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.

 

News from our schools

  • Students planned, shopped and prepared authentic cuisine

    Soul Food Luncheon culminates Black History Month at St. Matthew's

    St. Matthew’s School students and staff celebrated the conclusion of Black History Month with a Soul Food Luncheon on Feb. 29.

    The Luther Hall dining room was decorated with a variety of Black History Month information about historical Black figures.

    “This is an important time to recognize and a rich opportunity for instruction,” Principal Leslie Handler said.

    News Feed - St. Matthews
  • Soul Food Thursday! A Celebration to Honor Black History Month!

    Staff and students came together on Thursday, February 29th to celebrate the culmination of Black History Month! Students learned about important black historical figures and community leaders. We also enjoyed a delicious "Soul Food" spread complete with collard greens, cabbage, chicken, cornbread, sweet potato pies, home smoked pulled pork and mac 'n' cheese. It was all home made and absolutely delicious! 

    St. Matthews
  • SWBOCES leader joins Action Day panel on safe, supportive learning environments

    Dr. Alexandria Connally, Assistant Director of Special Services at Southern Westchester BOCES, took part in a panel discussion on collaborating to create safe and supportive learning environments. 

    The discussion came as part of the Westchester-East Putnam Region PTA’s Advocacy Action Day March 9 at Sleepy Hollow High School.

    Dr. Connally  emphasized that creating a welcoming and affirming learning environment begins with thoughtful communication with faculty members, parents and students. Additionally, she discussed the difference between culturally responsive curriculum and culturally responsive pedagogy. She transitioned into sharing the importance of the NYSED Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Framework and its connection to the work done in schools. She also spoke about the importance of community involvement and advocacy and acknowledged the important work that Southern Westchester BOCES is doing through its Special Education PTA. 

    Also present were on the panel were: Assistant District Attorney Laura Forbes, Cyber Crimes Bureau Chief and Internet Safety Coordinator with the Office of the Westchester County District Attorney; Megan McGuire of the Be Smart for Kids gun safety campaign of Moms Demand Action of Rockland County; and Pocantico Hills Central School Superintendent Richard Calkins. 

    The panel discussed a number of important issues for families and students on creating positive and safe learning environments for all.

    In the audience representing SWBOCES SEPTA was Tappan Hill School Principal Phyllis Rizzi and parents from various New York school districts.

    News Feed - Center for Special Services
  • Special Educators sought for roles in upcoming summer program

    The Center for Special Services at Southern Westchester BOCES has summer positions available for qualified candidates for the roles of Teacher, Teaching Assistant and Teacher Aides for our six-week Extended School Year programs. Special Educators are invited and encouraged to apply to join our ESY team.

    The program runs from July 1- Aug. 9. Daily hours are 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. We are dedicated to supporting students with engaging, enriching, and fun summer learning opportunities at one of several Southern Westchester locations. Hourly compensation: Teachers - $50; Teaching Assistants: $24; Teacher Aides: $19. 

    Interested applicants can complete the form linked here or apply at olasjobs.org/SWBOCES

    News Feed - Center for Special Services
  • Campus adds fifth section of TSP-I program for elementary students

    Meeting a need, Rye Lake Lower Campus program continues to grow

    The TSP-I program at Rye Lake Lower Campus, which serves students with greater needs for social-emotional support, is growing as demand increases and Southern Westchester BOCES is looked to for its leadership and high-caliber programming. The campus added its fifth section in mid-February, and students are already well acclimated within an instructional setting that meets their needs. 

    "It's really a reflection of the fact that we are providing the supports and services students need, and our families and districts recognize that," Principal Julia Dolan said of the growing program. 

    News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus
  • Tappan Hill School opens doors to learning for Black History Month

    Tappan Hill School celebrated Black History Month as each door was decorated, including classrooms, offices and the Gym, each featuring historic Black figures. Classes went on learning walks around the building to celebrate and acknowledge the these individuals, who continue to make an impact on our society!

    News Feed - Tappan Hill
  • Tappan Hill celebrates a Happy Valentine's Day with flowers and a dance

    Tappan Hill School staff and students enjoyed a wonderful, kindness-themed Valentine's Day Dance where they enjoyed the opportunity to socialize and exercise together. All classes even exchanged tokens of kindness with their class buddies. This festive day, which featured students and staff dressed in red, pink, and purple, was organized by the Connected Learning Team with help from Coach Diane Storm and Kemar Hopkins, who organized the playlist. 

    What's more, Southern Westchester BOCES district leaders were the recipients of Valentine's bouquets, courtesy of Teacher Erroll Rivera's MD Vocational program at Tappan Hill.

    Southern Westchester BOCES district leaders received red-and-white bouquets. They include: District Superintendent Harold Coles, Deputy Superintendent/COO Brendan Lyons, Assistant Superintendents James Gratto and Steve Tibbetts, Human Resources Director Suzanne Doherty, Director of Special Services Jessica Walker and Assistant Director Alexandria Connally. Students completed the two-week project with the assistance of mentors from Volunteer New York. The project concluded with a fun dance party with Donald Stephens from the Music Conservatory of Westchester.

     

     

    News Feed - Tappan Hill
  • Rye Lake MS/HS kick off 100 days of Kindness on Valentine's Day

    Rye Lake Middle and High School students took part in a Valentine's Day kickoff for 100 days of Kindness thanks to the schools' Community Events Committee! There was a variety of activities to celebrate the community and opportunities for kindness and connection. Students selected the activities they wanted to participate in, with staff assistance. Activities included Valentines or Kindness card making, ice breaker/friendship maker bingo, kindness chain, mindfulness coloring, friendship bracelets/jewelry, and tile art for a building mosaic.

    News Feed - Rye Lake Middle/High School
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  • PLRD Dismissal 3/20/24

    PLRD Day- dismissal is at 1:15 p.m.

    Irvington HS
  • School Closed / Spring Recess

    St. Matthews
  • Spring Recess 3/25 - 4/1

    Spring Recess March 25 - April 1 - School resumes on April 2nd

    Irvington HS
  • ST MATTHEWS

    SPRING RECESS

    NO SCHOOL

    St. Matthews
  • VALHALLA CENTER

    SRING RECESS

    NO SCHOOL

    The Valhalla Center
  • School Closed / Spring Recess

    St. Matthews
  • ST. MATTHEWS

    SPRING RECESS

    NO SCHOOL

    St. Matthews
  • VALHALLA CENTER

    SPRING RECESS

    NO SCHOOL

    The Valhalla Center
  • School Closed / Spring Recess

    St. Matthews
  • ST. MATTHEWS

    SPRING RECESS

    NO SCHOOL

    St. Matthews
  • VALHALLA CENTER

    SPRING RECESS

    NO SCHOOL

    The Valhalla Center
  • School Closed / Spring Recess

    St. Matthews
  • SPRING RECESS

    SPRING RECESS

    NO SCHOOL

    The Valhalla Center
  • ST. MATTHEWS

    SPRING RECESS

    NO SCHOOL

    St. Matthews
  • School Closed / Spring Recess

    St. Matthews
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