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

  • Unique learning space puts focus on skills students can use to work independently

    Valhalla Center students practice real-world skills in Living Center classroom

    This school year, students at Southern Westchester BOCES’ Valhalla Center have had the opportunity to practice real-world skills and work-based activities in a specially designed setting  within their instructional program.

    The new Living Center classroom provides a wide variety of everyday activities, allowing students to move from station to station as they acquire and practice valuable skills.

    News Feed - Valhalla Center
  • Spring has Sprung, begun last year, returns bigger than before

    Spring fling at Rye Lake Lower Campus a learning opportunity, seasonal celebration

    A “Spring has Sprung” event provided instructional opportunities disguised as a celebration of the change of seasons at Rye Lake Lower Campus. Students interacted and engaged with their teachers and one another, playing games, hunting eggs and getting their faces painted, among other activities. There was an underpinning of academic substance they might have missed for all the pastel-tinged revelry.

     “The purpose is to celebrate spring,” Principal Julia Dolan said, “but it also gives us the opportunity to build social skills while practicing how to maintain conversations, stay on topic, request, respond to ‘WH’ questions, use descriptive language, and take turns.”

    News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus
  • Sixth-graders were the first to commit to their own set of values and strategies

    Irvington program's 6th graders take lead on class charter

    A group of sixth-graders was the first class at SWBOCES's Irvington program to follow the lead of their teachers and complete a charter of their own.

    The colorful presentation they created together details the various positive behaviors to which they committed themselves – Listen Actively, Be Open-Minded, and Recognize Others When They Are Doing a Good Job. 

    "As leaders and educators, we were just so impressed with the initiative and thoughtfulness of these students,” Principal Alberta Grant-Johnson said. 

    News Feed - Irvington High School
  • SWBOCES opens Career Tech exploration to its own students

    Rye Lake students take part in Middle School Week at CTE campus

    Middle School Week, an open house opportunity for younger students to learn about SWBOCES Career and Technical Education programs, was also an opportunity for our own Special Services students see the CTE campus up close.

    Students from Rye Lake Campus Middle School joined peers from several component districts to see these programs firsthand. They got to take part in hands-on instructional activities like pizza-making in the Culinary Arts kitchens and working with the mannequins students use to style hair in Cosmetology.

    The program has grown from a handful of students attending to more than 200 this year. The idea is to get them thinking about the CTE path earlier so they have more time to consider whether it is the right fit for them. Typically, outreach is to high school students prior to their junior year.

    News Feed - Rye Lake Middle/High School
  • Edgewood School welcomes SWBOCES students to class

    Tappan Hill partners with Scarsdale on inclusive experiences, P.E. partnership

    Students from Southern Westchester BOCES’ Tappan Hill School in Tarrytown have been participating in collaborative monthly physical education classes at Edgewood Elementary School in Scarsdale. 

    The opportunity to engage in P.E. and inclusive classroom activities comes as the result of a partnership between SWBOCES and Scarsdale Schools. The visits began in January with five Tappan Hill Students participating and will continue through June.

    “The (Scarsdale) staff not only provided a nurturing environment for our children but also allowed us to connect with many new friends,” Principal Phyllis Rizzi said. “We look forward to continuing to be a part of this fantastic school district in this way over the next few months.”

    News Feed - Tappan Hill
  • 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
View More Posts
  • Spring Recess 3/25 - 4/1

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

    Irvington HS
  • 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
  • ST. MATTHEWS

    SPRING RECESS

    NO SCHOOL

    St. Matthews
  • VALHALLA CENTER

    SPRING RECESS

    NO SCHOOL

    The Valhalla Center
  • VALHALLA CENTER

    EASTER

    The Valhalla Center
  • RETURN TO SCHOOL FROM SPRING RECESS

    St. Matthews
  • SCHOOL RESUMES FROM SPRING RECESS

    The Valhalla Center
  • PLRD Dismissal 4/3/24

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

    Irvington HS
  • PLRD Dismissal 4/17/24

    PLRD Day 4/17/24 - Dismissal is at 1:15 p.m.

    Irvington HS
  • School Closed / Holiday Recess

    St. Matthews
  • Passover 4/22 - 4/23

    Passover is April 22, 23 - school resumes on April 24th

    Irvington HS
  • VALHALLA CENTER

    HOLIDAY RECESS

    PASSOVER 

    NO SCHOOL

    The Valhalla Center
View Monthly Calendar