News from Across Our BOCES

A dream realized for El Centro Hispano is a boon for SWBOCES students

As Judy Aucar provides a tour of El Centro Hispano’s sleek new home on Central Avenue in White Plains, she gushes with praise — for the vision and charisma of founder Isabel Villar, for her dedicated staff, and for the longstanding partnership with Southern Westchester BOCES.

“This was designed especially for BOCES,” she said, gesturing to the glass-walled classrooms of this former Harley-Davidson dealership, where SWBOCES’ Center for Adult & Community Services ESL, Citizenship Exam Preparation and High School Equivalency Exam Preparation programs in three classrooms. 

“We are very proud to partner with them," said SWBOCES Director of Adult & Community Services Tracy Racicot, "and to celebrate the hard work of our staff and students who come together to learn and grow."

Dr. Alexandria Connally brings diverse experience and a passion for children to the role

Dr. Alexandria Connally brings a coach’s ethos to her new role as Southern Westchester BOCES’ Assistant Director of Special Services. As an educator, Dr. Connally says, she’s pretty much a coach herself.

“What my coaching style looks like is helping people get from point A to point B, giving them all the support they need and also holding them accountable,” she said during a conversation in her new office on the Rye Lake Campus, where she arrived just a week earlier. 

Career Services campus already bustling with students

A resurgence of summer weather allowed the CTE campus's student check-in process to move outdoors as buses rolled in Wednesday from a handful of districts. Over the next few days, more students will arrive, and the CTE campus in Valhalla will be in full swing following the summer pause.

“We are thrilled to be back and to see so many new and returning students eager to settle into their programs,” said Director of Career Services Dahlia Jackson. “Their presence is proof that the word is out in our region about the value of the vocational programs we offer.”

Southern Westchester BOCES students return to classes this week, but educators have been preparing for the upcoming school year collaborating in professional learning sessions. Here we see the staff at Tappan Hill School Sept. 1. 

Students in the Extended School Year summer program at Tappan Hill School had the time to harvest the fruits of their labors in the schools impressive gardens. A variety of produce were picked and enjoyed by students who learn about where their food comes from, how to cultivate a garden and more from what is a very tactile sensory experience for them. The gardens create an environment of calmness and tranquility that benefit students as they learn. The quality of the produce is excellent as well, a tribute to the school's active and creative Garden Committee.  

Tappan Hill School closed out its Extended School Year summer program with an opportunity for students and staff to engage in activities like an obstacle course, water play, bracelet making, and art activities! The staff wish everyone a happy and safe summer and look forward to seeing everyone again in September!

Partnership between SWBOCES divisions benefits students and staff

Jose Medina was studying to become an electrician at Southern Westchester BOCES when he changed plans and enrolled in the computer networking program. Thanks to a partnership between the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center and the Center for Adult & Community Services, Mr. Medina is now on track to become a CISCO Certified Network Associate, along with several LHRIC employees. A scholarship from the Southern Westchester BOCES Education Foundation has assisted him on that path.

On a hot summer day, the Tappan Hill School gymnasium was cool and full of creativity as students participated in a mixed media 'Mark Making' activity led by Extended School Year Teacher Trish Lyons. Students 'made marks' on a piece of paper using black paint and various brushes. Part two of the project will include filling in the spaces of their creations with watercolors. SWBOCES Deputy Superintendent Dr. Brendan Lyons stopped by see the event. Special thanks to Ms. Lyons and her entire class and team for helping make this event so much fun for students and staff! View even more photos on our Facebook page!