National PTA Reflections Program held at Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School

Each year, the nation’s Parent Teacher Association challenges students from all levels – primary through senior high to create art inspired by a specific theme. This year’s theme, “Together we can … ” encouraged many students from Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School to express themselves creatively.

            The purpose of the PTA Reflections program is to enhance arts education by providing an outlet for students to explore their ideas about art through words, pictures, music, dance, or other art forms. The arts programs in America’s public schools are routinely one of the first cuts to save money and resources. Students want and need opportunities that permit them to express their autonomy and originality. We are fortunate to have the PTA’s Reflections program, wherein students are able to discover who they are and who they want to become. This learning experience opens the door for student self-expression, student access to wider audiences, and student creativity as a meaningful form of learning. Through participation in the program, students were able to analyze their thoughts, feelings, and ideas on the school experience.

            This year’s National PTA Reflections program was held November 2010 and winning school projects were sent to the district level competition, held in December. The following students from Julia Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School were selected as district level winners:

M. Daniels and H. Ibach, “Award of Excellence” in Dance Choreography

R. Foote, “Award of Merit” in Visual Arts

M. Mann, “Award of Excellence” in Music

M. McKetty, “Award of Excellence” in Literature

A. Rasheed, “Award of Merit” in Dance Choreography

            A district-wide awards reception will be held for all winners, and “Awards of Excellence” project winners advanced to state judging. Supporting PTA’s Reflections program is just one way you can support the arts in your home, school, and community.