Reflections
Correction and Reminder!

Due to Fall Break, the Reflections Program entry deadline, originally scheduled for Friday October 7th, has been moved to Monday, October 10th.
All entries need to be turned into the office on Monday, October 10, by 3:00 pm. to the school office.
Parents of Sixth Graders: Please arrange to drop off your student's entries by 3pm, since they will be going to camp that morning.

Be sure to mark November 3rd on your calendar for the Reflections Gala Awards Ceremony!
Also, volunteers are always appreciated! Email Cher at cklosnerlane@gmail.com if you are interested in helping out. Thank you. :)

Finally, the Reflections Program is looking for its new theme for next year, 2012-2013! More information will be coming shortly. Keep an eye out for an e-mail after Fall Break.

We hope you are working on your projects, and we can't wait to see your beautiful creations!

"Going Green" with Rules Packets - YAAY!!! :)

Hi all!

I'm very happy to report that all future Rules Packets at West Creek will be sent electronically! I will e-mail the remaining packets for all interest forms I have received in the past few days and for the remaining interest forms that come in. This will help cut down on paper expenses for the school.

More info on this to follow shortly.

Cher :)

Reflections Volunteer Meeting Thursday, 9/22, 8:30am

We will have our first Reflections Volunteer meeting, Thursday September 22, at 8:30 a.m. in Room 102. Please bring a calendar and a pen, as we wil be going through the timeline of events and assigning duties. If you have friends that would like to help out, please bring them along, as we could use the extra help.

Thanks all! Any questions, feel free to e-mail me: cklosnerlane@gmail.com

Have a great day!

Cher :)

Rules Packets have been sent!

Hi all!
This week, (beginning September 12) you should be receiving your child's Rules Packet through their teacher, for each specific category that was circled on your child's interest form. Be sure to follow the rules precisely. If you haven't received the RULES PACKET by Thursday, contact me at cklosnerlane@gmail.com.

We could use some extra help assembling more Rules Packets - if anyone is available to help Tuesday morning (September 13) for an hour or so after drop off, please let me know - we will print, assemble, label and distribute the packets to the teachers' boxes in the Staff Room at 8-ish, where the copying machines are.

Lastly, I will be printing and sending out fliers shortly for the PTA Reflections Program Theme Search, for 2013-2014! More to come on that soon...

As always, thank you! :)

Have a great day today!
Cher :)

General Info #1

To see past years' examples of Award Recipients, visit www.capta.org/sections/programs/reflections.cfm and along the right hand side are past entries.

Also, once your interest form is turned in to your child's teacher, you will be receiving a General Rules Packet through your teacher. Remember to circle the category of interest so you will receive the correct Rules Packet. The Rules are also posted on the CAPTA website, but we must receive an interest form.

Thank you and good luck,

Cher

What is REFLECTIONS?

The following is taken from the California State PTA website (http://www.capta.org/sections/programs/reflections.cfma):

2011-2012 "Diversity means..."

The National PTA Reflections Program is an arts recognition and achievement program for students. The Reflections Program provides opportunities for students to express themselves creatively and to receive positive recognition for original works of art inspired by a pre-selected theme, while increasing community awareness on the importance of the arts in education.

The Reflections Program was established in 1969 by National PTA board member Mary Lou Anderson. Since that time, more than 10 million students have participated in the program. The program's longevity and participation figures attest to its strength. The excitement and enthusiasm that the program generates for children, parents, schools and communities is unmatched.

Participation and appreciation for the arts is the Reflections Program's goal. Although the Reflections Program follows a "contest" format, winning should not be the emphasis.

Participation in the Reflections Program is a great way for students to explore and learn about various art forms. Creating art is a valuable learning process that challenges students to use their critical thinking skills as well as their creative talents to create art that supports a specific theme.

Students may submit an entry in any of the six arts areas listed below. Only original works of art are accepted. Depending on local PTA guidelines, students may enter more than one work of art. The six arts areas are as follows:

• Literature
• Musical composition
• Photography
• Visual arts
• Dance Choreography
• Film/Video Production

Participation in the Reflections Program is organized by school grade. Student works are critiqued against others in the same grade division. This allows recognition and judging of artworks by appropriate developmental age and skill levels. The four grade divisions are as follows:

• Primary Preschool Grade 2 or up to age 7
• Intermediate Grades 3-5 or ages 8-10
• Middle/Junior Grades 6-8 or ages 11-13
• Senior Grades 9-12 or ages 14+

The Reflections Program is structured for PTAs to recognize students at the local unit, council, PTA district, state and national levels. Entries are first judged at the local unit level, where selected works are chosen to represent the PTA at each subsequent level. Once entries reach the level of the California State PTA, entries may be selected for submission to the National PTA. Award of Excellence and Awards of Merit are recognized at the annual National PTA convention and are displayed as part of the program's traveling exhibit.

Participation in the California Reflections program is open to all students in attendance at PTA/PTSA schools where the program is sponsored. Entries are forwarded through channels. Each unit, council and PTA district establishes their own deadline dates, allowing adequate time for displaying and judging of entries. PTA units should acquire deadline dates from their council and PTA district. Only PTA districts may submit entries to the California State PTA.

Please remember that:

• Students may submit entries only through a PTA or PTSA in good standing.
• All entries submitted must be original works and must relate to the annual Reflections Program theme.
• Each entry must be the work of only one student. Assistance from teachers, parents or friends is not permitted except in special cases (such as for those with visual or physical disabilities)
• Participation encourages creativity and exploration. Students should do their best, but crooked lines, incorrect musical notes, or misspelled words do not disqualify anyone.

FUTURE REFLECTIONS PROGRAM THEME

The National PTA is looking for a theme for its next Reflections Program. A student's suggestions for the theme ideas may be sent to the California State PTA by the individual student or by a local PTA/PTSA. The theme may include a wide variety of subjects that will appeal to students in preschool through grade 12. The winning student will receive $100 and recognition at the National PTA Convention held in June. See www.capta.org for more information.