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 Southern Westchester BOCES Special Education Teacher Association hosts the latests in its Virtual Learning Series on Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. with "Diploma Changes in NYS" featuring District Superintendent Dr. Harold Coles.
Join the Zoom Meeting at this link.
Meeting ID: 265 812 0268
Passcode: 878752
A recent professional learning session led by the Assistant Director of Special Services at SWBOCES highlighted strategies for integrating the principles of NYSED's Culturally Responsive Sustaining Education Framework into special education classrooms. Dr. Alexandria Connally’s session emphasized that embracing diversity goes beyond race, ethnicity, and culture—it must also include disability.
"It’s not about merely tolerating differences, but about celebrating and integrating them into the classroom environment," Dr. Connally said. She encouraged educators to view the CR-S framework as a flexible guide that helps inform culturally responsive teaching, tailored to meet the needs of students with diverse abilities.
During Superintendent's Conference Day at Tappan Hill School, staff engaged in multiple activities, including team building, by creating their own play dough mascots. This was such a wonderful opportunity for staff to work and learn together.
Music teacher Andrew Ruoti travels among multiple Southern Westchester BOCES Special Services locations, pushing into classroom with lessons about musical arrangement, teamwork and the passion for the arts that was sewn in him at an early age. On an October morning at Irvington High School, middle school students of varying musical experience came together on a soulful rendition of the classic Stand By Me that left them smiling at the success of their ongoing musical collaboration.
Students and staff at Rye Lake Lower Campus wore pink and participated in a walk, one of a several similar events across our campuses to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Students carried signs they created bearing messages of unity and support.
“It's inspiring to see our students learn about supporting others who are dealing with difficulties," Principal Julia Dolan said. "It's gratifying for our staff to support them in such a positive display of compassion and empathy.”
Familiar faces returned to Tappan Hill School in Tarrytown on Oct. 29 with a delivery of pumpkins for Halloween decorating.
Teacher Erroll Rivera, who retired last school year, and Tappan Hill graduate Michael "MikeyMo" Wisher joined the festivities along with Michael's mother, Justine Riordan.
Principal Francesca Fernandez expressed appreciation for the pumpkin donation and said it was exciting to see Michael and Mr. Rivera at Tappan Hill again. Given the proximity to Sleepy Hollow and Sunnyside, the Washington Irving estate, Halloween is a pretty big deal in the surrounding community.
"What a special moment it was to see our old friends again and to enjoy this generous contribution," Ms. Fernandez said. "Our classes will incorporate activities into their instructional work that include planning and decorating pumpkins, similar to what we do with our bulletin boards and classroom doors. The Tappan Hill community is very appreciative"
Admissions officer, professor and former Westchester Community College student Stephanie Annunziata met with three college-bound students at Rye Lake Campus Middle-High School recently. Her primary goal was to walk them through WCC’s online application. She even provided a code for them to enter to waive the application fee. The college sends a representative here for this purpose each school year.
“This is an invaluable opportunity to have an expert walk you through the college application process,” School Counselor Cristina Tompkins said. “These students have so many options and opportunities in front of them. WCC’s low tuition and excellent reputation make it an obvious choice to include in their decision-making process.”
Tappan Hill School Teacher Kris Cook's class learned about elections and what it means to vote. Students participated in their own vote for class mascot. Together, they brainstormed possible mascots and chose four to vote on. Then, each student filled out a ballot with their vote. Finally, they counted the votes and reviewed the data. As you can see, chicken was the landslide winner!
St. Matthew’s School student and staff wore pink and participated in a Breast Cancer Awareness in downtown White Plains on Oct. 23. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Students carried signs they helped to make bearing messages of unity and support as they strolled the sidewalks of their school’s neighborhood before returning to gather for sweet treats specially decorated for the occasion.
“It’s wonderful to see our school community unite around this meaningful cause,” Principal Diana Dinzey said. “The students learned about supporting others who are dealing with difficulties and how they can come together as a community and make a difference.”
In an annual tradition, faculty and staff at Tappan Hill School in Tarrytown wore pink Friday, Oct. 18, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
