Reflections

• Please rename the Entry Form file correctly!

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The preferred format for the Entry Form filename is:

       StudentLastName.StudentFirstName.FlorisES.category.ageDivision.EntryForm.pdf

 

The “Age Divisions” are:

Primary: Kindergarten-Grade 2

Intermediate: Grades 3-5

Middle School: Grade 6

Accessible Arts: Grades K - 6

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Example: Jane Smith is a 5th grader who wants to submit an entry in the Literature category. The preferred filename for her Entry Form would be:

 

Smith.Jane.FlorisES.literature.intermediate.EntryForm.pdf

• Upload the completed and renamed Entry Form to DropBox at this link:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/request/mpwg8pmive30ocmd9tof

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Step 2 of 2) There are two methods available to submit an entry. Your child(ren) can physically bring the entry to the main office at Floris, and leave it in a collection box there. Please don’t forget to attach a printed copy of the Entry Form! Please note: We cannot guarantee that physical submissions placed in the collection box will be returned.

Most families prefer to submit their entries digitally:

• Please refer to the “OFFICIAL RULES FROM THE NATIONAL PTA” listed below.  Each of the various categories has limitations on the types and size of files that can be submitted.

 

• Please name the entry file!

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The preferred format for the entry filename is:

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StudentLastName.StudentFirstName.FlorisES.category.ageDivision.YOURFILENAME

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Example: Jane Smith is a 5th grader who wants to submit an entry in the Literature category. The preferred filename for her entry might be

Smith.Jane.FlorisES.literature.intermediate.MY-COOL-ESSAY.pdf

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• Upload the entry to the same DropBox link you used for the EntryForm: https://www.dropbox.com/request/rfiT3Vdo8lmHBiMPwDIU

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That’s it! Your child(ren)’s submission will be complete when both steps above are done. Following are the rules from the National PTA which specify the eligible content, format, etc for each of the categories.

 

OFFICIAL RULES FROM THE NATIONAL PTA

Dance Choreography

• Student Artist: Must be the original choreographer. Only the choreographer (e.g., student submitting the entry) is recognized for awards. 

• Performers: The choreographer may be the performer or one of the performers but does not have to perform in the entry. 

• Lengths and Size: Videos must not exceed 5 minutes or 1,000 MB (1,000 megabyte).

• Cite Sources: If background music is used, it must be cited on the entry form.

• Formats: Accepted file formats: MP4, MOV, AVI.

• Performing others' choreography (e.g., recitals, renditions, dance trends) is not accepted. Submit only original pieces inspired by the theme. 

• Editing: Entries with added elements (e.g., graphics, filters) or heavy video editing are not accepted.

 

Film Production

• Student Artist: All screenwriting, directing and editing must be done by the student producer. Only the producer (e.g., student submitting the entry) is recognized for awards. The producer is not required to appear in the film.

• PowerPoint: Use of PowerPoint presentations or other pre-made, template-based tools is prohibited.

• Lengths and Size: Videos must not exceed 5 minutes or 1,000 MB (1,000 megabyte).

• Cite Sources: If background music is used, it must be cited on the entry form.

• Formats: Accepted file formats: MP4, MOV, AVI. 

• Entry Originality:  All entries must be original student creations and use original student footage. Any use of b-roll or unoriginal video elements must be minimal, if at all, and must be credited.

• Originality with Platforms: When using movie-making platforms (e.g., Scratch), the producer should heavily customize and transform graphics/materials to create new artwork and concepts.

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Literature 

• Student Artist: Authors submit a single literary work using grammar, punctuation and spelling appropriate for their grade and/or support needs.

• Word-count: Entry must not exceed 2,000 words.

• Accepted formats: PDF. Handwritten & typed entries are accepted on 8.5x11 paper (one sided only). Number each page.

• Copyright: Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified.

• Length Considerations: While there is no minimum word count, entries less than 10 words must be intentionally short, and the artist should explain the creative reason for the shortened entry.

• Illustration: While original illustration is accepted, only literature content is scored.

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Music Composition 

• Student Artist: The student submitting the entry must be the composer. 

• Performers: The composer may be the performer or one of the performers but does not have to perform in the entry.

• Music Recording: Required for all entries.

• Music Score/Notation: Required for middle and high school grade divisions only. 

• Copyright: Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified.

• Lengths and Size: Audio files must not exceed 5 minutes or 1,000 MB (1,000 megabyte).

• Accepted formats: Audio recording: MP3, WAV. Notation: PDF.

• Entry Originality: Performing another's' composition (e.g., recitals) and/or singing over unoriginal musical accompaniment is not accepted.

• Songs: This category focuses on original music compositions, rather than song-writing or performance skills. The composition must be the primary focus and entries are scored on musical elements and style. 

• Vocals-Only Entries:  A cappella compositions are accepted; however, entries without musical accompaniment (vocals-only) must showcase a complete musical piece, including musical elements like pitch, tone, key, rhythm and harmony.

• Supported Editing: Edits, mixing and adjustments must be suitable for the student's grade and/or support needs. Guardians or friends should not make adjustments without specific direction from the student artist.

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Photography 

• Student Artist: The photographer (student submitting entry) is a person who captures their own thoughts and ideas with a camera.

• Accepted formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG.

• Sizing: Print images should be between 3x5 to 8x10 inches. Digital should be at least 640x960 pixels and 300 dpi resolution. Mounted prints must not exceed 11x14 inches, including matting. Framed photos are not accepted.

• Photomontages vs. Collages: Collages make use of non-photographic elements and are not accepted. Photomontages, which are accepted, are composed of multiple original photographs which are edited and combined to create a new photographic creation. Collages may be submitted in the Visual Arts category.

• Added Elements: Do not include graphics, illustrations, word overlays or other non-photographic elements (e.g., craft or other external materials).

• Reproductions and Replications: Inspiration may come from existing photographs, but the final piece must be an entirely new and original creation and interpretation, including angles, perspective, shape, size, values, message, etc.

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Visual Arts 

• Student Artist: The artist (student submitting entry) is a person who captures their own thoughts and ideas to create a visual piece of art.  

• 2D artwork (e.g., painting): Must include at least 1 digital image of artwork for judging. Dimensions must not exceed 24x30 inches, including matting. Paper entries must be mounted on sturdy material. Framed artwork is not accepted.

• 3D artwork (e.g., sculpture): Must include at least 3 digital images of artwork at different angles for judging. Artwork containing loose materials and/or requiring assembly/repair from transporting is not accepted.

• Accepted formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG.

• Reproductions or Replications: Inspiration may come from existing artworks or artistic styles, but the final piece must be entirely new and reinterpret the elements that compose the piece (e.g., color, shape, size, medium, values, message). 

• Photographic Collages: Collage entries are artistic compositions made of physically combing various materials (such as paper, cloth or wood) to create a new image. Collages may include photos, but should include other material and elements visually transform the photographic elements.

 

Special Artist Students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 may enter in the Special Artist Division OR grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities. See Official Rules for details.

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Entry Form Official Rules By submitting an artwork to the “National PTA Reflections Program,” entrants accept and agree to be bound by the official rules for participation as well as the entry requirements for their specific arts category and division. Additional state program requirements may apply. Any violation of these rules may, at PTA’s discretion, result in disqualification. All decisions of the reviewers regarding this program are final and binding in all respects. (The “PTA” referred to in these rules include all PTAs reviewing the submission). 1. ELIGIBILITY. Students must participate through a local PTA/PTSA. Each student’s eligibility is determined by the state and local PTA/PTSA. A student may develop an entry inside or outside of school. 2. ARTS CATEGORIES. There are six arts categories—dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts. Students may enter the National PTA Reflections Program in one or more arts categories. See each arts category rules for additional entry requirements. 3. GRADE DIVISIONS. Students may enter in the appropriate division for their grade (Primary: Preschool-Grade 2; Intermediate: Grades 3-5; Middle School: Grades 6-8; High School: Grades 9-12; Special Artist: All grades welcome). The Special Artist Division welcomes students from all grades and abilities and offers non-artistic accommodations (e.g. adaptive technology; transcribing; holding a camera) for students to participate fully in PTA Reflections. Assistants must refrain from being involved in the artistic process (e.g. developing an artist statement, choreography, music lyrics, storyboards, etc.) Student recognition and awards are announced as part of the Special Artist Division. 4. HOW TO ENTER. Entrants must submit their artwork and student entry form to their local PTA/PTSA program according to local and state PTA procedures. Entrants must follow requirements and instructions specific to each arts category and division. Contact local PTA programs for deadlines and additional information. 5. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS. (All participants must also follow arts category and if applicable, Special Artist Division rules) y Only new pieces of artwork inspired by the current year’s theme may be submitted. y Each entry must be the original work of one student only. An adult may not alter the creative integrity of a student’s work. Because the program is designed to encourage and recognize each student’s individual creativity, help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed except in the Special Artist Division. Other individuals may appear in or perform a student’s work, but the work itself must be the creative product of one student only. Only one student may be recognized as the award recipient for each entry. See the specific arts category rules and special artist division rules for details. y Each entry must contain a title and all entries must include an artist statement. The artist statement communicates what inspired the work, how it relates to the theme, and the content of the work. The statement must include at least 10 words and not exceed 100 words. y Use of copyrighted material is prohibited, except for background music in dance choreography and film production entries. If used in dance choreography and film production entries, background music must be cited on the entry form. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified. Use of PowerPoint templates are prohibited. 6. FINALIST SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION. Entries are reviewed at local, regional, state and national levels. Each PTA determines its own reviewers for the program. Entries will be reviewed primarily on how well the student uses their artistic vision to portray the theme, their originality and creativity. The National PTA Reflections® program makes no restrictions on content or subject matter in artwork submitted by the local, regional or state levels. National PTA reserves the right to use its sole discretion in selecting the submissions to be recognized at the national level. Under no condition may parents or students contact a reviewer to dispute the status/score of any entry. Each PTA in its sole discretion will select finalists for exhibition and provide awards/prizes. Awards are announced per local and state procedures. National awards and events are announced May 1, 2022 at PTA.org/ Reflections. 7. OWNERSHIP AND LICENSE. Ownership in any submission shall remain the property of the entrant, but entry into this program constitutes entrant’s irrevocable permission and consent that PTA may display, copy, reproduce, enhance, print, sublicense, publish, distribute and create derivative works for PTA purposes. PTA is not responsible for lost or damaged entries. Submission of entry into the PTA Reflections program constitutes acceptance of all rules and conditions. 8. PARTICIPATING ENTITIES. This program is administered by the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and PTA affiliates. Parent groups not affiliated with National PTA are not eligible to sponsor this program.