Valhalla Center

Diana Dinzey

Welcome to The Center for Special Services’ Valhalla Center! 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 The Valhalla Center, we focus on providing personalized, rigorous academic instruction, strengthening daily living skills, and offering students meaningful vocational and community integration opportunities. Our goal is to ensure every student receives a well-rounded education that is relevant, individualized, and grounded in real-life experiences. Through ongoing assessment and data-driven practices, our educators work closely with service providers and specialists to create cohesive, targeted programming that fosters both academic growth and functional success.

Equally important is our commitment to social-emotional learning and interpersonal skill development. Through integrated recreational activities and restorative practices, students build positive relationships, develop accountability, and strengthen their ability to navigate social situations with confidence. These experiences help our students grow not only in skill, but also in self-assurance and independence.

Recognizing the invaluable role families play in student success, we continually provide opportunities for parent engagement. From workshops to collaborative meetings and school events, we strive to build strong partnerships that support students both at school and at home.

At The Valhalla Center, our mission is to provide student-centered, future-focused programming that prepares learners for meaningful lives and active participation in the world beyond the classroom. We are deeply grateful to work alongside such a dedicated and caring community.

Warm regards,

Diana Dinzey
Principal

Calendar

Nov 11

Veteran's Day

No School in observance

The Valhalla Center
Nov 20

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

The Valhalla Center
Nov 26

Half Day 11:15am Dismissal

Thanksgiving break students will be dismissed half day 11:15am

The Valhalla Center
Nov 27

Thanksgiving Recess

No School in Observance of the holiday

The Valhalla Center
Nov 28

Thanksgiving Recess

Thanksgiving weekend no school

The Valhalla Center

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Announcements

Fall-O-Ween Spirit Week at Valhalla Center

Valhalla Center celebrated Fall-O-Ween Spirit Week with energy, creativity, and plenty of smiles! Students and staff brought their best spirit each day, showing what makes our community so special — supportive, fun, and full of heart.

We kicked off with Sports Team Day, proudly wearing team colors while enjoying games like the Eyeball Toss and Bowling Ghost Ghoulies. On Think Pink Day, everyone wore shades of pink to raise awareness for Breast Cancer. Wacky Wednesday brought out bold socks, silly hats, and lots of laughter, while Pajama Day wrapped us in cozy comfort and calm.

Our Literary Pumpkin Contest showcased teamwork and imagination, with Adriana’s class winning first place for their Charlotte’s Web design. Max’s class joined St. Matthew’s School for a friendly Apple Pie Baking Contest, and we cheered on Karen Walker’s class from St. Matthew’s for taking top votes!

Creative Door Decorations brightened our hallways with fall and Halloween themes, and we wrapped up the week with our Costume & Candy Bash — a fun-filled celebration of trick-or-treating, games, and a haunted hallway adventure.

It was a week full of laughter, learning, and Valhalla spirit — a true reflection of our vibrant and caring school community! 🎃
The Valhalla Center
September Highlights & Valhalla Center’s Back-to-School Open House

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!
The Valhalla Center
Parent Teacher Conference Reminder: October 20, 2025 3:00 PM- 5:00 PM

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!
The Valhalla Center
Fall-O-Ween Spirit Week: October 27-31, 2025
Calling all Valhalla Staff and Students! Get ready for a week full of school spirit, creativity, and fall fun! Each day features a different theme, so start planning your outfits and classroom decorations.

Spirit Week Themes:

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 celebrate our Valhalla spirit and make this Fall-O-Ween week one to remember!
The Valhalla Center
BluePath Service Dogs welcomed at Valhalla Center

Valhalla Center students were excited to welcome back their furry friend from the BluePath Therapy Dog Program! Students had the chance to pet, walk, and engage with the therapy dog, building both comfort and confidence through these meaningful interactions.

Therapy dogs provide more than just joy. They help students develop social and emotional skills, reduce stress and anxiety and create a calming presence in the classroom. For many students, engaging with a therapy dog also encourages communication, responsibility and positive peer interactions.

Programs like BluePath give our students a unique way to learn and grow while enjoying the unconditional love and support that only a furry friend can provide. We are so glad to have this special program as part of our school community!
News Feed - Valhalla Center
Pawsitive Vibes at Valhalla: Therapy Dog Visit!

Valhalla Center students were excited to welcome back their furry friend from the BluePath Therapy Dog Program! Students had the chance to pet, walk, and engage with the therapy dog, building both comfort and confidence through these meaningful interactions.

Therapy dogs provide more than just joy—they help students develop social and emotional skills, reduce stress and anxiety, and create a calming presence in the classroom. For many students, engaging with a therapy dog also encourages communication, responsibility, and positive peer interactions.

Programs like BluePath give our students a unique way to learn and grow while enjoying the unconditional love and support that only a furry friend can provide. We are so glad to have this special program as part of our school community!
The Valhalla Center

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Autism Spectrum Disorder Programs NYSAA K-12

This programs provide a highly structured site-based classroom environment designed primarily for students with autism spectrum disorders at the elementary, 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.

CoSer 203.100

Classroom Ratio 8:1:2

Communication and Academic Development Program (CAD) NYS Alternately Assessed

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