Reflections Contest Now Open

Now – Start creating! Review rules and brainstorm your ideas.

Saturday, October 10, 2026 – All entries due (turn in to teacher/front office or upload digital submissions).

📝 How to Participate

1. Review the rules. 

   • Full guidelines for each category are linked below.

2. Create your original work

   • Reflect the theme “What My Culture Means to Me”

3. Complete the Student Entry Form

   • Every entry must include a title and an artist statement (10–100 words).

4. Submit your entry

   • Literature, Photography, Visual Arts → Print, attach your form, and turn in to your teacher or the Fern office.

   • Dance, Music, Film → Upload your digital file online (Google account required).

👉 All forms, upload links, and details are available below. 

📂 Forms & Links

1. Official Rules & Student Entry Form (download here)

2. National PTA Resources (view here)

   • Accessible Arts Division Guidelines (en español)

   • Dance Choreography Guidelines (en español)

   • Film Production Guidelines (en español)

   • Literature Guidelines (en español)

   • Music Composition Guidelines (en español)

   • Photography Guidelines (en español)

   • Visual Arts Guidelines (en español)

3. Upload Portal for Digital Submissions (for Dance, Music, Film only) (click here)

✅ Entry Requirements

• Entries must be new and original, created for the theme “What My Cultrue Means to Me”

• Only one student per entry (no group projects).

• Each entry must include:

  • A title

  • An artist statement (10–100 words) explaining how your work relates to the theme

• Assistance from adults should be minimal and age-appropriate.

🖥️ Use of Technology / Digital Tools

• Digital tools (photo editing, music software, etc.) may be used, but the creative choices must be the student’s own.

• Generative AI or other automated tools may not be the primary creator.

• If digital or generative tools are used, the entry form must include a 10–50 word description of the tools and methods.

© Copyright & Plagiarism

• All work must be original.

• No plagiarism — use your own words, melody, ideas, and images.

• Copyrighted materials (stock images, famous songs, logos, etc.) are not allowed unless they are incidental and properly cited.

🖼️ Category Guidelines & Tips

🎨Visual Arts

• 2D or 3D accepted (3D must include photos of all sides).

• No larger than 24x30 inches.

📸Photography

• Print size: up to 8x10 inches.

• Use good lighting, focus, and framing.

• No added graphics, filters, or text overlays.

✍️Literature

• Works may be hand-written, typed, or dictated for younger students.

• Accepted formats: story, poem, essay, play, etc.

• Max length: 2,000 words.

🎶Music Composition

• Original music only.

• Submit recording (MP3 or WAV); sheet music encouraged for older students.

• Max length: 5 minutes.

🎬Film Production

• Accepted formats: MP4, MOV, AVI.

• Max length: 5 minutes.

• Student must do most of the filming and editing.

💃Dance Choreography

• Solo or group performance choreographed by the student.

• Submit video (MP4, MOV, AVI).

• Max length: 5 minutes.

🏆 Recognition & Awards 

1. All participants will be recognized.

2. Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category.

3. 1st place winners advance to the Torrance Council PTA level.

2025-2026 Results

🎨 The Reflections Art Contest results are in! This year we had over 50 submissions and everyone did an amazing job! Below are the names of our winners by division and category. Our judging panel was made up of parents, PTA board members, and teachers. They had a difficult job! Congratulations Fern students!  We are very proud of all of you!!

❓ Questions?  

Email us at: Reflections@fernpta.org