Center for Special Services - Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Special Services

Welcome to the Center for Special Services!

Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Special Services programs support the needs of students with disabilities by offering specialized instruction tailored to the learning needs, individualized educational plans and life goals of each student. Our six school programs offer environments in which social emotional and academic learning are integrated so that students develop confidence, self-esteem, self-reliance, and resiliency. We believe a growth mindset is the key to progress.

Our classrooms feature small staff-to-student ratios that provide for individualized support and attention. Staff and students develop positive learning communities where students can connect with peers and form friendships.

Our curriculum is aligned with New York State and Next Generation standards which aids in a smooth transition when students may be ready to return to their home districts. Our instructional professionals implement a comprehensive program that accounts for unique student learning styles and needs. Programs are therapeutic in nature and build in positive behavior supports and reinforcement.

Our clinicians and related service providers include psychologists, social workers, school counselors, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, teachers of reading and the deaf and visually impaired and crisis intervention specialists. Transition is a primary focus so school counselors and social workers support students and families in planning and readiness for returning to district or post-secondary experiences, including adult programming, vocational placements and college or career training. Our work with families is paramount to our students’ success. We partner with them in navigating community supports and services.

The Center is comprised of six schools on five campuses. Each program serves a diverse group of students ages 5-21 and offers opportunities in the visual arts, music instruction, technology, and physical education. Students also participate in health and wellness learning, community trips, and activities that build social skills.

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News from our schools

Integrating All of Our Senses: Wellness 2025 Day at Valhalla Center!

Student Wellness 2025 took place at the Special Services Valhalla Center, celebrating a day dedicated to student health and wellness through engaging activities for all five senses. Students participated in five 20-minute activities, remaining in their classrooms with staff support for all activities except Taste, which was held in the therapy room. Touch, led by Sarah Demetriadis, included sensory bins or a nature walk if weather allowed. For Sight, classroom teachers guided students in creating a “Tree of Thanks” to share what they are grateful for and take home. Smell activities, led by Jane Shields, had students make potpourri satchels with dried flowers and fruit peels. In Taste, Speech and OT staff assisted students in making personalized yogurt parfaits. Hearing, led by Curtis Haywood, offered sound-based activities and music engagement. Each activity promoted mindfulness, creativity, and sensory awareness. Student Wellness 2025 highlighted the importance of caring for the whole student—mind, body, and senses—while fostering a fun, supportive environment.
The Valhalla Center
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.
St. Matthews
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.
St. Matthews
Staff Training Day!

Monday, December 8 was a half day for students, but an afternoon full of learning for staff! Assistant Director for Special Services, Dr. Alexandria Connally guided teams during professional development on bias in the Gym. Staff enjoyed the engaging and exciting session.
Transfiguration School
Physical Therapist leads Lower Campus students in weekly yoga session

Students in Kris’s class enjoyed their weekly yoga session lead by PT Jenni. The students took turns choosing a yoga pose and modeled the pose for their peers. This weekly collaboration between the teacher and the physical therapist engages the students in a fun activity while working on skills such as following directions, imitating actions, body awareness, and motor skills.
News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus
Rye Lake students among SWBOCES group at International Day of the Girl gathering

Irvington and Rye Lake Campus students attended the International Day of the Girl annual event on Oct. 9, at Manhattanville University, joining young leaders and advocates to celebrate the power, potential, and voices of girls around the world. The day was filled with keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and meaningful connections.

The Westchester County Youth Bureau, in partnership with local non-profit and private organizations, hosted the annual conference. It is inspired by the United Nations’ International Day of the Girl Child, which was established in 2012, to highlight and uplift girls throughout the world.

The event featured a keynote address by entrepreneur Lauren Morris, founder of Loola Doola, Inc., a performance by the Westchester Children’s Chorus, a vendor room, photo booth and eight breakout sessions on girl-empowerment topics.

Assistant Director for Special Services Dr. Alexandria Connally, who also chairs the Westchester County Youth Board, took part in the day's events.

"There is no limit to what women can do," Dr. Connally said. "Westchester County’s International Day of the Girl is an important reminder that running like a girl means winning the race."

SWBOCES student Jamiyah Oliver said that her favorite part of the day was the sense of community and unity that filled the room.

"Everyone came together to empower and uplift one another," Jamiyah said, "creating an environment of genuine support. It was truly refreshing to be in a non-judgmental space where every voice was valued and every girl was encouraged to shine.”
News Feed - Rye Lake Middle/High School
SWBOCES students from Irvington, Rye Lake join International Day of the Girl gathering

Irvington and Rye Lake Campus students attended the International Day of the Girl annual event on Oct. 9, at Manhattanville University, joining young leaders and advocates to celebrate the power, potential, and voices of girls around the world. The day was filled with keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and meaningful connections.

The Westchester County Youth Bureau, in partnership with local non-profit and private organizations, hosted the annual conference. It is inspired by the United Nations’ International Day of the Girl Child, which was established in 2012, to highlight and uplift girls throughout the world.

The event featured a keynote address by entrepreneur Lauren Morris, founder of Loola Doola, Inc., a performance by the Westchester Children’s Chorus, a vendor room, photo booth and eight breakout sessions on girl-empowerment topics.

Assistant Director for Special Services Dr. Alexandria Connally, who also chairs the Westchester County Youth Board, took part in the day's events.

"There is no limit to what women can do," Dr. Connally said. "Westchester County’s International Day of the Girl is an important reminder that running like a girl means winning the race."

SWBOCES student Jamiyah Oliver said that her favorite part of the day was the sense of community and unity that filled the room.

"Everyone came together to empower and uplift one another," Jamiyah said, "creating an environment of genuine support. It was truly refreshing to be in a non-judgmental space where every voice was valued and every girl was encouraged to shine.”
News Feed - Irvington High School
SEPTA Night at Westchester

SEPTA provided the ultimate holiday treat this year, access to Westchester County's Winter Wonderland drive thru!

On Tuesday, December 2, families made their way to rainy weather to access this fun and fascinating holiday display.

Special thanks to SEPTA and Westchester County for their generosity!
Transfiguration School
Transfiguration School celebrates Student Wellness

The day before the Thanksgiving Break was Student Wellness Day for SWBOCES at Transfiguration School. A range of fun wellness activities was on tap, and smiles were shining throughout the school.
News Feed - Transfiguration School
Student Wellness Day!

Students participated in Student Wellness Day at Transfiguration today.

Yoga, sensory activities and our own Thanksgiving parade were held during our half day session.

Students and staff had a wonderful time!

Special thanks to all our staff that supported this event, especially Coach Diane Storm!

Happy Thanksgiving! See you on Monday, December 1!
Transfiguration School