Holiday Cheer and Sweet Connections at Saint Matthew’s School 🎄🍪
From all of us at Saint Matthew’s School, we wish everyone a wonderful and healthy holiday season and a happy New Year! 🎄✨
St. Matthews
St. Matthew's School
Welcome to St. Matthew's!
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
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
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Holiday Recess No School
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Holiday Recess No School
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Holiday Recess No School
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Holiday Recess No School
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Holiday Recess No School
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School Resumes
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Half Day Early Dismissal 11:15am
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What's Up at St. Matts!
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Saint Matt’s Ignites Learning and Fun with Fire Safety Presentation and Chili Cook-Off!
On Friday, November 12th, Saint Matt’s celebrated a very special event! One of our own students presented the culmination of his research project on Fire Safety, sharing with students and staff the importance of safety awareness and knowledge. Attendees asked questions and completed a short questionnaire to demonstrate what they learned from the presentation.
To make the day even more exciting, each class participated in a Chili Cook-Off! Students across the program contributed to making the event memorable. A student from Ms. Cooke’s class created the secret color-coordinated key that kept all chili entries anonymous until the winner was announced. Another student from Ms. Karen’s class labeled all the firefighter helmets that students took home, and a student from Ms. Maggie’s class counted the votes and announced the winner—Ms. Karen’s class!
It was a fantastic day of learning, fun, and collaboration, highlighting our students’ creativity, teamwork, and leadership.
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Student Wellness 2025
Student Wellness 2025, the annual SWBOCE event, brought a day full of fun and engaging health-centered activities across all sites, emphasizing the importance of student wellness. At Saint Matt’s, wellness came in many forms, giving students opportunities to relax, be active, and express themselves creatively. The day kicked off with yoga and stretching, helping students center themselves and build mindfulness. Students then enjoyed music and karaoke, letting loose and sharing their favorite songs with friends. Healthy snacks were available throughout the day, fueling both body and mind. Creative energy flowed during art activities, allowing students to explore self-expression through painting and drawing. For those craving movement and excitement, the obstacle course offered a fun challenge that encouraged teamwork and physical activity. The combination of mindful exercises, creative outlets, and active play made the day both engaging and memorable. Student Wellness 2025 at Saint Matt’s truly highlighted the importance of caring for both mental and physical health. Events like these help foster a positive school community and reinforce healthy habits that students can carry forward.
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We Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart
Saint Matt’s School celebrated Thanksgiving with a joyful gathering where students shared heartfelt gestures and messages of gratitude with the members of our BOCES team who support our community every day. From our custodians and school nurse to our food service managers and transportation crew, students honored the people who help make our school a vibrant and exciting place to learn. The celebration was filled with delicious food, warm connections, and meaningful peer interactions. Our students truly showed up for those who show up for them every single day. It was a beautiful reminder of how gratitude strengthens our school family.
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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
General Information for Parents
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
