Midland's History
Our Founding Story
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 challenge. It was for a boy named David Hardenstine that Midland School was founded.
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 – The State Department of Education approved Midland as a receiving district for classified students
1970, 1976, 1984, 1990, 1995, 1999, 2006 – Various building additions to accommodate students with varied disabilities
1972 – Midland provided 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
1985 – Midland Yearbook “Horizons” started
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 opened
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, 2013 – Community Residential Homes for Adults opened
1999 – Assistive Technology Program established
2000 – MAP and MRCi merged into Midland Adult Services, Inc
2006 – Major School Renovation and Addition completed
2009 – Super Senior program implemented
2009 – Community Living Areas opened
2010 – Accessible Pool opened
2010 – Midland Celebrated FIFTY Years!
2016 – Move for Midland community-wide fundraiser established
2016 – Sensory Room opened
2017 – TOTS Preschool program opened
2018 – Midland Explores program opened
2018 – Supported Employment (small group model) established
2018 – Interactive Flat Panels installed in all Classrooms
2018 – Solar Field of 984 panels constructed. Midland “Goes Green” – energy efficient and less dependent on fossil fuels
2019 – Curriculum revision complete
2020 – Midland Celebrated 60 Years!
2023 – Construction of Wellness and Physical Therapy Suites
2024 – Aqua Therapy pool program started
2025 – Work Center Renovation completed
2025 – Midland Celebrated 65 Years!
