STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A Staten Island middle school will launch an initiative this weekend to stop bullying where it starts -- with students.

The program debuts less than a week after bullying may have contributed to the death of an Island high school student.

"One of the keys is getting the tools to the kids, so they can create the change," said George Anthony, who founded the "Stand Up and Lead Program" with Lindy P. Crescitelli.

The launch will be Saturday at

in Graniteville, with 50 students from the sixth and eighth grades being trained to stand up against bullying in their school. The initiative is sponsored by the United Federation of Teachers.

It has been in the works for weeks but may seem more relevant after recent headlines focusing on bullying. Amanda Diane Cummings, 15, a New Dorp High School student, died Monday after she was struck by a city bus on Hylan Boulevard on Dec. 27. Police said she was carrying a suicide note. Her uncle told the Advance her death came after she was tormented by bullies, and was struggling with romantic problems.

DIGNITY FOR ALL STUDENTS ACT

A law targeting bullying in schools -- the Dignity for All Students Act -- will expand state law when it comes to the concepts of tolerance, respect for other and dignity, and will require schools to collect and report data regarding discrimination and harassment. It goes into effect in July.

By training students on how to deal with bullying -- and how to step in without feeling like a "snitch" -- Anthony said bullying victims can be made to feel less alone.

"In situations like this, you just have to have one friend who knows what to do or knows what to say or get you to a person who can protect you -- and oftentimes it's to protect you from yourself," he said.

The students selected for the initiative will meet weekly and be trained in leadership, anti-violence, peer education and conflict resolution skills. Without that training, while students may have the best intentions, they might not know what to do.

"It changes lives, and we know it can save a life," Anthony said of the program. "And the saddest thing is we lost a beautiful light that we can't get back."

The program was brought to PS 6 in Tottenville last year, where parents and students hailed it as a success.

Markham Principal Nicholas Mele, who has been at the school for a year, said he was happy to welcome the initiative to his school. "I know that IS 51, like any school, has had issues of bullying, and we still continually deal with that," he said.

And while meeting with students involved and parents and suspensions are a way to deal with bullying, Mele said he was looking for something more proactive that may resonate more. Many students have been bullied for months before they finally come forward, Mele said, and administrators can't help unless they know what is happening. Students often know first, he said.

"We can instill in at least 50 of my students how they can be proactive, to say, 'No, stop that,' and be that line of defense," he said.

Students from across the school will be trained in the initiative, Mele said, so they can spread what they learn to their different peer groups. By targeting different types of students, rather than just the highest achievers, he hopes those who might have been too shy to intervene before will, and those who might have engaged in bullying behavior before won't.

YEARLONG PROGRAM

The yearlong program takes a whole-community approach -- the 50 students chosen must have a parent or guardian participate as well, and school staff will also receive training. Parents are invited to the Saturday kickoff, and in the wake of recent news about Miss Cummings, Mele said it is important for parents to talk about bullying with their children.

"Your kids need to be able to come to you and say this is going on," he said. "If there was someone this person could have reach out to, maybe it didn't have to go that way."

The "Stand Up and Lead" Initiative at Markham will stretch over the next year, with workshop presentations and training for students, parents, guardians and the entire school staff. The kickoff event is Saturday at noon at the school.