Sycamore - Breakthrough School
Crowley ISD is launching Breakthrough Schools to help every student succeed academically while staying connected to their school community by:
• Providing additional instructional time for students
• Offering more individualized academic support
• Creating engaging, hands‑on learning experiences
• Strengthening student outcomes while maintaining campus continuity
Families
- What's New in 2026-27?
- Benefits
- Parent Meetings
- Extended School Year Calendar
- Frequently Asked Questions
What's New in 2026-27?
Key Change
- Both J.A. Hargrave and Sycamore will operate on an extended school year calendar as Breakthrough Schools.
What Is Not Changing
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There are no changes to grade‑level configurations or attendance zones.
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Students will continue to attend their current campus.
- Campus identities, school communities, and grade structures remain the same.
Benefits
Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, Breakthrough Schools will offer:
More learning time for your child
- 30 additional school days to support academic growth and enrichment
Stronger teaching and leadership
- Schools staff campuses with highly effective teachers and leaders
- Instruction is guided by student data to meet individual needs
Engaging and supportive school experience
- Enrichment activities and brain breaks built into the day
- Focus on a positive, safe, and supportive school culture
Extra support for students
- Access to counselors and mental health professionals
- Academic support tailored to help every student succeed
High-quality learning materials
- Students use strong, research-based curriculum and resources
More communication and family involvement
- Schools prioritize partnerships with families
- Increased opportunities for parents to stay informed and engaged
Focus on student success
- Everything is designed to help students grow faster and achieve at higher levels
Parent Meetings
In-Person parent meeting for Spanish-speaking parents will be held on:
Thursday, May 7 - 6 p.m.
Virtual parent meetings will be held on:
Monday, May 4 - 12 p.m.
Monday, May 4 - 6 p.m.
Click here to join meetings
- Offered at multiple times during the day
- Opportunities to ask questions and hear directly from district and campus leaders
- Meeting recordings and updated FAQs will be shared after the sessions.
Extended School Year Calendar
Breakthrough Schools will operate on an Additional Days School Year (ADSY) calendar.
- First day of school: July 13, 2026
- Last day of school: June 3, 2027
The extended calendar allows for:
- More instructional days
- Additional academic support and intervention
- Built‑in breaks throughout the year to support student and staff well‑being
Frequently Asked Questions
New FAQs (updated 5/14/26)
Who are the principals of the Breakthrough Schools?
Crowley ISD has selected four experienced and proven school leaders to serve as principals of our Breakthrough Schools. These leaders have a strong track record of supporting student achievement and building positive school cultures.
- Mary Harris Elementary: Rose Eatmon
- Jackie Carden Elementary: Capricia Bell
- J.A. Hargrave Elementary: Luvenia Perkins
- Sycamore Elementary: Ginette Peralta Suarez
Click here to read more about each principal.
When is Meet the Teacher Night?
Meet the Teacher Night will be held on Thursday, July 9 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at all four Breakthrough Schools. This is a great opportunity for families to:
- Meet your child’s teacher
- Visit classrooms
- Learn more about the upcoming school year
We look forward to welcoming families and helping students feel prepared and excited for the first day of school.
New FAQs (updated 5/7/26)
When will we know who the principals of the Breakthrough Schools are?
Crowley ISD is in the process of identifying four proven leaders to serve as principals of the Breakthrough Schools.
Recommendations will be presented to the Crowley ISD Board of Trustees at the School Board meeting on Thursday, May 7. Following board approval, we will share the principal announcements with families and staff, including their names and brief biographies.
When will families be able to meet the new principals?
Families are invited to meet the new principals for our Breakthrough Schools during upcoming meet‑and‑greet events. These events are a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, and learn more about the vision for each campus.
Event Dates & Times:
- J.A. Hargrave Elementary:
- Tuesday, May 12 at 5:30 p.m.
- Mary Harris Elementary:
- Wednesday, May 13 at 5:30 p.m.*
- Jackie Carden Elementary:
- Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m.*
- Sycamore Elementary:
- Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m.
*For the meet‑and‑greet events at Mary Harris and Jackie Carden, both Principal Eatmon and Principal Bell will be in attendance at each session. This allows families with students attending both campuses to conveniently attend one event.
New FAQs (updated 4/30/26)
Why is the extended school year good for kids?
Crowley ISD has seen strong results from extended learning models at schools like David L. Walker Elementary and J.A. Hargrave Elementary, and those successes helped shape the Breakthrough School approach. The extended school year supports students in several important ways:
- Stronger academic growth
- With more learning days throughout the year, students have additional time to master key skills, receive small‑group support, and stay on track academically, without feeling rushed.
- Reduced summer learning loss
- Long summer breaks can lead to a “summer slide,” where students lose academic progress made during the school year. The extended calendar shortens that gap, helping students retain skills and return to school more confident and prepared.
- More engaged learning
- The additional days are designed to look different from traditional school—incorporating hands‑on activities, enrichment and experiences students enjoy, which increases engagement and motivation.
Based on Crowley ISD’s experience, this model helps students stay connected to learning, grow academically and emotionally, and build strong foundations for long‑term success.
What will students do during the additional days, and how will those days be different?
The Breakthrough School model includes 25 additional school days for students, spread across the year. These days are intentionally designed to look different from a traditional school day and focus on enriching, engaging learning experiences.
During these additional days, students will participate in:
- Small‑group instruction for personalized academic support
- Hands‑on learning activities that encourage creativity, problem‑solving and collaboration
- Educational field trips and enrichment experiences connected to classroom learning
- Opportunities to build relationships and confidence
These extra days are not simply an extension of regular classroom instruction. Instead, they provide more flexibility, more support, and more opportunities for students to learn in meaningful and engaging ways.
What if my child cannot attend all of the additional days?
The expectation for students attending a Breakthrough School is to be in school every day on the extended calendar, just as they would during any regular school year. Consistent attendance is essential for building relationships, staying connected to learning and benefiting fully from the additional academic and enrichment opportunities.
That said, Crowley ISD understands that extenuating circumstances may arise. Families are encouraged to communicate directly and proactively with their campus principal if a situation occurs that may impact their child’s attendance. Each situation will be addressed on an individual basis.
What if Breakthrough Schools are not the right fit for my family? Can I request a transfer?
Yes. Families whose students currently attend Mary Harris, Jackie Carden, J.A. Hargrave, or Sycamore elementary schools may submit a student transfer request if they prefer for their child to attend a traditional school. Transfer requests will follow the district’s standard student transfer process, with a special designated transfer window for families impacted by Breakthrough Schools.
Transfer Request Window for Breakthrough Schools Only: May 1–15, 2026
Important details to know:
- Transfer requests are optional and based on family preference.
- Transportation is not provided for approved transfer requests.
- Approval is subject to availability and district guidelines.
Available transfer options:
- For students currently attending Mary Harris, Jackie Carden or Sycamore:
- Parkway Elementary or Meadowcreek Elementary
- For students currently attending J.A. Hargrave:
- Parkway Elementary or David L. Walker Elementary
Families are encouraged to review the transfer process and submit requests during the designated window. Learn more about Breakthrough student transfers on the Breakthrough Transfer page.
What does parent involvement look like?
Parents play a key role in the Breakthrough School model through communication, participation in school events, and collaboration with teachers. Schools will offer multiple opportunities for families to stay connected and engaged, with flexibility to meet the needs of different households.
I have children who will now attend two different elementary schools. Why is Crowley ISD doing this?
Crowley ISD is aligning grade levels to better meet students’ developmental needs while creating space for the growing population of early childhood students in our community.
- Mary Harris Elementary will focus on early learning (Pre‑K 3–2nd grade)
- Jackie Carden Elementary will focus on upper elementary (3rd–5th grade)
This approach allows each campus to specialize in the academic and social needs of its students, providing more targeted instruction and support at every grade level.
If my children attend two different elementary schools, how will this work for my family?
We understand that having children at two campuses may require adjustments. Crowley ISD is committed to supporting families through this transition by:
- Aligning calendars so school start and end dates remain consistent
- Providing transportation for all eligible students
- Offering clear communication and campus coordination
Additional details and support will be shared to help families plan effectively.
Will transportation be coordinated if my children attend different elementary schools?
Yes. Transportation will continue to be provided for all currently eligible students, including families with children attending both Mary Harris and Jackie Carden. Crowley ISD will work to ensure transportation routes and procedures support families as effectively as possible.
Will my children have the same school schedule and days off?
Yes. Both Mary Harris and Jackie Carden follow the same Extended School Year (ADSY) calendar, including:
- Start and end dates
- School breaks
- Holidays aligned with Crowley ISD
This ensures families with children at both campuses remain on the same schedule.
How will communication work if I have children at both schools?
Families will:
- Continue to receive campus‑specific communication
- Be notified of important dates in advance
- Have access to campus staff for support and questions
The district is committed to clear communication to support families with students at multiple campuses.
How will Crowley ISD support families during this transition?
Crowley ISD recognizes that this is a significant change and is committed to:
- Providing clear, timely communication
- Offering opportunities to ask questions
- Supporting families through transportation, scheduling and enrollment processes
- Ensuring students feel supported, safe and connecte
Previous FAQs
What is a Breakthrough School?
Breakthrough Schools are designed to give students more time to learn, more personalized support, and more opportunities to thrive. These schools use an extended school year, strategic staffing, and hands‑on learning experiences to better meet student needs and support families.
This model also allows Crowley ISD to access additional state funding to strengthen academic, counseling, and social‑emotional supports for students.
What’s changing at my child’s school?
Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, the following changes will take place at Breakthrough Schools:
- Extended School Year
- First day of school: Monday, July 13, 2026
- Last day of school: Friday, June 3, 2027
- Grade‑level configurations
- Mary Harris Elementary: Early Learning Center (Pre‑K 3–2nd grade)
- Jackie Carden Elementary: Upper Elementary (3rd–5th grade)
- J.A. Hargrave Elementary: No grade‑level configuration changes
- Sycamore Elementary: No grade‑level configuration changes
When does this start?
The Breakthrough School model begins in the 2026–27 school year, with the first day of school on Monday, July 13, 2026.
Why is Crowley ISD making this change?
This model has been successful at other Crowley ISD schools and has helped:
- Students grow academically
- Increase hands‑on learning experiences
- Expand enrichment opportunities
- Strengthen relationships between students, families and teachers
We believe this approach will benefit students, families, and educators by providing more learning time, more opportunities and stronger school communities.
How will this benefit my child?
With additional learning time built into the school year:
- Teachers can provide more personalized instruction
- Students will participate in hands‑on learning and enrichment activities
- Children will have more time to build friendships and enjoy learning
- Increased engagement and attendance can lead to stronger academic growth
Will all grades switch to this new model and calendar?
Yes. The Breakthrough School calendar applies to all students attending these campuses (Mary Harris, Jackie Carden, J.A. Hargrave and Sycamore elementary schools) within their designated grade levels.
Where can I see the extended school year calendar?
The full 2026–27 Extended School Year calendar is available here.
Will transportation still be provided?
Yes. Transportation will continue to be provided for all currently eligible students.
Will my child still have summer vacation?
Yes. Students will still have time off during the summer. The summer break will be shorter, which helps:
- Minimize summer learning loss
- Reduce the burden on families to arrange childcare
- Provide consistency for students through the year
Can I “opt out” if the extended school year does not work for my family?
Yes. Families who do not want their child to attend a Breakthrough School may submit a student transfer request.
- Breakthrough Transfer Request window: May 1–15, 2026
Additional transfer details and support are available here.
Does my child have to attend the extra days?
Yes. Because the extended calendar is part of the regular school year, all students are expected to attend the full calendar. Regular attendance is important for building relationships, staying on track academically and achieving learning goals.
Will this change impact my other children in middle or high school?
No. The Breakthrough School model is currently being implemented only at four elementary campuses serving Pre‑K through 5th grade at Mary Harris, Jackie Carden, J.A. Hargrave and Sycamore elementary schools.
Will after‑school programs still be available?
Yes, we will continue to offer the same after-school programs.
How will students be supported emotionally and socially?
The Breakthrough School model provides access to additional state funding, allowing Crowley ISD to strengthen counseling services and social‑emotional supports for students. This includes increased access to counselors, mental health supports and structured plans that promote positive behavior and student well‑being.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
We are here to help! Please use the form at the bottom of this page to submit your questions and we will get you connected with the right person.
Staff
Benefits
Why Breakthrough Schools?
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Provide additional instructional time
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Strengthen academic support/enrichment
- Invest in strong educators through competitive stipends and staffing structures
Strategic Compensation
Teachers/Professional Staff
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$11,000 Teacher/Professional ADSY Stipend (annual)
- $5,000 Breakthrough Stipend for current TIA-designated teachers only (one time)
Paraprofessional Staff
- $3,500 Paraprofessional ADSY stipend (annual)
Extended School Year
Breakthrough Schools will operate on an ADSY calendar.
- 210‑day student school year
- 217‑day teacher work schedule (30 additional workdays)
The extended calendar allows for:
- More instructional time with students
- Additional PLCs, planning and staff development
- Holidays aligned with the Crowley ISD calendar
Frequently Asked Questions
New FAQs (updated 5/14/26
How can I help recruit staff to work at Breakthrough Schools? What is the Recruitment Stipend?
Crowley ISD encourages staff and community members to help recruit high‑quality, TIA‑designated teachers to join our Breakthrough Schools by sharing opportunities and connecting strong candidates to our district.
As a thank you, eligible employees may receive a $1,000 Recruitment Stipend when a referred teacher is hired at a Breakthrough School.
Click here to learn more about eligibility and how the stipend works.
Who are the principals of the Breakthrough Schools?
Crowley ISD has selected four experienced and proven school leaders to serve as principals of our Breakthrough Schools. These leaders have a strong track record of supporting student achievement and building positive school cultures.
- Mary Harris Elementary: Rose Eatmon
- Jackie Carden Elementary: Capricia Bell
- J.A. Hargrave Elementary: Luvenia Perkins
- Sycamore Elementary: Ginette Peralta Suarez
Click here to read more about each principal.
When is Meet the Teacher Night?
Meet the Teacher Night will be held on Thursday, July 9 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at all four Breakthrough Schools.
New FAQs (updated 5/7/26)
When will we know who the principals of the Breakthrough Schools are?
Crowley ISD is in the process of identifying four proven leaders to serve as principals of the Breakthrough Schools.
Recommendations will be presented to the Crowley ISD Board of Trustees at the School Board meeting on Thursday, May 7. Following board approval, we will share the principal announcements with families and staff, including their names and brief biographies.
When will staff have the opportunity to meet the new principals?
Staff at Breakthrough School campuses will have the opportunity to meet and engage with their new principals during dedicated staff meetings scheduled for the week of May 11. These meetings will provide time to hear directly from campus leadership, ask questions, and learn more about priorities for the upcoming school year.
Staff members are also invited to attend the family meet‑and‑greet events, which offer another opportunity to connect with principals alongside families and hear more about the vision for each campus.
Family Meet‑and‑Greet Event Dates & Times:
- J.A. Hargrave Elementary:
- Tuesday, May 12 at 5:30 p.m.
- Mary Harris Elementary:
- Wednesday, May 13 at 5:30 p.m.*
- Jackie Carden Elementary:
- Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m.*
- Sycamore Elementary:
- Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m.
*For the events at Mary Harris and Jackie Carden, both principals will be present at each session to support families with students attending both campuses.
Are 21st Century Site Coordinators eligible for the ADSY stipend or the $5,000 Breakthrough Stipend?
21st Century Site Coordinators are not eligible for the ADSY stipend, as their positions do not operate on the extended school year (ADSY) calendar.
The one‑time $5,000 Breakthrough Stipend is also not applicable, as it is available only to TIA‑designated core classroom teachers of record.
New FAQs (updated 4/30/26)
Why doesn’t the ADSY stipend match my daily pay rate?
Based on valuable feedback from staff, Crowley ISD has increased the ADSY stipend amounts to better recognize the commitment required for the extended school year:
New ADSY Stipend Amounts
- $11,000 annual ADSY stipend for teachers and professional staff
- $3,500 annual ADSY stipend for paraprofessionals
While these increases reflect district responsiveness to staff input, it’s important to note that the ADSY stipend is not calculated as a daily pay rate.
The stipend amounts are based on additional state funding provided by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for extended school year models. These amounts are aligned with state averages and funding formulas, rather than an employee’s individual daily salary.
Crowley ISD applies these stipend amounts consistently across roles and campuses, and they are provided in addition to regular salary, benefits, and any other stipends already offered by the district.
Who is eligible to receive the one‑time $5,000 Breakthrough Stipend?
The one‑time $5,000 Breakthrough Stipend is available only to TIA‑designated core classroom teachers of record who commit to serving on the extended school year calendar at a Breakthrough School.
TIA‑designated staff members who are not core classroom teachers of record (such as instructional specialists, TDSIs, or other professional roles) are not eligible for the one‑time Breakthrough Stipend.
However, TIA‑designated staff in these roles will continue to receive:
- Their annual ADSY stipend, if eligible, and
- Their Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), in accordance with state and district guidelines.
How are the 30 additional days structured in the extended school year?
The 30 additional days in the extended school year are intentionally spread throughout the year and are designed to support both student learning and staff planning. These days are not simply “more of the same”—they are structured to allow for deeper learning experiences.
The additional days include:
- 5 summer planning days (staff only). These days occur before students begin school and focus on planning, collaboration, and preparation for the year.
- 19 extended school year days with students during the summer. These instructional days occur before the traditional school calendar begins and are designed to support:
- Small‑group instruction and targeted academic support
- Hands‑on, engaging learning experiences
- Educational field trips and enrichment activities
- Relationship‑building and student engagement
- 6 extended school year half days with students during the traditional school year. These half days allow for:
- Continued instruction and targeted small‑group support
- Enrichment activities and experiential learning
- Built‑in time for staff planning, PLCs and collaboration
- 3 extended school year days with students in May and June 2027. These days extend learning beyond the traditional end of the school year and are focused on:
- Reinforcing key skills
- Hands‑on learning and enrichment
- Supporting student progress and transitions
I already have travel or vacation plans during the extended school calendar, and I want to commit to a Breakthrough School. What should I do?
Crowley ISD understands that some staff members may already have personal travel or vacation plans that overlap with the extended school year calendar.
These situations will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis, and the district is committed to working with staff whenever possible. Staff members in this situation should reach out to the Executive Director of Elementary Leadership for their campus to discuss their specific circumstances.
Will the Child Development Center be open during the extended school year for staff working at Breakthrough Schools?
Yes. The Crowley ISD Employee Child Development Center will remain open during the ADSY calendar for staff members working at Breakthrough Schools.
However, this option is available only for children who are currently enrolled in the Crowley ISD Employee Child Development Center. Enrollment availability and eligibility policies remain unchanged.
Staff with questions about their individual situation are encouraged to contact the Employee Child Development Center directly for additional details.
How will grade‑level configuration changes impact special education programs at Mary Harris and Jackie Carden?
Special education programs at Mary Harris and Jackie Carden will be aligned with the grade‑level configurations at each campus to ensure students continue to receive appropriate services in age‑appropriate settings.
- Mary Harris Elementary will serve as an Early Learning Center and will house special education programs for Pre‑K 3 through 2nd grade.
- Jackie Carden Elementary will serve as an Upper Elementary campus and will house special education programs for 3rd through 5th grade.
Previous FAQs
What is a breakthrough school?
Breakthrough Schools are designed to strengthen instruction and student outcomes by providing additional learning time, intentional staffing and targeted academic and social‑emotional supports. The model combines an extended school year, strategic staffing, and hands‑on learning experiences to better meet student needs and support the work of educators.
This approach also allows Crowley ISD to leverage additional state funding, which supports enhanced instructional resources, counseling services, and social‑emotional supports for students.
Why is Crowley ISD making these changes?
These changes are part of a strategic, long‑term effort to strengthen student outcomes and support educators. Specifically, the Breakthrough School model allows Crowley ISD to:
- Expand access to Pre‑Kindergarten to meet the needs of a fast‑growing student population
- Accelerate academic achievement using a model with a proven track record of success in other Crowley ISD schools
- Strategically staff campuses in alignment with the Systems of Great Schools framework, ensuring the right people are in the right roles to support teaching and learning
- Generate additional state revenue that supports extended learning time, instructional resources, counseling, and social‑emotional supports
- This approach allows the district to align teaching, staffing, time, and resources in a sustainable way while investing intentionally in educators and students.
How does this impact my current role?
To ensure we have a team that is committed to this new model, we will be strategically staffing at Breakthrough Schools. All current staff members will have an opportunity to apply for positions at their current school, or transition to a new campus in Crowley ISD if the Breakthrough Schools model isn’t right for you.
What stipends are available for staff at Breakthrough Schools?
Staff who serve at Breakthrough Schools are eligible for additional compensation in recognition of the extended school year and instructional expectations.
Available stipends include:
- $10,000 Teacher/Professional ADSY Stipend (annual)
- Available to eligible teachers and professional staff serving on the extended school year calendar.
- Additional $5,000 Breakthrough Stipend (one‑time)
- Available only to current TIA‑designated teachers who commit to serving at a Breakthrough School for the extended school year. This stipend is paid in installments over the course of the school year, in accordance with district guidelines. ($2,000 in July 2026, $2,000 in Nov. 2026 and $1,000 in March 2027)
- $3,000 Paraprofessional ADSY Stipend (annual)
- Available to eligible paraprofessionals serving on the extended school year calendar.
All Breakthrough School stipends are in addition to other stipends already offered by Crowley ISD, provided eligibility requirements are met.
Will grade levels or assignments change?
Possibly. Staff assignments will follow district staffing guidelines based on these new grade-level configurations:
- Mary Harris: Early Learning Center (Pre‑K 3–2nd grade)
- Jackie Carden: Upper elementary (Grades 3–5)
- J.A. Hargrave and Sycamore: No grade‑level configuration changes
Can I “opt out” if this model doesn’t work for me? And if so, will I be offered a role in another Crowley ISD school?
Yes. Current staff members at the new Breakthrough Schools can choose not to participate in the new model. District staff will make every effort to secure placements at other elementary schools in the Crowley ISD.
Do I have to commit now?
No. Commitment forms are intended to help the district plan staffing and supports. Teachers may indicate interest or readiness to commit, but final assignments will follow district processes.
When do I have to make a decision by?
Staff members at Breakthrough Schools are asked to indicate their intention to remain at their current campus for the 2026–27 school year by May 1, 2026. This timeline allows the district to plan staffing, schedules and supports for the extended school year.
If I commit and later realize this model isn’t a good fit, what options do I have?
The commitment is made in good faith to support planning. If circumstances change, staff should work directly with campus leadership and Human Resources to discuss available options within Crowley ISD.
How will transfers be handled if I choose not to participate?
Staff who choose not to participate in the Breakthrough Schools model will work with district staffing teams. Crowley ISD will make every effort to place staff in available positions at other elementary campuses based on district needs and availability.
What support will be provided to help staff be successful in this model?
Breakthrough Schools are designed to support educators through strategic staffing, built‑in collaboration time, instructional resources and access to campus and district supports. The goal is to create sustainable, supported working conditions.
Does this impact eligibility for Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA)?
No. TIA eligibility and designations continue to follow state and district guidelines. In addition, TIA‑designated teachers serving on the extended school year calendar may be eligible for an additional one‑time Breakthrough stipend of $5,000.
Are there flexible options for ADSY if I have prior summer commitments?
Yes. Employees should work directly with their campus principal to resolve scheduling conflicts.
How will we know which campuses have openings for a particular grade level?
Campus principals and executive directors for each school will have this information.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
We are here to help! Please use the form at the bottom of this page to submit your questions and we will get you connected with the right person.