Center for Special Services - Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Special Services

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.

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News from our schools

Rye Lake Lower Campus practice skills with engaging collage project

Students in Trish Lyons class had a great time engaging in a ripped paper collage project. They chose their colors and practiced ripping paper, gluing, and deciding where to place the ripped pieces. They did a great job! "It is great to see students engaged in fun summertime projects and acclimating to their new home at the Rye Lake Lower Campus," Principal Jonathan Remeny said.
News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus
Lower Campus students enjoy summer fun on Rye Lake campus playground

The students in Kris Cook's class had fun exploring their new school and enjoyed soaking up some summer sun on this beautiful day.
News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus
Therapy Dog visit kicks off enrich summer of activities at Rye Lake

ESY at Special Services has begun! Last week, Blue Path therapy dogs visited Rye Lake Campus. Students in the Elementary AIIM program enjoyed some time with Wordle and his trainer, Brittany. We look forward to a summer of even more enriching activities!
News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus
Rye Lake Lower Campus welcomes new students

Students in the M.D. program were all smiles at Rye Lake Lower Campus as they reunited with old friends in new places, filling the Decagon building with laughter and excitement. One of the biggest highlights? Exploring their brand new learning space that’s already sparking curiosity and creativity. Here’s to new beginnings, familiar faces, and a school year full of growth in our beautiful new setting!
News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus
St. Matt's Celebrates Field Day!

On Friday, May 30th, St. Matts celebrated our inaugural Field Day at Pierson Park in Tarrytown. Students enjoyed various activities, including yoga with Coach Sarah, a musical celebration with Mr. R, our music teacher, and lots of fun field games. The students and staff also enjoyed a delicious barbecue lunch! We can't wait to have Field Day again next year!
St. Matthews
Juneteenth event a chance to celebrate and learn together

On the eve of the Juneteenth holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, students and staff at Rye Lake Lower Campus celebrated with fun activities and festive cuisine.

Students beaded black, red, yellow, and green bracelets at one table and designed flags and pinwheels on another. No celebration would be complete without red velvet cake, but there were also beef patties and a spicy African rice dish known as jollof. The event was the last of the school year planned by the school’s Equity Team.

“With the end of the school year approaching, this was a wonderful educational opportunity to celebrate together and learn about an important cultural and historical topic,” Principal Julia Dolan. “I enjoyed seeing our students so happy and engaged.”
News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus
Tappan Hill students visit Muscoot Farm for a real-world learning experience

Students in Teacher Linda Liebman's class at Tappan Hill School enjoyed a final class trip of the school year, this time to Muscoot Farm, a Westchester County park in Somers. The visit to the working farm marked the end of the farm thematic unit that encompassed literacy, language, art, math, and cooking lessons.
News Feed - Tappan Hill
Families, longtime staff embrace students' success on their special day

Valhalla Center salutes four graduates for their accomplishments, perseverance

Families, friends, educators and administrators packed the room at Valhalla Center on June 12 as four graduates were celebrated for the hard work, vibrant spirit and unique contributions that marked their time at Southern Westchester BOCES. “We are so incredibly proud of each and every one of you,” she said. “These are not just graduates, they are really, truly bright stars, each with a powerful story and a beautiful future.”
News Feed - Valhalla Center
Moving commencement demonstrated grads’ ‘resilience, heart and courage’

Five Rye Lake High School graduates praised for their growth and achievement

In a moving ceremony that marked the end of a chapter with new challenges to come, five members of the Rye Lake Campus High School graduating class were hailed by educators and embraced by family, all equally proud of their accomplishments. “Today marks not just the end of high school but the beginning of your next adventure,” Principal Eric Ford told graduates Connor Boyle, Olivia Corona, Arlinda Hoxhaj, Avery Thompson and Khianni Thomas.
News Feed - Rye Lake Middle/High School
High School awaits following successful educational journey

Rye Lake Campus 8th Graders ready for the next chapter

The Rye Lake Campus Middle School Moving Up ceremony on June 12 recognized the successes and future triumphs of seven students who will embrace the challenges of high school in the fall.
News Feed - Rye Lake Middle/High School