National PTA has a long-standing commitment to arts education. For over 50 years, the Reflections program has provided opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of students in pre-K through grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-created theme.

Nebraska is rebooting Reflections in our state for the 2025-26 school year! (Note: we will only be accepting submissions in the Visual Arts category.)

LEARN MORE ABOUT REFLECTIONS

2025-26 Reflections Theme: "I Belong!"

This year's theme was created by Ben Morgan, a then 6th grader from Lewis and Clark Middle School PTSA in Boise, Idaho! He was the winner of the National PTA's Reflections Theme Search Contest!

“I Belong!” encourages conversations about what it means to belong, the value and privilege of feeling like we belong somewhere and how we can create welcoming spaces to share that feeling with others.

Things to think about: What does belonging mean to you? How do you know when you belong somewhere? Why is it important to feel like you belong? How does it affect your happiness?

Resources for Local PTA Units for Reflections 2025-26

https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections/startyourprogram
Local PTA Reflections Checklist
Local PTA Leaders Guide to Reflections: Five Steps to Program Success
GETTING STARTED:
- All participating units must be PTAs in good standing by
  - possessing and adhering to updated bylaws;
  - fulfilling financial obligations, like paying dues and submitting tax forms;
  - and maintaining proper documentation via Givebacks, including the current officer list, bylaws, and proof of insurance.
- This year Nebraska PTA will only accept art submissions for the Visual Arts category
  - Visual Arts are any art forms that are visual in nature. Consider the following forms: 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.
  - Students will participate in the appropriate division for their grade: Primary (Pre-K - Grade 2), Intermediate (Grades 3-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), High School (Grades 9-12), Accessible Arts (All grades welcome). Students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 may enter in the Accessible Arts Division or grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities.
- Find a volunteer to chair the Reflections program and/or set up a committee to implement the program at your school
- Register your PTA for Reflections
  - Registration is open until Feb. 1, 2026. Due to the high volume of registrants, you will not receive a confirmation email.

PLANNING:
- Plan and outline how the program will be implemented at your school using the above resources.
- The Reflections chair/committee will need to assemble a panel of judges that will rank entries and determine student winners within each age division.
  - Judging will be blind, meaning judges will not have access to any student identifying information.
  - Volunteer judges can be staff or parents from the school, but you might also consider seeking out local professionals.
- Promote the program within your families and school staff!
  - Ask art or core teachers to consider integrating the program into their curriculum.
  - Use National Arts in Education Week (beginning the second Sunday of each September) or National Arts and Humanities Month (each October) to encourage participation in the program.
  - Promotional materials
  - Student Entry Packet

COLLECT AND REVIEW ARTWORK
RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATIONS
PROGRAM WRAP UP

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