Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Special Services programs support the needs of students with disabilities by offering specialized instruction tailored to the learning needs, individualized educational plans and life goals of each student. Our six school programs offer environments in which social emotional and academic learning are integrated so that students develop confidence, self-esteem, self-reliance, and resiliency. We believe a growth mindset is the key to progress.
Our classrooms feature small staff-to-student ratios that provide for individualized support and attention. Staff and students develop positive learning communities where students can connect with peers and form friendships.
Our curriculum is aligned with New York State and Next Generation standards which aids in a smooth transition when students may be ready to return to their home districts. Our instructional professionals implement a comprehensive program that accounts for unique student learning styles and needs. Programs are therapeutic in nature and build in positive behavior supports and reinforcement.
Our clinicians and related service providers include psychologists, social workers, school counselors, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, teachers of reading and the deaf and visually impaired and crisis intervention specialists. Transition is a primary focus so school counselors and social workers support students and families in planning and readiness for returning to district or post-secondary experiences, including adult programming, vocational placements and college or career training. Our work with families is paramount to our students’ success. We partner with them in navigating community supports and services.
The Center is comprised of six schools on five campuses. Each program serves a diverse group of students ages 5-21 and offers opportunities in the visual arts, music instruction, technology, and physical education. Students also participate in health and wellness learning, community trips, and activities that build social skills.
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As we step into October, we’re excited to share our September Newsletter along with highlights and photos from our Back-to-School- Open House.
Valhalla Center welcomed over 20 family members to our Back-to-School Open House! It was such a wonderful evening of partnership, learning, and community. Families connected with teachers, related service providers, administrators, and one another while enjoying cookies, a cheese-and-cracker platter, and Mr. Ben’s delicious baked cake. Staff were also on hand to assist families with eSchool Parent Portal registration and SEPTA sign-ups.
In Ms. Allison’s class, families celebrated student success and received thoughtful apple gifts with handwritten notes from their children saying “to Mom and Dad.” Mr. Max shared a slideshow highlighting students’ daily learning and life-skills activities that build independence, followed by a tour of the Life Center Room. Ms. Lisa shared classroom goals, plans, and her point system for encouraging positive engagement. Ms. Adriana proudly showcased her classroom’s task boxes, instructional breakfast program, and the heartfelt thank-you notes her students wrote for their parents.
We are so grateful to our families for partnering with us to support student growth, independence, and success. Here’s to a school year filled with learning, collaboration, and achievement!
Valhalla Center students were excited to welcome back their furry friend from the BluePath Therapy Dog Program! Students had the chance to pet, walk, and engage with the therapy dog, building both comfort and confidence through these meaningful interactions.
Therapy dogs provide more than just joy. They help students develop social and emotional skills, reduce stress and anxiety and create a calming presence in the classroom. For many students, engaging with a therapy dog also encourages communication, responsibility and positive peer interactions.
Programs like BluePath give our students a unique way to learn and grow while enjoying the unconditional love and support that only a furry friend can provide. We are so glad to have this special program as part of our school community!
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📣 Parent-Teacher Conferences – October 20, 2025
We invite all families to join us for Parent-Teacher Conferences on Monday, October 20th, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.
Please look out for notices being sent home with your child, which will include scheduled conference times arranged by teachers.
We look forward to seeing you and sharing updates on your child’s progress, achievements, and goals for the school year!
Join the Southern Westchester BOCES Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) for the first in its yearlong series of workshops, "Understanding the OPWDD Eligibility Process... and related Support Services."
The presenter will be Matthew Faulkner, Community Work Assistant with the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health.
Meeting ID: 9713344 0018
Passcode: 738928
Transfiguration School celebrated Custodian Appreciation Day Oct. 3 as the entire staff applauded Joe and Adam, who support our building all year long. Special thanks to all the custodians across Southern Westchester BOCES for their work!
✨ Mission Accomplished! On September 30th, we hosted our Parent Open House, with about 50% of families joining us. Teachers shared highlights of our instructional program, community integration, work-based opportunities, and the many wonderful things happening in our school building. Principal Diana Dinzey also spoke about how SWBOCES supports families through SEPTA, helps facilitate communication and access to student data through eSchools, and offers ways for parents to stay involved in our school community.
🐾 The very next day, excitement filled the halls as we welcomed Wordly, the Blue Path Therapy Dog! Students loved spending time with Wordly; walking, petting, and soaking up lots of puppy love. It was a joyful day that reminded us of the many ways learning and connection happen at Saint Matt’s.
🌟 And out in the community, one of our new students was hard at work!
This is what life is like at Saint Matt’s—endless opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive, both inside our building and beyond.
Destiny, a visitor for BluePath Service Dogs, visited Transfiguration School, working with students there to provide comfort, engagement, social interaction and furry hugs to all. Students met and pet Destiny and took her on walks down the hallway with the assistance of a trainer.
Assistant Superintendent James Gratto and Social Worker Yolette Levy led staff in training in TCIS - Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools - at Transfiguration School in Tarrytown.
School Closed Holiday
School closed in observance
Join the Southern Westchester BOCES Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) for the first in its yearlong series of workshops, "Understanding the OPWDD Eligibility Process... and related Support Services."
The presenter will be Matthew Faulkner, Community Work Assistant with the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health.
Meeting ID: 9713344 0018
Passcode: 738928
Halloween theme spirit week
