Reflections

ABOUT PTA REFLECTIONS PROGRAM

National PTA’s Reflections program has helped students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life.

Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme.  The 2026-2027 Reflections program theme is “What My Culture Means to Me.” This theme was created by Sophia Partola from Wilton High School PTSA in Connecticut. . Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Music Composition, Literature, Photography, Visual Arts.  Local PTA units across Nevada are invited to participate in the Reflections program. 

Culture encompasses all that a group of people does that makes them similar to each other, but different from other people in the world. Culture does not stay the same but changes with new influences and generations. 

Culture is expressed through physical elements like food, clothing, music, and art, as well as non-physical elements like languages, holidays, and customs. It is found in quiet, everyday moments: the tradition of generations gathering for a family reunion; the way one’s name is pronounced; stories passed down from loved ones about a hometown hero; or values taught in a school community or on the football field.

“What My Culture Means to Me” asks students to think about culture not only as something they inherit, but also something they live, celebrate, question and share. It encourages them to consider the people, places, traditions and values that have shaped their lives, and share those reflections through the arts.

Students might share:

• Ancestry, heritage or on a tradition passed down through generations

• What it feels like to learn, preserve or rediscover parts of their culture

• Reflections on how cultures around theme influence their own
• How culture influences their personality, school, neighborhood or chosen community 

All submissions to Nevada PTA will be virtual. No artwork or projects will be mailed to Nevada PTA. 

National PTA provides a wide variety of resources to make reflections easy to host at your school.

Follow the steps below and check for important deadlines and guidance: