Valhalla Center

Diana Dinzey

At the Valhalla Center, our vision is to empower every student to transition successfully into adulthood by prioritizing the development of essential life and vocational skills. We are dedicated to preparing our students to become confident, capable, and contributing members of their communities. By focusing on these key areas, we help our students not only grow both academically and in their independence but also thrive personally, paving the way for their future success.

As we continue our work this school year, we are witnessing remarkable growth among our students. Our returning scholars have quickly settled back into their instructional routines, and those attending iCTE and working at White Plains Party City continue to develop valuable skills that foster job readiness and independence. We are especially proud of our first-year students, who are making wonderful progress as they transition into middle school, setting the stage for a successful academic journey ahead.

We are incredibly grateful for the exceptional work of our service providers, as well as the partnerships we have established with community-based organizations such as BluePath Service Dogs and the Music Conservatory of Westchester. These collaborations play a key role in enriching our students’ experiences and helping them reach their full potential.

Since November, we have been fortunate to offer our students the opportunity to receive free, sensory-friendly haircuts through our partnership with the Center for Career Services. Every Thursday, students visit the campus's Barber Shop, where they are met with great care by Career and Technical Education students and their teacher, Mr. David Biviano. This program has made a significant difference for many of our students, especially those who have experienced sensory challenges with grooming.

Our Friendsgiving Feast, also in November, was another wonderful event. It was a joy to see our students applying their skills in various ways, from making placemats and organizing the space to preparing food, serving, and organizing. This event was a true testament to the growth and teamwork our students exhibit each day.

A special thank you to the parents who joined us for our Holiday Parent Engagement event in December. Families were able to see how teachers adapt instruction, how our professionals use specialized teaching strategies to help students access the curriculum, and how service providers collaborate with the classroom teams to connect their therapies to instructional practices.

At SWBOCES Valhalla, we understand that your child’s journey may not always have been easy, and we are honored to be part of it. We deeply appreciate the trust you have placed in us, and we are excited to continue working alongside you and your family in the year ahead.

Open communication between school and home is crucial to the success of our students. We deeply value your insights and feedback and want to ensure that we are here to support you in every way we can. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. You can contact us by phone at 914-761-7524 or email at ddinzey@swboces.org.

Warm regards,

Diana Dinzey
Principal

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Announcements

Valhalla Center marks the end of joy-filled, engaging summer programs

Valhalla Center students and staff enjoyed a joyful and engaging Extended School Year, filled with hands-on learning both in and out of the classroom.

Students took part in exciting community outings to Homefield Bowl, local ice cream shops, and the Maritime Aquarium—practicing valuable life skills such as celebrating others, waiting their turn, following directions, and navigating public spaces with confidence. Yoga sessions, led by veteran BOCES Physical Therapist Phyllis Marto, gave students the opportunity to practice breathing techniques and poses to build self-regulation skills, with some even stepping into leadership roles to help guide the group.

Every Friday, our Continent Study assembly brought the school together to share projects, artwork, geography lessons, and food inspired by India, Brazil, Italy and Poland—fostering communication, collaboration, and cultural awareness. Breakthrough Fitness led skill-based adapted fitness classes each Wednesday, while Blue Path continued their weekly visits, bringing smiles and joy to our students.

On Aug. 14, we celebrated our ESY Closing Event with students, families, and staff coming together to reflect on all the learning, creativity, and growth achieved over the six-week program. We are deeply grateful to the families who joined us and to everyone who made this summer such a success.

We look forward to welcoming our students back on Sept. 4, 2025, for what promises to be a wonderful 2025–2026 school year. Until then, we wish you all a joyful and restful remainder of the summer!
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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
Student's design a standout success at recent campus fashion show

Kimberlyn Lopez Martinez, a student in the CAD program at Valhalla Center, also studies Fashion Design and Merchandising on the Career Services Campus. She created the dress pictured here and poses proudly at the CTE program's recent fashion show with Teacher Erroll Rivera and Principal Diana Dinzey.
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Topics vary by class, followed by a chat with the principal

Valhalla Center Science Fair gives families a glimpse of learning and a chance to connect

The Science Fair Parent Engagement Event at Valhalla Center provided parents with an open house-style opportunity to celebrate students’ hard work, explore their projects, and engage in discussions about their learning.
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Collaboration with Career Services offers opportunities around the corner

Valhalla Center students gain real-world work experience right on campus

Students in the Special Services programs at Valhalla Center have new internship opportunities right on the Career Services Campus where they attend classes.
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Students get haircuts by Barbering students, will intern in Cosmetology

On-campus collaborations with CTE programs open opportunities at Valhalla Center

Students in Special Services programs on the Career Services Campus in Valhalla are benefiting from collaborative partnerships with Career and Technical Education programs like Barbering and Cosmetology. These on-campus opportunities provide them with enriching, real-world instructional experiences.
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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