PTA REFLECTIONS

The Laurel Ridge PTA invites students to create and submit original works of art inspired by the 2025-26 Reflections Theme:

“I Belong!”

 

What is Reflections? Reflections is a nationwide PTA-sponsored arts recognition and achievement program. Students across the country submit creative works based on the same theme. Participation is organized by age: K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and Special Artist (for students with accommodations in all grades).

 

Professional artists evaluate the works and identify top submissions at the school, PTA council, district, state and national level. All entries are judged on artistic merit, technical merit, creativity and interpretation of the theme.

 

All students receive positive recognition, are celebrated for their artistic efforts and are given a chance to showcase their original works of art. Only new pieces inspired by the theme may be submitted.

 

Entries must be submitted by November 15th.

 

Categories include:
▪ Literature
▪ Photography
▪ Visual Arts (2D and 3D)
▪ Dance Choreography
▪ Film Production
▪ Musical Composition

 

Students may enter in one or more categories. Please visit http://www.vapta.org/arts-and-education/reflections for rules for each category.

 

This year's theme is "I Belong!" Please read here to learn more.

 

AWARDS

  • Merit Award: Bronze Medal; Certificate of Merit; Work featured in the virtual exhibition
  • Award of Excellence: $200 Young Artist Scholarship; Silver Medal; Certificate of Excellence; Work featured in the virtual exhibition
  • Outstanding Interpretation Award: $800 Young Artist Scholarship; Gold Medal; Certificate of Outstanding Interpretation; Work featured in the virtual exhibition; $200 Prize for Local PTA Unit

SUBMITTING ENTRIES
Deadline for entries is November 15, 2025

Entries are only accepted electronically by e-mailing reflections@laurelridgepta.org 
Your e-mail must include (1) the completed entry form, and (2) a photo or digital copy of your student's art. The entry form is attached to the bottom of this page. 

 

Any questions? Email the Reflections Committee at reflections@laurelridgepta.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.

 

The Laurel Ridge PTA invites students to create and submit original works of art inspired by the 2025-26 Reflections Theme: “I Belong!”

 

The deadline for submitting entries is November 15th. 

Students may submit entries in more than one category. Only new pieces inspired by the theme may be submitted.

 

Please read through the instructions below as the submittal process has changed from previous years:

  • First, download a copy of the fillable student entry form attached below.
  • Complete the form, sign it digitally, and SAVE it. 
  • Next,  e-mail reflections@laurelridgepta.org with (1) the completed entry form, and (2) your student’s art submission(s).

Categories include:

▪ Literature                                 

▪ Photography

▪ Visual Arts (2D and 3D) 

▪ Dance Choreography

▪ Film Production

▪ Music Composition


Students may enter in one or more categories. Please see the Rules tab or visit Virginia PTA - Reflections Arts Contest (https://vapta.org/reflections-main/)
for rules for each category.

 

Students across the country submit creative works based on the same theme. Participation is organized by age: pre-K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, and Special Artist (for students with accommodations in all grades). Professional artists evaluate the works & identify top submissions at the school, council, district, state and national level. All entries are judged on artistic merit, technical merit, creativity, & interpretation of the theme.

All students receive positive recognition, are celebrated for their artistic efforts, and are given a chance to showcase their original works of art in the spring.

 

Any questions? Email the Reflections Committee at reflections@laurelridgepta.org

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.