Create Conversation and Engagement with "What My Culture Means to Me"

Culture is so much more than heritage or family background—it is the shared values, traditions, and community that create a true sense of belonging. Whether found in family traditions, school spirit, sports teams, performing arts, or local communities, "What My Culture Means to Me" invites students to explore what makes them feel connected.

Here are some discussion questions for families, coaches, and educators to explore together:

  • Where Do You Belong? Where do you feel most understood and accepted—is it at home, on a team, in a classroom, or within a creative group? What makes that community special to you?
  • Shared Traditions & Rituals: What inside jokes, team chants, family recipes, or annual traditions bring your group together?
  • Expressing Your Values: How do art, music, clothing, or sports help you express who you are and what you care about?
  • Connecting Across Communities: How can learning about different cultures—from family heritage to school groups—help us build stronger, more inclusive communities?

📋 Step 1: Register Your Local Unit

Running Reflections at your school this year? Register your local PTA/PTSA unit to receive official county updates, submission links, and support.

📝 Register Local Unit

📁 Step 2: Access Local Unit Resources

Access the Chair Handbook, rules, fillable student entry packets, promotional materials, and administrative forms on our dedicated hub.

📂 Visit Local Unit Resource Hub ↗
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Important Requirement: Standards of Affiliation (SOA) Compliance

To advance student entries to the Free State PTA level, local PTA/PTSA units must be in Good Standing / SOA Compliant with Free State PTA.

SOA Checklist Items Include:
  • Current Officers reported in Givebacks
  • Approved Bylaws on file (updated within 3 years)
  • Annual Financial Review uploaded to Givebacks
  • Treasurer's final Report uploaded to Givebacks
  • IRS Form 990 filed with copy uploaded to Givebacks
  • Maryland Charitable Renewal uploaded to Givebacks
  • Membership dues paid to Free State PTA

Need help verifying your unit's status? Contact the HCCPTA Board for assistance bringing your unit into compliance before local judging begins.

🗓️ Harford County Entries Due: December 18, 2026

Specific submission instructions and digital collection links will be sent directly to registered Local Unit Reflections Chairs.

Last Updated September 4, 2026