At the Valhalla Center, our vision is to empower every student to transition successfully into adulthood by prioritizing the development of essential life and vocational skills. We are dedicated to preparing our students to become confident, capable, and contributing members of their communities. By focusing on these key areas, we help our students not only grow both academically and in their independence but also thrive personally, paving the way for their future success.
As we continue our work this school year, we are witnessing remarkable growth among our students. Our returning scholars have quickly settled back into their instructional routines, and those attending iCTE and working at White Plains Party City continue to develop valuable skills that foster job readiness and independence. We are especially proud of our first-year students, who are making wonderful progress as they transition into middle school, setting the stage for a successful academic journey ahead.
We are incredibly grateful for the exceptional work of our service providers, as well as the partnerships we have established with community-based organizations such as BluePath Service Dogs and the Music Conservatory of Westchester. These collaborations play a key role in enriching our students’ experiences and helping them reach their full potential.
Since November, we have been fortunate to offer our students the opportunity to receive free, sensory-friendly haircuts through our partnership with the Center for Career Services. Every Thursday, students visit the campus's Barber Shop, where they are met with great care by Career and Technical Education students and their teacher, Mr. David Biviano. This program has made a significant difference for many of our students, especially those who have experienced sensory challenges with grooming.
Our Friendsgiving Feast, also in November, was another wonderful event. It was a joy to see our students applying their skills in various ways, from making placemats and organizing the space to preparing food, serving, and organizing. This event was a true testament to the growth and teamwork our students exhibit each day.
A special thank you to the parents who joined us for our Holiday Parent Engagement event in December. Families were able to see how teachers adapt instruction, how our professionals use specialized teaching strategies to help students access the curriculum, and how service providers collaborate with the classroom teams to connect their therapies to instructional practices.
At SWBOCES Valhalla, we understand that your child’s journey may not always have been easy, and we are honored to be part of it. We deeply appreciate the trust you have placed in us, and we are excited to continue working alongside you and your family in the year ahead.
Open communication between school and home is crucial to the success of our students. We deeply value your insights and feedback and want to ensure that we are here to support you in every way we can. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. You can contact us by phone at 914-761-7524 or email at ddinzey@swboces.org.
Warm regards,
Diana Dinzey
Principal
