Integrating State of the Art Psychiatric Treatment With Outstanding Academics in a Dynamic School Environment

To learn more, or to refer a student, contact Jennifer Hayes, our Director of Enrollment, at 908-543-0220 Ext 200 or JHayes@Cornerstonedayschool.com

What's Happening at Cornerstone? News and Updates

Parents, Students and Educators
What They Say

“Though I didn’t know it at the time, CDS meant everything to me. Ultimately, I was the one who made the choice to turn my life around and go down a new path.”
Student, Fort Lee, NJ

“I want to personally thank you for all of your help with this very difficult family. Their son is in great need of treatment and I know both parents are comforted by the high level of care that he will receive at Cornerstone. For them I know that they see the 24/7 hot line as a godsend: Mom said that it’s the first time that she can really sleep at night.”

Case Manager, Essex County, NJ

“Cornerstone meant a lot to me. It taught me how to cope. It has truly made me the person I am today, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Student, Union, NJ

Cornerstone’s School Store & PBIS

A Positive Way to Support Our Students

Our school is committed to building a positive and supportive environment where every student can thrive. We do this through our School Store, which plays a vital role in our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program. PBIS is a framework we use to promote positive behaviors in our school community. The goal is to teach students about the behaviors we expect (respect, responsibility, safety) and reward them for consistently demonstrating them. By focusing on what students do well, PBIS helps create a culture of positivity and encouragement.

Inventory in school store - includes sweatshirts, snacks, fidgets, school supplies, plush items, games.

The School Store is designed as a reward system for students who consistently follow the school’s behavioral expectations. Here’s how it works:

·        Earning Points:  Students earn PBIS points when they demonstrate positive behaviors, such as respecting peers and teachers, completing tasks responsibly, or helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment. These points are tracked daily and can be accumulated over time.

·        Spending Points:  Students can visit the School Store and use their points to purchase rewards. The store is stocked with a variety of items, including:

·        School Supplies (pencils, notebooks, erasers, etc.)

·        Snacks (healthy options and treats)

·        Spirit Wear (t-shirts, hats, school-themed accessories)

·        Small Toys or Prizes (sticker sets, keychains, etc.)

·      Creating Goals:  The system also encourages students to set goals for earning rewards. Whether saving up for a larger item or consistently earning smaller rewards, the process teaches students the value of effort, persistence, and planning.

In connection with PBIS, the School Store helps students stay motivated, take pride in their positive choices, and learn responsibility and goal-setting.  More importantly, the School Store gives us another way to recognize and reward students for doing the right thing—and to keep building a positive, supportive school culture. Thank you for partnering with us to help every student feel seen, valued, and encouraged!

Graduation & Beyond

When students first enter Cornerstone, we discuss the concept of transition with them. Our goal is for each student to learn to manage their emotional

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Cornerstone Prom 2025

In Early May, high school memories were made as our Juniors and Seniors enjoyed dinner, dancing, and having fun with their friends at our annual

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February Happenings at CDS, 2025

This month continued with Cornerstone’s Concert Series for our students. In December, Grace Amodeo, a graduate of Westminster Choir College, started the series by visiting and

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December Highlights

The students at Cornerstone engage in several community service activities throughout the year. It is through service to others that we can find a sense

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Thankful for Cornerstone

November is always a special time here at Cornerstone. Since the start of the school in 2006, Cornerstone has always celebrated a Thanksgiving meal with

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May Happenings

May has been a month filled with some very extraordinary events. Cornerstone Students Honored with the Visit of Dr. William Freund, Holocaust Survivor In keeping

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