Thank you to all the MT students who participated in Reflections this year. Be sure to support these budding artists by attending the Londonderry town-wide Reflections Exhibit scheduled for Saturday, January 19th at the Middle School.

    Click here to view pictures of a few of the entries!

     We want to highlight and congratulate the (2) first grade classes that
tied for the most Reflections entries this year and won a Pizza Party sponsored by Papa Ginos in Londonderry. The classes belong to Sarah Blanch and Joanne McGee.

                   "I can make a difference by ..."

A little history....

Reflections is an arts recognition and achievement program that provides opportunities for students to express themselves creatively and to receive positive recognition for original works of art inspired by a theme. Reflections was established in 1969 by National PTA board member Mary Lou Anderson. Since that time, more than 10 million students have participated in the program. The excitement and enthusiasm that the program generates for children, parents, schools and communities is unmatched. Participation and appreciation for the arts is the goal of Reflections. Although the Reflections Program follows a "contest" format, winning should not be the main focus. Instead, an emphasis on the importance of arts education and a child's ability to express themselves in a creative fashion are the true testaments of the program.

Why participate....

Participation in the Reflections Program is a great way for students to explore and learn about various art forms. Creating art is a valuable learning process. When children express themselves through words, pictures, music, photography and other art forms, they grow intellectually. They learn to analyze their thoughts, feelings and ideas. Children learn to look at people and experiences in a fresh and exciting way.

Participation in the Reflections Program is organized by school grade. Student works are critiqued against others in the same grade division. This allows recognition and judging of artworks by appropriate developmental age and skill levels. The four grade divisions are as follows:

• Primary Preschool Grade 2 or up to age 7
• Intermediate Grades 3-5 or ages 8-10
• Middle/Junior Grades 6-8 or ages 11-13
• Senior Grades 9-12 or ages 14+

Reflections is structured for PTAs to recognize students at the district, state and national levels. The top three entries in each category that advance to the NH State PTA, may then be selected for submission to the National PTA. Award of Excellence and Awards of Merit are recognized at the annual National PTA convention and are displayed as part of the program's traveling exhibit.

Participation in the NH Reflections program is open to all students in attendance at PTA/PTSA schools where the program is sponsored.

How can my child enter...

Students may submit an entry in any of the six arts areas: dance, film/video, music, literature, photography and visual arts. Only original works of art are accepted. Entries are created based on this years Reflections theme "I can make a difference by...". Students are allowed to submit more than one work of art, but a completed entry form must be attached to each entry. This year, entries will be collected at Matthew Thornton November 24-30th. Sorry, but late entries cannot be included in the program.

Don't forget...

• Students must have a completed entry form attached to each entry submitted.
• All entries submitted must be original works and must relate to the annual Reflections Program theme.
• Each entry must be the work of only one student. Assistance from teachers, parents or friends is not permitted except in special cases (such as for those with visual or physical disabilities)
• Participation encourages creativity and exploration. Students should do their best, but crooked lines, incorrect musical notes, or misspelled words do not disqualify anyone.