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La Mesa students are invited to get creative through the PTA Reflections Arts Program! This year, students can submit original work in Literature, Photography, or Visual Arts inspired by the 2026–2027 theme, “What My Culture Means to Me.”
 
View Guidelines and Details on How to Create a Reflections Entry

Please send all questions to reflections@lamesapta.com
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Entry Deadline: October 12  
Click Here to complete the Entry Form Formulario de Entrada de Datos
Entries will be showcased at the November PTA Meeting!
Programa Reflections de National PTA
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Overall Entry Guidelines

These are basic guidelines that all Reflections entries must meet to be eligible on the national level. Additional state and/or local program requirements may apply.

 
Each entry must be new artwork inspired by the current year’s theme are accepted.

  • Theme-Inspired: Engage with the theme and create inspired artwork. This is critical to success in Reflections.

  • New Artwork: Do not “recycle” artwork by submitting a piece created for other purposes (e.g., homework not related to Reflections; art used in another competition).  

 
Each entry must be the original work of one student only.

  • Individual Originality: Reflections is designed to encourage and recognize individual creativity, artistic assistance from friends, family and/or teachers is not allowed.

  • No Group Submissions: Only one student will be awarded for each entry.

  • Artwork Details: Titles or artist statements must be the student’s own words and interpretations of the theme.

  • Creative Choices: Decisions in the creative process must be made and/or directed by the student. If support is required, it should be limited and appropriate to the student’s grade and needs.

 
Each entry must contain a title and an artist statement.

  • Word Count: Artists statement must include at least 10 words and not exceed 100 words.

  • Be Creative and Unique: Each entry submitted in Reflections must have a unique title and artist statement specific to that submission. Learn more about crafting a title and artist statement in the section below.

 
Each entry using digital technology/software in creation process must consider the following:

  • Original Use: Technology/software may not be used to provide the primary design and/or concept.

  • Enhance: Technology/software may be used to develop, enhance and/or present an entry. 

  • Use Description: Entrants must use the “Additional Details” field on their entry form to briefly describe the tools and method used in the creation process, including any generative elements (10 to 50 words).

  • Graphic Design Platforms/Tools: To ensure original artwork, platforms (like Canva) with materials, templates or generated graphics (even if copyright free) created by someone else, must be used sparingly—if at all. When used, unoriginal elements (e.g., graphics, icons, images, etc.), should be reconstructed/manipulated to create something new.


    Here are a few specific ways a graphic design platform may be used:

    • To edit original student photos or video footage (i.e., lighting, speed, filters, etc.) 

    • To resize/crop an original illustration, photo or video

    • To overlay background music on original video footage

     

  • Here are a few ways a graphic design platform may not be used:

    • Films created using templates/slides (Note: Film Production prohibits PowerPoint, which includes slide-based tools)

    • To collage different unoriginal photos or graphics in Visual Arts

    • To add graphics, text or icons to a Photography entry (Note: Photography entries cannot include added graphics)

We are accepting entries for the following three categories-Estamos aceptando inscripciones para las siguientes tres categorías.
Literature
Literatura
Photography
Fotografía
Visual Arts
Artes visuales
Reflections Review Rubric

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can a student submit more than one entry?

    • Yes! Students may submit more than one original entry. Each submission must be a separate, original work inspired by this year’s theme and must have its own unique title and artist statement.

    • Students may also explore different art categories, so a student interested in more than one area can submit work in multiple categories offered at La Mesa, including Literature, Photography, and Visual Arts.

  • Can parents or teachers help students understand the theme?

    • Yes! Adults may talk with students about the theme, explain unfamiliar words or ideas, ask questions, and help them think about what the theme means to them. There is no single “correct” interpretation—the connection should be personal and meaningful to the student.

  • Can I help my student brainstorm ideas?

    • You may have conversations and ask questions that help the student explore their own experiences, memories, traditions, community, or ideas. However, the student should ultimately decide what their entry will be about and how they will express it.​

  • What does “What My Culture Means to Me” mean?

    • Culture can include much more than ancestry or heritage. Students might think about family traditions, food, music, language, celebrations, values, places, school, neighborhood, community, meaningful memories, or other experiences that have helped shape who they are. Each student's interpretation may look completely different.

  • Can I help create or improve the artwork?

    • No. The entry must be the student's original work. Parents, teachers, friends, and others should not draw, write, photograph, edit, compose, or otherwise make artistic decisions for the student. Creative choices must be made or directed by the student.

  • Can I help with the title or artist statement?

    • You may ask questions or talk with the student about their artwork, but the title and artist statement must reflect the student's own words and interpretation. Adults should not write, rewrite, edit, or choose these for the student. If a younger student needs help typing/writing, please be clear in the entry that an adult transcribed word for word what the student said.  

  • Can I explain the rules or judging rubric?

    • Absolutely. Parents and teachers may review the rules and rubric with students and help them understand what is required. Students can also use the rubric to review their own work. Remember: understanding the expectations is okay—creating or changing the entry for the student is not.

  • A simple rule to remember:

    • Adults can ask questions, explain the rules, and encourage. The student provides the ideas, makes the creative decisions, and creates the entry.

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