New Gateway High School principal sets sights on student life, school culture

FORT MYERS, Fla. — (WINK) The new school year is bringing new leadership to Gateway High School, where Principal Danielle Pinkerton says she wants to build on the school’s academic success while giving students a bigger role in shaping campus life.

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Classes began at 7 a.m. Tuesday at Gateway, which is entering its eighth school year.

The seven-year-old high school earned more Florida Department of Education grading points last year than any other high school in Lee County, earning it the title of “Highest-Rated School” in the district.

Pinkerton said she has no plans to overhaul what is already working. Instead, she wants to maintain the school’s “A” rating while making gradual improvements to the overall student experience.

That includes expanding clubs and extracurricular opportunities, strengthening school culture and giving students more opportunities to take on leadership roles.

“We’re going to continue to expand our club offerings, look for ways for student leadership to get involved even more in the day to day, looking at programs such as school news — getting that restarted by the students,” Pinkerton said.

Pinkerton said one of her priorities is helping Gateway establish a stronger identity as a relatively young school.

She also plans to expand the school’s athletic department by adding new sports and coaches.

In addition, Pinkerton said she will work with student government to learn what students want to see more of at Gateway and give them a greater voice in decisions that affect their school experience.

While academic achievement remains a major focus, Pinkerton said the goal is to continue developing Gateway beyond its strong academic reputation — building a school culture and student experience that will help define the school for years to come.