Valhalla Center

Diana Dinzey Dear Families and Guardians,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! As the new Principal of the Valhalla Center, I am honored to extend a warm greeting to you and your family as we embark on another exciting school year.

I have over 17 years of experience working with children and families, primarily in special education, with additional background in social work. My roles have included special education teacher, academic intervention service provider, and, for the past two years, Assistant Principal with the NYC Department of Education. These experiences have shaped my educational philosophy, which focuses on a holistic approach that addresses students' academic, social- emotional, and behavioral needs. I am honored to join the Valhalla team, and the SWBOCES Center for Special Services, as their educational philosophy reflects my own.

At the Valhalla Center, we are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and enriching environment for all our students. Our special education program is designed with a deep understanding of the unique needs of each student. We believe in the power of personalized education and are dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential. We accomplish this work through our specialized Middle School and High School AIIM and CAD programs.

Our team of highly skilled educators, therapists, and support staff is passionate about providing individualized instruction and fostering an environment where each child can thrive. We work collaboratively with families to ensure that educational goals are met, and that each student's learning experience is tailored to their needs.

Open communication between school and home is crucial. We value your insights and feedback and are here to support you in any way we can. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. You can contact us via phone at 914-761-7524 or email at ddinzey@swboces.org.

We are excited about the opportunities this year holds and look forward to partnering with you to make it a successful and memorable year for your child. Together, we will create a positive and productive learning environment where every student can excel.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. We look forward to a wonderful year ahead.

Warm regards,

Diana Dinzey
Principal

Calendar

Dec 23 Jan 1

Holiday Recess

The Valhalla Center
Jan 2

School Resumes

The Valhalla Center
Jan 13

Early Dismissal 11:10 Half Day

The Valhalla Center
Jan 20

School Closed

The Valhalla Center
Jan 29

School Closed

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Announcements

Topic is a key concern for families of students as they look to life after graduation

Professional learning at Valhalla Center focuses on Transition to Adulthood

Earlier this fall, representatives from Westchester Arc visited Southern Westchester BOCES’ programs at Valhalla Center, providing professional development on Transitioning to Adulthood.

The expert presentation provided to educators at Valhalla Center covered how to best prepare students for Adult Day programs and how to support students and families in making decisions after graduating from SWBOCES. Jacie Feuer, Transition Services Director at Westchester Arc, led the learning session.

“Ms Feuer was very knowledgeable and resourceful,” Principal Diana Dinzey said. “The transition to adulthood is such an important topic for our families, and we are pleased to be able to provide them with expert guidance as our students look to lead full and successful lives after they leave our programs.”
News Feed - Valhalla Center
Valhalla Center welcomes parents at Open House

There was a terrific parent turnout at Valhalla Center's Fall Open House! Families were able to walk the site, visit classrooms and the Living Center, and spend time getting to know their children's teachers, who shared information about curriculum and instruction. Our Speech, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy providers were also available to answer questions and show the parents the spaces where their children receive their related services. It was such a wonderful evening. Thank you to all who attended!
News Feed - Valhalla Center
Valhalla Center students arrive to a year of new promise

The opening days of school at Southern Westchester BOCES' Center for Special Services Valhalla Center location have been a time of enthusiasm and welcome as students returned for the 2024-25 school year. The promise of the year ahead is that of learning, friendships and growth.
News Feed - Valhalla Center
New York City schools veteran will oversee St. Matthew’s, Valhalla Center

New principal brings passion for special education and supporting families

Diana Dinzey joins Southern Westchester BOCES as principal at St. Matthew’s School and Valhalla Center after several years in teaching and administrative positions with the New York City Department of Education. She brings to her new role experience as a special education teacher, a team leader and, for the last two, years an assistant principal. “I love special education,” Ms. Dinzey says. “That’s the heart of the work I’ve always done.”
The Valhalla Center
Teachers reflect on students' success as new challenges await

Valhalla Center graduates lauded for their accomplishments and character

Everyone at the Valhalla Center graduation had a smile on their face, reflecting the character of the three young men being honored. One by one, teachers shared how thoughtful each graduate was and their pride in their accomplishments.

“Your children worked really hard to reach this day," Principal Leslie Handler said. “We are all excited to see what you will do next."
News Feed - Valhalla Center
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
Unique learning space puts focus on students' independent skills

Valhalla Center students practice real-world skills in Living Center classroom

This school year, students at Southern Westchester BOCES’ Valhalla Center have had the opportunity to practice real-world skills and work-based activities in a specially designed setting within their instructional program.

The new Living Center classroom provides a wide variety of everyday activities, allowing students to move from station to station as they acquire and practice valuable skills.
News Feed - Valhalla Center

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Valhalla Spirit

Students wearing mixed-matched outfits for spirit week
Students wearing mixed-matched outfits
Students wearing tie-dye shirts with their classmates
Students and staff wearing tie dye shirts
Students wearing tie-dye t-shirts for spirit week
Students and staff celebrating color day during spirit week
Students and staff celebrate color day by wearing green
Student wearing rainbow for spirit week
Students and staff celebrate sports day
Student and staff celebrating pajama day for spirit week
Student and staff celebrating pajama day
Students celebrating pajama day
Students and staff waiting for certificates during spirit week

Autism Spectrum Disorder Programs NYSAA K-12

This programs provide a highly structured site-based classroom environment designed primarily for students with autism spectrum disorders at the elementary, 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.

CoSer 203.100

Classroom Ratio 8:1:2

Communication and Academic Development Program (CAD) NYS Alternately Assessed

This program is offered to students who require small group instruction in a therapeutic setting. Students in this program primarily present with mental health challenges that significantly interfere with the students' ability to be educated and supported within a typical general education classroom environment. Students' needs are met through highly structured classroom settings with counseling and instructional supports. At the secondary level, the program provides students with transition services and supports.

CAD Grades 6-12 CoSer 230.100

Student Teacher Ratio 12:1:1