Reflections

I am the Reflections chairperson for my girls’ school’s PTA. Reflections is a contest where students “reflect” on the theme and then depict that theme through one of six categories: literature, visual arts, photography, musical composition, dance choreography, or film. When I was asked to hold this position, I was promised it was super easy. When I had to go to a meeting to learn about it on my birthday, I knew it wasn’t going to be as easy as suggested.

Today was the due date for students to turn in their entries to me. After looking at my first big batch, I’m a bit disappointed. A few teachers, this year, took it upon themselves to make it an assignment for their class. Fine! But if you’re going to do that, please get the official rules. I had one teacher (sweet person), turn in literature entries for her entire class. She had the students write about the theme “My Favorite Place…”, and then she nicely mounted their writings on large pieces of colorful paper. However, had she read the rules, it says on there, do not mount your writing and the size needs to be 81/2 x 11. Another entry I got today was from a 4th grader whose dad corresponded with me via email regarding rules for the contest. His son had chosen film, but didn’t get the rules before filming his place. He specifically told me that it wouldn’t work anymore, because according to the rules the student has to be the cameraman, and must do all of the editing, and unfortunately, the dad had video-taped his son, and didn’t see how a 4th grader could work an editing program. However, turned into me today, from the same people, was a dvd of everything that breaks the rules – immediately disqualified. I feel like I’m wasting my time!!! I’m ready to throw more than half of them away!!! Now I get to use my discretion and decide which ones are acceptable for judging, and then beg some of my wonderful friends to come take a peek and judge for me. Should be pretty easy, there won’t be many to judge by the looks of things now.

On the other hand, to prepare for a good couple of weeks of reflections nonsense, I cleaned up my house today. It feels good to have a picked up house, and empty clothes hampers. I know it doesn’t last, but it’s a start. Also getting ready for big fun tomorrow!! I just painted the girls’ nails – Esther’s are ruby red to go with her Dorothy costume (shout out to Christina for making it and to Katie Mei who’s too small for it this Halloween), and Abigail got a french manicure to go with her movie star look. Sarah’s asleep already, but she’ll get sparkles tomorrow for her Cinderella costume, and I painted mine orange with some sparkles (I have to have some Halloween fun too!). I’m very excited for them. They are all at the age where it’s fun, and exciting, and fancy, and make-believe, and special. Another shout out to Amy who reminds me that these times are too short!

Lots of pictures and stories should follow tomorrow!