Reflections is a National and State PTA awards program. It is offered to all PTA units. It is run by the State PTA office which has its winners and sends the top ones off to National PTA for judging. It is a great arts program.
We are allowed 16 winners at our school to send on to the Council level. We gave the winning literature entries a pen and journal, the photography winners a small photo album, the visual arts winners received an art pad and markers, and the music entries received blank sheet music and pencils. All cost under $3.00 each. All 120 participants received a certificate and of course our "winners" did also.
1st prize $100
2nd prize $50
3rd prize $25
Most banks will do a $25 savings bond without blinking. The bank that has our PTA account and sponsors our school banking always gives us the $100.
I prefer the savings bonds as prizes. Insted of a $25 gift cert to say toysrus, you can buy a
$25 EE bond for $12.50, and the kids have an "investment" started.
Definitely hit up your local banks, most are more than willing to help!
We are having a Spell-A-Thon in the Spring and your prize sounds perfect! How much were the savings bonds, if I may ask? We have a small credit union I have in mind to ask! This sure beats toys and food!! Thank You for the great idea!!
We actually just walk right in with a letter explaining what we need and what it is for. We are a fairly small town, so I know most of the branch managers and bank presidents personally, and most can make the decision for themselves. Some do have to go a little higher up, but we have never gotten a NO. I don't know how it is in bigger cities, but our local banks are always eager to help, especially when you mention who donated the prizes in the local paper with a picture of the winners!
