“The creative arts are the measure and reflection of our civilization. They offer many children an opportunity to see life with a larger perspective…The moral values we treasure are reflected in the beauty and truth that is emotionally transmitted through the arts.The arts say something about us to future generations.” –Ann P. Kahn, Former President of National PTA
Celebrate National Arts in Education Week (September 8-14, 2013) with thousands of PTA leaders across America and in military schools overseas who believe all students deserve access to a quality arts education! Visit National PTA’s new arts in education resources page to find out how you can provide opportunities for students to explore and be involved in the arts with PTA Reflections.
Reflections Art by Chenchen Li “In Focus”
The National PTA Reflections program is the nation’s oldest and largest student recognition program of its kind. Since 1969, the Reflections program has inspired millions of students in Grades Pre-K through 12 to reflect on a specific theme and create original artwork. Students are encouraged to reflect on this year’s theme, “Believe, Dream, Inspire.” in one or all of the following arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts.
This past year, PTA Reflections leaders inspired nearly five hundred thousand students to reflect on a common theme, create original artwork and be recognized for their participation and achievement in the arts. Visit the National PTA Reflections gallery of award winning artwork.
Reflections Art by Samrath Kaur “Frozen In Time”
Become your school’s leader in the arts. As a Reflections leader, you will play a critical role in helping students explore the arts all while bringing families and schools together in a meaningful way. Reflections also connects your school with community arts organizations that are necessary for adding value and strength to your role as an advocate for arts learning in your school.
All students benefit from participating in Reflections. The arts welcome all students – despite their individual challenges — to explore ideas, express their individuality and support their peers in a positive way. Studies also find that students who participate in the arts are more engaged in their own learning, which leads to increased school attendance rates and social connectedness.
Learn more about supporting student success and the arts by downloading a unified statement recently signed by National PTA and 49 other well-known organizations called, Arts Education; Creating Student Success In School, Work, and Life.
Reflections Art by Johanna Cord-Cruz “The Moment of an Artist”
Let’s get started! Whether there is no parent group at your school now, or your existing parent group wants to realize all the benefits of PTA membership, we encourage you to contact National PTA at info@pta.org or (800) 307-4PTA (4782) to help get your school’s program underway.
National PTA offers a free Reflections Leader Toolkit including leader training videos, promotional tools, and template resources to help you get started. Contact your state PTA for program forms, guidelines, and information about regional and state level programs.
Visit PTA.org/Reflections to learn more.
Ethan Clark is the Manager, Arts in Education at National PTA. Contact Ethan at eclark@pta.org.
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