Punta Gorda Middle School

Story

Punta Gorda Middle School is a middle school in Punta Gorda, Florida operated by the Charlotte County Public Schools board.As of the 2005-06 school year, the school had an enrollment of 1,039 students and 52.0 classroom teachers, for a student-teacher ratio of 20.0.HistoryPunta Gorda Middle School was built in 1971 with an initial enrolment of less than 500 students in grades 7 to 9. As of 2006, PGMS had an enrolment of 1046 for students in grades 6 to 8. When Donna E. di Grazia became principal in 1993, she established an academic program with a strong focus on reading, math, and technology. Di Grazi retired in December 2006 and Assistant Principal Cathy Corsaletti was promoted to take over.Academic standardsSince the 2000-2001 school year, PGMS has yearly earned an "A" grade in state testing.Hurricane destruction and rebuildingPunta Gorda Middle School was destroyed by Hurricane Charley on August 13, 2004, and from August 30, 2004, students were bussed to Murdock Middle School, where they attended classes from 8 a.m. to 1:10 p.m. and Murdock students attended from 2 to 7:10 p.m. In February 2005, students returned to the PGMS grounds and a temporary modular school. A new three story structure was opened in 2008. The new school, designed by Harvard Jolly, and built by Ajax Building Corporation, is 172111sqft in size and can hold up to 1,197 students in 53 classrooms. The project cost $37,580,474, which was covered by money received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The cafeteria, gym, and classrooms are separate buildings with improved access security and able to withstand Level 3 hurricane winds of up to 110 mph. It is also designed to be able to house refugees in case of another hurricane. Students brought donations of books to help rebuild the school library which lost its entire collection.