Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Special Services

News from our schools

• Juneteenth event a chance to celebrate and learn together

  On the eve of the Juneteenth holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, students and staff at Rye Lake Lower Campus celebrated with fun activities and festive cuisine.

   

  Students beaded black, red, yellow, and green bracelets at one table and designed flags and pinwheels on another. No celebration would be complete without red velvet cake, but there were also beef patties and a spicy African rice dish known as jollof. The event was the last of the school year planned by the school’s Equity Team.

   

  “With the end of the school year approaching, this was a wonderful educational opportunity to celebrate together and learn about an important cultural and historical topic,” Principal Julia Dolan. “I enjoyed seeing our students so happy and engaged.”

  News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus

• Tappan Hill students visit Muscoot Farm for a real-world learning experience

  Students in Teacher Linda Liebman's class at Tappan Hill School enjoyed a final class trip of the school year, this time to Muscoot Farm, a Westchester County park in Somers. The visit to the working farm marked the end of the farm thematic unit that encompassed literacy, language, art, math, and cooking lessons.

  News Feed - Tappan Hill

• Families, longtime staff embrace students' success on their special day

  Valhalla Center salutes four graduates for their accomplishments, perseverance

  Families, friends, educators and administrators packed the room at Valhalla Center on June 12 as four graduates were celebrated for the hard work, vibrant spirit and unique contributions that marked their time at Southern Westchester BOCES. “We are so incredibly proud of each and every one of you,” she said. “These are not just graduates, they are really, truly bright stars, each with a powerful story and a beautiful future.”

  News Feed - Valhalla Center

• Moving commencement demonstrated grads’ ‘resilience, heart and courage’

  Five Rye Lake High School graduates praised for their growth and achievement
  

   In a moving ceremony that marked the end of a chapter with new challenges to come, five members of the Rye Lake Campus High School graduating class were hailed by educators and embraced by family, all equally proud of their accomplishments. “Today marks not just the end of high school but the beginning of your next adventure,” Principal Eric Ford told graduates Connor Boyle, Olivia Corona, Arlinda Hoxhaj, Avery Thompson and Khianni Thomas.

  News Feed - Rye Lake Middle/High School

• High School awaits following successful educational journey

  Rye Lake Campus 8th Graders ready for the next chapter
  

  The Rye Lake Campus Middle School Moving Up ceremony on June 12 recognized the successes and future triumphs of seven students who will embrace the challenges of high school in the fall.

  News Feed - Rye Lake Middle/High School

• Seven students lauded on the culmination of their educational journeys

  St. Matthew’s graduates reached for the stars, now set out for new adventures

  At the St. Matthew’s School 2025 Graduation Ceremony on June 10, pride and joy filled the Luther Hall auditorium as families, staff, district leaders, and community partners gathered to honor a remarkable group of seven students. “These are not just graduates — they are bright stars, each with a powerful story and a beautiful future,” Ms. Dinzey said.

   

  News Feed - St. Matthews

• Fun in the sun for AIIM students and staff made possible by full team effort

  Rye Lake Lower Campus outing to Kensico Dam a collaborative success
  

  Rye Lake Lower Campus staff and AIIM students took advantage of a sunny June day to take the learning outdoors, spending a morning at the nearby Kensico Dam Plaza County Park.

  There they engaged in a series of fun games and activities, organizing teams by class, complete with matching “team” T-shirts. 

  News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus

• Seven students lauded by principal for their respect, consideration and caring

  Middle schoolers at Irvington move up, ready to take on high school

  The Southern Westchester BOCES Special Services programs in Irvington celebrated not only the accomplishments but the educational journeys of seven eighth-graders who are moving up to high school in the fall. "We have every faith in your ability to shine brightly,” Principal Grant-Johnson told them.

  News Feed - Irvington High School

• A singular achievement: Graduate is in a class by herself

  Rye Lake Lower Campus celebrates graduate's special day

  Graduation Day was a one of a kind experience for Amber Rose Castillo. Surrounded by loved ones and cheered on by educators and peers, she was the sole graduate this June from the AIIM program at Rye Lake Lower Campus. "I want you to remember you have all of the tools to succeed," Teacher Tiffany Kittrell said. "We are so proud of you, and we will miss you a great deal. Continue to bloom, our Amber Rose." 

  News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus

• Tappan Hill School honors nine students moving up and six who are graduating

  A class like no other: Tappan Hill salutes its last graduates

  The gymnasium was filled for a final time for the pomp and circumstance of an emotional graduation ceremony as Tappan Hill honored the academic success of 15 students, including six graduates. "There has never been a class quite like this one," Principal Francesca Fernandez said. "Your class has been unapologetically yourself." The school will revert to the Tarrytown School District next school year, as programs are relocated to new locations.

  News Feed - Tappan Hill