“I Can Make a Difference By”

Directions for Council judging:  Be sure to read the Reflections packet very carefully. Every year entries must be disqualified because of failure to follow the guidelines.  Your PTA president should have the printed packet.  If you need the packet please contact annc@prairienet.org
Chairmen: READ the Reflections checklist before submitting entries to PTA Council.

TIPS:

• Get an article in your newsletter spelling out the rules - do it as often as possible before the  deadline. Send home flyers if you are at an elementary school.
• Although students' work should not be rejected because of presentation, presentation IS important, especially if they want to advance to the next level. Perhaps an after-school workshop could be offered for students who may not have parental help or encouragement.
• We had several visual arts entries at the Council level that should have been rejected because they were not mounted according to the guidelines. Similarly, some photography entries were too big. Be sure students know the size requirements. See enclosed synopsis of rules.
• In the visual arts category it is advisable to put the title on the front. We see some very creative pieces where the connection to the theme was not obvious.
• Each PTA unit can submit 6 projects in each of the 4 categories - literature, musical composition, photography, visual arts - by age division - primary, intermediate, middle and senior. You set your school deadline, probably around  the middle or end of October to give yourself time for the Council deadline.
• Council deadline is NOVEMBER 7, 2007
• The projects will be displayed  in early December 2007 in Champaign. Please encourage your students and parents to go there and see their work displayed. A good idea is to advertise it in your newsletter. Council Reflections Chairman will notify you and your PTA presidents which projects will advance to PTA District 10 and you will notify your students. Projects not advancing to next level will be returned to you to return to the students.
• Next level of judging is District 10, deadline December 1, 2007. Up to 16 projects (1 per 16 schools in our Council) per category can be submitted to District 10. SIX projects in each category at that level will advance to state and so on. The District 10 Director will notify your PTA president with the names of the students advancing to State. So keep in touch with your president around February. The projects which advance to State are displayed in April at the Illinois PTA Convention.
  You can get more info on Reflections on the web :Illinois PTA website - www.illinoispta.org ; National PTA website - www.pta.org

  National PTA Reflections Gallery

  • Questions, locally -  email Lauren Smith, laurentols at aol.com.  Communication is important. Every year we have questions from parents about progress of their students' work. We rely on you to get the word out. Thanks!!
  • District 10 chairman is Ann Campbell, annc at prairienet.org.
  • State PTA Chairman - Sylvia Tarchala .  Contact State Office for Reflections pins and ribbons.
    

   

   

  RULES-IN-BRIEF
  2007- 2008 National PTA Reflections Program
   

  “I Can Make a Difference By”

  Purpose: To encourage creative expression among children in literature, music, photography, and visual arts.

  Categories

  • Literature - Not to exceed 8 1/2 x 11 inches per sheet of paper. Must be handwritten or typed by the student. (Grade 1 and younger, and Special Education students may be assisted without altering child's words.) Work must be no more than 2,000 words. Could be: poem, play, short story, essay, etc.
  • Musical Composition - . Score with or without words. Notes must be on staff paper, purchased, hand drawn, or computer generated. CD or Cassette tape MUST be included. Music may be no more than four (4) minutes in length. Grade 5 and younger may have help with music notation. Grade 6 and up must have music notation without help.  Student does not have to play music for the recording. Must state who played music on project form.
  • Photography - Photograph up to 11 x 14 inches (including mat) or smaller. Photograph may be black and white or color. The student must snap the photograph using any still camera. A student may submit a photo, collage, retouched print, multiple exposure, etc.
  • Visual Arts - Artwork can be up to 20 x 24 inches in size, or smaller (Full size poster board is 22 X 28 - suggestion - cut 10" off the end and make the artwork 18 X 22). Completed project must be flat.  Do not glue on anything that will not be completely flat on your paper. Could be: drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, etc. Remember: Visual Arts should not need words.
  General Rules

  1. All entries must be the original work of ONE student.  Projects advancing to the next PTA level must have a  signed statement of originality granting permission to the National PTA and Illinois PTA to use their work.  Student and parent/guardian signatures must be included on each "Official Entry Form."

  2. Each project MUST express the theme

  3. Work should be titled, or clearly express the theme.

  4. All projects must be received in the school office on or before_______ (Council deadline November 7)

  5. Work should be neat. Keep work from becoming wrinkled or torn. A dictionary should be used. Grade correct grammar and spelling are required.

  6. Projects must include student's name and grade, on the back of the project.

  7. There is no minimum number of words for literature. (It is not necessary to repeat to make it longer.) There is a maximum of 2,000 words for literature.

  8. Three-dimensional art will NOT be accepted, only art on paper, poster board, material mounted on cardboard, or canvas on cardboard. NO GLUED ON NOODLES, EYES, BEADS, etc. Flat work only.

  9. Students may enter more than once in each category: Literature, Musical Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.

  Recognition

  • Advancing projects (up to 6 per category in each age division) will be on display in early December.
  • Names will be printed in the PTA Council Newsletter and Unit 4's "To The Point".
  • Up to thirty-two projects per category can advance to the PTA District 10 level and receive blue ribbons

  ****State Rules are available to view in the school office.  Questions? Call Lauren Smith.