- Recognize the emotion that the first anniversary of a traumatic event creates. It’s important to acknowledge appropriately and foster healing rather than retraumatization. Special events or quiet acknowledgments are ways to mark the occasion with respect and caring.
- Involve students, staff and families of the victims in planning the event.
- Keep the program brief and age appropriate.
- Send written invitations to families of the victims. Invite parents of current students and alumni who were at the school at the time of the crisis.
- Determine if the event will be open to the public. Consider having a closed event at school for the internal audiences — students, staff and families — and a public event for the community.
- Make mental health professionals available.
- Promote hope through activities like release of balloons or doves or a candle-lighting ceremony.
- Respect diverse traditions and religions.
- Consider including:
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- A moment of silence.
- Reading of the victims’ names.
- Speeches by school staff, students and victims’ family members.
- Music by student groups.
- Non-sectarian prayers by clergy representatives.
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