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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Rye Lake Lower Campus students learned firsthand about recycling during a tour of Westchester County’s Material Recovery Facility in Yonkers.
Rye Lake Campus Middle-High School students and staff celebrated the arrival of spring with multi-themed week of school spirit displays.
"Step Into Spring," the spirit week theme, featured "Green Day" on March 17 with a wearing of the green, followed on Tuesday by sports team Jersey Day and and PJ Day on Wednesday. Thursday was all about Crazy Socks, of which there were many fun examples. However, Friday brought out Principal Eric Ford's fun side with Cartoon/Superhero Day where everyone was invited to dress up as their favorite character or hero!
School Spirit is thriving at Rye Lake, encouraging a positive, inclusive culture and unity among all students.
Tappan Hill School's world travels landed in Europe as the Connected Learning Team’s Rosalie Consani, Elizabeth Lopez & Deborah Maas created resources to support learning aboutthe continent. Each classroom created a display of student art in the style of famous European artists. Classes studied Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gough, Henri Matisse, George Seurat, Wassily Kandinsky, Edgar Degas and Antoni Gaudi. They were then able to conduct art walks throughout the building.
Two of three Center for Special Services Programs housed at Tappan Hill School in Tarrytown for the last decade will relocate in the 2025-26 school year.
Students in Southern Westchester BOCES programs at St. Matthew's School in White Plains already benefit from real-world learning opportunities provided by a number of area businesses. Those invaluable partnerships continue to grow with the addition this month of DSW and the White Plains Library. We couldn't be more thankful for their warm welcome.
Tappan Hill School students learned about their friends' Asian heritages in the Filipino and Yemeni cultures. Eslam wore traditional Yemeni clothing that consists of a throbe (a long white robe) and a Jumbiya shaped like a dagger with a wide belt. It is a symbol of Yemeni heritage and pride. He also shared Akras which is a traditional Yemeni flatbread.
Mirela, meanwhile, brought in Ube Piaya, a delicious Filipino delicacy that combines classic piaya with ube filling. She also brought in sweet and tangy candies made from tamarind pulp and sugar. The staff and students are enjoying learning about different cultures as Tappan Hill "travels around the world."
Students in the Special Services programs at Valhalla Center have new internship opportunities right on the Career Services Campus where they attend classes.
Tappan Hill School students and staff continue their travels around the world in their studies and classroom activities. Classes last week learned about animals and the weather. We celebrated our week of learning with an Antarctic Dance Party in the gym. Even a penguin joined the party!
The Southern Westchester BOCES Special Education Parent Teacher Association is looking for volunteer who would like to get more involved int he important and rewarding work that SEPTA does. Join our Fundraising Subcommittee and our Social Subcommitees on Local Parent Meet-ups and Community Outreach and Events.
If interested, contact SEPTA President Carolyn Laskaj at carolynlaskaj@gmail.com or SEPTA Vice President Donna Perazzo at donna@perazzo.us.
Half Day/ Student Early Dismissal - 11:30 AM
Spring Recess, School Closed
