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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Students in Ms. Lisa Culler's class at the Valhalla Center are actively building essential skills in our Life Skills classroom. From folding and stacking to organizing, counting, and sorting, they practice daily routines that promote independence and confidence. Ms. Lisa’s students truly engage in all things Life Skills!
Students in Ms. Patrice Cookes class at St. Matts with a few additional friends from Ms. Karen Walker's class, visit our local Trader Joe's. Community exploration and integration is a key component of our program.
The 2025–2026 school year began with great excitement at St. Matthew's School, where students were warmly welcomed by their classroom teams, service providers, and Principal Diana Dinzey. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and joy as both new and returning students arrived, ready to begin another year of learning and growth.
Several new students from the Rye Lake Lower Campus joined the St. Matthew's community for the very first time. Their transition marks an important step in their educational journey, as St. Matthew's offers a variety of vocational and community integration opportunities that will help them build independence and real-world skills.
We are also thrilled to welcome veteran teacher, Ms. Karen Walker, to the St. Matthew's team. Ms. Walker now leads one of our High School AIIM classes, bringing her experience, dedication, and warm spirit to her new students. Her presence is already helping to shape a nurturing and engaging classroom environment.
The first days at St. Matthew's were a true reflection of what lies ahead: a school year filled with opportunity, meaningful connections, and a strong commitment to student success.
Our Rye Lake Lower Campus students are back and full of excitement! They were all smiles on the first day of school, Sept. 4, and even stopped to pose for a quick picture by the big apple! Principal Jonathan Remeny and Assistant Principal Maureen Salka are excited for a year filled with learning, laughter, and growth together.
The new Southern Westchester BOCES Special Services location at Transfiguration School in Tarrytown opened Thursday and welcomed students for the first time as the 2025-26 school year got under way.
"We are so happy, after months of preparation, to finally welcome our students to our new home at Transfiguration School," Principal Francesca Fernandez said.
Transfiguration is one of two new sites where Special Services programs will be offered following a realignment following the 2024-25 school year. It provides space for two new AIIM program classrooms and the hiring of additional teachers. The school features nine total classrooms, a gymnasium and a large therapy room. A new playground is currently being installed.
A new site and a new assistant principal, but plenty of familiar faces get the new year off right
It was a day of firsts at Rochambeau School in White Plains as staff at the newly opened Southern Westchester BOCES Special Services programs there welcomed arriving students for the first day of the school year.
“We are so delighted to greet our students and welcome them into these new spaces,” Principal Julia Dolan said. “The children were reassured to see the familiar faces of our instructional staff, and that will make for a truly successful transition. Thanks to the support our administration and our partners in the White Plains Schools, the school year ahead will be a great one.”
Ms. Dolan, a veteran administrator who oversees programs at Rochambeau and at Irvington Middle and High School, was joined by new Assistant Principal Maria Almeida greeting students as buses rolled by the Fisher Avenue school. Teachers, Teaching Assistants and Teacher Aides embraced and high-fived students carrying new backpacks and wearing their first-day-of-school best.
For our Special Services families, there are plenty of reasons to join SEPTA - the Southern Westchester BOCES Special Education Parent Teacher Association. Here's one more: the chance to win a prize! By becoming a part of the SEPTA community, members realize all the benefits from networking with other parents, invitations to expert guest speaker events and the help needed to navigate the world of services and supports for children with special needs. Join SEPTA by Sept. 30, and you'll be entered to win a pair of JBL Bluetooth headphones. Join today at swboces.org/septa
Students will be back at school on Thursday, September 4, 2025 and we cannot wait to see them!
The team at Transfiguration is getting ready to see you soon.
As you prepare for the first day back:
- did you complete your school year forms?
- is your physical up to date?
- have any questions? Email ffernandez@swboces.org
Valhalla Center students and staff enjoyed a joyful and engaging Extended School Year, filled with hands-on learning both in and out of the classroom.
Students took part in exciting community outings to Homefield Bowl, local ice cream shops, and the Maritime Aquarium—practicing valuable life skills such as celebrating others, waiting their turn, following directions, and navigating public spaces with confidence. Yoga sessions, led by veteran BOCES Physical Therapist Phyllis Marto, gave students the opportunity to practice breathing techniques and poses to build self-regulation skills, with some even stepping into leadership roles to help guide the group.
Every Friday, our Continent Study assembly brought the school together to share projects, artwork, geography lessons, and food inspired by India, Brazil, Italy and Poland—fostering communication, collaboration, and cultural awareness. Breakthrough Fitness led skill-based adapted fitness classes each Wednesday, while Blue Path continued their weekly visits, bringing smiles and joy to our students.
On Aug. 14, we celebrated our ESY Closing Event with students, families, and staff coming together to reflect on all the learning, creativity, and growth achieved over the six-week program. We are deeply grateful to the families who joined us and to everyone who made this summer such a success.
We look forward to welcoming our students back on Sept. 4, 2025, for what promises to be a wonderful 2025–2026 school year. Until then, we wish you all a joyful and restful remainder of the summer!
