School employees Dee Lavallee, left, and Shelley Rivelli, left, flank Kelly Gray, whose family lost their home to fire on Friday, Feb. 27. The two employees were honored by the School Committee on Tuesday for responding to the fire to help the Gray's and their five children.
Photo credit: Deborah Gauthier

NORTHBRIDGE, Mass. – It isn’t in their job description, but two Northbridge School District employees headed straight for Border Street when they learned that fire was destroying the home of their students.

 That fire broke out at 81 Border St. Friday, Feb. 27and left Kelly and Andy Gray and their five children, between the ages of 8 and 17, homeless.

At a meeting of the School Committee on Tuesday, Schools Superintendent Susan Gorky honored those employees – Shelly Rivelli and Dolores (Dee) Lavallee – with certificates of recogntion.

“They gave their time and service to the students and their families into the late hours of the evening,’’ Gorky said, even accompanying them to the hospital when it became apparent that one them was in distress.

“They showed an amazing level of kindness and compassion,’’ Gorky said

Noting the Gray’s have been part of her life for six years, Lavallee said, “I felt more like I was helping family.’’

And she was quick to praise police and firefighters at the scene, particularly Lt. Timothy Labrie. “He did an amazing job with the family,’’ she said. She also thanked Jan Roach, who also helped with the children.

Neighbors were also incredible, she said. “My car was filled with blankets and food… people filled my car with things they thought the family would need,’’ she said.

She said Balmer School Principle John Zywien called to ask how he could help. I have not stopped receiving calls and text messages from people asking “how can we make a difference,’’ she said.

An account has been set up at Unibank to help the family, and gift cards were collected at each of the schools.

“I am proud to be a part of the town of Northbridge,’’ she said.

The family has been offered an apartment on East Street and will be moving in on Friday. They need everything for the kitchen.  In addition, they need mattresses, bedding, towels, pots and pans and anything that makes up a household.