PTA Reflections 2026–2027

Theme: What My Culture Means to Me

What makes you you? This year’s Reflections theme, “What My Culture Means to Me,” invites students to explore the people, places, traditions, values, memories, and communities that have shaped their lives.

Culture can mean many different things. It might be a family tradition passed down through generations, a favorite meal or celebration, a language or song, a neighborhood or team, a meaningful place, or simply the everyday experiences that help a student understand who they are. There’s no single right way to interpret the theme—the most important thing is for students to tell their own story.

Ridgeview students can bring that story to life through dance, film, literature, music, photography, or visual arts. We can’t wait to see the creativity and perspectives our Rattlers share!

Students may submit original works in these categories:

🎶 Dance Choreography
Students create and perform an original dance inspired by the theme. This can be any style of dance—ballet, hip hop, tap, cultural dance, or a mix of styles. Dances are recorded on video for submission.

🎬 Film Production
Students produce an original short film or animation that reflects the theme. Entries may include narrative, documentary, experimental, or multimedia projects. Storyboarding, editing, and creativity are all part of the process!

✍️ Literature
Students write an original piece of work such as a poem, short story, essay, play, or even a collection of lyrics. Entries are judged on how well the writing expresses the theme, not just on grammar or spelling.

🎼 Music Composition
Students compose their own original song or instrumental piece. It can be performed by the student, by others, or generated digitally. For older students, notation may also be included, but at Ridgeview the focus is on creative expression and interpretation of the theme.

📸 Photography
Students capture an original photo that interprets the theme. Photos may be color or black and white, digital or film, but must be taken by the student. Cropping, filters, and light editing are allowed.

🎨 Visual Arts (2D or 3D)
Students create original artwork such as drawings, paintings, printmaking, collages, mixed media, sculptures, or ceramics. Two-dimensional works are submitted as flat images; three-dimensional works can be photographed from multiple angles for judging.

An Accessible Arts Division is also available for students with disabilities, ensuring every child has a chance to share their unique perspective.

How to Participate

1. Create original work inspired by the theme “What My Culture Means to Me”
   
   

2. Complete a Student Entry Form (one for each submission): forms.gle/W9QKfGsCokRggRxR7. Each entry must include an artist statement (10–100 words) explaining the student’s creative process and connection to the theme.
   
   

3. Prepare your entry in the accepted format for your category
   
   

4. Submit entries to the office by the deadline: NOVEMBER 6
   
   

👉 Rules and Entry Forms

👉 Craft an Entry information from National PTA

All Ridgeview participants will be celebrated for sharing their creativity. In addition, select entries will have the opportunity to advance to the district, state, and national levels for further recognition.

Key Guidelines

• Work must be original and created by the student (no group entries).

• Each entry must have a title and artist statement.

• Entries must be created for this year’s theme—no recycled assignments or older work.

• Digital tools are allowed, but the concept must come from the student (no AI-only creations).

• Copyright rules apply; students must use only their own content or content allowed under PTA rules.

Questions? Contact Jenna Rabe at enrichment@rattlerpta.com