Summary of Rules for Participationlancasterelementary.stpsb.org/Documents/pta/Reflections... · 2017-11-03 · Summary of Rules for Participation Students must participate through

Summary of Rules for Participation

Students must participate through a local PTA/PTSA in good standing and may enter in one or more arts categories. Only new pieces of artwork inspired by the theme may be submitted. Each entry must be the original work of one student only. Only one student may be recognized as the award recipient for each entry. Other individuals may appear in or perform a student’s work, but the work itself must be the creative product of one student. Use of copyrighted material is prohibited, except for background music in dance choreography and film production entries when cited. Entries will be judged on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme, originality and creativity.

Dance Choreography. Accepted styles include solo/ensemble include: ballet, contemporary, ethnic and folk, hip hop, jazz and tap. Choreographer may be the perfomer, or one of the performers, but does not have to be. Video recording must not exceed 5 mintues and must be less than 1GB (one gigabyte) in file size. Accepted file formats include: AVI, Quicktime (.mov), MPEG (.mpg, .mpeg, .mp4), Windows Media (.wmv), and Flash Video (.flv, .f4v).

Film Production. Accepted forms include: Animation, narrative, documentary, experimental, or a media presentation (PowerPoint is prohibited). Entrant must be the director, screenwriter, and camera person including all storyboarding and editing. Video recording must not exceed 5 minutes and must be less than 1GB (one gigabyte) in file size. Accepted file formats include: AVI, Quicktime (.mov), MPEG (.mpg, .mpeg, .mp4), Windows Media (.wmv), and Flash Video (.flv, .f4v). Literature. Accepted forms of fiction and nonfiction include: Prose, poetry, drama (screen play and play script), reflective essay, narrative, and short story. Entry must not exceed 2,000 words and must be handwritten or typed; one side only. Students for whom English is not their first language may submit literature entries in their own langauge. An interpretive translation in English must accompany the entry. Accepted formats include: Single-sided print on 8 ½ x 11 paper, or PDF (.pdf) file format. Music Composition. All instruments, sounds, styles and combinations are accepted. Copyrighted material is prohibited. The composer may be the perfomer, or one of the performers, but does not have to be a performer. Notation, score or tabulature is required for middle and high school division. Audio recording must not exceed 5 minutes. Accepted file formats include: MP3, MP4, WMA, WAV, ACC (M4A) and FLAC formats. Music videos are not accepted. Photography. Accepted forms of photography include: A single photo, panoramic, photomontage (one seamless print of multiple original photos), a multiple exposure, negative sandwich or photogram. Original black-and-white and color images are accepted. Entrant must be the one to take the photograph. Must be mounted or matted on cardboard matte, poster board, or other sturdy material. Accepted formats include: Matted print, or high resolution digital photo (.jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .png, .bmp).

Visual Arts. Accepted forms include: Architecture (2D/3D), carpentry, ceramics, collages, photographic collages (multiple photos cut/pasted), computer-generated image, crafts, design, dioramas, drawing, fiber work, jewelry, kites, metal etching/punch work, mobiles, painting, printmaking, sculpture and wind chimes. Framed entries not accepted. Paper entries must be mounted on sturdy material and 3D works must include packaging materials and 3 high resolution photos of the entry for judging and ID purposes.

Submit Student Entry Form & Artwork to:

Deadline for Entry:

Summary of Rules for Participation

Student Entry Form

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY: _______________

TEACHER/ROOM #: _____________

STUDENT NAME_____________________________________________________ GRADE________ AGE_________ M/F_________

PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME________________________________ EMAIL______________________ PHONE___________________

MAILING ADDRESS_______________________________________ CITY________________________ STATE ________ ZIP________

Ownership in any submission shall remain the property of the entrant, but entry into this program constitutes entrant’s irrevocable permission and consent that PTA may display, copy, reproduce, enhance, print, sublicense, publish, distribute and create derivative works for PTA purposes. PTA is not responsible for lost or damaged entries. Submission of entry into the PTA Reflections program constitutes acceptance of all rules and conditions. I agree to the above statement and the National PTA Reflections Official Rules. STUDENT SIGNATURE: ____________________________ PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN SIGNATURE: ___________________________ GRADE DIVISION (Check One) ARTS CATEGORY (Check One) PRIMARY (Preschool- Grade 2) HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 9-12) DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY MUSIC COMPOSITION INTERMEDIATE (Grades 3-5) SPECIAL ARTIST (All Grades) FILM PRODUCTION PHOTOGRAPHY MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 6-8) LITERATURE VISUAL ARTS TITLE OF ARTWORK __________________________________________________________________________________________ ARTWORK DETAILS (Dance/Film: cite background music; Music: musician(s)/instrumentation; Literature: word count; Photo/Visual Arts: materials & dimensions) ___________________________________________________________________________________ ARTIST STATEMENT (Must be 10 to 100 words describing your work and how it relates to the theme)

To be completed by PTA before distribution:

PTA LEADER NAME____________________________________________________

EMAIL_________________________________ PHONE_______________________

LOCAL PTA NAME_____________________________________________________

NATIONAL 8-DIGIT ID #___________________DISTRICT PTA________________

STATE PTA_____LOUISIANA_________

MEMBER DUES PAID DATE _______ INSURANCE PAID DATE_______ BYLAWS APPROVAL DATE_______

Register at PTA.org/Reflections

Theme Search Entry Form

The search is on for the 2018-2019 National PTA Reflections program theme! The student who submits the winning entry will receive $100, and his or her theme will be announced at the National PTA Convention and Exhibition in June 2017. Please review the past themes listed on the next page. Repeat themes will not be considered. Use this form to submit theme ideas. Only signed original forms will be considered. Submit entries to Louisiana PTA (Dianira Young, 3rdVP,Programs) by November 15, 2016

Student Name__________________________________________________ Grade_______ Address______________________________________________________________________ City________________________________________________________ State___________ ZIP_________________ Parent/Guardian Phone __________________________ Email__________________________ →______________________________ →__________________________________ Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature

Theme Idea:

To be completed by PTA before distribution FULL PTA NAME: ______________________________________________________________

NATIONAL 8-DIGIT ID NUMBER: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

REFLECTIONS CHAIR NAME: _______________________________ EMAIL: ________________

PTA ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________

Local PTA good standing status:

Membership dues paid date ________ Insurance paid date ________ Bylaws approval date ________

Theme Search Entry Form

1969-1970 Reflections: Children and Youth, Mirror Their World 1970-1971 Reflections: Children and Youth, Look to Tomorrow 1971-1972 Reflections: America, The Beautiful, The Ugly 1972-1973 Reflections: This is Our Country 1973-1974 From Sea to Shining Sea 1974-1975 Our Heritage—Our Hopes 1975-1976 Spirit of ’76—Miracle of America 1976-1977 What the World Needs Now 1977-1978 Love Is… 1978-1979 Look Out Your Window 1979-1980 Behind the Gates of Tomorrow 1980-1981 What a Family Means to Me 1981-1982 What Makes Me Smile 1982-1983 Life in These United States 1983-1984 I Have a Dream 1984-1985 What Sparks My Imagination 1985-1986 From Liberty’s View 1986-1987 In Celebration: A Past to Remember, a Future to Mold 1987-1988 Wonders of the World 1988-1989 Proud Experiences 1989-1990 Where Does the Sky End? 1990-1991 If I Had a Wish 1991-1992 Exploring New Beginnings 1992-1993 Imagine That 1993-1994 If I Could Give the World a Gift 1994-1995 Dare to Discover 1995-1996 Just Open Your Eyes and See 1996-1997 It Could Happen 1997-1998 Wouldn’t It Be Great If… 1998-1999 Suddenly You Turn Around And... 1999-2000 Anything is Possible… 2000-2001 It Would be Really Strange If… 2001-2002 I Hold in My Hand… 2002-2003 Signs of Courage 2003-2004 I Am Really Happy When… 2004-2005 A Different Kind of Hero 2005-2006 I Wonder Why… 2006-2007 My Favorite Place 2007-2008 I Can Make a Difference By… 2008-2009 Wow! 2009-2010 Beauty Is… 2010-2011 Together We Can… 2011-2012 Diversity Means… 2012-2013 The Magic of a Moment… 2013-2014 Believe, Dream, Inspire 2014-2015 The World Would Be a Better Place If… 2015-2016 Let Your Imagination Fly 2016-2017 What Is Your Story? 2017-2018 Within Reach

MY LOUISIANA ESSAY PROGRAM Theme: "MARDI GRAS MAMBO"

2016 -2017

____________________________________ Local unit (school) deadline

___________________________________

( Ask District ) # entries that may be sent to district

DISTRICTS MAY SUBMIT UP TO 3 ENTRIES PER DIVISION TO STATE FOR JUDGING.

CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL DISTRICT CHAIR FOR DISTRICT DEADLINE AND NUMBER OF ENTRIES TO SUBMIT. ENTRIES MUST BE JUDGED AT SCHOOL AND DISTRICT BEFORE BEING SENT TO STATE.

Guidelines • Students may submit entries to their local units to be judged. Local units will then forward

winning entries to their district. Local program chairs will need to communicate with districts on the number of entries they may submit.

• Districts/councils may submit up to fifteen (15) entries for judging on state level. District entries must be postmarked by January 15, 2017. Entries received directly from local units without going through district judging will be disqualified. If a district does not have a district president or is not participating in the contest, local units in that district interested in participating should contact the “My Louisiana” Chair.

• Participation in the essay contest must be through a PTA/PTSA unit in good standing. Parent

groups not affiliated with National PTA are not eligible. It is the responsibility of the district and local PTA/PTSA unit to determine each student’s eligibility in the contest.

• Students may enter in the appropriate grade division:

PRIMARY: Preschool - Grade 2 INTERMEDIATE: Grades 3 - 5

MIDDLE/JUNIOR: Grades 6 – 8 SENIOR: Grades 9 – 12

SPECIAL ARTIST: All Grades

• If students do not fall into a specific grade division, it is suggested that they be grouped as follows. It is the responsibility of the local PTA/PTSA unit to determine the appropriate division if necessary. PRIMARY: up to age 7 INTERMEDIATE: ages 8 - 10 MIDDLE/JUNIOR: ages 11 - 13 SENIOR: ages 14+ SPECIAL ARTIST: All ages 3-18

• The essay title will be “Mardi Gras Mambo”.

• Resources should be listed on the official entry form. Students are encouraged to contact their local Chamber of Commerce, Visitor and Convention Bureau, Historical Societies, City Hall and public library for information concerning their area.

• Entries will be submitted on standard 8 ½” x 11” paper. Entries must be written by hand or typed by the student. Disabled students or students in the primary category may dictate to

another person who may type or write their original work. These transcribers are not to alter in any manner their grammar or form of speech of the child. Handwritten entries are to be on one side of the paper, using additional sheets if necessary.

• Students are encouraged to keep a copy of their work. Entries will be returned to the district presidents.

• Student artwork will not affect judging.

• All participants are required to complete the official entry form, which authorizes the Louisiana PTA free use of any entry in any manner deemed appropriate by the Louisiana PTA. Students who have not completely filled out the form will not be eligible for the program. In situations where a student cannot fill out the entry form or write legibly, a parent may sign her/his name. A parent or legal guardian (not a teacher) also must sign the affirmation of originality and the permission clause.

• The essay will be accepted in a folder with pockets. Place the entry form in the left pocket and essay in the right pocket.

• All entries must be the work of the student alone. Entries done by two or more students are not permitted. Parents, friends and teachers must not assist the student in any way other than transportation during research. Each student must sign the affirmation sentence concerning originality. The number of entries that can be submitted is one per student.

• Entries that do not follow the guidelines or are received after the deadline will be disqualified.

Judging Local units should hold preliminary judging at their school level and select winners to forward to

district competition. Districts will hold judging before sending entries to the Louisiana PTA.

Judges at the state level will be based on

• The essay length o Primary – no more than 250 words o Intermediate/Middle/Senior – no more than 1000 words

• The essay theme is “Mardi Gras Mambo” • The essay must be about a specific area with content directly related to the theme.

Awards Louisiana PTA will present up to three (3) Awards of Excellence and three (3) Awards of Merit

in each of the four (4) grade divisions and special artist division. All winners will be given a copy of

winning essays and will be recognized at the Louisiana PTA Convention.

Submission All entries must be judged at the local unit level and then the district level before being sent to the

state for judging. Questions should be directed to the LAPTA 3rd Vice President of Programs.

District winning entries should be mailed to: LAPTA 3rd Vice President

Dianira Young PO Box 6702

Slidell, LA 70469

DEADLINE: Entries submitted to state by districts must be postmarked no later than January 15, 2017.

MY LOUISIANA ESSAY PROGRAM STUDENT ENTRY FORM “Mardi Gras Mambo”

Please type or print very clearly. All information must be provided.

Grade category (check one):

Primary: Preschool – Grade 2

High: Grades 9 - 12

Intermediate: Grades 3 – 5 Special Artist: All Grades

Middle/Junior: Grades 6 – 8

Student’s Full Name: __________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ______________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________ Zip: ____________ Grade: _______ Age: _______ M/F: ____

E-mail: _________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________

District: ________________________________

Unit Name: _____________________________________________ LUR #: _______________________ PTA/PTSA President: ___________________________________________________________________ School Address: _______________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________ Zip: ____________ Phone : ____________________________ E-Mail: ___________________________________________

I affirm that this essay is my own original composition. I grant the Louisiana PTA permission to use my

work in ways deemed appropriate (reproduced in publications such as a booklet, in the LAPTA

newsletter, in displays, etc.). The PTA may continue to use my work as long as they have access to the copy. The Louisiana PTA can make no guarantee against damage or loss of any entry. All possible care will be taken to safeguard work. Submission of work constitutes acceptance of the above conditions.

Student Parent/Guardian (Required if student is under age 18)

All participants must also follow Official Rules for Participation.

DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY is the act of creating movement. The choreographer (student submitting entry) may be the performer or one of the performers, but the choreographer does not have to perform in the entry.

2016-2017 Theme: What Is Your Story? Consider the following styles and ensembles to portray your original choreography: Ballet, contemporary, ethnic and folk, freestyle, hip hop, jazz, street dance, and tap. Originality: Only new pieces of artwork inspired by the theme may be submitted. Each entry must be the work of one student only. Consider use of background song(s), props and the location to show a clear relation of the dance choreography to the theme. An explanation of the origin of the dance and/or the significance of the choreography might be a useful addition to the artist statement when submitting a dance choreography entry that involves traditional, cultural or regional dances. Whether an entry displays formal dance technique or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme, originality and creativity. Copyright: Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified. Use of background music must be cited on the student entry form. Presentation: Video must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1GB (one gigabyte) in file size.

Ideas for Audio/Visual Quality: Use a tripod to hold the camera still. Make sure there is plenty of lighting, especially if shooting indoors. Turn off all noise-making devices in the room (air conditioners, fans, telephones, etc.). Record a short test and watch it. If needed, change the record volume or microphone location. Make sure the background music (if any) is audible on the recording. Allow for two seconds of silence at the beginning and end of your recording.

Packaging:

Accepted video file formats include: AVI, MOV, MPG, MPEG, MP4, WMV, FLV and F4V.

Label video file and CD/USB Drive with your State, Arts Category, Grade Division, Last Name, First Name (Example: PA.DANCE.PRI.SMITH.JOHN)

Submit dance video and student entry form according to your PTA’s instructions.

State Specific Instructions: Name each file: <STATE>.<DIVISION>.<CATEGORY>.<LAST NAME>.<FIRST NAME> Example: NY.MID.PHOTOGRAPHY.SMITH.JOHN


FILM PRODUCTION is the process of making a film. The producer (student submitting the entry) is not required to appear in the film but if the student chooses to, a camera tripod may be used. All screenwriting, directing, camera/filming and editing must be done by the student producer. PowerPoint presentations are prohibited.

2016-2017 Theme: What Is Your Story? Consider the following styles to portray your original work of fiction or nonfiction:

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.). Originality: Only new pieces of artwork inspired by the theme may be submitted.Each entry must be the original work of one student only. An explanation of the storyline and/or the significance of the film style might be a useful addition to the artist statement. Whether an entry displays use of technologies or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme, originality and creativity. Software used to create an entry should only enhance and present the work, not provide the primary design. Copyright: Entry may includepublic places, well-known products, trademarks or certain other copyrighted material as long as that copyrighted material is nonessential to the subject matter of the piece and/or is a smaller element of a whole. Use of background music must be cited on the student entry form. Presentation: Video must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1GB (one gigabyte) in file size.

Ideas for Audio/Visual Quality:Use a tripod to hold the camera still.Make sure there is plenty of lighting, especially if indoors.Turn off all noise-making devices in the room (air conditioners, fans, telephones, etc.).Record a short test and watchit. If needed, change the record volume or microphone location.Make sure the background music (if any) is audible on the recording. Allow for two seconds of silence at the beginning and end of your recording.

Packaging:

Accepted video file formats include: AVI, MOV, MPG, MPEG, MP4, WMV, FLV and F4V.

Label video file and CD/USB Drive with your State, Arts Category, Grade Division, Last Name, First Name (Example: PA.DANCE.PRI.SMITH.JOHN)

Submit video and student entry form according to your PTA’s instructions. State Specific Instructions: Name each file: <STATE>.<DIVISION>.<CATEGORY>.<LAST NAME>.<FIRST NAME> Example: NY.MID.PHOTOGRAPHY.SMITH.JOHN


LITERATURE is the art of writing. The author (student submitting entry) is a person who expresses their own thoughts and ideas through the use of words. Authors submit a single literary work, handwritten or typed, using grade-appropriate grammar, punctuation and spelling. Collections of literary work (such as poems and short stories) are not accepted.

2016-2017 Theme: What Is Your Story? Consider the following literary styles to portray your original work of fiction or nonfiction: Prose, poetry, drama (screen play and play script), reflective essay, narrative, or short story. Originality: Only new pieces of artwork inspired by the theme may be submitted.Each entry must be the work of one student only. An explanation of the storyline and/or the significance of the literature style might be a useful addition to the artist statement. Whether an entry displays formal writing technique or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme, originality and creativity. Spoken word audio recordings and illustrated entries including books with pictures drawn by the student author are acceptable; however, only literary content is judged. Copyright: Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified. Presentation: Entry may be hand written or typed. Writing must not exceed 2,000 words. Acceptable Use of Type, Dictation and Translation • Be typed by another person as long as the original work or a copy of the original work is attached. • Be dictated to another person and printed or typed in exact words as spoken by the student if the student

is in pre-school, kindergarten or 1st grade. (Transcribers should make every attempt to retain the same level of language and accuracy that is reflected in the student’s original work).

• Students for whom English is not their first language may submit literature entries in their own language. 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.

Packaging:

Print Format: Number each page. Print on8.5x11 paper (one sided only).

Electronic Format: Save/scan word document as a single PDF.Label file with your State, Arts Category, Grade Division, Last Name, First Name (Example: PA.DANCE.PRI.SMITH.JOHN)

Label Cover Page/CD/USB Drive with your State, Arts Category, Grade Division, Last Name, First Name. Submit literature and student entry form according to your PTA’s instructions.



MUSIC COMPOSITION is the process of creating a new piece of music. The composer (student submitting entry) is a person who expresses their own thoughts and ideas through the use of sound. The student composer may submit an entry performed by an individual or group and/or make use of a sound library generated performance of a composed score. Student composers are not required to perform their composition. Middle and high school grade divisions require music score/tablature/notation, either traditional or tablature.

2016-2017 Theme: What Is Your Story? Consider the following musical styles and instruments to portray your original composition: A cappella, blues, choral, country, electronic, hip hop, jazz,world music , musical, orchestral, pop, R&B, religious, rock, symphonic/concert band and traditional. All instruments, sounds, styles and combinations are accepted. Software may be used to produce an audio recording that does not include commercially pre-programmed imported MIDI or other source files. Entries containing algorithmic composition techniques are not accepted. An explanation of the origin of the music and/or the significance of the music style might be a useful addition to the artist statement when submitting a music composition that involves traditional, cultural or regional instruments. Whether an entry displays formal composition technique or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme, originality and creativity.

Originality: Only new pieces of artwork inspired by the theme may be submitted.Each entry must be the work of one student only. Copyright: Use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Plagiarized entries will be disqualified. Presentation: Audio must not exceed 5 minutes in length and 1GB (one gigabyte) in file size.

Ideas for Audio Quality:Do not place the recording device on top of an instrument(s) or speakers.Turn off all noise-making devices in the room (air conditioners, fans, telephones, etc.).Record a short test and listen to it. If needed, change the record volume or microphone location.Allow for two seconds of silence at the beginning and end of your recording.

Notation & ScoreRequired for Middle School & High School Divisions Only.Notation software may be used to create a score.Whether the score is handwritten or computer-generated, appropriate instrumentation and voicing are required for the performance.Number each page. Print on 8.5x11 (one sided only) or save/scan score as a single PDF. Packaging:

Accepted audio file formats include: MP3, MP4, WMA, WAV, ACC (M4A) and FLAC.

Label audiofile, notation/score (if applicable) and CD/USB Drive with your State, Arts Category, Grade Division, Last Name, First Name (Example: PA.DANCE.PRI.SMITH.JOHN)

Submit music composition and student entry form according to your PTA’s instructions. State Specific Instructions: Name each file: <STATE>.<DIVISION>.<CATEGORY>.<LAST NAME>.<FIRST NAME> Example: NY.MID.PHOTOGRAPHY.SMITH.JOHN


PHOTOGRAPHY is the process of creating an image.The photographer (student submitting entry) is a person who captures their own thoughts and ideas with a camera. By focusing on objects using various lenses, filters and light sources, photographers may demonstrate the use of photographic techniques conventionally or digitally.

2016-2017 Theme: What Is Your Story? Accepted forms of photography include: A single photo, panoramic, photomontage (one seamless print of multiple original photos), a multiple exposure, negative sandwich or photogram. Original black-and-white and color images are accepted. Non-accepted forms of photography include: Entries with added graphics over the image, including lettering, are not accepted. Original film (negatives or transparencies) and multidimensional pieces are not accepted. Originality: Only new pieces of artwork inspired by the theme may be submitted.Each entry must be the work of one student only. Consider use of objects, lighting and the location to show a clear relation of the photo to the theme.An explanation of the photography process/form might be a useful addition to the artist statement. Whether an entry displays use of technologies or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme, originality and creativity. Copyright: Use of copyrighted material, including copyrighted cartoon characters or other such material, is not acceptable in any photography submission, with the following exception:

Photographs may include public places, well-known products, trademarks or certain other copyrighted material as long as that copyrighted material is incidental to the subject matter of the piece and/or is a smaller element of a whole. The resulting work cannot try to establish an association between the student and the trademark/business/material, or influence the purchase/non-purchase of the trademarked good.

Presentation: Framed photos are not accepted. Matting is accepted.

Print Photo: Must not exceed 11x14 inches, including matting. Mount on sturdy material such as cardboard or poster board.

Digital Photo: Must be high resolution (300 dpi or higher). Packaging:

Label back of print and digital photo file with your State, Arts Category, Grade Division, Last Name, First Name (Example: PA.DANCE.PRI.SMITH.JOHN).

Submit photography and student entry form according to your PTA’s instructions.


ELIGIBILITY. The National PTA Special Artist Division is an option for students with disabilities who receive services under IDEA or Section 504 to have the opportunity and accommodations they may need in order to participate fully in the program. The Special Artist Division offers modified rules and guidelines to ensure that every student has the chance to be part of the National PTA Reflections® program.

Who qualifies as a disabled individual under the law? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines an individual with a disability as a person who: (1) Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of that person; (2) Has a record of such an impairment; or (3) Is regarded as having such impairment.

HOW TO ENTER. Students who identify as having a disability have two ways to enter the National PTA Reflections® Program. All students may enter in only one division. Student Entry Form requires parent/legal guardian signatures.

Option 1. Enter in Grade-Level Divisions: Regardless of age, students with special needs may enter in the grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities. Students may not receive assistance other than that which is allowed for all children. The divisions are as follows: Primary (preschool – grade 2); Intermediate (grades 3-5); Middle School (grades 6-8); High School (grades 9-12). Students are recognized and awarded prizes as part of the general student population without regard to special needs or challenges.

Option 2. Enter in Special Artist Division: Eligiblestudents entering the Special Artist Division create their own artwork, but may receive non-artistic accommodation and assistance from an adult. Students are recognized and awarded prizes as part of the Special Artist Division.

SPECIAL ARTIST GUIDLINES. Special artists should follow the general rules and guidelines outlined in the arts category student rules specific to their submissions, modified only by accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The accommodation, in general, should be both specific and limited to the student’s disability.

Allowable Accommodations: Given the diverse range of physical and mental disabilities that exist, it would be impossible to outline specific accommodations for each and every disability, but the following provides a non-exhaustive list of allowable accommodations:

o The Special Artist Division will not be divided by age or traditional school grade level. o Use of adaptive technology is allowed. o All submissions must be solely created by the special artist. However, a parent, teacher or other adult may

assist the special artist with typing, holding a camera, etc.

Accommodations that are Not Allowed: Individuals providing assistance to special artists may not, in any way, involve themselves in the actual artistic process by:

o Personally selecting a title for artwork. o Writing, editing or interpreting a student’s artist statement, story, poetry or script. o Choreographing a dance, composing music or writing lyrics. o Drawing, painting or personally creating a visual arts submission, choosing a camera angle, etc.

The Special Artist Division of the National PTA Reflections® program is optional at state and local levels.


VISUAL ARTS include many art forms that are visual in nature.The artist (student submitting entry) is a person who captures their own thoughts and ideas to create a visual piece of art.

2016-2017 Theme: What Is Your Story? Accepted forms of visual art include: Architecture (2D/3D), carpentry, ceramics, collages, photographic collages (multiple photos cut/pasted), computer-generated image, crafts, design, dioramas, drawing, fiber work, jewelry, kites, metal etching/punch work, mobiles, painting, printmaking, sculpture and wind chimes. Originality:Only new pieces of artwork inspired by the theme may be submitted.Reproductions or enlargements of other artwork are not accepted.Each entry must be the original work of one student only. An explanation of the art form might be a useful addition to the artist statement. Whether an entry displays use of formal technique or a simple approach, it will be judged primarily on how well the student uses his or her artistic vision to portray the theme, originality and creativity. Copyright: Use of copyrighted material, including any copyrighted cartoon characters or likeness thereof, is not acceptable in any visual arts submission, with the following exceptions: • Visual artwork may include public places, well-known products, trademarks or certain other copyrighted

material as long as that copyrighted material is incidental to the subject matter of the piece and/or is a smaller element of a whole. The resulting work cannot try to establish an association between the student and the trademark/business/material, or influence the purchase/non-purchase of the trademarked good.

• Visual arts collages may include portions of existing copyrighted works, such as photographs, magazine clippings, internet images and type cut out of a newspaper, as long as those portions of copyrighted works are used to create a completely new and different work of art.

Presentation:Framed artwork and artwork containing loose materials is not accepted. Matting is accepted.

2D artwork (e.g. painting) Dimensions must not exceed 24x30 inches, including matting. Paper entries must be mounted on sturdy material.

3D artwork (e.g. sculpture) Must be able to move for display purposes. Must include packaging materials and 3 photos of the entry (a combination of angles) for judging,ID and exhibition purposes (entries that require assembling/repairing from transporting will be disqualified). Dimensions must not exceed 12x12x12 inches, including matting

Digital photo(s) of artwork: Must be high resolution (300 dpi or higher). Packaging:

Label back of artwork and photo file(s) with your State, Arts Category, Grade Division, Last Name, First Name (Example: PA.DANCE.PRI.SMITH.JOHN).

Submit artwork and student entry form according to your PTA’s instructions. State Specific Instructions: Name each file: <STATE>.<DIVISION>.<CATEGORY>.<LAST NAME>.<FIRST NAME> Example: NY.MID.PHOTOGRAPHY.SMITH.JOHN