October has ended, and I had hoped the news would not bring yet another story of a school “bully-related” death. I was too optimistic, however, as I saw the incident at Butler High School in Charlotte Monday. As the Associated Press reported, “ a case of bullying that escalated out of control and involving two 16-year-old boys in a crowded school resulting in a death occurring in front of many young people. “

People will say many things about this horrible event. The availability of guns, the security at our schools, the feeling in our country that “anything goes.” Everybody will have an opinion, but not much will be done — too expensive, gun rights threatened, etc.

How about a suggestion that has been discussed again and again in this county and has been implemented by a local nonprofit organization, Families First-NC Inc., a United Way organization? The program, Second Step, promotes a social emotional growth program with the emphasis on non-violence, controlling your feelings and a strong anti-bullying component for preK, kindergarten and first-grade students. It has been in the Rowan-Salisbury School System since 2005, and is not funded by RSSS. We survive on the generosity of individuals, churches and the United Way. We impact over 1,500 students once a week in 30-minute sessions in 12 sites. It is a best-practices program and has helped a number of young people.

Second Step runs on a shoestring budget, and Families First has repeatedly asked the school system to help us, but to no avail. We have been involved in committees with RSS studying bullying problems, we have participated in all kinds of adult programming but cannot get funding help. We have to try to put an end to the violence we are witnessing.

Maybe this year?

— Lea Silverburg

Salisbury

The writer is program manager for Second Step.