Permanent memorials — issues to consider       Develop a thoughtful process. Take time and allow time for grieving before deciding on a permanent memorial. Involve families, staff and students in deciding how best to remember the tragedy and its victims. A committee composed of parents, students, staff and community leaders should take time to develop a thoughtful memorial. Remember, in many cases it takes years to establish a permanent memorial. Think carefully about the location of the memorial. Establish a school or district policy about whether memorials will be allowed in the school building or on school grounds. Keep in mind that establishing a precedent might cause difficulties in the future. Also, remember that memorials in the school serve as a constant reminder of the event to students and may interfere with healing. Consider the type of memorial. Memorials may be plaques or structures, but they can also include awards, scholarships, plantings or donations of books and materials. Some schools have started a positive community service activity as a memorial to lost students. Be mindful of separation of church and state issues. Family members might want religious statements or symbols included in the memorial. Manage this issue by involving the broad-based community. Realize there is no such thing as closure. While the community can move on and heal, the crisis is never forgotten.