Radomsky Sets Goals At MVCS

Tina Radomsky has been in Alexandria for just two months, but she already has some big goals for Mount Vernon Community School and she is jumping in with both feet.

With mixed opinions in the community concerning the modified schedule and the school's failure to meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards, Radomsky came to MVCS in July with a challenge in front of her. But she also arrived armed with goals and plans to tackle the difficult issues.

Radomsky came to MVCS from School District U-46 of Elgin, Ill., the second-largest school district in the state. She served as a teacher, elementary school principal and executive director of elementary education in the district.

School District U-46 has more than 6,000 English Language Learners out of 40,000 students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, and 40 percent of its students are on the free and reduced lunch program. 

Radomsky cites her experience with diverse student populations as one of the biggest assets she brings to MVCS. She is bicultural and speaks and writes fluent Spanish, which will help her communicate with parents and students at MVCS—a school that is 53 percent Hispanic.

Radomsky also has experience with a modified school calendar. Fifteen years ago, she worked at a school during its transition to a modified calendar.

"The purpose was to extend the year to support and enhance academic learning," she recalled.

In her experience, the modified calendar was effective and improved student achievement.

When asked about her goals for MVCS, Radomsky declared, "One focus—with a big 'F'—is on reading and math and improving instruction and student learning."

She plans to align the curriculum across and throughout grade levels to promote consistency in instruction at high levels. She will also increase the rigor of the required tasks.

How does Radomsky intend to accomplish these goals?

"[One way is] professional development with teachers to increase understanding and framework of literature and math," she said. 

Radomsky also plans to redesign some of the intersession classes, with increased opportunity for remediation and intervention. She will use student data to help drive the instruction.

Radomsky's background in leadership has prepared her for her new assignment. She completed the executive leadership program at the National Institute for Leadership and has taught in-service programs on topics like "Best Practice in Literacy Instruction" and "Instructional Strategies for Integrating Math and Science."

While meeting AYP standards is a major focus, Radomsky has plenty of other goals for her new school. She hopes to increase the rigor and relevance of education through infusion of 21st century learning skills, and she would like the school and students to be compatible and competitive in international circles.

Radomsky is excited about her new position and new school. 

"It is a wonderful school with a committed staff," she raved.

She said that she is amazed at the extra learning opportunities the school provides, like the greenhouse and the butterfly garden.

"The environmental-mindedness is just another way the school goes above and beyond," she said.

Superintendent Morton Sherman is excited to have Radomsky on board, saying "We are delighted that Tina Radomsky has chosen to join us in Alexandria. She has a great background as a principal, district administrator and, most importantly, as a classroom teacher."

He relayed a story of when she had a full-day visit to MVCS in the spring and she met with parents and teachers. 

"I had the good fortune to be part of the teacher conversation, during which she described her time in the classroom last year as an essential reminder of what's important... students and teachers," Sherman said. "That perspective and commitment is what is going to make Mrs. Radomsky a wonderful principal."

This is the final article in a three-part series about the modified calendar at Mount Vernon Community School. 

Part I: "Examining The Modified Calendar"

Part II: "Parents Split On Mount Vernon's Modified Calendar"