LocalLeader’sGuide
TABLEOFCONTENTS
1. StarttheArts!1.1 AboutPTAReflections1.2 RolesandResponsibilities1.3 TheArtofFamilyEngagement1.4 ThemeSearchContest1.5 ArtsinEducationGrants
2.OrganizingandPlanningYourProgram 2.1OrganizingYourTeam
2.2TipsforRecruitingVolunteers 2.3RecruitingJudges
3.PromotingReflections 3.1ProgramMessages 3.2StudentRecruitmentMessages 3.3IdeasforPromotingReflections
4.OrganizingArtworkforJudging 4.1UnderstandingProgramRules 4.2JudgingProcess
5.CelebratingandRecognizingYourParticipants 5.1RecognizeStudentsLocally
5.2AdvancingEntriestotheNextRound 5.3RegionalandState-LevelRecognition 5.4National-LevelRecognition
6.WrappingUp 6.1RecognizePartnersandVolunteers 6.2ReturnStudentArtwork 6.3ReportParticipation 6.4EvaluateYourProgram
Visitmopta.org/reflections-toolkitforMissourispecifictoolsandresources.
LocalLeader’sGuide
1.StarttheArts!Participationinartsprograms—likePTAReflections—playsacriticalroleinstudents’success,inschoolandbeyond.PTAbelievesthatallchildrendeserveopportunitiestoexploreandbeinvolvedinthearts.
1.1AboutPTAReflections
TheNationalPTAReflectionsprogramisPTA’scornerstoneartsprogram.Itwasdevelopedin1969byColorado’sPTAPresidentMaryLouAndersontoencouragestudentstoexploretheirtalentsandexpressthemselves.Sincethen,theReflectionsprogramhasinspiredmillionsofstudentstoreflectonaspecificthemeandcreateoriginalartwork.Eachyear,studentsinPre-Kthroughgrade12arerecognizedforbringingthethemetolifethroughdancechoreography,filmproduction,literature,musiccomposition,photographyandvisualarts.
2016-2017ReflectionsProgramTheme:WhatIsYourStory?ThisthemewassubmittedthroughtheReflectionsThemeSearchContest
byBriannaEismanofJacksonville,Florida.StudentssubmittheirartworktolocalPTAsforinitialjudging.InMissouri,localwinningentriesthenadvancetothestateround.TopentriesfromourstatePTAReflectionscontestadvancetoNationalPTAforthefinalroundofjudging.1.2RolesandResponsibilitiesAsaReflectionsChairofthisprogram,youwillplayacriticalroleinpromotingexplorationofartsandcultureinthehome,schoolandcommunity.StudentswhoparticipateintheReflectionsprogrammaynotrecognizethemselvesasartistswhentheysignup—butbytheendoftheReflectionscelebrations,theywill.AsthePTAReflectionsChair,youwillberesponsibleforthefollowingtasks:
• RecruitPTAReflectionsCommitteemembers.• OverseethePTACommittee’splanningandimplementationoftheReflectionsprogram.• CommunicatewithotherPTAleadersduringonlineandin-personopportunities.• RepresentyourPTA’sarts-relatedactivitiesatschoolandcommunityevents.
1.3 TheArtofFamilyEngagement
Thearts—andtheNationalPTAReflectionsprogram,inparticular—canbeavaluabletoolforbuildingstrongerpartnershipsinyourschoolcommunity.NationalPTAdevelopedtheNationalStandardsforFamily-SchoolPartnershipstoserveasaframework
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forthinkingabout,structuring,andassessingfamilyengagementthroughoutyourReflectionsprogram.VisitPTA.org/FamilyEngagementtolearnmore.1.4 ThemeSearchContest
NationalPTAReflectionssponsorsastudent-focusedThemeSearchContestannuallytodetermineafutureprogramtheme.ThewinnerwillbeselectedinJanuaryandwillreceive$100andrecognitionattheNationalPTAConvention.
Usethethemesearchformtosubmitthemeideas.Onlysignedoriginalformswillbeconsidered andmust be submitted toMissouri PTA bymidnight, October 31, 2016(postmarked).Formscanbesubmittedbymailoremail.Seethethemesearchformformoredetails.1.5 ArtsinEducationGrants
TheNationalPTAMaryLouAndersonReflectionsArtsEnhancementGrantsprovidematching-dollarfundingtolocalPTAstosupportin-schoolandafter-schoolartsenhancementprogramsinlocalcommunities.PTAsservingat-riskstudentpopulationsareparticularlyencouragedtoapply.ApplicationswillbeavailableatPTA.org/AwardsonJanuary9,2017anddueFriday,March17,2017.
2.ProgramPlanningYourMissouriPTAStateReflectionsChairisresponsiblefortheoverallimplementationoftheNationalPTAReflectionsprograminyourstate.AkeyaspectofthisroleistoprovidetrainingtolocalPTAsonhowtoimplementandpromotetheprogramintheircommunities.RegisterandReportParticipationOnlineatPTA.org/Reflections.
1. RegisterYourPTAOnline:July1—November12. ReportProgramSuccessOnline:September1—March1
Uponregistration,youwillhavetheopportunitytoconnectwithotherPTAReflectionsleaders.YourReflectionsnetworkisasupportsystemcomprisedofnational,stateandregionalPTAleaderseagertoansweryourquestionsandsharebestpractices.
ForstateeventsandupdatesvisittheMissouriPTAwebsite,www.mopta.orgoremailquestionstoreflections@mopta.org.Wearealsoonsocialmedia
FacebookPage:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Missouri-PTA/147585775628PinterestPage:http://www.pinterest.com/missouripta/
TwitterPage:https://twitter.com/MissouriPTA
Fornationalevents,visitPTA.org/Reflections.
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BelowaretherecommendedstepsforadministeringyourReflections®program.UsethisPTALeaderCheckListtoorganizetasksandscheduledeadlines.Step1.StarttheArts
¨ RegisteryourPTAatPTA.org/Reflections.¨ ConfirmthatyourlocalPTAisingoodstandingwithMissouriPTAandeligibleto
participate.¨ MakesuretheReflectionsprogramisincludedinyourPTA’sprogrambudgetforthe
schoolyear.¨ VisityourstatePTAwebsite(www.mopta.org)forprogramregistrationinformationand
materials.Step2.OrganizeandPlanYourProgram
¨ Recruityourcommittee/volunteersandengageschoolpersonnelandcommunitymembersforadditionalsupport.
¨ Recruitcreativeprofessionalstojudgestudentartwork.¨ DeterminewhichartscategoriesandgradedivisionsyourPTAwilloffer.Newprogram
leadersmayconsidergettingstartedwithoneormoreartscategoryanddivision.¨ Establishatimelineforthefollowingactivities.
Step3.PromoteReflections
¨ Distributeprogramrulesandstudententryform.¨ Promoteartworksubmissiondeadlineandinstructions.
Step4.OrganizeArtworkforJudging
¨ Collectandorganizeartworkbycategoryanddivision.Checkentriesforqualification.¨ Facilitatejudgingandsupportjudgesasneeded.¨ Collectjudges’scoresandrankentries.Assignawardsandprepareartworkfor
exhibition.Step5.CelebrateandRecognizeYourParticipants
¨ Announceawardeestothewholeschoolcommunity.¨ HostaReflectionsCelebrationEventtoshowcasestudentworkanddistribute
certificates/awards.¨ Offerstateandnationalopportunitiesforstudentrecognitionbysendingyourfinalists
tothenextjudginground.ThedeadlineforadvancingentriestotheMissouriPTAStateRoundisDecember17,2016.SeetheGuideforOnlinePortalsforsubmissiondetails..
Step6.WrapUp
¨ Returnnon-advancingstudentartwork.¨ Recognizevolunteersandevaluateyourprogramtoconsiderfutureimprovements.¨ ReportstudentparticipationtotalsandprogramsuccessatPTA.org/Reflections.
Don’tforgettoregisterandreportparticipationatPTA.org/Reflections.Visit
mopta.org/reflections-toolkitforMissourispecifictoolsandresources.
LocalLeader’sGuide
2.1OrganizingYourTeam
AsalocalPTAReflectionsChair,youwillberesponsibleforoverseeingtheadministrationofthePTAReflectionsprograminyourcommunity.Thisisabigjob,butyouarenotexpectedtodoitalone!YourstatePTAArtsChairisheretohelpateverystepoftheprocess.
Wealsostronglyrecommendthatyourecruitacommitteeofvolunteerstohelp.Volunteerswillenrichtheprogrambybringingavarietyofideas,talentsandskills;andtheywillmakeyourjobmucheasierandmoreenjoyablebyensuringthatprogramtasksdon’tfallonyourshouldersalone.
Whenbuildingyourcommittee,keepthePTA’sNationalStandardsforFamily-SchoolPartnershipsinmind.Welcomingallfamilies,communicatingeffectively,sharingpowerandcollaboratingwiththecommunityareallstrategiesthatwillenhanceyourcommitteeandhelpmakeyoureventsasuccess.
2.2TipsforRecruitingVolunteers
YoumayfindthefollowingtipshelpfulwhenrecruitingvolunteerstohelpwithyourlocalPTAReflectionsprogram:
• Announceplanningmeetingswidely,ratherthanrelyingonthesamesmallcircleofvolunteers.Asktheprincipaltosuggestparentswhomightbeinterestedingettingmoreinvolved,andhaveyourboardmembersextendapersonalinvitation.Youmightbesurprisedwhostepsup!
• Invitearepresentativeofthestudentcouncilorstudentgovernmenttoparticipateontheplanningteam—oraskthestudentcounciltopromotetheprogramandhostevents,withPTAsupport.
• Considerrecruitingschoolstaffwhohaveanaturalinterestinartseducationforyourcommittee.Thesemightincludechoirorbanddirectorsorteachersofotherart,music,media,technology,journalismorcreativewritingclasses.Schooladministrativestaffmightbewillingtohelptoo,bycollectingandorganizingstudententries,forexample.
• Peoplewhodon’twanttoattendplanningcommitteemeetingsmightstillbewillingtohelpwithaspecificrole.Thesemightincludepromotingtheprogramthroughsocialortraditionalmedia,creatingaflyerorbannersormakingphonecallstosolicitcommunitysupport.
• CreativeartsprofessionalsmightbeinterestedinparticipatingasReflectionsjudges.Seemoreaboutthisinthesectionon“CollectingandJudgingStudentEntries.”
Assigningprojectleadersanddividingtaskswillsavetimeandenergy.Usethevolunteersign-upsheettohelprecruitvolunteerswithspecificskills/interests.
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2.3RecruitingJudges
Invitingprofessionalsintheartsandcommunityleaderswhoserveastrustees,donorsandpatronsofartsorganizationstoparticipateasReflectionsjudgesincreasesthecredibilityofyourprogramandexposureforPTA.Alljudgesshouldhaveaworkingknowledgeoftheirassignedartsarea.Sourcesofjudgesmightinclude:
• Parentswhoworkasprofessionalsintheartsorartseducation.• Schoolandcommunityteachersofmusic,art,dance,theatre,languagearts,writing,
graphicdesignandmediaarts.• Workingprofessionalsinorganizationsorcompaniessuchasmuseumsdirectors,
curators,symphonyandchoraldirectors,musicians,librarians,editorsofnewspapers,photographersandlocaltelevisionpersonalities.
Alwaysrecognizejudgesinpromotionsandthankthemfortheirparticipation.SomePTAsgiveeachjudgeasmallPTAgiftorcertificateofappreciation.
3.PromotingReflectionsOneofyourmostimportanttasksistopromotetheReflectionsprogramtostudentsandfamilies,toencourageasmanystudentsaspossibletoparticipate.Takingtimetopromotetheprogramtoschoolpersonnelandthecommunitycanhelpincreaseparticipation,enhancefamilyengagementattheschoolandgarneradditionalsupport.
3.1ProgramMessages
BelowaresomeimportantmessagestoemphasizeasyouspreadthewordaboutthePTAReflectionsprogram,especiallythroughthemediaortoschoolandcommunitypartners:
• PTAReflectionswelcomesstudentsofallgradesandallabilitiestoexploretheirinnerartist.
• Studentsmayexploreoneorallsixartsdisciplines,including:DanceChoreography,FilmProduction,Literature,MusicComposition,PhotographyandVisualArts.
• Studentsreflectontheannualthemeinschoolorathomeandarerecognizedfortheirparticipationandachievementinthearts.
• Everystudentisrecognizedfortheiraccomplishmentswiththeopportunityforstateandnationalawardsandrecognition.
• Theloveofartandcelebrationofstudentscanbringpeopletogether–families,teachers,andfriendsinthecommunity.
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• Newacademicstandardsrequiremorecriticalthinkingandproblemsolving,whichtranslatesintomorecreativityanddeeperreflection.That’swhyReflectionsisn’tjustforartsclasses.
• Familiescansupporttheirchildren’sparticipationbycreatingtimeandspaceforstudentstoworkontheirentries,providingencouragementandneededmaterialsandvolunteeringtosupporttheReflectionsprogram.
• Entriesshouldrepresentstudents’uniquecreativity.Adultsarewelcometoencouragestudentsbutareaskednottoassistinanywaywiththeirinterpretationofthethemeorartisticexpression.
3.2StudentRecruitmentMessages
SharethefollowingsamplemessageswithteachersandstudentleaderstopromotethePTAReflectionsprogram.Youmayfindthesemessagesworkbestwithinaschoolnewspaper,duringmorningannouncements,andatactivityfairspromotingschoolclubs.
• Doyouliketodance,produceafilm,writeapoemorstory,composeasong,takeapictureorcreateapieceofvisualart?Thisyear’sPTAReflectionsthemeis“WhatIsYourStory?Tellusyourstory.PickupaPTAReflectionsEntryFormfrom<INSERTNAME>andgetcreative!Submityourentryby<INSERTDUEDATE>.
3.3IdeasforPromotingReflections
Usethefollowingsuggestionstokick-startyourplantopromotethePTAReflectionsprogram.ToStudentsandFamilies:Useavarietyofchannelstoreachstudentsandfamilies.Considercreatingpromotionalmessagesandmaterialsinmultiplelanguagestoreachallfamiliesinyourschoolcommunity.Somepossibilitiesinclude:
• Hostaschoolwideassemblytointroducetheprogram.Featureexamplesofartworkfromlastyear’swinnersatthelocal,stateandnationallevels.
• Includemessagesinstudents’morningannouncements.• Hangpostersandflyersinvisiblelocations,andsendcopiesofflyershometoparents.
Youcanfindsampleflyersatmopta.org/reflections-toolkit.• Postthedeadlineandremindersonsignsnearstudentdrop-offandpick-uplocations.• Postannouncementsandupdatesontheschooland/orPTAwebsiteandviasocial
media(Facebook,Twitter).• WriteanarticleaboutReflectionsforaPTAorschoolnewsletter.Showcaseprioryears’
winnersand/orthebenefitsofartseducation.Askastudenttowriteasimilararticlefortheschoolnewspaper.
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• Appoint“studentambassadors”totalkpositivelyabouttheprogramamongpeers.Willingstudentsmightbefoundinartordanceclassesorclubs,schoolmusicprograms(choir,band,andorchestra)orcreativewritingorjournalismclasses.
AmongTeachersandAdministrators:InviteartsteacherstoserveasReflectionsco-chairs,committeemembersorvolunteers.Themoreinvolvedtheyareinplanning,themorelikelytheywillbetoserveas“champions”oftheprogramamongotherfacultyandstaff,aswellastostudentsandparents.Otherwaystoengageschoolstaff:
• RequesttimeatastaffmeetingtopresenttheReflectionsprogramtoteachers.Highlightthebenefitsofartseducationandinvitetheirideasabouthowtheymightencouragetheirclassestoparticipate.
• Providesuggestionsforhowthisyear’sthememightbelinkedtocurriculum.Askateachervolunteertocreateasamplelessonplanandshareitwithpeers.
• Engageschoolstaffinplanningtheawardsceremony/celebration.Theschoolmightbewillingtoholdaschool-wideassemblyorhostaspeciallunchforparticipantsandwinners.
IntheCommunity:Whenreachingouttopotentialcommunitypartners,focusontheimpactoftheReflectionsprogramonstudents,schoolsandfamilies.Forexample,sharehowalocalPTAshowcasesstudents’artworkandbringsfamiliestogethertocelebrate.Herearesomewaysyourcommunitycangetinvolved:
• Invitecommunitymemberstoserveasjudges.• Reachouttonearbygatheringplaces(neighborhoodcenters,barber/beautyshops,
coffeehouses)toexhibitstudentartwork.• LocalbusinessesmightbewillingtosupportfundraisersforReflections(forexample,a
localrestaurantmighthosta“dineout”night,withaportionofreceiptsbenefittingtheprogram).Proceedsmighthelppayfortrophies,ribbonsorcertificatesforstudentparticipants;foodforthecelebration;orasuppliesscholarshipforastudentwhomightnototherwisebeabletoparticipate.
• Otherbusinessesmightprovidein-kindcontributions.Askalocalartssupplyorcraftstorefordonationsofpaintbrushes,paperorpaints;oralocallibraryorprintshopmightallowstudentstousetheircomputersandphoto-editingsoftwareforentries.
• Workwithschoolofficialstocustomizemediareleasestoinvitelocalcoverage.Don’tforgetsmaller,localmediaoutletssuchasneighborhoodassociationblogsandnewsletters.
• Communitybulletinboardscanbegoodplacestopromotetheprogramorannouncestudentwinners.
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4.OrganizingArtworkforJudgingTheprocessofjudgingstudententriesfortheReflectionsprogramincludesdistributingandenforcingprogramrules,collectingartwork,determiningeligibilityandhostingjudging.Thefirststepofthisprocessistodetermineadeadlineforstudentstosubmittheirwork.Expecttoneedatleasttwoweekstofacilitatethejudgingprocessandanothertwoweekstopreparewinners’artworkandcompletetheregistrationprocesssothatwinnersmayadvancetothenextround.Therefore,setyourLocalPTAdeadlineapproximatelyonemonthbeforesubmissionsareduetothenextround.
MissouriPTAunitsmustutilizetheonlineportalforadvancingentriestothestateroundofjudging.Thedeadlinetoadvance
entriesforconsiderationisDecember17,2016.
4.1UnderstandingProgramRules
AllstudentsmustadheretotheOfficialRules,aswellastherulesfortheirspecificartscategory.ProgramrulesandstudententryformsareprovidedbyyourstatePTA.Toreferencenationalrules,visitPTA.org/ReflectionsToolkit.TheMissouriPTAStudentEntryForm,rulesofgoodstandingandspecificartscategoryrulesareavailableatmopta.org/reflections-toolkit.StudentEligibilityandEntryGuidelines:StudentsmustparticipateintheNationalPTAReflectionsprogramthroughalocalPTA/PTSAingoodstanding,asdeterminedbytheirstatePTA.ItisyourLocalPTAReflectionsCommittee’sresponsibilitytoconfirmthatyourPTAisingoodstandingandtodetermineeachstudent’seligibility.IfyouarenotsurewhetheryourPTAisingoodstanding,talkwithyourPTApresidentorcontactreflections@mopta.org.Thefollowingadditionalguidelinesapplytostudententries:
• Eachentrymustbetheoriginalworkofonestudentonly.• Astudentmaydevelopanentryinsideoroutsideoftheschool.• InMissouri,astudentmaysubmitmorethanoneentryinanartcategoryorparticipate
inmultipleartcategories.• Eachstudententrymustbeaccompaniedbyapaperstudententryform,signedbya
parentorguardian.• Studententriesmustincludeatitleandanartiststatement,whichcommunicatesthe
artist’sinspirationfortheworkandhowitrelatestothetheme.Thestatementmustdescribethecontentandincludeatleastonesentencebutnotexceed100words.
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StudentswithDisabilities:StudentswithdisabilitiesmayparticipateintheNationalPTAReflectionsprograminoneoftwoways.
1. EnterinSpecialArtistDivisiontoreceivenon-artisticaccommodationandassistancefromanadult.StudentsarerecognizedandawardedprizesaspartoftheSpecialArtistDivision.TheSpecialArtistDivisionisanoptionaldivisionoftheReflectionsprogram,acceptingstudentsinallgrades,forstudentswhosephysical,cognitiveormentalhealthchallengesmeetguidelinessetforthintheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct.MissouriPTAwillrecognizefirstthroughfifthplaceanduptosixhonorablementionintheSpecialArtistDivisionofthesixartcategories.NationalPTAwillhonoronespecialartistfromacrossallartscategoriestoreceiveanOutstandingInterpretationAward.UptosixadditionalspecialartistswillreceiveaNationalPTAAwardofExcellence.
2. Enteringradedivisionmostcloselyalignedtothestudent’sfunctionalabilities.Studentsarerecognizedandawardedprizesaspartofthegeneralstudentpopulationwithoutregardtospecialneedsorchallenges.Inthiscase,studentsfollowallgeneralrulesandartscategoryrulesbutmaysubmittheirentriesinthegradedivisionmostcloselyalignedtotheircognitiveorfunctionalabilities.
Originality:SpecificrulesrelatedtooriginalityforeachartscategoryareprovidedbyyourstatePTA.NationalrulescanbereferencedatPTA.org/ReflectionsToolkit.Ingeneral:
• Anadultmaynotalterthecreativeintegrityofastudent’swork.• Onlyonestudentmayberecognizedforeachentry;collaborationwithotherstudentsis
notallowed.Otherindividualsmayappearinorperformastudent’swork,buttheworkitself—thedancechoreography,filmproduction(i.e.,screenplay,cameraworkanddirecting)ormusicalcomposition(i.e.,writtenscoreandanylyrics)—mustbethecreativeproductofonestudentalone.
• Theartworkmustbeinspiredbythecurrentyear’sthemeandcreatedexpresslyfortheprogram.Artworkproducedbeforethedisseminationofthethemeorusedforanothercompetitionorprogrammaynotbesubmitted.
UseofCopyrightedMaterials:Useofcopyrightedmaterialisprohibitedintheliterature,musiccomposition,photographyandvisualartscategories.Thisincludestheuseofcopyrightedcartooncharacters,copyrightedmaterialfromtheInternet,advertisementsoradvertisingideas,musicalthemesfromexistingcopyrightedcompositions,copyrightedrecordedmusic,copyrightedphotographsorstockimages.Useofcopyrightedmusicindancechoreographyand
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filmproductionentriesisacceptablewhenthetitle,composerandperformerofanymusicinthesubmissionarecitedonthestudententryform.Filmproductions,photographyandvisualartmayincludepublicplaces,well-knownproducts,trademarksorothercopyrightedmaterial,aslongasthatcopyrightedmaterialisincidentaltothesubjectmatterofthepieceandisasmallerelementofthewhole.Visualartscollagesmayincludeportionsofexistingcopyrightedworks,suchasportionsofphotos,magazineclippings,internetimagesandtypecutoutofanewspaper,aslongasthosepiecesofcopyrightedworksareusedtocreateacompletelynewanddifferentworkofart.Acollageshouldbejudgedforitswhole—notitsparts—anditscreativityasanoriginalworkofart.Misuseoftheabovematerialsconstitutesplagiarism—takingandusinganother’swords,ideasorinventionsasone’sown.
AddressingStudentIneligibility:Occasionally,entriessubmittedtotheReflectionsprogramareineligible.OnereasonforineligibilityisthatthelocalPTAisnotingoodstanding.ItisveryimportantthatyoucheckwithyourPTApresidenttoensureyourPTAisingoodstandingwiththestate.Othercommonreasonsforineligibilityareplagiarismandresubmission.Thefollowingrecommendedproceduresapplytobothplagiarizedandresubmittedentries:
1. ScanentriestoensurethatallareoriginalandhavenotpreviouslybeensubmittedtoReflectionsoranotherartcompetition.
2. Alertjudgestothepossibilitythatsomepiecesmaynotbeoriginalandencouragethemtocommunicatewhenonemaybequestionable.
3. CheckquestionableentriesviaGoogleoranothersearchengine.4. Returnineligiblepiecestostudents,andexplainwhytheyarebeingreturned.5. Talkwithappropriateschoolpersonnel,suchasschoolcounsellors,theprincipalor
teachersaboutwaystoaddresstheseriousnessofcopyingsomeoneelse’sworkorresubmittingartworkwiththestudentandhis/herfamily.
Ifineligibilityisconfirmedafterjudging,determinewhetherawards(includingawardmoney,pins,certificates,etc.)shouldbereturned.
4.2 JudgingProcessThejudgingprocesshastwogoals:(1)TodeterminewhichstudententrieswilladvancetothenextroundofjudgingforourstateReflectionsprogram.(2)ToawardotherprizesandrecognitionasdeterminedbyyourlocalReflectionsCommittee.Tofacilitatethejudgingprocess,judgesshouldreceivethetitleandartiststatementforeachentryandtherulesspecifictotheirartscategory.Distributejudges’guidelinesandscorecardsthatareavailableatmopta.org/reflections-toolkit.
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Itisimportanttoconductblindjudging—wherejudgesdonotseetheartists’names—insituationswherejudgesmayknowastudent.Herearesometipsforfacilitatingjudging:
• Dance,Film,LiteratureandMusic:Senddigitalcopiesofartworktojudges.CompiledigitalcopiesofartworkonaCD/USBdriveoronlinefilesharingsiteforjudgestoreview.Providejudgeswithalistofartworktitlesandartiststatements.
• PhotographyandVisualArts:Hostajudgingevent.Displayartworkontablesaroundtheroom.Tri-foldthestudententryformtohidepersonalinformationandplacetheartiststatementinfrontofartwork.Havejudgesrotatearoundtheroomtoscoreeachentry.
Thefollowingjudgingcriteriaistobeusedbyjudgeswhenreviewingentries.Noticethatinterpretationofthethemeisweighedmoreheavilythantheotherconsiderations.
• InterpretationofTheme(20pts.)Howcloselythepiecerelatestothetheme,basedontheartworkitselfandtheartiststatement.
• Creativity(10pts.)Howcreativeandoriginalthepieceisinitsconceptionofthethemeanditspresentation.
• TechnicalSkill(10pts.)Thelevelofskilldemonstratedinthebasicprinciples/techniquesoftheartsarea.
Withthesecriteria,eachentrymayreceiveatotalofnomorethan40pointsfromeachjudge.Havejudgesrecordtheirpointsforeachentryonascorecard.Addthepointsfromeachjudgeandranktheartworkaccordingly.Iftwoentriesaretied,theentrywiththehigherscoreforinterpretationofthemereceivesmorerecognition.
5.CelebratingandRecognizingYourParticipantsNowit’stimeforyoutobecreativetoo!FollowyourPTAandschooltraditionsoraddnewwaystocelebratestudentparticipationinthearts.Recognitionhelpsallstudentsrecognizethemselvesasartists,encouragesfamilyengagementandprovidesopportunitiestoconnectwiththecommunity.
5.1RecognizeStudentsLocally
TheReflectionsprogramoffersopportunitiesforPTAvisibilitythroughouttheyear.TherearemanywayslocalPTAscelebrateReflectionsparticipantsandwinners.Examplesinclude:
• PresentationsatPTAandschoolboardmeetings• Schoolawardsnights,banquetsorluncheons• Announcementsintheschoolnewsletteroronthewebsite
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• Exhibitsatcommunityartsgalleriesorotherpublicspaces(e.g.,shoppingmalls,communitycenters,coffeeshops)
• Featuresinlocalnewspapersortelevisionbroadcasts• Sharingphotos,links,quotesoranecdotesabouttheReflectionsprogramorrelated
eventsthroughsocialmediachannelssuchasTwitterorFacebook• Invitethemediatoyourcelebration!Customizethetemplatemediaadvisoryandpress
releasewithyourownlocaldetailsandPTAlogo.Emailittothemediainyourhometownandfollow-upwithaphonecalltoencouragetheirpresenceorpost-eventcoverage.
Visitmopta.org/reflections-toolkitforaReflectionscelebrationeventplanningguide,templatecertificate,andothercelebrationtools.5.2AdvancingEntriestotheNextRound
Provideyourstudentswithanopportunitytosharetheirartworkacrossthestateandnation.NationalPTAReflectionsisamulti-layeredprogramthathasLocalPTAUnit,council,stateandnationallevelsofrecognition.PTAsareencouragetoadvancetheirfinaliststothenextavailableround.
Attachtheoriginalstudententryformtoeachsubmissionandfollowtheinstructionsbelow:
SpecificinstructionsforMissouriPTAunitsadvancingstudentsubmissionstothestateroundofjudging:
• Nomorethan3studententriesperdivisionofeachartcategorymaybeadvanced.Forexamplenomorethan3primaryentriesforvisualartscanbeadvanced.
• Unitsmustadvanceentriesutilizingtheonlinesubmissionprocess(StudentEntryPortal).Nophysicalentrieswillbesubmitted.
• Pleaseconsulttheindividualartcategoryrulesforacceptablefileformatsfordigitalfiles.
• LabelvideofilewithyourUnit,ArtsCategory,GradeDivision,LastName,FirstName(Example:TURNEYPTSA.DANCE.PRI.SMITH.JOHN)
• EntriesmustbesubmittednolaterthanDecember17,2016.• Onlyentriesfromunitsthatareingoodstandingwillbeconsideredonthestatelevelof
judging.Anytimeyouhavequestions,[email protected].
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STUDENTENTRYPORTAL:MissouriPTAsadvancingentriestotheStatePTARoundwillneedtosubmittheseonlineutilizingtheStudentEntryPortal.VisitPTA.org/ReflectionstoaccesstheStudentEntryPortal.The2016-2017ReflectionsGuideforOnlinePortalsisaonepageguidethatprovidesstep–by-stepinstructionsforlocalunitsto:
• RegistertoparticipateintheNationalPTAReflectionsProgram.• Reportoverallstudentparticipation.• Createanaccountforonlineadvancementofstudententries.• Advanceentriesforconsiderationatthestatelevel.
EntriesadvancingtotheMissouriPTAStateRoundaretobesubmittedonlineatPTA.org/Reflections.
• Login/SignUpatPTA.org/Reflections.• SubmitastudententryforeachsubmissionadvancingtotheStatePTARound.• Attachadigitalcopyofartworktothestudent’ssubmission.• CompletedsubmissionsareautomaticallyadvancedtotheStatePTARound.
5.3MissouriPTAState-LevelRecognition
• MissouriPTAState-levelawardrecipientsareannouncedbymidMarch.• Thewinnerslistwillbepostedonthestatewebsite,www.mopta.org.• Unitpresidentsandreflectionschairsarenotifiedbyemailtotheemailaddresslistedon
theunitdashboardlocatedontheMissouriPTAwebsite.• StudentsarerecognizedattheannualMissouriPTAStudentShowcase.Date,timeand
locationtobeannounced.• Studentrecipientsarenotifiedbymailandinvitedtoattendthestaterecognition.5.4
National–LevelRecognition
National-levelawardrecipientsareannouncedannuallyonMay1.Visitwww.mopta.orgforannouncementsrelatedtonationalawardsandevents.NationalPTAawardcategoriesincludethefollowing:
• OutstandingInterpretationAwards:SevenOutstandingInterpretationAwardsaregiven—onetothesubmissionineachartscategory,includingtheSpecialArtistDivision,thatbestinterpretsthetheme.
• AwardsofExcellence:Thesearegiventothetopthreescoresforeachartscategoryineachdivisionandonespecialartistofeachartsarea.
• AwardsofMerit:Thesearegiventothenextfivehighestscoresforeachartscategoryineachdivision.
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NationalawardrecipientswillbenotifiedviaemailbyNationalPTAinMay.NationalawardsandcertificatesaremailedaftertheNationalPTAConvention,bytheendofJuly.AnyawardsorcertificatesreturnedtotheNationalPTAofficeduetoinsufficientorincorrectaddresseswillbemailedtotheappropriatestateoffice.Formoredetailsonnationalawardsandevents,visitPTA.org/Reflections.
6.WrappingUpYou’realmostdone!Thissectioncoversotherimportantitemsincludingrecognizingvolunteers,returningartworkandsharingprograminformationwithyourPTApresident.
6.1RecognizePartnersandVolunteers
AfteryourReflectionsprogramconcludesfortheyear,oneofthemostimportanttasksistothankthosewhohelpedmakeitasuccess.Usetheacknowledgementlettertothankstudentandparentleaders,schoolpersonnelandcommunityjudgesandpartnersfortheirsupport.
6.2ReturnStudentArtwork
NationalPTArecommendsthatoriginalphotographyandvisualartspiecesbereturnedtostudentartistsassoonaspossibleafterjudgingand/orrecognition.Artworkssubmittedelectronically,includingthoseinthedancechoreography,filmproduction,literatureandmusiccompositioncategories,typicallyarenotreturned.Non-advancingartworkcanbereturnedimmediatelyafterjudgingorafteryourlocalPTAcelebration.NationalPTArecommendsthatartworkbereturnedbytheendoftheschoolyear.Pleasebesensitivetosecondarystudentsneedingtheirartworkforcollegeadmission.Ifstudentartworkadvances,itwillbereturnedaccordingtostateand/ornationalpolicy(seebelow).MissouriPTAPolicies:Statelevelentriesaresubmittedonline.NationalPTAPolicies:EntriesthatreceivenationalawardswillbefeaturedintheonlineNationalPTAReflectionsProgramGalleryatPTA.org/Reflections.NationalPTAwillmakeeveryefforttoreturnphotographprintsandvisualartworkwithintwoyears.TheNationalPTAofficereceiveselectronicfiles/digitalentriesinfilmproduction,dancechoreography,literature,musiccomposition,andphotographyandthesearenotreturned.
6.3ReportParticipation
Afteryourprogramhasconcluded,visitPTA.org/Reflectionstoreportyourprogram’sstudentparticipationtotalsandfeedbacktoyourStateandNationalPTA.
LocalLeader’sGuide
6.4EvaluateYourProgram
EvaluationisacriticalpartofwrappingupyourReflectionsprogram.Itisimportanttounderstandwhatworkedandwhatdidn’t,sothatyoucanplanforanevenmoresuccessfulprogramnextyear.MeetwithyourReflectionsCommitteeandotherteammemberstoreflectontheprogram,gatherfeedbackanddocumentsuccessesandareasneedingimprovement.Sharingthisinformationwithnextyear’steamwillprovideasmoothtransitionfromoneReflectionsChairtoanother.Hereisasampleprogramevaluation.Surveystudents,parents,volunteers,communitypartnersandschoolleaders.Sharequotesinanewsletter,blogoratyourPTAandschoolmeetings.Withpermission,usethesequotestofurtherrecognizestudentachievementontheschoolorPTAwebsiteorsharethemwhenseekingfundingforyourPTA.
ForstateeventsandupdatesvisittheMissouriPTAwebsite,
www.mopta.orgoremailquestionstoreflections@mopta.org.WearealsoonsocialmediaFacebook
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