Question 1

Is this program open to all students?

Accepted Answer

YES !  All grades can submit (8th, 7th and 6th), and you DON'T have to be in the Magnet Program, Dual Language Program, or currently taking a fine arts class.

Question 2

Should I put my name on my Reflections artwork?

Accepted Answer

It is strongly recommended that Reflections reviews are blind—where judges only see basic entry information such as the title, artist statement and, as necessary, the student’s age. As such, the student’s name and/or other identifying information should not be visible on or within the artwork that will be judged. Things to avoid include adding a credit scrolls in Film entries, recording introductions in a Music entry recording, providing a by-line in Literature entries. Student information will be collected through the required Student Entry Form.

Question 3

What are your guidelines on using technology and software to create entries?

Accepted Answer

Digital technology and/or software can be used to develop, enhance and/or present an entry but may not provide the primary design and/or concept. Entrants must provide a brief description of the tools and method, including any generative elements. Additional state program requirements or exclusions may apply. Refer to your state’s Reflections website to ensure that you are participating in the program per their requirements.

Question 4

Can a participant submit Reflections artwork created with a friend, teacher and/or adult?

Accepted Answer

Reflections encourages and recognizes individual creativity, so entries must be the creative product of the student artist alone. National PTA will recognize only one student as the award recipient for an entry, and they should be the primary creator of the piece—especially, the interpretation of the theme and the execution of the piece. Other individuals may appear in or perform a student’s work, but help from an adult or collaboration with other students is not allowed. For specific questions regarding eligibility, refer to your state’s Reflections website to ensure that you are participating in the program per their requirements.

Question 5

Can I submit an entry in a language other than English?

Accepted Answer

Students for whom English is not their first language may submit entries in their own language. However, an interpretive translation in English must accompany the entry. Translators should make every attempt to retain the same level of language and accuracy that is reflected in the student’s original work.

Question 6

Can I submit more than one entry?

Accepted Answer

YES, students can submit multiple entries, but are limited to only one entry per arts category.  And make sure you fill out the forms for each entry separately.

Question 7

Can I submit a 3D entry?

Accepted Answer

YES!  However, you will have to take photos of the artwork for judging.   All submittals must be digital

Question 8

What can be submitted for Film Production?

Accepted Answer

All screenwriting, directing and editing must be done by the student producer. The producer (student submitting the entry) is not required to appear in the film but if the student chooses a tripod may be used.   Digital slide presentations (PowerPoint) are not allowed.You can use any style, including the following: Animation: Demonstrates motion by sequencing still objects or using computer-generated graphics.Narrative: Tells a fictional story developed by the student.Documentary: Presents facts and information.Experimental: Explores movement, light and montage.Multimedia: Uses a combination of different contents (text, audio, still images, animation, etc.).You should show a clear relation to the theme, develop a work of fiction or nonfiction and make use of plot and characters, visuals (setting, costumes, animation), sound and background music, editing, etc.

Question 9

What can be submitted under Literature

Accepted Answer

You as the author can express your thoughts and ideas through the use of words.   Submittals can include Prose, Poetry, Drama, Reflective Essay, Narrative, Short Story, etc.   You must show a clear relation to the theme.

Question 10

What can be submitted for Music Composition?

Accepted Answer

The student must be the composer, and express their own throught and ideas through the use of sound.  Entries in the middle and high school grade divisions must include music score/notation.To Portray Your Original CompositionConsider the following musical styles and instruments, A Cappella, Blues, Choral, Country, Electronic, Hip hop, Jazz, Latin, Musical, Orchestral, Pop, R&B, Religious, Rock, Symphonic/Concert Band and Traditional.To show a clear relation to the theme, use structure, melody, rhythm, instruments, lyrics, emotion, etc. to show a clear relation to the theme.Explore new methods and make use of instruments, sounds, styles and combinations. All are accepted.

Question 11

What can be submitted under Photography?

Accepted Answer

The student can focus on objects using various lenses, filters and light sources, and use photographic techniques conventionally or digitally.  Collages and collections of photos are not accepted.To Portray Your Original ArtworkConsider the following accepted forms of photography: a single photo, panoramic, photomontage (one print of multiple original photos), a multiple exposure, negative sandwich or photogram and original black-and-white and color images.Avoid the following unaccepted forms of photography: entries with added graphics and/or non-photographic elements (e.g., lettering, icons), collages and collections of photos, original film (negatives or transparencies) and multidimensional pieces.To show a clear relation of the photo to the theme, use objects, lighting and the location.

Question 12

What can be submitted under Visual Arts?

Accepted Answer

Students can create art through combined elements like color, shape & texture.  Visual artwork is not only pleasing to look at but also expresses an idea or thought.  To Portray Your Original ArtworkConsider the following accepted forms of visual arts: Architecture (2D/3D), carpentry, ceramics, collages (combined non-photographic and/or photographic elements), digital art and graphics (drawings/paintings/illustration), crafts, design, dioramas, drawing, fiberwork, jewelry, kites, metal etching/punch work, mobiles, painting, printmaking, sculpture and wind chimes.Avoid the following unaccepted forms of visual: Reproductions or enlargements of other artwork are not accepted.Show a clear relation to the theme using art form, use of color, texture, shape, proportion etc. to show a clear relation to the theme.

Question 13

What can be submitted under Dance Choreography?

Accepted Answer

This is the art of creating movement, usually coordinated with music, to represent an idea through dance.Portray Your Original ChoreographyConsider the following styles and ensembles, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Folk Dance, Religious Dance, Dance Ensembles (color guard/indoor guard), Ice Skating/Dancing and Gymnastics-Floor Routine.Show clear relation between choreography and the theme with choreographic style and techniques, background song(s), props and the location to show a clear relation of the dance choreography to the theme.

Question 14

Can an art piece created during a school club or classroom assignment be submitted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the work is entirely the student's own creation, and it fits with  this year's theme ("What My Culture Means to Me").

Question 15

Why are there so many rules? Isn't Reflections a program to encourage kids to be creative?

Accepted Answer

Since the primary goal of Reflections is to promote creativity, the program’s rules create the necessary boundaries to allow judging, exhibits, and awards.

Question 16

What happens if I have problems uploading my file?

Accepted Answer

If you have issues with your file (too big, technical issues, etc), please contact the Lively PTSA at reflections@livelymiddleschoolptsa.com and we can figure out a solution.

Question 17

Do I have to pay an entry fee?

Accepted Answer

NO !  This program is free as long as the student or a member of their family is a Lively PTSA member.   If you're having trouble paying the PTSA membership fee, please reach out to the PTSA and we can explore solutions.  We want everyone that wants to participate to be able to!!

Question 18

What is the Accessible Arts Cagetory?

Accepted Answer

This is an option for students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504. The division welcomes students of all ages and offers division-specific accommodations to ensure that every student has the chance to participate fully in the program.

Question 19

Can a student appear in their own photography or film entry?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A student may act, dance, or model in their own submission. However, they must be the primary creator (i.e., they set up the camera, directed the scene, or edited the footage). Anyone else appearing in the work must sign a consent release form.

Reflections

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

Reflections

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS​

Frequently asked questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS