Dickson Elementary Helps Student Victims of Saturday Fire

Two students left homeless after a Saturday are receiving help from faculty, students and the greater community.

Principal Allison Kline said one of the students is in kindergarten and the other is in second grade. They are not being identified by the school district or the fire department because the incident is still under investigation.

Kline said the two elementary students returned to school on Tuesday after their home on Calumet Street in Swissvale burned down. As soon as they came back, they were given donated backpacks and school supplies.

“On Friday, we are having a jean day donation so I think our staff will be very generous,” Kline said.

cheerleaders are holding a bake sale fundraiser Nov. 23 at Dickson Elementary as well. In addition, the school has adopted the family affected by the fire to help them over the holidays with gifts and other needs.

“We will take care of that whole family this year,” Kline said.

She also added that the school is lending emotional support to the children as well.

“We are giving it some time and helping them to get resources and any counseling they need,” she said.

Kline said the victims were related to a senior Woodland Hills High School student who was injured and remains in the hospital. That victim’s brother, Rayseun Hall, died in the fire.

Donations for the students also are being taken at Dickson Elementary in the form of gift cards for stores and household goods. For more information, call 412-731-5816.