2022-2023 NATIONAL REFLECTIONS THEME CONTEST

Help us pick the theme idea that will spark fun and creativity during the 2022—2023 Reflections program! The student who submits the winning entry will receive a $100 prize from National PTA.

National PTA’s Reflections program has helped students explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life.

Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts in response to a student-selected theme.

Past themes and duplicate submissions are not considered. This means we’re looking for the most original theme ideas.

To participate, please submit your theme idea online by November 1, 2020.

Questions? Please contact us at reflections@vistaverdepta.org.

REFLECTIONS: I MATTER BECAUSE…

THANK YOU VIKINGS! First of all, THANK YOU to all the teachers and Instructional Aids who shared their videos about why they matter! They have kept their chin ups both in person and in the Irvine Virtual Academy and have been working extra hard for the sake of our kids! VV teachers and staff, you really matter to us, and don’t you forget it!

Thank you to all of our students who have submitted their artwork to the Reflections team! Wednesday was the deadline to submit.

All submissions were sent virtually. No artwork should have been dropped off at the school. 

What’s next? Judging!  Our judges are anonymous and will judge anonymously. All judges are experts in their assigned categories. Judges strongly consider the interpretation of the Reflections theme during the evaluation process. It is suggested that students give their submissions a title that stands out and describes how the piece relates to the student’s personal interpretation of the theme.

Judges will observe the artwork and read the artist statement carefully.

·       How does the work relate to the theme?

·       What is the personal connection to the theme?

·       What did the student use to create the work (e.g., supplies, technology, instrumentation, props, etc.)?

·       What/who was their inspiration?

Judging will be based on the following point system:

1.    Interpretation of theme: How closely the artwork communicates the theme based on the artwork itself and the artist statement. (40 points)

2.    Artistic merit & creativity: How creative and original the artwork is in its conception of the theme and its presentation. (30 points)

3.    Master of medium: The level of skill demonstrated in the basic principles/techniques of the artistic discipline. (30 points)

Winners will be announced in the next week’s newsletter! All first place winners will move on to the next level: Irvine Council!

If you would like to get involved or have any questions, please contact Lili LaBuen Gillen or Roxi Carter at  reflections@vistaverdepta.org.

IPSF GIVING DAY – TURN IRVINE ORANGE

It’s IPSF Giving Day! Please join us in supporting educational excellence in our public schools by donating to the Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF). We are proud to support IPSF’s mission to enrich the educational experience of each child in every school. IPSF helps to ensure that tomorrow’s leaders receive the best education possible, despite cuts in state funding. Visit www.ipsf.net/givingday to show your support! #SupportIPSF #TurnIrvineOrange

BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK

Please consider helping out with Blessings in a Backpack. It is a great opportunity for our children to participate in helping those who are less fortunate. Please click here for more information and see the flier for contactless donation drop off location and time.

GUYS STUFF NIGHT

All 5th Grade Boys and their adult role models are invited to attend this year’s “Guys Stuff Night”, October 28th, 6:30 -8:30pm. Please see the attached flyer for more information. Register here. And visit www.vistaverdepta.org/guysnight for more information.

REFLECTIONS DEADLINE IS NEXT WEEK!

The deadline for submitting any entries to the Reflections Art Program is coming up on October 14th! 

For the last 51 years, the National PTA Reflections Art Program has been a wonderful way for students to showcase their talents by taking the theme for the year, reflecting upon it, and creating a work of art and entering it into this amazing program where they can earn awards and possibly even a cash prize at national level! This year’s theme is I MATTER BECAUSE.

 

Mrs. Herzog has a wonderful message to share why she matters and why you should tell us why YOU matter!

Anyone can enter because in this program, INTERPRETATION OUTWEIGHS TECHNICAL SKILLS! Tap into your inner artist and share it with us! Whether it be through a painting, an original song, a dance, even a movie! All submissions are now 100% VIRTUAL! 

Please feel free to drop in on Monday, October 12th from 4-4:45pm to ask questions or learn more about how to submit your entries with our parent volunteer, Lilli LaBuen. 

 

RSVP with Lilli LaBuen at reflections@vistaverdepta.org to receive a Zoom link and password.

 

Learn more here: https://vistaverdepta.org/reflections/ or contact Lilli and Roxanne at Reflections@vistaverdepta.org.

 

5th GRADE LADIES TEA

All 5th Grade Girls and their female role models are invited to attend the 5th Grade Ladies Tea on Zoom on Thursday, October 29th. For more details please visit https://vistaverdepta.org/ladiestea/ or see the attached flyer. Register here.

FINAL WEEK TO ORDER 20/21 VV SPIRIT WEAR – ORDER BY 10/16

Don’t miss out on this year’s spirit wear collections – order by October 16!

Shop for a cause and support the Vista Verde PTA. Using super soft fabrics in kid and adult styles, this year’s six spirit collections feature on-trend designs and messages promoting kindness. Here’s your opportunity to shop while supporting our school and spreading a little Viking spirit. Check out the 20/21 collections here, and get your orders in by 10/16 before the sales window closes!

DINE @MOD PIZZA ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14TH AND THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15TH – SUPPORT THE PTA

Come out and enjoy a delicious meal while supporting the Vista Verde PTA!

 

MOD Pizza will donate 20% of the proceeds to our school PTA on Wednesday, October 14th and Thursday, October 15th.

Valid for dine in, take out, and delivery.

Don’t forget to mention “Vista Verde” when placing your order!

For online orders, please use code: GR161006V

 

Hope to see you all there!

PTA GENERAL ASSEMBLY MTG – October 13th at 3:00 pm via Zoom

Please join us for the first General Assembly Meeting of the year via Zoom. Get your cup of coffee ready and meet us online on October 13th at 3:00 pm. Please register here.