Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Special Services

News from our schools

• Notes of appreciation, hand-delivered treats all ways of saying thanks

  Rye Lake Lower Campus celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week

  The Rye Lake Lower Campus honored their incredible teachers, teacher assistants, teacher aides, and related service providers throughout Teacher Appreciation Week.

  Staff, student, and family involvement are a huge part of the success of RLLC's Teacher Appreciation Week and the school community. As a result, the campus continued its tradition by creating an Appreciation Station in the foyer of the Decagon Building.

  News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus

• Tappan Hill School celebrates Earth Week with lessons on recycling

  In the spirit of Earth Week, Teacher Linda Christiansen's class at Tappan Hill School spent last week learning about ways we can all care for our world. Recycling is so important, and cleaning up our classroom became a top priority!

   

  News Feed - Tappan Hill

• Teacher Appreciation Day: SEPTA shows gratitude with sweet treats for all

  In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Day, members of the Southern Westchester BOCES Special Education Parent Teacher Association came up with a way to show their gratitude for all our Special Services staff – with a personal touch!

  Special thanks to SEPTA President Carolyn Laskaj and the SEPTA team who thoughtfully delivered platters of delicious cookies to our program locations.

  “It’s truly heartwarming to know that we have such caring and supportive parents who go above and beyond to spread gratitude and kindness within our schools,” Principal Phyllis Rizzi said.

  Special thanks as well to Joe Cecere from SWBOCES Facilities Department for ensuring each site receives their delicious treats. THANK YOU to our staff for the work you do each and every day to support our students!

  News Feed - Center for Special Services

• Luau dance party, sing along and read aloud top a full slate of activities

  Tappan Hill School Wellness Day offers a fun break from the routine

  Wellness was the goal, and a luau dance party was a key part of the plan at Tappan Hill School, where a full slate of fun activities marked a break from the usual educational routine.

  “Our staff really thought about creating opportunities for having fun and making memories,” Assistant Principal Francesca Fernandez said.

  News Feed - Tappan Hill

• A variety of cuisines puts a celebratory stamp on cultural lessons

  International Day luncheon provides a melting pot of learning opportunities

  Students filed into the conference room at the Valhalla Center eager to share what they’d learned about the culture and cuisine of the various heritages their classes represent. 

  The International Day luncheon they staged with support and direction from educators in the program turned the space into a colorfully decorated dining hall.

  “This was an opportunity to teach our students about the different cultures and backgrounds each of us has and how we come together as one class,” Teacher Allison Waskiewicz said. 

  News Feed - Valhalla Center

• Each class tailored environmental lessons to their students

  Tappan Hill School plants seeds of knowledge through Earth Day celebrations

  The classrooms at Tappan Hill School were abuzz with excitement as students celebrated Earth Day by participating in various activities that emphasized the importance of taking care of the environment.

  News Feed - Tappan Hill

• Tappan Hill School, students among Volunteer NY! honorees

  On an early April morning, Volunteer NY! held its annual ceremony of appreciation for all the volunteers who made a difference during the 2023-24 school year.

  Together this year, the organization's RISE program volunteers put in 3,000 hours of service. Tappan Hill was represented by three volunteers who dedicated time to work at the main office of Volunteer NY. They met with other RISE volunteers and together they collaborated and organized themselves taking on specific roles to meet project objectives.

  RISE stands for readiness through integrated service engagement. The program connects adults with disabilities to nonprofits in the community where they can build skills while volunteering.

  Tappan Hill students Ralph Cellante, Fraley Gomez and Serena Jones were recognized at the ceremony, making this event extra rewarding. Tappan Hill School was also recognized as a site that provided opportunities for other RISE volunteers from YAI, WIHD and ARC. Southern Westchester BOCES looks forward to continued collaboration with these impactful organizations.

  News Feed - Tappan Hill

• Students look forward to school and to scoring points to play ball

  Intramural sports prove to be a major motivator at Rye Lake MS/HS
  

  Rye Lake Middle-High School students are looking forward to school more than ever since the start of intramural basketball and volleyball over the winter. The innovative new program incentivizes positive student behaviors with the promise of competitive games - sometimes against faculty and staff. Principal Eric Ford could not be more please with how well the program has worked. This fall, he may even take things outside with intramural football.

  “This is based on students' choices and inputs,” Mr. Ford said. “We know that a lot of students struggle to maintain purpose in school. We know that sports is a way to pull them in, to connect them. Once we started intramural sports we had a decrease in incidents, especially from the students that typically display those challenges. It became something they look forward to.”

  News Feed - Rye Lake Middle/High School