Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Special Services

News from our schools

• European artwork the latest focus of Tappan Hill's world travels

  Tappan Hill School's world travels landed in Europe as the Connected Learning Team’s Rosalie Consani, Elizabeth Lopez & Deborah Maas created resources to support learning aboutthe continent. Each classroom created a display of student art in the style of famous European artists. Classes studied Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gough, Henri Matisse, George Seurat, Wassily Kandinsky, Edgar Degas and Antoni Gaudi. They were then able to conduct art walks throughout the building. 

  News Feed - Tappan Hill

• Tappan Hill hops on down to Australia for world learning tour

  Tappan Hill School's world travels continue with last week's stop in Australia! As part of their learning, students kicked each day off with morning songs inspired by the continent. They then explored the unique wildlife and culture of Australia. As a special treat, students participated in a Kangaroo hop, complete with their very own joey to put in their pouch.

   

  "The kangaroo hop activity allowed our students to get a hands-on feel for how kangaroos move and jump, while also incorporating some fun physical exercise into their day," Principal Fernandez said. "It was a great way to bring the lesson to life and engage the students in an active learning experience."

   

  Special thanks to AnnMarie Ross, Jennifer Gorenfeld, and Kati Von Knorring-Dixon and all of the staff that made this another memorable moment at Tappan Hill. 

  News Feed - Tappan Hill

• Search for a new location ends just down the road

  Transfiguration School in Tarrytown to provide new home for key programs
  

  Two of three Center for Special Services Programs housed at Tappan Hill School in Tarrytown for the last decade will relocate in the 2025-26 school year. 

  News Feed - Center for Special Services

• Ever-growing number of partnerships expands real-world learning opportunities

  Work-based learning takes St. Matthew's students to DSW, White Plains Library

  Students in Southern Westchester BOCES programs at St. Matthew's School in White Plains already benefit from real-world learning opportunities provided by a number of area businesses. Those invaluable partnerships continue to grow with the addition this month of DSW and the White Plains Library. We couldn't be more thankful for their warm welcome.

  News Feed - St. Matthews

• Tappan Hill's world travels make a stop in Yemeni, Filipino cultures

  Tappan Hill School students learned about their friends' Asian heritages in the Filipino and Yemeni cultures. Eslam wore traditional Yemeni clothing that consists of a throbe (a long white robe) and a Jumbiya shaped like a dagger with a wide belt. It is a symbol of Yemeni heritage and pride. He also shared Akras which is a traditional Yemeni flatbread. 

  Mirela, meanwhile, brought in Ube Piaya, a delicious Filipino delicacy that combines classic piaya with ube filling. She also brought in sweet and tangy candies made from tamarind pulp and sugar. The staff and students are enjoying learning about different cultures as Tappan Hill "travels around the world."

  News Feed - Tappan Hill

• Collaboration with Career Services offers opportunities around the corner

  Valhalla Center students gain real-world work experience right on campus

  Students in the Special Services programs at Valhalla Center have new internship opportunities right on the Career Services Campus where they attend classes.

  News Feed - Valhalla Center

• Tappan Hill's world travels stop in Antarctica

  Tappan Hill School students and staff continue their travels around the world in their studies and classroom activities. Classes last week learned about animals and the weather. We celebrated our week of learning with an Antarctic Dance Party in the gym. Even a penguin joined the party!

  News Feed - Tappan Hill

• SEPTA Needs You! Join Today!

  The Southern Westchester BOCES Special Education Parent Teacher Association is looking for volunteer who would like to get more involved int he important and rewarding work that SEPTA does.  Join our Fundraising Subcommittee and our Social Subcommitees on Local Parent Meet-ups and Community Outreach and Events. 

  If interested, contact SEPTA President Carolyn Laskaj at carolynlaskaj@gmail.com or SEPTA Vice President Donna Perazzo at donna@perazzo.us.

  SEPTA

• SEPTA Virtual Learning Series returns March 13

  Join our SEPTA Virtual Learning Series event Thursday, March 13, at 6:30 pm, featuring Steve Tseckares from Backyard Sports Cares and Matthew Faulker on Understanding the OPWDD Eligibility Process. Zoom information is available at swboces.org/SEPTA.

  Zoom Meeting Link

  Meeting ID: 971 7108 0339
  Passcode: 780607

  SEPTA

• Tappan Hill students send Valentines to Mt. Pleasant Police

  Teacher Kristin Cook's class put together Valentine's Day gift bags for the police officers of Mt. Pleasant Police Department. The students choose items to put in the bags and formed an assembly line to package them. 

  News Feed - Tappan Hill