Valhalla Center

Diana Dinzey

Welcome to The Center for Special Services’ Valhalla Center! Our mission is to support students, families, and component districts by empowering every student to transition successfully into adulthood. We prioritize the development of essential life and vocational skills, preparing students to become confident, capable, and contributing members of their communities.

At The Valhalla Center, we focus on providing personalized, rigorous academic instruction, strengthening daily living skills, and offering students meaningful vocational and community integration opportunities. Our goal is to ensure every student receives a well-rounded education that is relevant, individualized, and grounded in real-life experiences. Through ongoing assessment and data-driven practices, our educators work closely with service providers and specialists to create cohesive, targeted programming that fosters both academic growth and functional success.

Equally important is our commitment to social-emotional learning and interpersonal skill development. Through integrated recreational activities and restorative practices, students build positive relationships, develop accountability, and strengthen their ability to navigate social situations with confidence. These experiences help our students grow not only in skill, but also in self-assurance and independence.

Recognizing the invaluable role families play in student success, we continually provide opportunities for parent engagement. From workshops to collaborative meetings and school events, we strive to build strong partnerships that support students both at school and at home.

At The Valhalla Center, our mission is to provide student-centered, future-focused programming that prepares learners for meaningful lives and active participation in the world beyond the classroom. We are deeply grateful to work alongside such a dedicated and caring community.

Warm regards,

Diana Dinzey
Principal

Calendar

Dec 26

Holiday Recess

Holiday Recess

The Valhalla Center
Dec 29

Holiday Recess

Holiday Recess

The Valhalla Center
Dec 30

Holiday Recess

Holiday Recess

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Dec 31

Holiday Recess

Holiday Recess

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Jan 1

Holiday Recess

Holiday Recess

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Announcements

🎄🍪 Holiday Cheer at Valhalla Center! 🍪🎄

On December 23rd, Valhalla Center welcomed families and friends for a joyful Cookie Decorating celebration. We are so grateful to the families who braved the snow to join us, spreading warmth, laughter, and holiday spirit. ❄️✨

The room was filled with festive cheer as we sang along to joyful holiday music—it was truly heartwarming to hear our kiddos singing alongside our team members and families! One parent even joined us via video conference! 🎶❤️

To ensure all students were able to fully access and participate in the activity, we used communication boards, visual supports, detailed step-by-step task breakdowns, and communication devices. This allowed families to see firsthand how instruction and communication are supported throughout our program, making the experience inclusive and meaningful for everyone.

We wish all our families, staff, caregivers, and everyone who plays a special role in our students’ lives a happy, restful break and a wonderful New Year! 🌟🎉
The Valhalla Center
Integrating All of Our Senses: Wellness 2025 Day at Valhalla Center!

Student Wellness 2025 took place at the Special Services Valhalla Center, celebrating a day dedicated to student health and wellness through engaging activities for all five senses. Students participated in five 20-minute activities, remaining in their classrooms with staff support for all activities except Taste, which was held in the therapy room. Touch, led by Sarah Demetriadis, included sensory bins or a nature walk if weather allowed. For Sight, classroom teachers guided students in creating a “Tree of Thanks” to share what they are grateful for and take home. Smell activities, led by Jane Shields, had students make potpourri satchels with dried flowers and fruit peels. In Taste, Speech and OT staff assisted students in making personalized yogurt parfaits. Hearing, led by Curtis Haywood, offered sound-based activities and music engagement. Each activity promoted mindfulness, creativity, and sensory awareness. Student Wellness 2025 highlighted the importance of caring for the whole student—mind, body, and senses—while fostering a fun, supportive environment.
The Valhalla Center
Valhalla Center students, staff celebrate Thanksgiving with a “We Are Grateful” feast

Valhalla Center celebrated our student and staff Thanksgiving feast with a focus on gratitude and community.

We came together to honor the people who help our school run every day, including our custodians, transportation department and bus drivers, nurses, and cafeteria staff. Their work supports our students’ safety, health, and comfort, and their care is felt throughout our building.

Students created messages of thanks, decorated tables, and shared a meal across classrooms. The celebration reminded us that Valhalla is more than a school. It is a community built on teamwork, care, and appreciation. Today and always, we are grateful.
News Feed - Valhalla Center
“We Are Grateful” Thanksgiving Feast

Valhalla Center celebrated our student and staff Thanksgiving feast with a focus on appreciation and community. Our “We Are Grateful” theme honored the people who help our school run smoothly every single day. Together, we shared a warm meal, laughter, and moments of gratitude across classrooms.

This year, we took the time to recognize our custodians, transportation department and bus drivers, nurses, and cafeteria staff. They are the ones who keep our building clean, make sure students arrive safely, care for their health needs, and help nourish our school community. Their work often happens quietly, but it has a powerful impact on the comfort and safety of our students.

Classes created messages of thanks, decorated tables, and welcomed our honorees with genuine appreciation. The smiles, conversations, and shared food reminded us that Valhalla is more than a school. It’s a community that values people, relationships, and everyday acts of care.

At Valhalla, we don’t just celebrate a holiday. We celebrate the people who make our school feel like home. Today and every day, we are grateful.
The Valhalla Center
Fall-O-Ween Spirit Week at Valhalla Center

Valhalla Center celebrated Fall-O-Ween Spirit Week with energy, creativity, and plenty of smiles! Students and staff brought their best spirit each day, showing what makes our community so special — supportive, fun, and full of heart.

We kicked off with Sports Team Day, proudly wearing team colors while enjoying games like the Eyeball Toss and Bowling Ghost Ghoulies. On Think Pink Day, everyone wore shades of pink to raise awareness for Breast Cancer. Wacky Wednesday brought out bold socks, silly hats, and lots of laughter, while Pajama Day wrapped us in cozy comfort and calm.

Our Literary Pumpkin Contest showcased teamwork and imagination, with Adriana’s class winning first place for their Charlotte’s Web design. Max’s class joined St. Matthew’s School for a friendly Apple Pie Baking Contest, and we cheered on Karen Walker’s class from St. Matthew’s for taking top votes!

Creative Door Decorations brightened our hallways with fall and Halloween themes, and we wrapped up the week with our Costume & Candy Bash — a fun-filled celebration of trick-or-treating, games, and a haunted hallway adventure.

It was a week full of laughter, learning, and Valhalla spirit — a true reflection of our vibrant and caring school community! 🎃
The Valhalla Center
September Highlights & Valhalla Center’s Back-to-School Open House

As we step into October, we’re excited to share our September Newsletter along with highlights and photos from our Back-to-School- Open House.

Valhalla Center welcomed over 20 family members to our Back-to-School Open House! It was such a wonderful evening of partnership, learning, and community. Families connected with teachers, related service providers, administrators, and one another while enjoying cookies, a cheese-and-cracker platter, and Mr. Ben’s delicious baked cake. Staff were also on hand to assist families with eSchool Parent Portal registration and SEPTA sign-ups.

In Ms. Allison’s class, families celebrated student success and received thoughtful apple gifts with handwritten notes from their children saying “to Mom and Dad.” Mr. Max shared a slideshow highlighting students’ daily learning and life-skills activities that build independence, followed by a tour of the Life Center Room. Ms. Lisa shared classroom goals, plans, and her point system for encouraging positive engagement. Ms. Adriana proudly showcased her classroom’s task boxes, instructional breakfast program, and the heartfelt thank-you notes her students wrote for their parents.

We are so grateful to our families for partnering with us to support student growth, independence, and success. Here’s to a school year filled with learning, collaboration, and achievement!
The Valhalla Center

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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