REFLECTIONS 2025-2026
Calling all Puma artists to take part in Reflections and showcase their creativity!
Reflections is a yearly nationwide PTSA-sponsored event.
This year’s theme is “I Belong”.
Does your child have a story to tell? A picture to paint? A dance to share? The Reflections program is the perfect opportunity to explore their creativity and express themselves through original works of art — all inspired by the 2025-2026 theme: “[I belong!]”
Students submit their completed artwork in one or more of the available arts categories:
- Dance Choreography,
- Film Production,
- Literature,
- Music Composition,
- Photography,
- and Visual Arts.
*Please note that we are only accepting 2D artwork in the Visual Arts category.
All Visual Arts entries must be:
-
mounted on sturdy backing or created on a rigid material
-
no more than 1/2 inch thick (including backing)
-
without frames or loose pieces
The program has four rounds: Rosa Parks (Sept-Nov), District/Council (Nov-Jan), State (Jan-Mar) and National (Mar-May).
Once all Puma entries are scored, only the top 10 will advance to LWPTSA Council (district) level.
How to Participate?
You will need to fill out the online form for each category you enter. The entry form must be signed by the submitting student (even if it is only a printed first name) and the student’s parent/guardian.
Please complete your online form in full and submit your artwork (digital copy) to us at reflections@rosaparksptsa.org by October 27, 2025.
Student Entry Form
Everybody’s work is accepted! For students who need accommodation, the Accessible Art Division is an option for students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504.
More information here
What is Reflections?
Reflections is a national arts competition offered through the PTSA. Students submit a piece of art that undergoes a judging process with the potential to advance to the Council, State, and National levels. You can also learn more about Reflection here.
Who can participate?
Any student registered with Rosa Parks Elementary.
Parents can NOT help create the artwork. The only help parents can provide is in purchasing the supplies. In the last few years, judges disqualified several entries due to suspected parent help.
Questions / Concerns?
For more information, visit the Washington State PTA site.
For questions, email Rosa Parks PTSA: reflections@rosaparksptsa.org.
REFLECTIONS UPDATE
Lake Washington PTSA will hold an open house celebration for the District/Council Reflections participants and display their artwork on Friday, Jan 23 from 5PM-7PM at the Lake Washington Resource Center: 16250 NE 74th Street at Redmond Town Center.
All students and family members, school staff, friends, art enthusiasts and esteemed Reflections judges are invited to this celebration!
Art will be on display from January 21-26 at the LWSD Resource Center for public viewing during business hours.
REFLECTIONS SPOTLIGHT
PHOTOGRAPHY
Arianna M - Together we are brighter
Advancing to the State Level – Award of Merit
These candles represent different cultures. I used candles to show how every person and culture has positivity. We are brighter and stronger together because of our differences. When I think of the theme I belong. I think how I feel included in my school, my soccer team and my community. Even though we are different, you and me, we belong.
VISUAL ARTS
Avantika V - A whale with a dream
Advancing to the State Level – Award of Merit
"My painting shows a girl name Cindy watching a whale in the ocean.
Cindy is deaf and cannot hear. But one day, while watching the news with her father, she learns about a whale living in a nearby harbor. Scientists say it's the loneliest whale in the world. Cindy feels connected to it and sets out to find it. When she does, the whale sings for her. Though she can't hear the song, she feels its vibrations and senses a bond. For that time, Cindy feels she belongs- connected in a world she usually feels apart from."
Amaira B - Everybody Belongs
Advancing to the State Level – Award of Merit
My painting of 3 girls working in the kitchen relates to the theme I belong because it shows no matter how old or how different you are, you belong. In the painting you see 3 girls. They aren't fancy, unique or special in their own way, with hair or skin color that doesn't say who they really are. All are different! But they don't feel that way when they belong. They feel they belong and unity and making people feel like they belong is important to make strong bonds
Mishka B - Be You!
Honorable Mention Award
I belong wherever I am because I am myself and I am not scared to be myself. I can run free, be selfconfident and be who I want to be and I am. I belong here because I can fit in just the way I am- Unique and different.
Akshara S (4th grade) – I belong in the Ocean
Honorable Mention Award
The painting shows I belong as an Orca belongs to the PNW and they deserve to have a home to live.
Ancy G – The Furry Friend
"You can find belonging from feeling included and connected to each other. As you can see, I drew a girl with her dog, both joyful and hugging each other as a sign of feeling secure and comfortable. The heart collar proves their unbreakable bond, strong and resilient. Dogs can be your lasting companion and best friend."
Akshara S (1st grade) - Oneness
"I belong. You belong and WE ALL BELONG. Every living being is all ONE and there is no diiference. All are equally IMPORTANT."
LITERATURE
Stuti S - I belong because I am Included
"We all have differences but we all belong. We all speak different languages but well all belong. Everyone belongs in our school. We all belong even if we have different skin color. I have my friends and I have my school here so I belong."
Arjun M - One heart, One colony
Means being part of a team where eveyone matters
"The strong ant coliny broke a piece. Worker ants made a raft out of themselves, soldier ants were loading larva as fast as they could. Water was leaking in to the ant nest. The queen was too heavy. Now I can see all the action with a waterproof camera. All the larva was loaded.The ants left without the soggy queen. After a minute, the ant colony came back with a ginormous leaf under it. The kind ants went inside since queen ant was underwater. Brave ants jumped in the water, grabbed the queen and put her on the strong raft. 5 larva cracked on the raft. I caught the ant colony and put them in a cozy new home.Meanwhile the glorious ship was sinking fast. The water was about to hit the battery box.The lights flickered. It was spooky watching the lights flicked. Boom! The lights were out. Now the propellors were not working. What will happen Next?"
MUSIC COMPOSITION
Avinash M - Happy Song we Belong
"I wrote this song and when I play it makes me feel like I belong. I hope that when people hear it they feel like they belong. If you're not perfect you can still make someone happy with music."
