“ ‘Sometimes the littlest things take up the most room in our heart.’ As educators, we need to celebrate all the small moments that make up the whole child, the whole school and the whole community.”
~ Laurel Ravida
MAYFIELD CITY SCHOOLS – When Laurel Ravida talks about Gates Mills Elementary she easily describes a learning environment that not only supports student-driven innovation and collaboration, but also personal relationships.
“There is such a strong sense of community and family here,” said Mrs. Ravida who will step into the principal’s position upon the July retirement of current principal Tammi Bender.
“My goal has always been to become a building principal. After touring Gates Mills Elementary and meeting the school community, I know it’s the right fit. August can’t come quickly enough,” she said.
Mrs.
Ravida joined the Mayfield City School District as the Assistant Principal at
Lander Elementary in 2018 where Principal Felecia Evans said she has become a
strong and positive influence at the school in a short time.
“The students, families and staff at Gates are going to love her friendly personality, strong communication skills and her commitment to children, Mrs. Evans said. “It’s bittersweet to have her move on from Lander, but luckily she will be right down the road.”
Prior to coming to Mayfield, Mrs. Ravida worked in the
Willoughby Eastlake City School District as an Assistant Principal and Curriculum
Coordinator. She began her education career at St. Rita School as a second
grade teacher and later was appointed Assistant Principal.
“She’s a terrific person who is student centered and genuinely loves kids and teaching. She’s a great fit for Gates Mills,” Superintendent Keith Kelly said. “Mrs. Bender has been a paramount leader at Gates Mills. We thank her for the strong foundation Mrs. Ravida will inherit and build upon.”
Mrs. Ravida’s educational leadership led her to be named the recipient of the Dr. Sally H. Werthiem Educational Leadership Scholarship and the William P. Hoffman Educational Administration Scholarship.
“Together, I want to work with the community, teachers and staff to give our Gates Mills students all of the tools they need to be happy, innovative and successful learners.”
She and her husband, Dave, live in
Twinsburg with their three miniature Schnauzers, Bowser, Baxter and Brady.
Besides playing golf and traveling, Mrs. Ravida enjoys spending time with her family at “the happiest place on Earth.”
“We’re a big Disney family,’ she said. “It’s the place of the warm fuzzies and everyone is always smiling. I want to create that magic at Gates Mills, too.”