2026–2027 Theme: “What My Culture Means to Me”
Deadline for Entries: October 15, 2026
The National PTA Reflections Program is an arts recognition and achievement program for students. It gives students the chance to express themselves creatively and receive positive recognition for original works of art inspired by a student-created theme, while building community awareness of the importance of the arts in education.
All students at Cumberland are invited to participate and submit original artwork in one of six arts categories:
| Dance Choreography | Literature | Photography |
| Film Production | Music Composition | Visual Arts |
How to Enter
- Create your artwork inspired by this year’s theme, “What My Culture Means to Me.”
- Write your artist statement. In 10 to 100 words, describe your work and how it relates to the theme.
- Submit your entry online using the official 2026 entry form before the deadline.
All entries are due by October 15, 2026.
Anything Else I Need to Know?
- Please review the official National PTA Reflections program page for full program details, theme inspiration, and category guidance (also available for students and families).
- All entries must be original works that relate to this year’s theme.
- Each entry must be the work of one student. Help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed, except in the Accessible Arts division.
- Participation encourages creativity and exploration. Crooked lines, incorrect musical notes, or misspelled words do not disqualify an entry.
- Entries are judged anonymously, so please put the artist’s name on the back of artwork, not the front. For dance choreography, film production, and music composition, do not include the creator’s name within the entry itself.
- Every entry must have a correctly completed entry form, included as part of the online submission above, or it cannot be considered for judging.
How Will My Work Be Judged?
Impartial judges review each entry within its category and division using three criteria:
- Interpretation of this year’s theme
- Creativity
- Technique
The 1st place entry in each category/division from Cumberland advances to the council-level PTA for recognition. Keep an eye out for celebrations and an exhibit of all Cumberland contestants’ artwork later in the school year.
Who Can Participate?
All students can participate! Participation is organized by grade division, so student work is judged against others at a similar developmental age and skill level.
Primary Division
Pre-K and Kindergarten to Grade 2.
Intermediate Division
Grades 3–5.
Accessible Arts Division
All grades. An optional participation pathway for students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA Section 504. This division offers accommodations so every student can participate fully in the program.
Participation and appreciation for the arts is the Reflections Program’s goal. Although Reflections follows a “contest” format, winning is not the emphasis.
Questions?
If you are interested in judging or have more questions, please contact ptareflections@cumberlandpta.org.