Reflections, a National PTA Tiered Arts Contest, coming soon to GESD!
- gesdpta
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
The National PTA has a long-standing commitment to arts education. For over 50 years, Reflections has helped students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning. This program helps develop critical thinking skills, by encouraging the children to make intentional choices, reflect on their work, and think critically on how to convey their ideas and emotions. The process encourages flexibility, persistence, and self-reflection. The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life.
Register to be a participant in this year's National PTA Reflections contest | Sign up for a series of workshops with Mrs. Gutta at Boulevard | View some inspiration and prompts to get your creativity going |
Each year, hundreds of thousands of students across the country in pre-K through grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-created theme. This year’s concept was created by a 6th grader from Boise, Idaho. Ben Morgan, of Lewis and Clark Middle School PTSA, was inspired by the sense of belonging and connection he has with his friends, family and community.
“I have found belonging with my family and friends. The people in my classes can also be like part of my family, even though we aren’t directly related. For me, “I Belong!” means I know where I am accepted, and I know that I can be myself there without being criticized or judged.” – Ben Morgan
We see many very obvious areas of “belonging” within Gloversville Elementary, in the many clubs and youth sports where there is shared interests and sense of camaraderie. This prompt is meant to look beyond and in a broader sense. Belonging builds self-esteem, social skills, and, in moments of personal or collective crisis, belonging to a supportive group can offer comfort, strength, and resilience. Through authentic and meaningful bonds, we develop a sense of stability, direction and comfort and know that we can rely on others to support us.
Belonging is not about being similar or identical to others. People can belong to groups even if they have different backgrounds, perspectives or experiences because no matter how similar a group is, no one is the same. When we recognize and embrace the differences in the groups we belong to, we broaden our understanding of the world and build open-mindedness. The sense of belonging builds communities where differences strengthen and sustain the community. These communities are then more resilient because they can draw on a variety of strengths, resources, lived experiences, and knowledge.
The theme for each PTA Reflections program is meant not only to inspire student artwork, but also conversations, creative expression and learning between PTAs, parents and students. “I Belong!” encourages conversations about what it means to belong, the value and privilege of feeling like we belong somewhere and how we can create welcoming spaces to share that feeling with others. This year, we are encouraging families to open this dialog at home, circulating a letter with some conversation starters, like, “Why is it important to feel like you belong? How does it affect your happiness?” “Discuss a time when you felt excluded and didn’t belong. How were you feeling, and what can be done to prevent others from feeling the same way?”
Kickoff for this year’s program will begin this month, and continue with Lisa Gutta providing workshop sessions for our K-5 Scholars after school at Boulevard on Thursdays from October 9th until November 6th, with submission deadlines being November 7th.
We will be having an art show and celebration where we recognize each scholar who submits a piece on November 21st at Boulevard. From there, a few pieces will be selected to be submitted for Regional judging, with an opportunity to move on to State and National competition where they have a chance to win a scholarship. Last year, at the National Level, over 200 awards were given with scholarships awarded in the amounts of $200 and $800.
We look forward to seeing what the community creates!
