Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Special Services

News from our schools

• Families join pizza party celebrating academic achievement

  Rye Lake MS/HS recognizes student acheivements

  Twenty-three students were recognized for their academic achievement during an Honor Roll ceremony at Rye Lake Middle-High School Nov. 21. The quarterly recognition event demonstrates the high value placed on student achievement and sends the message to students that their efforts are valued and their success is seen and appreciated. Read the names and see pictures from the event at the link above. 

  News Feed - Rye Lake Middle/High School

• Thank you bags a gesture of gratitude for all that the Bus Team does

  RLLC students and volunteers team up to say thanks to campus staff

  Students at Rye Lake Lower Campus teamed up with volunteers from YAI in November to create thoughtful thank-you gifts for our amazing Campus Bus Team.

  News Feed - Rye Lake Lower Campus

• Transfiguration's Thanksgiving food drive brings in 673 pounds of donated items

  The SWBOCES at Transfiguration School Thanksgiving Food Drive was a resounding success, collecting an amazing 673 pounds of donated items to benefit local families through Feeding Westchester.  

  With the help of students like Keren, pictured helping to post flyers around the school, the Thanksgiving Food Drive ended on Friday, Nov. 21. Transfiguration families and staff at the Tarrytown school donated. Items requested included canned gravy, canned corn, stuffing, cranberry sauce, corn bread, rolls & biscuits, white rice, canned yams, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese.

  "I'm heartened by the show of generosity and student engagement this food drive has brought out in our Transfiguration community," Principal Francesca Fernandez. "Knowing we are helping our neighbors in need at this holiday time is a precious gift in itself."

  News Feed - Transfiguration School

• 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

• SWBOCES at Irvington students honored for academic and personal achievements

  SWBOCES at Irvington staff honored students who earned a place on the Honor, Merit, or Recognition Roll, celebrating their hard work, dedication, and commitment to learning.

  “Achieving this distinction is no small accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud of every student who met these academic milestones,” said Principal Julia Dolan.

  Each month, staff also nominate one Middle School and one High School student who exemplify one or more of the following qualities:

  Good Citizenship—Helps without being asked; shows kindness and respect toward others
  Positive Attitude—Puts forth strong effort without seeking recognition
  Outstanding Character—Strives to do what is right
  Academic Responsibility—Actively engages in learning by completing assignments and participating in class

  Additional considerations include making safe and responsible choices, showing significant improvement in grades or behavior, demonstrating notable kindness or empathy, and being involved in the school or broader community. The Middle and High School Students of the Month were recognized during Friday’s celebration as well.

  Students received certificates, and Guidance Counselor Veronica Valencia showcased their achievements on the bulletin board outside her office.

  News Feed - Irvington High School

• SWBOCES at Irvington students assisted with college applications

  SWBOCES students at Irvington who are interested in applying to Westchester Community College had a wonderful opportunity to complete the application process and receive an admissions decision right away. On Thursday, November 20, 2025, a representative of WCC visited the Irvington program for an On-the-Spot Application Event. Armeata Williams-Diaz assisted Irvington seniors with their applications, discussed available programs, and explained the enrollment process.

   

  Students were asked to bring a copy of their transcript, a Chromebook and any questions they might have about programs, financial aide, and next steps. 

   

  The event was a success with six applications being submitted. Irvington would like to send a special shout out to Mrs. Williams-Diaz for the one-to-one attention provided in helping our students apply and to Mrs. Valencia for coordination and supporting the event!

  News Feed - Irvington High School

• We Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart

  Saint Matt’s School celebrated Thanksgiving with a joyful gathering where students shared heartfelt gestures and messages of gratitude with the members of our BOCES team who support our community every day. From our custodians and school nurse to our food service managers and transportation crew, students honored the people who help make our school a vibrant and exciting place to learn. The celebration was filled with delicious food, warm connections, and meaningful peer interactions. Our students truly showed up for those who show up for them every single day. It was a beautiful reminder of how gratitude strengthens our school family.

  St. Matthews

• “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

• Food Drive Results!

  Thank you for your contributions to our SWBOCES at Transfiguration Food Drive!

  We have collected 673 pounds of food for Feeding Westchester. 

  Special thanks to all who participated. Wishing you a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

  Transfiguration School

• Join us for a virtual SEPTA Meeting - 11/20 at 6:30 PM!

  Please join SWBOCES SEPTA in welcoming Janine Belfast and Carole Lucas from The Westchester Institute for Human Development for a virtual presentation on November 20, 2025 at 6:30 PM. The presentation will focus on the important transition topics -Supported Decision Making and Self-Direction. 

  Transfiguration School