before they become adults.  We are intentional about experiences that provide our kids with a chance to learn about a big world.  As a family, we enjoy serving others in our local public schools, on a missions trip, or at our local food pantry.

We are so grateful for the partnership we have with our local public schools when it comes to the arts.  Through band, choir, and PTA Reflections, our kids have had some amazing opportunities to learn and grow as young musicians and production artists.  We have found this to be a great way to make a difference in the lives of others!” –Rick and Lisa Whitmer, parents of Jordan, Blake and Jenna Whitmer.

Interested in providing PTA Reflections in your school community? Visit PTA.org/Reflections to get started.

Email Reflections@pta.org to tell us your Reflections story.

If You Really Knew Me

Katie BrownKatie Brown is the 2014 Washington State Teacher of the Year. Katie is an ELL Specialist and Instructional Coach. The following content is reposted from Katie’s blog as Teacher of the Year.

My students are such a source of inspiration for me. Each one of them so diverse, with a special story to tell, unique barriers to overcome, and dreams all their own.

Below is a piece I wrote for the OSPI From Seed to Apple publication. Each regional ToY writes a story from the classroom. A story from the heart. These stories are then shared with our state legislators to give them a glimpse into why we do what we do every day.

We teach kids.

If You Really Knew Me
Voices of Those Often Unheard

If you really knew me,  
You would know that I only slept for three hours last night.
I think the party ended at 4:00 AM?
I’m still here.

If you really knew me,
You would know that I was at the top of my class in China.
I was ready for college.
Will I graduate?

If you really knew me,
You would know that I can’t stay after school even though I need help.
My mom has to go to work. I am responsible.
My brother is only two:
Dinner, bath, bedtime.
I’m only eleven.

If you really knew me,
You would know that I am from El Salvador, not Mexico.
But you can keep calling me Mexican.
I won’t say anything.

If you really knew me,
You would know that my earbuds are blasting Marvin Gaye.
I’m a bit of a Romantic.
What do you think I’m listening to?

If you really knew me,  
You would know that I share a room with five other people.
Do I have a quiet space to do homework?
I’m not sure what you mean.

If you really knew me,  
You would know that my dad was deported last night.
I will stay strong for my mom.
I hope I see him again someday.

If you really knew me,
You would know that I want to succeed.
I can’t act like it. I can’t talk about it.
I hope you can see through me.

If you really knew me,  
You would know that I’m writing a novel.
When I seem to be in my own world, I am.
I created it.
You are welcome to visit any time.

If you really knew me,  
You would know that you are the most important adult in my life.
I won’t tell you that,
But I will eat lunch in your room again tomorrow.

If you really knew me,  
You would know that I am the first one in my family to go to college.
You keep telling me I can go if I choose.
You keep telling me I can go if I want.
You keep telling me.
Ok.

If you really knew me,
You would know that
My name is Angelica.
My name is Jin.
My name is Thanh.
My name is David.
My name is Jose.
My name is Eddie.
My name is Antonia.
My name is Mario.
My name is Katrina.
My name is Devin.
My name is Parjinder.

Read more inspirational stories from teachers HERE

Reflections of a Military Child: Inspiration from Abroad

Two award winning works of student art from the National PTA Reflections Arts ProgramThe Magic of a Moment” captured the home coming of military families. This magic moment is obviously a poignant one for some of today’s youth in the continental U.S. and beyond.

We had the chance to interview Benjamin Leese, one of our student artists, to get the story behind his heartfelt inspiration, entitled “Homecoming Dad.”

aeintvisualartsleesebenjamin

Do you have a military parent or family?  Yes, my dad is a Captain in the Air Force.

What inspired you to create artwork about a military homecoming? The theme for the Reflections contest was the Magic of the Moment and there was no other moment I could think of that was more magical than the day my dad came home safely from Afghanistan after being gone for a year.  It was tough hearing about all the things that were happening over there and never knowing if my dad was safe or not, so when he got off that plane and I could run up and hug him- that was just great!

Ben and DadHow did you get involved with Reflections?  I never heard of Reflections until I came to Italy.  This is the first time I was in a DOD (Department of Defense) school.  I have been doing art since I could pick up a pencil and I love it.  I think my art teacher realized I had some talent when I first was in her class, so when Ms. Lizee heard about the contest, she asked if I wanted to enter and I said, “Of course, who wouldn’t.”

What inspires you to be an artist?  It’s funny because this year’s theme for Reflections is Believe, Dream, and Inspire and so I had to really think about that question already. Inspiration is an amazing thing because it can come from almost anywhere or anything.  Inspiration encourages many people to do anything, dream anything, and become anyone and their creativity is unlimited.  For me as an artist, I am inspired by everything I see, whether it’s a dream, a vision, a historical landmark, a famous museum, other famous artists, or even the Superheroes in my comic books.  I am always inspired.  Believe me, being in Europe for three years and getting the chance to visit these famous places, there is lots to inspire me.

Do you have a mentor that encourages you to keep creating? My dad, he has been my battery to my flashlight of creativity.  He’s the one who pushes me. He gives me new ideas and has taught me everything I know.  Without him I wouldn’t be winning any kind of contest, ever.

It is clear that Benjamin’s love and appreciation for his dad is unending.  Though Benjamin lives in Italy, his patriotic spirit shines in his words and his art.  We, here at National PTA, want to acknowledge and celebrate all military children like Benjamin.  We want him and others to know that their courage and creativity are admirable and that PTA Reflections will continue to support them in their artistic endeavors.

For more information about the European Congress PTA, check out their website!

PTA Reflections – A Masterpiece in Family Engagement

Early March – a time I love at the home office of National PTA. It’s the time when our mission springs to life in front of our eyes: advocates streaming into town from every part of the country for our National PTA Legislative Conference; news stories airing about local PTAs hosting their PTA Family Reading Experiences and PTA Take Your Family to School Week events; and the incredible PTA Reflections® artwork arriving from thousands of student artists who qualified for national round judging.

This is my third March with National PTA. Each spring, I’ve enjoyed pouring through the Reflections finalists – reading, listening, watching – the art appeals to so many of my senses and nurtures my own creative spirit. It just amazes me how students of all ages capture our annual theme in such unique and poignant ways.

But this year it’s different.  This year, I see more than the creativity and interpretation of our student artists. This year, thanks to Pinellas County Council PTA, I see each submission as a masterpiece in family engagement.

A Warm Night Despite the Polar Vortex

Reflections_MichelleAlfredIn January, during the coldest day of the year when even Florida suffered from the bite of the Polar Vortex, I attended the Pinellas County Council PTA’s Reflections Celebration. This was my first local PTA Reflections celebration. It was incredible! The PTA Council, led by President Michelle Alfred, hosted an awards ceremony, exhibit and reception at Pinellas Park High School.

I arrived bundled up and shuffling to the door with a shiver and a grumble. But when the door opened, I gasped with pride at the sight of a room so full of families. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, little brothers and sisters – all there for one reason – to celebrate and support their student artists. It was so inviting and celebratory in that standing-room-only auditorium! I was wrapped in its warmth in a way that gives you goose bumps. I had goose bumps all night. Then I realized this is family engagement in action: PTA welcoming families into the school and engaging them in something we know supports student success – arts participation.

Reflections_ParentsChildI had the honor of sitting with the PTA Pinellas County Council Board, as well as long-time PTA volunteer and Pinellas County School Board Chair Carol J. Cook. As we waited for the event to begin, Chairwoman Cook shared with me her PTA experience and how PTA really helped to shape her civic leadership experience. Later, she greeted the students and mingled with the families. Through this celebration, families gained access to an important school decision-maker and they showed her by their presence – how much families care about arts in education.

PTA Volunteers Pave the Way for Family Engagement Through the Arts

Debi Klein, Chair of the Reflections Committee for the Pinellas County Council PTA, hosted the recognition ceremony. She and the Reflections Committee recruited 33 schools to participate this year, which is an incredible accomplishment. She’s been involved with PTA for nearly a decade and chaired the Council’s Reflections Committee for five years.

Reflections_ParentPaparazzi“I love seeing the creativity that students produce,” Debi told me. “And without the local PTA unit chairs, students wouldn’t be able to participate in this program.”

Debi is right. There are thousands of PTA volunteers across the country who support this program. Volunteers who give forth so many nights, so many weekends, so much energy and enthusiasm to support arts in education opportunities through PTA’s Reflections program. These volunteers are parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, educators, community arts leaders and advocates speaking up for every child at their school and collaborating with the community to increase access to arts participation.

When National PTA celebrates our student artists in June, we will celebrate all of you who are Reflections Chairs!  You provide a critical path for family engagement through this program. And more than 300,000 students and families across the country and in US schools overseas benefit from your commitment.

Believe, Dream, Inspire.

Reflections_PrideWhen I sat in the audience that night, I couldn’t help but wear two hats – National PTA staff person and the mom of students in Pinellas County. My heart beamed with joy each time a child swept passed me with their nervous run to the stage to accept their well-deserved award. I couldn’t help but to look back and admire the families – their love, their pride, their snapping phone cameras. I savored each hug I saw – each “I’m proud of you” I heard. And I daydreamed about the day when I will celebrate one of my children in a similar way.

Working at the national level, I don’t get to feel the “mission moment” goose bumps all the time. But when I do – I treasure them. And that’s why I love March – March is full of them!

 

Do you want to become a PTA Reflections volunteer and encourage student artists to reflect on the theme: “The world would be a better place if…”?  Visit PTA.org/reflections to learn more. Or make an online donation to support the Reflections program at: http://www.pta.org/about/donate.cfm?navItemNumber=3355.

Mary Pat King, MS is the director of programs and partnerships for the National PTA. She is also the proud mom of Mason, 5, and Jenna Bea, 4. She and her husband, Eric, are new members of the Cypress Woods Elementary School PTA in Pinellas County, FL.

A Field Trip To Remember

On a cold, rainy morning in January, the U.S. Department of Education auditorium fill with excited chatter while PTA members, arts education professionals and families from across the nation took their seats for the National PTA Reflections® program’s Art Exhibit Opening and Ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring the 2012-2013 theme: The Magic of a Moment.

The ceremony recognized over 200 student artists from across the country with special guest appearances by national award recipients, Bailey Callahan and Jessica Clay. U.S. Acting Deputy Secretary of Education Jim Shelton, President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities Executive Director Rachel Goslins, National PTA President Otha Thornton and National PTA Reflections Committee Chair Dawn Small discussed the significance of the arts, the benefits of arts education and the importance of integrating the arts into STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math).

Read more about STEAM (STEM + ARTS) in Our Children Magazine Dec/Jan edition.

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Student artist Joshua Williams “Notes”

After the ceremony, the visiting families mingled with a whole class of local students from Amidon-Bowen Elementary School who graciously attended.  The young arts-enthusiasts took time out of their day to celebrate the arts and the humanities with the PTA. This was truly a magical moment.

We soon learned that this was just one of many arts-based field trips Washington, DC students experienced due to their school’s partnership with the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative (DCAEHC). This collaborative partnership provides students with access to over 70 artists and arts organizations to “bring standards and curriculum to life.”

DCAEHC Program Director, Tracey Alperstein, explains that through school-community partnerships, students attend field trips and receive in-class arts learning. In addition, teachers also receive training in arts integration as well as conflict resolution.

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National PTA President Otha Thornton with local students at the 2014 Reflections Art Exhibit

The DCAEHC supports many DC area schools like Amidon-Bowen, with ninety-two percent minority students.  Their experiences in the arts and at the PTA Reflections exhibit will be remembered for years to come, fostering a life-long appreciation for the arts. Hopefully, this gleeful class will be inspired by this year’s Reflections participants to explore their own creativity.

Learn more about Reflections at PTA.org/Reflections.

Every Child in Focus: Month of the Suburban Child

“Friendship”  by Jadyn Sano

“Friendship” by Jadyn Sano

A host of assumptions can be made about the U.S. suburbs and the populations who reside there.  However, our preconceived notions from TV shows like “Leave it to Beaver” no longer hold true.  Gone are the days of quaint neighborhoods filled with bright green lawns and white nuclear families.  They have given way to a far more diverse and dynamic way of life, enriching the lives of those who live there.  The face of the suburbs is changing, and these changes are creating new learning experiences for our children.

"Diversity Means Celebrating our Differences” by Caroline Manning

“Diversity Means Celebrating our Differences” by Caroline Manning

 

Once a safe haven from the “dangers of city living,” the gap between urban and suburban communities grows smaller every day.  Suburban populations are rising quickly, as are poverty levels.  According to a Brookings Institution study, “Between 2000 and 2008, the suburban poor population grew almost five times as fast as the city poor population, so that suburbs are now home to almost 1.9 million more poor people than their primary cities.”  By 2009, city and suburban unemployment rates had increased by nearly the same percentages; 9.6% and 8.7% respectively.  This means more free and reduced-price lunches for students, less accessibility to quality and up to date educational materials, and less flexibility for parents and caregivers to spend time at home and provide academic support to their children.

"Diversity Means Celebrating our Differences” by Caroline Manning

“Diversity Means Celebrating our Differences” by Caroline Manning

However, changes in the suburbs have brought wonderful opportunities to the children who live there.  Minority populations have drastically increased, creating more diverse communities and learning environments. According to 2010 census data, 59% of Latinos opt for suburbia living, as well as 62% of Asians.  In total, minorities make up 35% of suburban populations nationwide.  This provides students an opportunity to learn from a more global perspective, understanding their role as a citizen of the world.  The family structure has changed as well, with more and more children being raised in less conventional homes.  Today’s suburbanite children see the potential for love and caring rather than the potential for normalcy.

Here at National PTA, we see this shift of perspective in the incredible artwork students submit to the Reflections® program. Their artwork demonstrates an understood connectedness and shared humanity woven through every race, ethnicity, religion, and lifestyle.  Through new trials and tribulations in their communities, our suburban student artists arise triumphant, joining hands and powering forward together with strength they could never muster alone.

The Arts Are For All!

PTA believes that all children deserve opportunities to explore and participate in the arts and to be recognized for their achievements. While children with special needs have always been welcomed to the National PTA Reflections® program, National PTA recognizes that some children may be better served in a division that can better support their unique challenges. The Special Artist Division provides this choice.

Bradley Mauger, "On the Raindy River"

Bradley Mauger, “On the Rainy River”

This past year, the Special Artist Division emerged as an optional division for students whose physical, cognitive, or mental health challenges meet guidelines put forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act. This division was created as an alternative mode of entry for participants with special needs.  Students with disabilities have the option to enter and participate in the National PTA Reflections program within the Special Artist Division or whichever Grade Division is most closely aligned with their functional abilities.

Please check with your State PTA regarding availability in your state of residence and click here to learn more about division guidelines.

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Sarah Khan, “Sarah’s Friendship”

In the summer of 2013, National PTA piloted a program called the Special Artist Workshops that gave students with special needs and disabilities the opportunity to participate in intensive, high quality arts learning experiences. Workshops led by a teaching team of Special Education teachers, teaching artists, and PTA leaders provided students and their families the opportunity to learn in a supportive artistic and educational environment. This pilot is just one example of how Reflections continues to provide us with the opportunity to engage families and build strong family-school-community partnerships.

Visit the National PTA Reflections Gallery for a complete list of Reflections award recipients including submissions from our Special Artist Division.

Students with special needs and disabilities experience greater challenges in everyday life than their peers. Oftentimes, they are unaware of how to express their thoughts, feelings, and dreams, and through art, they are able to blossom and find success.  PTA Reflections Special Artist Division provides these students the opportunity to blossom with the added benefit of engaging their parents and communities in their success.

For more information on how students with disabilities learn through the arts visit our national partner, Kennedy Center/VSA.