Reflections program lets students show their creativity
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn

Moorpark students have been invited to show their creativity- using photography, visual arts, musical composition, literature, dance choreography, film or video- for the annual Parent Teacher Association Reflections program.

This year's entries will be judged on artistic merit, creativity and interpretation of the 200708 PTA national theme, "I can make a difference by . . ."

All Moorpark schools but one are participating in the event. Arroyo West Elementary isn't taking part because the school doesn't have a Reflections coordinator, said Debbie Woerner, a Moorpark mom who's been coordinating the program for several years.

Students can submit their artwork to their school office or library until Fri., Nov. 2.

Reflections was founded in 1969 by Mary Lou Anderson, president of the Colorado PTA.

Since then, students have artistically interpreted themes like "Anything Is Possible," "Dare to Discover" and "If I Could Give the World a Gift."

The Reflections program is not meant to promote competition, according to local PTA leaders, who said all students who enter will be honored. Exceptional entries at various levels receive special recognition, and national winners may receive scholarships and monetary awards.

The Moorpark exhibit will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wed., Nov. 14 at Mesa Verde Middle School. It will showcase all the works created by local students, celebrating the diverse talents of the children and affording those who have never tried a chance to experiment and explore their creativity.

"I feel it's important to celebrate their participation and showcase the talents of all the students," said Woerner.

The idea of learning to express an individual interpretation of a theme also helps a child to develop analytical skills that can be applied to other areas of learning and lifebuilding skills, said organizers.

About 780 students participated in the program last year.

Cathy Lasure, a third-grade teacher at Walnut Canyon Elementary, strongly supports the Reflections program.

"We try to incorporate as much of the arts as we possibly can into the regular curriculum because research shows that arts improve learning," she said.

Walnut Canyon is a magnet school with a focus on visual/performing arts and technology.