Our seventh to twelfth grade SHIP program is located in Midland Park High School in Midland Park, New Jersey. This unique program allows students who use a listening and spoken language approach and students who use a total communication approach the opportunity to be educated together along with their general education peers in a public school setting. SHIP follows the Midland Park High School (MPHS) calendar, curriculum and grading procedures. All SHIP students are eligible to participate in MPHS extracurricular activities.

The SHIP staff works collaboratively with the general education staff to ensure the success of the students. Within our consultative and small group instruction programs, our teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing consult with a general education staff to provide students access to instruction, an optimal listening environment and appropriate modifications. In addition, students are supported in their advocacy and social emotional skill development. Supports for our students are based on individual needs aligning with their approach to communication. These supports can include educational audiologists, educational interpreters, communication access real-time translation (CART) and hearing assistance technology. All of our staff use specialized techniques to develop language outcomes, advocacy skill development and social emotional support.  

Bergen County Special Services (BCSS) has bestowed upon me the honor of appointing me Principal of the Hearing Continuum. Being a teacher within the continuum for the last 18 years has provided me with an understanding of the unique needs of our students, a knowledge of our programs and a respect for expertise within our staff. My vision is to continue to provide the most current and comprehensive programs for students with hearing loss alongside staff and families.

Our partnerships with Hackensack and Midland Park Public School Districts affords our students opportunities in the general education settings. Collaboration will be the key to success. I look forward to continuing to build relationships with the administrative teams and dedicated staff in both districts as well as our specialized and talented staff who provide instruction and support to our students.

Joining me in this vision and journey is Lisa Stewart, Supervisor of the Hearing Continuum. Together, with our combined experiences in educating students with hearing loss, our goal is to continue to support our program, students and staff to make Bergen County Special Services Hearing Continuum the best it can be.

Hearing Continuum:

• HIP- Union Street School, Hackensack
• HIP- Godwin & Highland Schools, Midland Park
• SHIP- Midland Park High School
• Sound Solutions, Itinerant Services
• STARS Early Intervention Program

We are thankful for the professional and experienced staff at all the sites for their commitment to our program and their students.