Students explore both the school and community to develop abilities to engage in meaningful academic and vocational skills, character education, positive social interactions, and leisure/recreational skills.
We strive to increase the independence of every student so that when they enter the world beyond these walls, they continue to blossom and lead productive lives that are full of worth and meaning.
At St. Matt’s we honor the abilities and individuality of every learner, and believe that all of our students can reach their full potential.
At St. Matt’s, magical things happen.
This program provides a highly structured site-based classroom environment designed primarily for students with autism spectrum disorders at the middle and high school levels for New York State Alternately Assessed students. Instructional methodology includes the applications of structured teaching and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) that have demonstrated effective outcomes in the school environment. Specialized clinical consultation is provided for both structured teaching and ABA classes. In addition to academic outcomes, the development of appropriate communication, social and behavioral skills are stressed.
We currently offer alternately assessed AIIM classes at St. Matt's at the middle and high school level.
CoSer 203.100
Student Teacher Ratio 8:1:2
Included Related Services:
*Speech/Language Services Group (middle school only) 1x30 per week
*Counseling services for Group & Transitional Services
*Consultant Occupational Therapy
*Consultant Speech and Language Services
*Consultant Psychiatric Services
*Parent Training
Direct OT, PT, nursing, speech, counseling (additional) or other related services as per student IEP are billed to districts in addition to tuition costs.
Career Training:
Where appropriate, high school students who are alternately assessed (NYSAA) may attend half day career preparation programs, to meet the requirements for attaining the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SKILLS).This program is offered through the Center for Career Services, at no additional charge to the district
Districts are responsible for providing transportation services for students to be able to attend programs located at the Career Services Center in Valhalla. Southern Westchester BOCES can provide transportation services for a fee that would be billed separately to participating districts.
This program is designed to meet the needs of students who are determined by their CSE to be alternately assessed (NYSAA). The TSP/DD Program facilitates social/emotional/behavioral skills necessary for students with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges to function successfully in home, school and community environments. Functional academics and specialized instruction in academics are emphasized. At the secondary level, the program provides students with transition supports, career awareness and services and vocational experiences and skills necessary for students to attain the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential (SACC).
We currently offer TSP-DD classes at St. Matt's at the high school level.
CoSer 231.100
Student Teacher Ratio 8:1:1
Included Related Services
* Psychiatric Consultant Services
* Counseling Services 1x30 group per week
* Consultant Occupational Therapy
* Consultant Speech and Language Services
* Consultant Guidance Counselor
Direct OT, PT, nursing, speech, counseling (additional) or other related services as per student IEP are billed to districts in addition to tuition costs.
Career Training
Where appropriate, high school students who are alternately assessed (NYSAA) may attend half day career preparation programs. This program is offered through the Center for Career Services, at no additional charge to the district
Districts are responsible for providing transportation services for students to be able to attend programs located at the Career Services Center in Valhalla. Southern Westchester BOCES can provide transportation services for a fee that would be billed separately to participating districts.
A recent Work-Based Learning Parent Engagement Event at SWBOCES St. Matthew’s School in White Plains showed parents the work skills their children learn daily in the classroom and in the community. They also met with educators and business partners who provide work opportunities to students.
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.
The number of real-world vocational opportunities for Southern Westchester BOCES students continues to grow thanks to new and expanding partnerships with local businesses like retailer Party City and Big Apple Smoothie in downtown White Plains.
“We want to ensure that the time our students spend at our school is a reflection of and a preparation for adulthood,” Ms Dinzey said. “So we want to give them a lot of the realistic experiences they are going to need to accomplish independence.”
On Friday, December 20th St. Matt's welcomed our families for a fun-filled winter holiday parent engagement event! Parents enjoyed making gingerbread houses, brownies, chocolate dipped pretzels and other fun activities with their children. Following the craft activity, parents met with related service providers, the school nurse, the school social worker and our principal, Diana Dinzey for a supportive roundtable discussion on helping students to be more independent and engaged in their community.
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.”
Southern Westchester BOCES
Center for Special Services
St. Matthew's School
3 Carhart Ave., White Plains, NY 10605
ph. 914-761-7524
fax 914-761-8806
