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

Holiday Cheer and Sweet Connections at Saint Matthew’s School 🎄🍪

On December 22, Saint Matthew’s School joyfully welcomed family and friends to celebrate the holiday season with a delightful and fun-filled cookie decorating event. The morning was full of smiles, laughter, and creativity, and we were truly excited to spend this special time with everyone who was able to join us. It was a joyful opportunity to come together, celebrate the season, and enjoy one another’s company. Our very own student Santa even paid us a visit!

During the event, our teachers and team members ensured that our special guests were provided with a meaningful glimpse into how instruction and communication are built at our school—through the use of communication boards, incorporating AAC devices, and creating opportunities for simplified, step-by-step directions. Families were able to see strategies in action that they can also incorporate at home.

More than anything, the morning was a celebration of community and togetherness. The event was followed by a coffee time with Principal Diana Dinzey, who opened the floor for parents to share feedback, ideas, and hopes for their children at Saint Matthew’s, fostering meaningful connections among families.

On December 23rd, the students were able to enjoy the time outside (an in-school snow day) Enjoy the great pictures :)

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
🎄🍪 Holiday Cheer at Valhalla Center! 🍪🎄

On December 23rd, Valhalla Center welcomed families and friends for a joyful Cookie Decorating celebration. We are so grateful to the families who braved the snow to join us, spreading warmth, laughter, and holiday spirit. ❄️✨

The room was filled with festive cheer as we sang along to joyful holiday music—it was truly heartwarming to hear our kiddos singing alongside our team members and families! One parent even joined us via video conference! 🎶❤️

To ensure all students were able to fully access and participate in the activity, we used communication boards, visual supports, detailed step-by-step task breakdowns, and communication devices. This allowed families to see firsthand how instruction and communication are supported throughout our program, making the experience inclusive and meaningful for everyone.

We wish all our families, staff, caregivers, and everyone who plays a special role in our students’ lives a happy, restful break and a wonderful New Year! 🌟🎉
The Valhalla Center
Rye Lake MS/HS MBK program collects gifts for annual Westchester gift drive

So happy today to present the Westchester County Department of Social Services with over 120 gifts for their annual Holiday Gift Drive. Thank you to our Youth Board Chair, Dr. Alexandria Connally, Southern Westchester BOCES and the MBK Fellows, including students from the Rye Lake Campus Middle-High School, for going above and beyond in collecting gifts. You set a great example of community spirit and leadership for your peers, and your efforts brighten the holidays for so many other young people.
News Feed - Rye Lake Middle/High School
Rochambeau students celebrate holiday spirit, engage with district partners

December was a joyful and meaningful month at Rochambeau School, filled with learning, celebration, and community.

Students and staff came together during Holiday Spirit Week, enjoying fun themes and traditions that brought our school community closer. Classrooms also explored global holidays and family traditions, creating opportunities for connection and cultural appreciation.

We were proud to see our continued partnership with White Plains Schools highlighted on their website, recognizing the impact of our robotics collaboration and the engaging, hands-on learning it provides for our students. SWBOCES at Rochambeau continues to do wonderful things! Happy Holidays.
News Feed - Rochambeau School
Rye Lake Lower Campus celebrate their uniqueness and individuality with snowflakes

This December, the Rye Lake Lower Campus was alive with snowflakes as unique as each of our students and staff. Creativity filled the campus as everyone designed snowflakes to celebrate the wonderful differences that make our community bright and one of a kind.

Just like real snowflakes, no two of us are exactly alike, and each contribution added to the beauty of our shared environment. Colorful, imaginative snowflakes showcased the spirit and creativity of our students and staff.

Each snowflake carried a name, allowing us to celebrate both our similarities and our differences. Sizes, shapes, colors, and creative additions were endless, reflecting the incredible individuality within our community.

A big thank you to everyone who participated! This December, Rye Lake sparkled with creativity, connection, and the joy of celebrating what makes each of us special.
News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus
SWBOCES at Transfiguration celebrates holidays with a Singalong

Transfiguration School students, staff and families gathered for a celebration of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

Donald Stevens from the Westchester Conservatory of Music and SWBOCES Music Teacher Andrew Ruoti collaborated to plan the Holiday Singalong, performing alongside classes for a packed audience in the gymnasium.

"We were able to to present a wonderful celebration of the upcoming holidays," Principal Francesca Fernandez said. "Students and staff participated in the holiday singalong. We were so lucky to be joined by our District Superintendent, Dr. Harold Coles, and of course our many families that came and celebrated with us!"

Ms. Fernandez thanked all those who turned out as well as Mr. Stevens and Mr. Ruoti for their planning and performances, wishing everyone a happy holiday season.
News Feed - Transfiguration School
SWBOCES at Transfiguration students have holiday fun in the gym

SWBOCES at Transfiguration is ready for the holidays! APE teacher Coach Diane Storm set up a holiday-themed obstacle course for classes to enjoy in the gym. Together with the support of staff, students were able to participate in rotating stations of holiday physical education fun!
News Feed - Transfiguration School
Holiday craft yields engaging classwork and holiday cheer to go!

Students in Rachael’s class at Rye Lake Lower Campus created a variety of holiday decorative ornaments, led by Speech Therapist Diane Torsiello, with wonderful support from our related service providers.

Throughout the activity, students engaged their senses and practiced fine motor skills as they followed a step-by-step process to design their own ornaments.

By the end, each student had not only a completed ornament but also felt a true sense of accomplishment. They’ll be bringing home a little holiday magic too!
News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus
SWBOCES at Irvington students kick off a week of Holiday Cheer!

Irvington staff and students kicked off Holiday Cheer Week in festive style with a Holiday Door Decorating Competition!

Each grade-band cohort collaborated to choose a theme and bring their vision to life, showcasing impressive creativity, teamwork and thoughtful planning. The halls were filled with holiday spirit, complete with extra treats and fun inflatable characters that made the celebration even more joyful.

A special thank-you to Jessica Walker, Director of Special Services, for supporting the event and serving as our head judge. Congratulations to the Senior Cohort for earning first place and spreading exceptional holiday cheer!
News Feed - Irvington High School
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