Students at Tappan Hill Elementary School filled backpacks with school supplies for distribution to students in need as part of a three-way collaboration between Southern Westchester BOCES’ Center for Special Services, the Guidance Center of Westchester and Ivy Rehabilitation in Harrison.
Summer school is off to a great start at our Tappan Hill School in Tarrytown! Every morning, students in Special Education teacher Kathy Knudsen’s AIIM class grab their mats and head outside to a shady spot for their daily fitness routine. The students stretch and build strength using a routine created through the collaborative efforts of Phyllis Marto, PT, Diane Storm, Adaptive Physical Education teacher, and Ms. Knudsen. At the end of each session, the students lie on their backs and practice mindfulness techniques.
Steven and Leah started in Southern Westchester BOCES programs when they were in elementary school. On June 17, Tappan Hill School celebrated their successes and wished them well as they transition into adult programs.
The Rye Lake Decagon Program on June 12 celebrated the accomplishments of three young men at graduation, and then enjoyed music, dancing, homemade food and a photo booth at a prom party and luncheon that followed. SWBOCES Center for Special Services students Caron Brown, Seth Darkey and Shawn Moriarty graduated and will transition into adult programs in the community.
During an end-of-the-year awards and moving-up ceremony, Southern Westchester BOCES teachers and students at Pocantico Hills School wished two sixth-graders farewell as they move on to middle school. Teachers and Principal Jessica Walker also gave certificates of achievement to every student in an area they excelled in.
"Showing up is a large part of success," Principal Scott Kaufman told Rye Lake Middle and High School graduates at graduation June 14. "When you're tired and beaten down and fatigued, focus on putting one foot in front of the other...Although we can guide you, it is you who walked the path." View photos from this heartwarming celebration of educational achievement at the link above.
Middle School students in SWBOCES' Special Services programs at Irvington High School celebrated their moving up in a Recognition Ceremony Friday, June 7.
On May 23, about 90 children and young adults in the Southern Westchester BOCES program at Tappan Hill completed the final leg of the Achilles Kids Virtual Marathon. Students tracked how far they had walked, run and rolled throughout the school year, with some completing more than one marathon.
“I am very proud of the Tappan Hill students and staff. They accomplished the run together as a team,” Principal Phyllis Rizzi said. “They exemplified hope and possibilities, which are the objectives of Achilles Kids.”
Kind, welcoming, passionate, inclusive, supportive, creative and generous. These are some of the words Center for Special Services staff used to describe nine individuals who have made a difference in Southern Westchester BOCES students’ lives.
The occasion was the American Dreamer Achievement Awards Luncheon, which took place May 15 at the Valhalla Campus. The event, which is in its 27th year, recognizes educators, students and community members SWBOCES who are partners in the organization’s mission of providing quality educational services.
Students at the Rye Lake Campus gave a big “thank you” to the teachers, aides and staff at their school during the inaugural Teacher Appreciation Lunch on May 9.
