out with the old, explore something new
— THE NEW KINDER CLASSROOM —
As the Director of Operations for KIPP STRIVE Primary, I have the privilege of managing our school budget. After my first year of mastering budget management, I realized the importance of developing a strategic approach to maximize our financial resources. My goal was to find cost savings in non-critical areas to redirect funds toward impactful upgrades that would enhance the educational experience, rivaling what families might expect from private schools.
One of my most ambitious projects was the reimagination of our kindergarten classrooms to better meet the needs of today's learners. Recognizing that the kindergartners entering our building in 2025 are vastly different from those who entered in 2012, I knew a transformational change was necessary. I conducted extensive research and assembled a team that included our kindergarten assistant principal, a lead special education teacher, a current kindergarten teacher, and myself as the operations lead. Together, we met monthly to brainstorm and develop ideas, ensuring our plans worked within budgetary and space constraints while prioritizing the needs of both students and educators.
The vision was to create dynamic, hands-on learning environments that fostered exploration and career exposure. For example, we planned themed "village" structures within classrooms, such as a grocery store where students could learn math through money transactions while envisioning themselves as farmers or shopkeepers. Another area resembled a fire station, complete with manipulatives like gears and hoses to encourage problem-solving and creativity.
The project required nearly two years of planning and securing funding. By carefully reallocating budget resources and obtaining external sponsorships, we will complete upgrades for all four kindergarten classrooms in time for the 2025-2026 school year. This effort reflects my belief that our scholars deserve the very best. For me, efficient operations are just the foundation—true impact lies in creating transformative experiences that inspire lifelong learning and impact.
