MCCPTA Reflections

TrainingSpring 2013

Presented by Melissa A. McDonald, MCCPTA Reflections Co-

chair

with Paul Geller, Vice President for Programs, MCCPTA, and a panel of experienced Reflections

Chairs

MCCPTA Reflections Co-Chairs

Chris McDermott Phone: 301-253-9059

E-mail: malimcdermott@verizon.net

Melissa McDonaldPhone: 240-654-4855

E-mail: melissa.lewis.mcdonald@gmail.com

MCCPTA Reflections 2012-2013

“The Magic of a Moment”

http://animoto.com/play/BAsnc0yNpVywP3Auwg1VEw

What is Reflections?

The program offers students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition.

Students in preschool through grade 12 are encouraged to submit works of art in six areas:

Visual Arts

Film Production

Dance Choreography

Literature

Musical Composition

Photography

In its 40+ year history, the program has encouraged millions of students across the nation and in American schools overseas to explore their artistic talents.

The Reflections Program was started in 1969 by then Colorado PTA President Mary Lou Anderson.

Each year, the Reflections Program challenges students to create art that relates to a specific theme.

Themes are selected from thousands of ideas submitted by students to PTA’s Reflections Program Theme Search.

Reflections & Family Engagement

The arts—and the PTA Reflections Program, in particular—can be a valuable tool for building stronger partnerships in your school community.

Standard 1: Welcoming All Families into the School Community

Standard 2: Communicating Effectively Standard 3: Supporting Student Success Standard 4: Speaking Up for Every Child Standard 5: Sharing Power Standard 6: Collaborating with Community

http://www.pta.org/programs/content.cfm?ItemNumber=2898

2013-2014 Reflections theme is:

“Believe, Dream, Inspire”

This theme was submitted through the Reflections Theme Search Contest by Julie Lampert of Waverly Park PTA, located in East Rockaway, New York.

“My Inspiration for the theme came from my experience in competitive sports. I hope that students across the country will strive to make their dreams become a reality,” Julie writes.

To learn more about Reflections:

ReflectionsMCCPTA-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

(Please join this listserv as it is our primary form of communication)

www.mdpta.org/bridge_reflections.html

(State Reflections website)

www.ptareflections.org/ (Note: use forms on MDPTA

website)

(National Reflections website)

www.pta.org/2032.asp (National Reflections website)

Reflections Yahoo Listserv

Most of our communication is via e-mail and the Yahoo listserv – please join today!

Local Reflections Chairperson and PTA President are asked to join the listserv:

ReflectionsMCCPTA-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Categories

Visual ArtsPhotographyLiteratureDance ChoreographyMusic CompositionFilm Production

DivisionsPrimary: Grades preK-2

Intermediate: Grades 3-5

Middle/Junior: Grades 6-8

Senior: Grades 9-12

New in 2012-2013:

Special Artist Division

A non-graded division limited to students whose physical,

cognitive, or mental health challenges meet the guidelines

set forth in the ADA.

Ways to implement a Reflections program at your

school: Publicity

Judging

Paperwork

MCCPTA Reflections: 2011-12 Visual Arts & Photography Award of

Excellence Winners

MCCPTA REFLECTIONS 2011-12

Photography & Visual Arts

Award of Excellence Recipients

“Diversity Means…”

PUBLICITYReflections Art Program

Get the Word Out! Let all of your school’s teachers know

about the program Via E-mail Leave flyer in mailbox Speak directly to the teachers at a staff

meeting

Announce in the school’s newsletter, morning announcements, web site, Listserv, etc.

Hang posters in your school

Reflections Logo

http://www.pta.org/Reflections_StyleGuide.pdf

Customizableflyers available

for your use!

(Check pta.org – members only section - for this year’s poster)

On the reverse, include details of your school’s program:

• Deadline for submission

• Where to submit (drop off in workroom/media center, main office, etc)

• Details for submitting (very important to have a signed entry form attached)

• Date of showcase & reception

• Chairperson’s contact information

Helpful Suggestions E-mail Student Guidelines Packet directly

to parent when you are able to do so;

Leave a stack of flyers in a convenient place for students to pick-up themselves (in the media center, for example);

Post the Student Guidelines and official entry form on your school or PTA website;

Utilize social media as available;

Helpful Suggestions

Shrink wrap visual arts and photography submissions*

Mount artwork on foam core or stiff poster board (but do not exceed maximum dimensions)

*rolls of shrink wrap available at Michael’s

New Requirements*

Include this important information on cover of the Student Reflections Packet:

Maximum dimensions of artwork

File type and length maximums – DVD /CD entries not recorded in stated format WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

*Check carefully the current year’s Reflections guidelines for details – requirements are subject to change.

Official Entry Form Requirements*

Entry form must be signed before turning in to MCCPTA – REQUIRED

Title and artist statement – REQUIRED

Completed PTA section – REQUIRED

*Check carefully the current year’s Reflections guidelines for details – requirements are subject to change.

JUDGINGReflections Art Program

Judging

Each PTA Reflections chairperson is responsible for securing judges of their own local contest

Helpful to find judges that work with children and understand their levels of ability

Judge may use this form (see Local Arts Chair’ Guide):

Name of Entry

Interpretation of Theme

Artistic Merit/Creativity

Mastery of Medium

Total Points Comments for Student

MCCPTA 2011-12 REFLECTIONS PROGRAM JUDGING SHEET

Theme: “Diversity Means”GRADE DIVISION ARTS AREA___ Primary, Pre – 2 ___ Dance ___ Intermediate, 3 – 5 ___ Literature___ Middle, 6 – 8 ___ Musical Composition___ Senior, 9 – 12 ___ Photography

___ Visual Arts___ Film

JUDGING CRITERIAInterpretation of Theme: How closely the piece relates to the theme, based on the artwork itself and the artist statement. Total points=20Artistic Merit/Creativity: How creative and original the piece is in its conception of the theme and its presentation. Total points= 10Mastery of Medium: The level of skill demonstrated in the basic principles/techniques of the arts area. Total points=10Maximum Total Points = 40

Judges should not be from your own school –MUST conduct blind judging (judge cannot see the name of the student).

With a Post-It note, cover up name of student if it is on the front of the artwork.

Judges should not be able to identify student’s work

Thank the Judges…a few ideas

Barnes & Noble, Panera Bread, Michael’s, Starbuck’s gift cards

PTA Reflections lapel pin to each judge

School SWAG Certificate of Appreciation

PAPERWORKReflections Art Program

Official Entry Form

The PTA section MUST be completed – including all of the dates requested, and PTA ID number

Entries will not be accepted at the MCCPTA office if entry form is incomplete and/or your PTA is not in good standing with MDPTA. No exceptions.

Please Note! Local PTAs must be in good standing with

Maryland PTA by January 1, 2014 (tentative date) in order to participate in MCCTPA Reflections. No exceptions.

Details are outlined in the chairperson guide- please read the document carefully before implementing your local program.

Contact Chris or Melissa with questions!

To Be In Good Standing:

All Standards of Continuing Affiliation (SoCA) requirements must be met.

See MCCPTA website for details:http://

www.mccpta.org/SoCA_Requirements.html

Entry Form – MUST HAVES* Each submission must have a signed

official entry form (including the PTA section).

Each submission must have a title and a mandatory artist’s statement.

Each submission must be correct size (length, width, and thickness, etc)

*Subject to change, check next year’s guide book carefully

Please Note!

There are NO EXCEPTIONS to any and all of the mandatory requirements as outlined in the Local Chair Guidelines. MCCPTA cannot accept any entries that do not adhere to the requirements.

• Please, please read guidelines carefully and ask questions!

• Remember we are all volunteers trying to make this a successful program for our students.

Forms & Paperwork

All forms must be completed and included with the artwork moving up to the council level judging.

Online forms are available on the MDPTA

website under the Reflections tab: http://www.mdpta.org/bridge_reflections.html

and will also be uploaded onto the MCCPTA yahoo group site.

Deliver to MCCPTA Office

Entries should be dropped off during these dates/times.

Dates to be announced, but will be in December before Winter Break.

MCCPTA OFFICE

Upcounty Regional Services Center12900 Middlebrook Road, 3rd Floor

Germantown, MD  20874(301) 208-0111

Office Hours: 10am -2pm M-FOffice Manager: Pam Loebach

2013-14 Drop-off Dates and Times TBA

Please call ahead before dropping off entries.

All documents are available on the MDPTA website and the Yahoo

listserv www.mdpta.org/bridge_reflections.html

and

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ReflectionsMCCPTA/

AWARDS CEREMONYReflections Art Program

Awards and Recognition Ceremonies

Local (school ) level – top 3 in each age division and arts category division move up to county level

MCCPTA (county) level- top 3 in each age division and arts category move up to state level

MCCPTA Showcase & Awards Ceremony held in the spring (usually March)

Maryland PTA AwardsMaryland PTA will honor its 2012-13 winners as follows:

Outstanding Interpretation of Theme -- Certificate, Ribbon, Trophy, 3 Complimentary tickets to the Awards Dinner in July and $100

Award of Excellence – Certificate, Ribbon and $75

Award of Merit – Certificate, Ribbon and $50

Up to ninety entries will be recognized with monetary awards: 30 Outstanding Interpretation of Theme, 30 Awards of Excellence and 30 Awards of Merit (one award per arts category per age division).

Local (school) level awards Local award ceremonies and recognition

are the responsibility of the local Reflections chairperson.

It is recommended that each student

receive a participation award, and those that move forward to the county level can be awarded appropriately.

Be Creative!!

We have used Wholesale Medals www.wholesalemedals.com and Crown Trophy www.crowntrophy.com, and have had good service from both companies, but you may use whomever you wish.

The national PTA web site offers Reflections awards : www.pta.org (click on PTA store link)

Examples of Awards

Stickers Medals

Lapel Pins

Example of SKR’s Certificate:

This certificate is awarded to

“I Can Make a Difference by...”

Christopher Wynne, Principal, Dr. Sally K. Ride Elementary School

Melissa A. McDonald, Reflections Chairperson

Student’s name

In recognition of your 2007-2008 PTA Reflections literature Entry

Certificate of Excellence

Date

Showcase & Reception Ideas

Hang a Reflections ‘gallery’ in a hallway near the site of your awards ceremony (such as the media center) two weeks before the reception, so that all students and teachers will be able to view the submissions.

Tie it in with a PTA meeting: Reflections Showcase & Reception held directly after a brief PTA meeting in early December.

Other Ideas for Award Ceremonies

At WLES, the submissions were hung in their gallery (main hallway) a few weeks before their reception. The judges did their judging at the school.

WLES held a reception in Media Center one evening in mid-December. Each child introduced his or her art piece, and received certificate & pin.

Clarksburg ES had an award ceremony in the morning and included breakfast.

Still More Ideas for Award Ceremonies

Pizza party at lunch time – Great for high school students.

Hang artwork and awards in your school’s media center for a few weeks so that the entire school can see the entries.

Use your imagination & make it your own!

MCCPTA Reflections Awards Ceremony & Gallery

All local Reflections chairpersons are on the MCCPTA Reflections Awards Ceremony committee – thanks in

advance for your time, energy and support!

Event details TBD – watch the listserv for information!

Join our Yahoo! Group

ReflectionsMCCPTA-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Lots of useful (and important) information

is posted there – this is our primary form of communication -

please join!

TOP TIPS FROM LOCAL CHAIRS

Successful Reflection Programs

Top Tips for a Successful Program

• Involve administration and staff• Take advantage of all social media tools• Publicize widely throughout your school

community

Please click link below to access the document filled with suggestions:

http://issuu.com/melissamcdonald/docs/top_tips_for_a_successful_reflectio?workerAddress=ec2-184-73-65-220.compute-1.amazonaws.com

Have fun with your program –

the quality of the kids’ work will amaze you!

Questions ??