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Midland History & Photo Gallery

The first Midland School Building in Pluckemin, NJ

In the late 1950s, Dr. Edward Scagliotta was hired to tutor a teenage boy who manifested characteristics of neurological impairment with psycho-motor seizures. He had a short attention span, was hyperactive, disinhibited, and compulsive, making enrollment in regular and special education classes in public school a disaster. It was for a boy named David Hardenstine that Midland School was found.

Midland Turns 50

On July 11, 1960 the school officially opened in an old school house on Burnt Mills Road in Pluckemin, NJ. In September of that year the program continued with 1 full time and 2 part time students that were referred from Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center’s program for brain injured children.

In 1963, the Jones’ Farm in North Branch was purchased. The construction of the Midland School began using a combination of generous gifts, grants and specific fundraising activities. Classes began in the new school building in late 1964.

NOTEWORTHY DATES

• 1960 – The Midland School Incorporated
• 1967 – Midland was approved by the State department of Education as a receiving district for classified students
• 1970, 1976, 1984, 1990, 1995, 1999, 2006- Building additions
• 1972– Midland provides support to Douglas College to start school for children with autism
• 1972– Psychological and Social Work Services were added
• 1975– Career Education Services began
• 1975- Sibling day was introduced
• 1977– Intramural programs developed
• 1982– Midland Foundation Incorporated
• 1982- Weekend Respite program began
• 1982– Community Based Work Program added
• 1983– Midland Publications established
• 1983– After School Social Recreation Programs began
• 1984– Midland Advanced Programs (MAP) Incorporated
• 1986– Program Center with Apple Computers
• 1988- The Student Council was formed
• 1989, 1997– Recognized as a US Department of Education Blue Ribbon School
• 1991– Patricia Murphy Work Center opens
• 1993– Midland Alumni Association formed
• 1994– MRCi (Midland Residential Communities Inc.) Incorporated
• 1994– Future Search Conference conducted
• 1996– Computer Network established
• 1998– Transition Class added
• 1998– Adult Weekend Getaway Program began
• 1998- Rainbowland Accessible Playground was built
• 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 – Community Homes for Adults opened
• 1999– Assistive Technology Position established
• 2000– MAP and MRCi merge into Midland Adult Services, Inc
• 2009– Super Senior program was implemented
• 2009– Community Living Areas opened