National PTA Reflections Program

Ballard HS PTSA Support & Hosting WSPTA Arts Reflection Program 2026-27

The Ballard HS PTSA supports and hosts and promotes this program for our Ballard HS students though our BHS Staff and PTSA Newsletter and School Website. Learn more about the National PTA Reflections Program.

Reflections Theme 2026-27 “What My Culture Means To Me”

Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students pre-K through grade 12 to; create original artwork inspired by an annual theme. The program aims to celebrate student creativity, promote artistic literacy and increase access to the arts for all students, including the Accessible Arts division for students with disabilities.

Students may enter in one or more of the available arts categories. Finalists from local PTAs will move on to their council PTA (if applicable), then finalists from councils will advance to the state round. Washington State PTA finalists who receive an “Outstanding Interpretation award will advance to the National PTA round.

How to Apply

Art Categories: Students can participate in six different art areas and are encouraged to visit the category guidelines for direction and inspiration.

How To Apply: Refer to the Wa State PTA Reflections Student Entry Guidelines Tab to learn more. Complete the Reflections Student Submissions Entry Form including the following information.

• Local PTSA & Number: Ballard High School Seattle Chapter 6.15.460
• National PTA Number: Posted soon.
• Local Program Chair: BHS PTSA Reflections Kim Flin: President@BallardHighPTSA.org
• Council PTA: June Nho Ivers: June.Nho.Ivers@scptsa.org

Deadline for entries: Thursday November 12, 2026 at 8 p.m.

• Submit entries: In person deliver to Matthew Harkleroad’s classroom or
• Email digital files to: Reflections@BallardHighPTSA.org

Art Categories: Original Work Only

1. Literature – works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, prose, drama, short stories and lyrics.
   • Refer to the Student Entry Guidelines Tab
2. Music Composition – original musical composition, with or without words.
   • Refer to the Student Entry Guidelines Tab
3. Photography: color or black and white, included techniques: photogram, negative sandwich, and multiple exposure.
   • Refer to the Student Entry Guidelines Tab
4. Visual Arts: drawing, painting in tempera, oil, acrylic, watercolor & t-shirt paints, computer generated art, two-dimensional collage, printmaking, needlework & leather tooling.
   • Refer to the Student Entry Guidelines Tab
5. Film/Video: original works, with or without sound, of animation, narrative, documentary, experimental or music video/film.
   • Refer to the Student Entry Guidelines Tab
6. Choreography/Dance: originally choreographed dance composition.
   • Refer to the Student Entry Guidelines Tab

Reflections Resources

• National PTA Reflections Intro Video
• Judging Criteria: All PTA Reflections program entries are judged on three criteria:
  • Interpretation of Theme (40 pts.) How closely the piece relates to the theme, based on the artwork itself and the artist’s statement.
  • Creativity (30 pts.) How creative and original the piece is in its conception of the theme and its presentation.
  • Technique Skill (30 pts.) The level of skill demonstrated in the basic principles/techniques of the arts area. Notice how heavily “Interpretation of Theme” is weighted? This is what makes the National PTA Reflections Arts Program unique. A well-developed concept is more important than technique. If two entries are tied, the entry with a higher score for interpretation of the theme receives more recognition.

Refer to the Student Entry Guidelines Tab on the National PTA Reflections website for complete information about each of the six different art areas. Only original works of art are accepted. There is also a Special Artist Division option for students with a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Refer to the Student Entry Guidelines Tab.

Recognition: The program provides recognition at multiple levels, from local Seattle Chapters, Washington State, and the National level, where winners receive awards and their work is exhibited.

Questions?

Please email the BHS PTSA Reflections Committee at Reflections@BallardHighPTSA.org

Thanks to Ballard HS PTSA Reflections Committee: Kim Flin, Liz Mazzarella and Ballard HS Teacher Matthew Harkleroad.

As of September 4, 2026