From the Desk of the CEO

Dear Families and Friends,

As we begin a new year, I hope the holiday season offered moments of joy and renewal. January is a time of fresh starts, and at Brookville Center for Children’s Services (BCCS), we are starting the new year focused on supporting students and families every step of the way.

This month, students honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through thoughtful classroom experiences focused on kindness, fairness, and helping one another—lessons that matter at every age.

January also marked an important milestone for our preschool community with the relocation of our program from Marcus Avenue to Round Hill Road in Roslyn. This transition required significant planning and coordination, and I am grateful to our site-based and senior leadership teams whose work ensured a smooth and successful move.

BCCS at Round Hill Road provides additional learning opportunities, and we look forward to strengthening and developing these opportunities in the months and years ahead.

As we continue to look ahead, I encourage parents and staff to stay informed about advocacy issues that could impact special education and related services.

While we do not yet know what policy or funding changes may lie ahead, staying informed—and having a voice—matters. I encourage you to visit our Advocacy Center to learn more and explore ways to stay engaged and have your collective voices heard.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Best Regards,

Stanfort J. Perry

Holiday Memories at BCCS

At Brookville Center for Children’s Services (BCCS), the holiday season brings many opportunities for young people, families, and staff to create memories, continue traditions, and showcase talents and skills.

Here are just some of the ways BCCS celebrated the holidays in 2025:

Chanukah at the Children’s Residential Program

On the second night of Chanukah, young men supported by the Children’s Residential Program (CRP) and staff gathered for an evening of festive celebration and learning led by Deborah Lapidus, Speech-Language Pathologist.

Read more at our blog.

Barbara C. Wilson Preschool Families Explored Light Festival Together

The Barbara C. Wilson Preschool Parents’ Association organized a meet-up for students, families, and staff at the LuminoCity Festival at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow on December 20.

Everyone had a wonderful time exploring the light displays and taking festive pictures. Students were amazed to see each other outside of the classroom, and families enjoyed the opportunity to meet and catch up with one another.

“Special delivery!” Miles Semilof said as he handed an ice-cold cup of peppermint mocha to his mother. Robyn Semilof was one of several volunteers treated to refreshments from the Ed Center’s newly launched Brookville Beans coffee bar.

While working with school staff at a December event, parents were invited to choose a beverage off the coffee bar menu by Denise Gaughan, Children’s Education Center Director. 

Volunteers had many options to choose from, including iced coffee, mochas, and fruit refreshers.

The goal of the coffee bar initiative is to teach high school students practical skills and explore future employment opportunities.

“They are learning everything,” Denise said. “From brewing and storing the coffee the night before, to preparing and serving drinks to customers.”

Round Hill Road Welcomes Students in the New Year

Monday, January 12 marked the first day of school at BCCS’ Round Hill Road, as preschool students arrived eager to explore their new setting and begin the year together. From large classrooms to new learning and play areas, the building supports the needs of young learners while maintaining the consistency in their learning experience.

Behind the scenes, weeks of planning and preparation made the transition possible. While students enjoyed their holiday break with family and friends, teachers and staff worked to prepare classrooms, hallways, and shared spaces for the school’s opening. The Round Hill Road campus includes dedicated areas for clinical services such as occupational and physical therapy, a gym for movement and dance therapy, and two outdoor play areas that support motor-focused play.

As Westbury-Post Avenue Preschool continues to grow, Sheri Dvorak is ready to take on the challenge. Formerly the school’s curriculum coordinator, Sheri will now serve as its Program Supervisor.

Sheri joined BCCS in early 2003 and worked with several programs before joining Westbury-Post Avenue in 2013.

She has a deep understanding of what makes Westbury-Post Avenue special and will lead the development of eight new classrooms as the program continues to grow.

🌟 Save the Date!
Sunday, May 3, 2026

 Steps Toward Tomorrow is BCCS’ first-ever fundraising walk, bringing children, families and staff together from across our schools for a healthy, family-friendly event! Being held on the BCCS Brookville campus, Steps Toward Tomorrow will celebrate our children, schools, their teachers and staff while raising funds to make even more possible.

Mark your Calendar - more details and registration information coming soon.

Wheatley Farms Catering

Wheatley Farms Catering offers delicious weekly specials! Local to Long Island? Give us a try!

Catering options also available. The Mansion at Wheatley Farms offers high-quality, personalized services for all your catering needs. Situated on a beautiful and pristine 20-acre estate in Brookville, NY, the Mansion at Wheatley Farms offers a timeless setting with modern dishes for any celebration, big or small!

At Wheatley Farms, we are dedicated to inclusivity. We take pride in providing employment opportunities for people of all abilities. We empower people to gain valuable skills in the culinary arts, fostering independence and self-confidence.

Who's ready for Valentine's Day?!

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate love this season? Wheatley Farms offers a thoughtful selection of handcrafted items personally made by the people we serve. Each purchase goes beyond a gift—it helps support our mission and provides ongoing opportunities for our team to grow, create, and serve the community.

From cozy sweatshirts to iced coffee cups, coasters, pens and more, there’s something special for everyone. Visit our website to explore what we’ve been working on and find a gift that truly comes from the heart.

This Valentine’s Day, show your love through Wheatley Farms!

Say I Love You With Flowers!

Pre-order beautiful roses, pants, and flower bouquets for pick up only.

Order by February 6th for pick up on February 12th or 13th in Brookville.