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.
Get started today on a career in education as a Teacher Aide. Make a difference in the lives of children. Apply right now online!
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!
Students from the AIIM and MD programs had a fantastic time visiting the Rye Lake Pumpkin Patch! Each student selected a pumpkin to decorate and use for classroom activities before bringing it home. This hands on seasonal activity fostered sensory exploration, communication, and teamwork, all while celebrating the joys of fall together.
A heartfelt thank you to the Community Committee and Rye Lake staff for creating such a joyful and inclusive experience for our students, and an extra special thank you to Tricia Lynch for volunteering to pick up the pumpkins for our wonderful patch of students!
“Wonderful events like this would not be possible if not for the efforts of the dedicated staff members of the Rye Lake Lower Campus," Principal Jonathan Remeny said. "Their creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment to providing meaningful experiences for our students truly bring our school community to life. It’s through their teamwork and dedication that we’re able to create such engaging, memorable moments that support both learning and joy for our students.”
Students and staff at Rye Lake Lower Campus marked Breast Cancer Awareness with a spirited walk around the quad, wearing pink and bearing creative signs with messages of support.
There was a slight chill in the air and the changing leaves burst with color as educators led students past the classroom huts and up by the Decagon building, making two laps before returning to their respective classes. This was just one of a several such awareness events held across Southern Westchester BOCES Special Services campuses in October. The joy on the faces of students and teachers, aides and TAs alike was palpable as the campus came together for this important cause.
“It's inspiring to see our students engaged so enthusiastically in an activity like this, learning about what it means to show support for others in unity as a campus," Principal Jonathan Remeny said. "Thank you to our entire staff for organizing this very public display of compassion and empathy for others.”
Laughter and excitement resonated as students at Southern Westchester BOCES’ Transfiguration School in Tarrytown celebrated the opening of their brand-new playground Oct. 17.
“This playground has been designed for our students — really serving the needs of students from ages 5 to 12 with communication needs,” Ms. Fernandez said. “We have a wonderful communication board, lots of spinning items, cool slides, and great adaptive swings. I know our students are already getting to it.”
Students had a half day on Monday. October 20 and staff attended professional development by Ramapo for Children on Restorative Practices. Dr. Sunne-Ryse Smith engaged staff at Transfiguration in an informative session in the Gym.
On Friday, October 17th Transfiguration Turned Pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness. Staff and students supported their beautiful hues of pink to support a great cause!
Hey St. Matthew's Family! It’s time to join in a week full of festive fun!
From October 27-31, 2025, we’ll be celebrating with themed dress-up days and creativity. Each day brings something new, from Team Spirit Monday to our Costume & Candy Bash Friday!
Students and staff are encouraged to take part by dressing up, decorating classrooms, and bringing that special St. Matthew’s every day energy.
Monday, Oct 27: Rep Your Team Day: Show your favorite sports team pride!
Tuesday, Oct 28: Think Pink Day: Wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.
Wednesday, Oct 29: Wacky Drip Wednesday: Go wild with mismatched, colorful, or silly outfits!
Thursday, Oct 30: Chill & Cozy Pajama Day: Get comfy and come ready to learn.
Friday, Oct 31: Costume & Candy Bash: Celebrate Halloween with costumes, candy, and fun activities!
Let’s fill our halls with excitement, positivity, and autumn vibes as we celebrate Fall-O-Ween Spirit Week together!
Hello Families! This is a friendly reminder that Valhalla Center’s Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, related service provider, and classroom team to discuss their progress, goals, and the ways we can continue supporting their success together. Conferences may be held in person or virtually, whichever is most convenient for you and your family. The Valhalla Center team looks forward to connecting with families and working collaboratively to support every student’s growth and achievement!
No students staff only
No Students Staff Only
No School in Observance of Holiday
No School in observance
The second annual Recreation/Transition Fair will be hosted by Scarsdale and Pelham Public Schools, in collaboration with Eastchester, Tuckahoe, Chappaqua, Edgemont, and White Plains School Districts.
This fair is designed to provide students with disabilities and their families with valuable information about recreational/transition opportunities. A wide variety of vendors and representatives from state agencies will be present to highlight their programs and support. Many of these opportunities can be accessed through OPWDD, Self-Directed Funding, or self-pay options.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 943 8374 7157
Passcode: 763360
