St. Matthew's School

Welcome to St. Matthew's!

DIANA DINZEY PRINCIPAL OF ST MATT'SWelcome to The Center for Special Services’ Saint Matthew’s School! Our mission is to support students, families, and component districts by empowering every student to transition successfully into adulthood. We prioritize the development of essential life and vocational skills, preparing students to become confident, capable, and contributing members of their communities. At St. Matt’s, we are committed to creating a learning environment filled with growth, discovery, and meaningful opportunities for every student.

Our programs reflect our dedication to serving students with diverse learning profiles and providing pathways that prepare them for life beyond the classroom. The location of Saint Matt’s offers unique access to the surrounding community, creating valuable opportunities for exposure and engagement. These experiences, combined with school-based and community-based vocational programming, allow students to practice essential skills in real-world environments, fostering independence, self-confidence, and workplace readiness.

Guided by ongoing assessment and data-driven practices, we emphasize targeted academic instruction and functional skill development that meet students where they are and support measurable progress. Equally important is our focus on restorative practices and social-emotional learning, which are embedded into recreational and leisure activities to build community, self-awareness, and confidence.

We also believe that families are our most important partners. Through workshops, events, and collaborative planning opportunities, we strive to keep families connected, informed, and engaged as part of each student’s journey.

At Saint Matt’s, we are guided by a student-centered vision for the future—one where every learner is equipped with the academic, functional, social-emotional, and vocational skills they need to lead fulfilling, independent lives. We are honored to work alongside such a caring and dedicated community in support of our students’ success.

Warm regards,

Diana Dinzey
Principal 
 

St. Matthews' Vision Statement

people jumping in the airWe at St. Matthews believe our responsibility is to guide students to develop trust, respect, responsibility, and collaboration with peers and their community.

Students explore both the school and community to develop abilities to engage in meaningful academic and vocational skills, character education, positive social interactions, and leisure/recreational skills.

 We strive to increase the independence of every student so that when they enter the world beyond these walls, they continue to blossom and lead productive lives that are full of worth and meaning.

At St. Matt’s we honor the abilities and individuality of every learner, and believe that all of our students can reach their full potential. 

At St. Matt’s, magical things happen.

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder Programs (AIIM) K-12 - NYSAA

This program provides a highly structured site-based classroom environment designed primarily for students with autism spectrum disorders at the middle and high school levels for New York State Alternately Assessed students. Instructional methodology includes the applications of structured teaching and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) that have demonstrated effective outcomes in the school environment. Specialized clinical consultation is provided for both structured teaching and ABA classes. In addition to academic outcomes, the development of appropriate communication, social and behavioral skills are stressed.

We currently offer alternately assessed AIIM classes at St. Matt's at the middle and high school level.

CoSer 203.100
Student Teacher Ratio 8:1:2

Included Related Services: 

*Speech/Language Services Group (middle school only) 1x30 per week

*Counseling services for Group & Transitional Services

*Consultant Occupational Therapy

*Consultant Speech and Language Services

*Consultant Psychiatric Services

*Parent Training

Direct OT, PT, nursing, speech, counseling (additional) or other related services as per student IEP are billed to districts in addition to tuition costs.

Career Training: 

Where appropriate, high school students who are alternately assessed (NYSAA) may attend half day career preparation programs, to meet the requirements for attaining the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SKILLS).This program is offered through the Center for Career Services, at no additional charge to the district

Districts are responsible for providing transportation services for students to be able to attend programs located at the Career Services Center in Valhalla.  Southern Westchester BOCES can provide transportation services for a fee that would be billed separately to participating districts.

Therapeutic Support Program for Developmentally Delayed Students (TSP-DD) - NYSAA

This program is designed to meet the needs of students who are determined by their CSE to be alternately assessed (NYSAA). The TSP/DD Program facilitates social/emotional/behavioral skills necessary for students with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges to function successfully in home, school and community environments. Functional academics and specialized instruction in academics are emphasized. At the secondary level, the program provides students with transition supports, career awareness and services and vocational experiences and skills necessary for students to attain the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SACC). 

We currently offer TSP-DD classes at St. Matt's at the high school level.

CoSer 231.100
Student Teacher Ratio 8:1:1

Included Related Services

* Psychiatric Consultant Services

* Counseling Services 1x30 group per week

* Consultant Occupational Therapy

* Consultant Speech and Language Services

* Consultant Guidance Counselor

Direct OT, PT, nursing, speech, counseling (additional) or other related services as per student IEP are billed to districts in addition to tuition costs.

Career Training

Where appropriate, high school students who are alternately assessed (NYSAA) may attend half day career preparation programs. This program is offered through the Center for Career Services, at no additional charge to the district

Districts are responsible for providing transportation services for students to be able to attend programs located at the Career Services Center in Valhalla.  Southern Westchester BOCES can provide transportation services for a fee that would be billed separately to participating districts.

Communication and Academic Development Program (CAD) NYSAA

This program is offered to students who require small group instruction in a therapeutic setting. Students in this program primarily present with mental health challenges that significantly interfere with the students' ability to be educated and supported within a typical general education classroom environment.  Students' needs are met through highly structured classroom settings with counseling and instructional supports.  At the secondary level, the program provides students with transition services and supports.

CAD Grades 6-12 CoSer 230.100

Student Teacher Ratio 12:1:1

St. Matthew's Calendar

  • Superintendent Conference Day Staff Only

    No Students Staff Only

    St. Matthews

  • Veterans Day

    No School in Observance of Holiday

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  • Fall Festival 10:30-11:30am

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  • Parent / Teacher Conference 5:00-5:30pm

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  • Half Day Early Dismissal 11:15am

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  • Thanksgiving Recess No School

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  • Thanksgiving Recess No School

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What's Up at St. Matts!

  • Fall-O-Ween Spirit Week at Saint Matt’s School

    Saint Matt’s School celebrated Fall-O-Ween Spirit Week with energy, creativity, and community spirit! Students and staff embraced each themed day with enthusiasm, showing what makes our school such a welcoming and vibrant place — supportive, joyful, and full of heart.

    We kicked things off with Sports Team Day, proudly wearing jerseys, hats, and team colors while enjoying fun games like the Eyeball Toss and Bowling Ghost Ghoulies. On Think Pink Day, our school turned every shade of pink to raise awareness for Breast Cancer. Wacky Wednesday brought out bold socks, wacky hats, and lots of laughter, while Pajama Day kept everyone cozy and ready to learn in their favorite PJs.

    Our Literary Pumpkin Contest highlighted teamwork and imagination, with Ms. Nikiya's class earning top honors (Second Place) for their Don't Let the Pigeon Go Trick or Treating –inspired pumpkin.

    One of the week’s most memorable moments was the Apple Pie Contest, when our friends from Valhalla Center visited Saint Matt’s for a friendly morning of baking and taste testing. The collaboration was filled with smiles, teamwork, and the delicious aroma of homemade apple pies. Congratulations to Karen Walker’s class from Saint Matt’s for earning top votes with their winning pie!

    We wrapped up the week with our Fall-O-Ween Costume & Candy Bash, where students and staff showed off fun, inclusive costumes and celebrated together with games, treats, and lots of Saint Matt’s spirit.

    It was a wonderful week of laughter, learning, and community connection — a true reflection of the Saint Matt’s family! 🎃🍎

    St. Matthews

  • Fall-O-Ween Spirit Week: October 27-31, 2025

    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!

    St. Matthews

  • Parent Teacher Conference Reminder

    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 your child's progress, goals, and the ways we can continue to support their success together. Conferences may be held in person or virtually, whichever is most convenient for you and your family. St. Matthew's staff looks forward to connecting with families and working collaboratively to support every student’s growth and achievement!

    St. Matthews

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    St. Matthews

  • 📣 Parent-Teacher Conferences – October 20, 2025

    📣 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!

    St. Matthews
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General Information for Parents

Transition Resources and Information

Southern Westchester BOCES
Center for Special Services
St. Matthew's School
3 Carhart Ave., White Plains, NY 10605
ph. 914-761-7524
fax 914-761-8806