The 2025-2026 school year Reflections theme is… I Belong!

Spend summer time exploring themes of belonging with books that express the many ideas, feelings, and experiences about what it means to belong.

To help start your student’s journey, below are some books that can help you and your student artist reflect on what “I Belong!” means to them. Many of these books are available to borrow from Stevenson’s library.

Adults are encouraged to listen to the read aloud links or use the links to read book summaries, to select stories they wish to share with their artist.
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Thank you to Ms. Judie and to our volunteers who provided so many book recommendations, we couldn’t fit them all here! More recommendations, including books available to borrow at Stevenson, will be added at the start of next school year!

​We can't wait to learn the incredible thoughts and feelings of your artist on "I Belong!" and see the amazing art they will create!
Read Alouds:
Room on the Broom
By: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
(Ages: 2-5)
Read aloud link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gljw2IjP4fA&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD


All are Welcome
By: Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman
(Ages 2-6)
Read aloud link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl9PDHexBqY
also available to borrow from the Stevenson library!


Parker Looks Up
By: Parker Curry and Jessica Curry
(Ages 2-7)
Read aloud link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr-tQ4cUFbQ

The Circles All Around Us
By: Brad & Kristi Montague
(Ages 3-6)
Read aloud link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kp7viQaaUOg

Where Are You From?
By: Yamile Saied Méndez and Jaime Kim
(Ages 4-8)
Read aloud link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dYUvKivifE
also available to borrow from the Stevenson library!

The Perfect Fit
Naomi and James Jones
(Age 4-8)
Read aloud link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97y8kKmOME8

Middle Grade Chapter Books / Novels
(Adults, click on the links to read book summaries and decide what you want to share with your student artist.)
A Boy Called Bat
By: Elana K. Arnold
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-boy-called-bat-elana-k-arnold/1123951228?ean=9780062445834
also available to borrow from the Stevenson library!

Barakah Beats
By: Maleeha Siddiqui
https://shop.scholastic.com/parent-ecommerce/books/barakah-beats-9781338702088.html
also available to borrow from the Stevenson library!

Merci Suarez Changes Gears
By Meg Medina
https://shop.scholastic.com/parent-ecommerce/books/merci-suarez-changes-gears-9781536212587.html
also available to borrow from the Stevenson library!

Middle Grade Graphic Novels
(Adults, click on the links to read book summaries and decide what you want to share with your student artist.)

Buzzing
Samuel Sattin and Rye Hickman
(Ages 8-12)
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/buzzing-samuel-sattin/1142631928?ean=9780316628419

The Tryout
Christina Soontornvat
(Ages 8-12)
https://shop.scholastic.com/parent-ecommerce/books/the-tryout-9781338741261.html


Borders
By Thomas King
(Ages 8-12)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316593052/ref=sw_img_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Important Dates

TBD Q&A Zoom at 6:30
TBD October - Deadline to Submit
TBD - Chairs submit entries to Judges
Judges have a week to review and log their responses (due to chairs by TBD)
TBD - Chairs submit winners to the council
TBD - Gallery of submissions on display in the library for one week
TBD - Reflections Recognition Ceremony/Reception 5:30-6:30p before Association mtg (Auditorium & Library)
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​Questions? Check out the FAQ below or email [email protected]

CATEGORIES

Click on the icon below for THE OFFICIAL RULES for each category
Visual Arts
Photography
Special Artist
Music
Film
Dance
Literature

REFLECTIONS: IT’S ALL ABOUT THE ARTS

“Accepting Imperfection" -- That’s the theme for the 2024-2025 Reflections Art Program which has been bringing the arts to life for more than 10 million students since 1969. California State PTA and its members, families and kids are on the forefront of this amazing program, which increases community awareness of the importance of arts in education. In Reflections, interpretation of the theme is highly considered during the review process. 
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Reflections encourages students of all ages to:
  • Unleash creative talents and be inspired
  • Express themselves imaginatively in their artwork
  • Experience the fun and joy of making art
  • Tap into critical-thinking skills to create art inspired by the annual theme
  • Receive positive recognition for their original works of art.​

FAQ

First -- a very important note!!
Please do not put your student's name on the front of any art projects or in the video credits of any film or choreography entries. This is a guideline from National PTA regarding doing our best to ensure BLIND JUDGING.

When do I drop off the hardcopy of my art project?
You will need to submit a digital copy of your work when filling out the online submission/registration form. 
You will drop off a hard copy of your work (photos, visual art, literature) in the front office on TBD.
If we do not receive a hardcopy of your work (photos, visual art, literature) -- they will not be on display in the Reflections Gallery in the library that begins on TBD and ends during the Celebrations Ceremony.

When can I take home the hardcopy of my art project?
Please take it home with you after the Reflections Celebration Ceremony on TBD. 
Please Note: If your project won an "Award of Excellence" in the visual art or photography category, you will not take those home. The chairpersons will be submitting those hardcopies to the Burbank Council to be reviewed for the next level of the "competition."

Reflections Overview: https://capta.org/programs-events/reflections/

Where can I find the rules for the program?
You can watch the video directly above this list of frequently asked questions. Or -- see/click below:)

Contact Us

STEVENSON ELEMENTARY
3333 W Oak Street
​Burbank, CA 91505
​
Phone: 818-729-5700

Front Office Hours:
Weekdays 8 am - 4 pm