St. Matthew's School

Welcome to St. Matthew's

DIANA DINZEY PRINCIPAL OF ST MATT'SDear Families and Guardians,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! As the new Principal of the Valhalla Center, I am honored to extend a warm greeting to you and your family as we embark on another exciting school year.

I have over 17 years of experience working with children and families, primarily in special education, with additional background in social work. My roles have included special education teacher, academic intervention service provider, and, for the past two years, Assistant Principal with the NYC Department of Education. These experiences have shaped my educational philosophy, which focuses on a holistic approach that addresses students' academic, social- emotional, and behavioral needs. I am honored to join the Valhalla team, and the SWBOCES Center for Special Services, as their educational philosophy reflects my own.

At the Valhalla Center, we are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and enriching environment for all our students. Our special education program is designed with a deep understanding of the unique needs of each student. We believe in the power of personalized education and are dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential. We accomplish this work through our specialized Middle School and High School AIIM and CAD programs.

Our team of highly skilled educators, therapists, and support staff is passionate about providing individualized instruction and fostering an environment where each child can thrive. We work collaboratively with families to ensure that educational goals are met, and that each student's learning experience is tailored to their needs.

Open communication between school and home is crucial. We value your insights and feedback and are here to support you in any way we can. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. You can contact us via phone at 914-761-7524 or email at ddinzey@swboces.org.

We are excited about the opportunities this year holds and look forward to partnering with you to make it a successful and memorable year for your child. Together, we will create a positive and productive learning environment where every student can excel.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. We look forward to a wonderful year ahead.

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.

 

St. Matthew's Calendar

  • School Closed in Observance of Rosh Hashanah

    St. Matthews

  • School Closed in Observance of Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day

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  • School Closed - Staff Prof. Development

    St. Matthews

  • School Closed in Observance of Veteran's Day

    St. Matthews

  • Early Dismissal for Students (11:30am)

    St. Matthews

  • School Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving Holiday

    St. Matthews

  • School Closed in Observance of Holiday Recess

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View Monthly Calendar

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.

What's Up at St. Matts!

  • New York City schools veteran will oversee St. Matthew’s, Valhalla Center

    New principal brings passion for special education and supporting families

    Diana Dinzey joins Southern Westchester BOCES as principal at St. Matthew’s School and Valhalla Center after several years in teaching and administrative positions with the New York City Department of Education. She brings to her new role experience as a special education teacher, a team leader and, for the last two, years an assistant principal. “I love special education,” Ms. Dinzey says. “That’s the heart of the work I’ve always done.”

    News Feed - St. Matthews

  • Each left an imprint on the program that will be remembered, staff say

    St. Matthew’s School honors five graduates for their hard work and achievement

    Classmates serenaded, families cheered and educators applauded five graduates of the St. Matthew’s School Class of 2024 at a heartwarming ceremony for their milestone achievement. “These students have worked very hard to get to this day,” Principal Leslie Handler said.

    News Feed - St. Matthews

  • St. Matt's students learn lessons while baking cupcakes for a friend

    Students made cupcakes for a classmate's birthday on a recent spring day. They collected the materials, combined ingredients and whipped up a sweet treat for a friend! The activity helps them to develop empathy, practice math and science skills and follow instructions!

     
    News Feed - St. Matthews

  • Back-to-back days reflect careful planning by educators for a thoughtful break from routine

    St. Matthew’s & Valhalla Center celebrate wellness with music, mindfulness and creativity

    Wellness Days at both locations provided a creative slate of activities planned carefully by staff, offering an opportunity for a break from the routine to relax, be creative and enjoy activities that were a little different than those of the usual school day.

    News Feed - St. Matthews

  • Students planned, shopped and prepared authentic cuisine

    Soul Food Luncheon culminates Black History Month at St. Matthew's

    St. Matthew’s School students and staff celebrated the conclusion of Black History Month with a Soul Food Luncheon on Feb. 29.

    The Luther Hall dining room was decorated with a variety of Black History Month information about historical Black figures.

    “This is an important time to recognize and a rich opportunity for instruction,” Principal Leslie Handler said.

    News Feed - St. Matthews
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2024 Graduation

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