Changes bring opportunities across Center for Special Services
Continuity, improvement main priorities amid shifts in programs, locations
The most significant is the relocation of programs from Tappan Hill School in Tarrytown and the opening of new SWBOCES locations at the nearby Transfiguration School and the Rochambeau School in White Plains.
SWBOCES leadership is always looking for ways to grow and improve how programs meet the needs of students. That focus, combined with an expiring lease at Tappan Hill and the retirement of a veteran principal, provided multiple opportunities for change and growth.
Jessica Walker, Director of Special Services, stressed that continuity for students was a main priority.
“We're trying to maintain consistency with our very experienced and knowledgeable staff members and also with routines and procedures to make the transition comfortable and familiar for students and families,” Ms. Walker said.
Tappan Hill’s program for students with multiple disabilities (MD) has joined the secondary autism spectrum disorder program (AIIM) on the Rye Lake Lower Campus. The classroom spaces were enlarged and updated to meet the needs of students with multiple disabilities. Rye Lake Campus Middle-High School Assistant Principal Maureen Salka will move to the Lower Campus to support the growing enrollment in that program.
Ms. Walker said the move to Rochambeau for elementary students with therapeutic support needs enabled the creation of a new 12:1:1 classroom for students who will benefit from that environment. The Rochambeau building offers big, bright, classroom spaces with access to a large gymnasium, cafeteria, and auditorium. Similarly, the move to Transfiguration provided space for two new AIIM classrooms that are nearly fully enrolled and the hiring of additional teachers.
The new space at the Transfiguration School was updated and houses nine classroom spaces, a beautiful gym, and a large therapy room. The installation of a new playground is also planned.
“The ability to expand our elementary AIIM program was definitely a wonderful outcome of the move Ms. Walker said. “That was a program that we determined was one of the biggest needs within the region as we received an increased number of enrollment requests for students transitioning into kindergarten.
Another 25-26 transition was the relocation of the High School Communication and Academic Development program from Valhalla to St.Matthew’s in White Plains. Diana Dinzey, the principal overseeing both locations, recommended the move as it allows for additional experiential and hands-on learning for students.
The team at St. Matthew’s has developed vocational and work-based opportunities in the community that will benefit those students.
“We want to support students in successfully applying concepts and skills out in the community. We want them engaged in learning in natural environments to support them as they transition into the adult world.” Ms. Walker said.
Assistant Principal Miriam Nunez has been hired to support Ms. Dinzey.
While change can present challenges, BOCES programs are meant to respond to evolving needs while seeking constant improvement for students.
"Our programs are continually evolving in response to enrollment trends, which reflect the changing needs of our districts,” Ms. Walker said. “We are consistently focused on enhancing instruction both within and outside of the classroom to better equip students for success throughout their educational journey at SWBOCES and beyond.”
