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.
Southern Westchester BOCES is seeking candidates for the key classroom role of Teacher Aides in our Center for Special Services. Get started today on a career in education.
Complete the application linked here. Make a difference in the lives of children. Apply today!
The Rye Lake Lower Campus went beyond the usual holiday festivities by celebrating the unique cultural traditions represented among students and staff. The ‘Holidays Around the World’ event featured 10 elaborate displays created by classrooms across the campus.
On Friday, December 20th St. Matt's welcomed our families for a fun-filled winter holiday parent party! Parents enjoyed making gingerbread houses, brownies, chocolate dipped pretzels and other fun activities with their children. Following the craft activity, parents met with related service providers, school nurse, school social worker and our principal, Diana Dinzey for a supportive roundtable discussion on helping students to be more independent and engaged in their community.
A less strenuous but no less beneficial workshop than many offered at SWBOCES' Wellness Day offered staff the opportunity to seek relaxation and inner piece through sound meditation. Instructor Andrew Noethiger led participants through a 45-minute session, immersing them in the healing vibrations of gongs and various percussion instruments, creating a tapestry of sound and inviting them to let go of stress and reconnect in a soothing environment. Staff looking for more of a workout participated in the Personal Fitness: Circuit Training session in the fitness center on the same campus.
Students in Southern Westchester BOCES’ Special Services programs at Irvington High School have been collecting toys and games for children in need as part of an annual Toys for Tots drive.
“This is a wonderful cause for our school community to support,” Principal Alberta Grant-Johnson said.
A Wellness Day workshop on Cooking and Nutrition has grown a popular following among Southern Westchester BOCES staff, as attendees took the opportunity to return to the Rye Lake Lower Campus kitchen to learn healthy tips and strategies from presenter Susan Chasen of TheOrganicTeachingKitchen.com.“Ms. Chasen’s presentation was an enriching experience for our staff, one that really resonated with them,” said Assistant Principal Nick Villano, a member of the SWBOCES Wellness Committee.
Staff had their pick of a dozen offerings on Wellness Day Dec. 9, all of them a hit but few more so than 3-on-3 basketball in the Rye Lake Campus gymnasium.
The Rye Lake Lower Campus held a Gratitude Breakfast and Gratitude Circle for the school community Thanksgiving Week.
Breakfast treats were available for staff and students to enjoy as everyone gathered to celebrate their gratitude and enjoy breakfast together.
Afterward, staff and students engaged in a Gratitude Circle, in which students created small work products, each noting things for which students felt grateful.
"What a wonderful send off into the Thanksgiving Break!,” Principal Julia Dolan said. “This gathering brought our community together, while indirectly supporting students with their social skills."
Rye Lake Lower Campus students celebrated their monthly PBIS party in November around the theme of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
To get ready for the day, classes read the book “Balloons Over Broadway” by Melissa Sweet, watched a video on the history of the famous parade, and watched another video on how the enormous and colorful parade balloons are made.
In addition, the PBIS party paired a STEM project-based learning activity with the book in which students used templates to create their very own Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons. They colored the templates, cut them out, and pasted them each one to a 12-inch balloon.
When they were finished, they showed off their creations with a parade of their own. Some of the balloon creations were unicorns, robots, dinosaurs, turkeys, minions, teddy bears, and more.
Thirty Rye Lake Campus middle and high school students were recognized Nov. 21 for their academic achievement in an Honor Roll ceremony packed with proud parents, teachers and Southern Westchester BOCES officials.
