NORTHWEST REFLECTIONS PROGRAM

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2026-2027 PTSA Art Reflections Program

We are excited to announce the 2026–2027 Northwest High School PTSA Reflections Arts Program!

Reflections is a national arts program that encourages students to explore their creativity, express themselves, and share their unique perspectives through original works of art.

We encourage all students to participate and kindly request that department heads share this opportunity with their teachers and students.

This Year’s Theme: “What My Culture Means to Me”

Every student has a story. Every culture has a voice. What is yours?

Culture is more than where we come from. It is the traditions we celebrate, the languages we speak, the music we love, the food we share, the stories passed down through generations, and the communities that shape who we are.

Your culture might be rooted in your family’s heritage, the place you call home, or the many different influences that have helped make you who you are today.

This is your opportunity to tell YOUR story through art!

Looking for Inspiration? Start With YOUR Story!

Not sure where to begin? Think about the people, places, and experiences that make you unique.

Your Family & Traditions

Is there a family tradition, celebration, recipe, or story that connects you to your roots? What memories would you want to preserve for future generations?

Your Heritage & Identity

Do you come from more than one cultural background? How have different cultures influenced who you are? What does your heritage mean to you?

Your Community & Connections

Think about your school, neighborhood, friendships, or the people who make you feel connected. How does your community shape your identity?

Your Music, Language & Celebrations

Is there a song, dance, festival, language, or cultural experience that holds a special meaning for you?

Your Own Unique Perspective

Perhaps your culture is a blend of many influences. Maybe you are discovering what it means to you as you grow.

There is no single right answer!

Your culture. Your identity. Your perspective. Your art.

Turn Your Inspiration Into Art!

Choose the art form that best expresses your story.

• Dance Choreography: Express a cultural tradition or personal journey through movement.
• Film Production: Create a short film exploring your heritage, family, or community.
• Literature: Write a poem, essay, or story about your identity or cultural experiences.
• Music Composition: Compose an original piece inspired by your cultural background.
• Photography: Capture a meaningful moment, tradition, or connection.
• Visual Arts: Create a painting, drawing, sculpture, or collage that represents your culture.

Accessible Arts Division: Students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA Section 504 can participate through this division, which offers division-specific accommodations.

Remember, your artwork should be an original creation that reflects your personal interpretation of the theme.

We want to see what culture means to YOU!

How to Submit Your Entry — Just TWO Steps!

STEP 1: Complete the Student Entry Form

Click here to complete the Student Entry Form

Please complete ALL required fields, including your artwork title and artist statement.

STEP 2: Email Your Digital Artwork

Send your artwork to:

📧 shubhangi.khot@mcpsmd.net

Please use the SAME email address that you entered on your Student Entry Form.

IMPORTANT SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To ensure your artwork can be accepted and reviewed, please follow these instructions carefully:

• NO PHYSICAL COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
• NO PHOTOGRAPHS OF PDF DOCUMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
• NO INCOMPLETE OR HALF-FILLED FORMS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
• DO NOT EMAIL YOUR STUDENT ENTRY FORM. Submit it through the online link only.
• Email ONLY your digital artwork in the required format for your category.

We would hate to see a wonderful piece of artwork miss out because of an incomplete form or an incorrect submission!

Please double-check both steps before submitting.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 7, 2026

Both your completed Student Entry Form and digital artwork must be submitted by Monday, December 7, 2026.

OFFICIAL GUIDELINES

Please review the overall guidelines and the requirements for your specific art category before submitting.

Overall Guidelines:

https://www.pta.org/home/programs/reflections/craft-an-entry

Category Guidelines:

• Dance Choreography
• Film Production
• Literature
• Music Composition
• Photography
• Visual Arts
• Accessible Arts

INFORMATION

• • Reflections Program Intro Video
  • Student Entry Form
  • National PTA Reflections Program Website