Massive Rebranding Underway At Cranford’s Lincoln School

CRANFORD, NJ — Cranford school officials say Lincoln School is moving far beyond the reputation it once carried in the community, as administrators unveiled a new vision for the district’s special education program during at the May 18 Board of Education meeting.

For years, some in the community viewed Lincoln School as a place for students who struggled in traditional classroom settings. But district leaders say the school has evolved significantly and now focuses on helping students with emotional regulation, behavioral support and individualized learning.

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“The difference now is that before it was a behavioral school, now it's really students with needs who are demonstrating behaviors based on an inability to regulate and just not having the right support,” Director of Student Services Joanne Sei told the board.

Lincoln School serves students through three separate programs inside the building: LEAP for elementary students, CAM for middle school students and CAP for high school students.

Administrators explained that the student population — and the school’s overall mission — has shifted over the years as districts face growing social and emotional needs among students.

To help support those students, Lincoln School currently utilizes a clinical team that includes a psychologist, two social workers and a psychiatrist who visits weekly, according to district officials.

Incoming principal Kristen D’Anna outlined a three-part strategic plan focused on personalized learning, expanding the program and increasing community involvement.

Part of that plan includes developing more individualized academic pathways and electives designed to better connect students with future career interests and post-graduation opportunities.

Administrators said potential offerings could include marine science, entrepreneurship and career awareness programs aimed at increasing student engagement.

District officials also hope to attract more out-of-district students as neighboring communities search for specialized programs that support students with social and emotional needs.

At the same time, administrators said they want Lincoln students to feel more connected to the broader Cranford school community. Plans include launching a new parent partnership group and increasing opportunities for students and families to become more involved.

“I think that if we take these series of small steps, if we work on enhancing the strength of the program that exists, we can really do great things together and make an amazing school that really supports every student [and] meets them where they are,” D’Anna said during the presentation.

Superintendent Mark Cantagallo praised the progress being made at the school and credited staff members for helping reshape the program.

“We are reaching heights that have never been realized before in program, in appearance, in feel, and I'm confident that we're going to continue to move forward,” Cantagallo said.