PTA Reflections – 2026-27
This year’s theme is “What My Culture Means to Me.” When students share what their culture means to them, they help classmates, educators and families better understand the many stories and perspectives that make a community whole.
The National PTA says “There many different definitions for culture and even more ways to experience it, which means there will be many interpretations of the theme. Culture encompasses all that a group of people does that makes them similar to each other, but different from other people in the world. Culture does not stay the same but changes with new influences and generations.
Culture is expressed through physical elements like food, clothing, music, and art, as well as non-physical elements like languages, holidays, and customs. It is found in quiet, everyday moments: the tradition of generations gathering for a family reunion; the way one’s name is pronounced; stories passed down from loved ones about a hometown hero; or values taught in a school community or on the football field.”
Make sure to:
- read the description of the arts category you want to participate in
- download & complete the registration form
- submit your work by November 13, 2026 deadline.
- NOTE – Visual art & photography artworks should be submitted to the front office, mounted on a hard back, together with the completed registration form.
Registration form coming soon…
Need help brainstorming?
Consider these ideas to help students brainstorm about creating art in different arts categories:
Visual Arts: A drawing, painting, collage, sculpture or mixed-media work using symbols, colors, patterns, textures or images connected to cultural identity.
Dance Choreography: Movement inspired by a family celebration, cultural tradition, personal journey or feeling of connection.
Film Production: A short film about a person, place, tradition, memory or community that helps explain what culture means to the student.
Literature: A poem, short story, essay or personal reflection about a name, family story, recipe, language, holiday, value or meaningful memory.
Music Composition: Original music inspired by sounds, rhythms, instruments, songs or emotions connected to home, identity or community.
Photography: An image of a meaningful object, gathering, meal, place, person or everyday moment that tells a larger cultural story.
More inspiration can be found on the National PTA Student/Families page.