MDE Tours 2026-27
All tours begin at 8:30 a.m. Please bring a photo ID to check in before the tour begins.
September 16
October 7
November 17
December 15
January 20
February 17
March 17
April 15
May 12
Keeping Every Child safe starts with awareness, education and open conversations.
SBISD Police encourages families to talk with their children about firearm safety, including the importance of never handling a firearm and knowing what to do if they encounter one:
Never touch it.
Leave the area immediately.
Tell a trusted adult.
Take a few minutes to watch this important safety message and continue the conversation at home.
The Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF) brought some exciting news to campuses across SBISD, surprising teachers and staff with more than $300,000 in grants for the 2026–27 school year. We went along for the ride to capture their reactions. Thank you to the Foundation, its board and our generous community for investing in our educators and supporting our promise to inspire minds and shape lives for Every Child. Visit the SBEF website to see a complete listing of grant winners. Watch the video to share in the celebration.
🌟 25 YEARS OF SUPERIOR RATINGS. 100 OUT OF 100. 🌟 For the 25th consecutive year, Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) has earned the state’s highest FIRST financial accountability rating, scoring a perfect 100 out of 100 points in the two most recent years. This achievement reflects strong financial stewardship, sound budgeting and a continued commitment to responsible, student-focused decisions. 25 years. 100 points. 80 years of excellence. Another reason to celebrate what’s possible in SBISD. #SBISD80 #SBISDPossible #CollectiveGreatness
The latest edition of Inspire is here! As we celebrate a great start to the school year, this edition takes a closer look at safety and the people, programs and achievements that make our district shine.
🏫 Get ready for the Grand Opening of the new Guthrie Center
⭐ Meet amazing students and staff making a difference
📚 Celebrate outstanding academic achievements across SBISD
🛡️ Learn more about how we’re working together to keep our schools safe, supportive and ready for learning
📅 Plus, see what’s coming up across the district!
There’s so much happening — and so much to be #SBISDProud of.
👉 Read the latest Inspire and see what’s possible in SBISD!
#SBISDProud #SBISDPossible
STRONGER TOGETHER | September Mental Health News A new school year brings new routines, relationships and challenges. This month, explore practical resources and tips to help support your child’s mental health, well-being and success throughout the school year. Read more
🎨🎭🎶 From first crayons and first notes to Art Cars, concerts, theater productions, dance performances and Fine Arts Signing Day, the arts are an important part of the SBISD experience.
During National Arts in Education Week (September 13–19), we celebrate our students and the incredible fine arts educators who help them create, perform and discover what’s possible. 💙💛
#ArtsInEducationWeek #SBISDPossible
During National Arts in Education Week (September 13–19), we celebrate our students and the incredible fine arts educators who help them create, perform and discover what’s possible. 💙💛
#ArtsInEducationWeek #SBISDPossible
The arts spark creativity, build confidence, and give students a voice. This week, we celebrate the impact of music, theatre, visual arts, and dance in our schools. #SBISDProud #NationalArtsInEducationWeek
Twenty-five years later, we remember.
Today, we honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and the bravery of the first responders and everyday heroes who answered the call.
We remember their courage, sacrifice and service, and reflect on the unity and resilience that followed. #NeverForget #PatriotDay #SBISDProud
The Opening Act of Auction is LIVE!! CLICK HERE to Bid & Purchase. Parties, experiences, and special offerings taking place before our big Auction night on 2.27.27 are available to purchase. We’ve got some exciting new experiences in the lineup this year, plus the return of favorites everyone knows and loves!
For the kids: Pedicures with the Principal, Bowling with the Principal, and King & Queen of Fall Festival.
For the parents: Progressive Dinners, Night in the Northeast, Holiday Happenings, and more!
And for everyone: A little auction winter merch preview! The new “winter line” will drop 9.25 at ponies on patio theme reveal!
Consider this your first chance to play… with plenty more surprises still in the cards!
Questions? auction@mdepta.org or reach out to Carrie Compton, Blair Foster & Molly Weisselberg.
For the sixth consecutive year, Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) has been named a District of Distinction by the Texas Art Education Association, recognizing our district’s commitment to providing outstanding visual arts education for students.
This achievement belongs to our incredible SBISD art educators. Their creativity, talent and dedication inspire students to discover their voices, take creative risks and see what’s possible through the arts.
Thank you to our art educators for creating opportunities for students to learn, create and shine every day. Your work makes this recognition possible.
Congratulations on another year of distinction! #SBISDProud #SBISDPossible #CollectiveGreatness #TAEADistrictOfDistinction
Join us for Pathways to Progress, a virtual session designed for parents and families of students in grades 3–5.
Academic success after graduation begins long before high school. The elementary years are an important time to build the skills, habits, confidence, and support systems students need to thrive throughout their educational journey.
During this session, we will explore practical ways parents and caregivers can partner with their child’s school to establish a strong academic foundation and support continued growth from elementary school through middle school, high school, and beyond. We will provide ideas and strategies you can use to help your child succeed today while preparing for tomorrow that can help create and nurture pathways to academic success.
See image for more details.
Date: Tuesday September 1, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm via Zoom
Register to receive the link: tinyurl.com/SBISDPathway
Academic success after graduation begins long before high school. The elementary years are an important time to build the skills, habits, confidence, and support systems students need to thrive throughout their educational journey.
During this session, we will explore practical ways parents and caregivers can partner with their child’s school to establish a strong academic foundation and support continued growth from elementary school through middle school, high school, and beyond. We will provide ideas and strategies you can use to help your child succeed today while preparing for tomorrow that can help create and nurture pathways to academic success.
See image for more details.
Date: Tuesday September 1, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm via Zoom
Register to receive the link: tinyurl.com/SBISDPathway
Ponies on Patio is a monthly MDE tradition with music, hula hoops, and fun music. Doors open for parents and students to gather in our courtyard starting at 7:30 a.m. At 7:50, parents are allowed to walk their children to class before instruction begins at 7:55. Our first Ponies on the Patio is Friday, August 28, starting at 7:30 a.m. Check out the PTA calendar for future dates.
We hope you had an amazing first few days back at school! 💙💛 There’s so much more to celebrate, and we’ll be sharing more of the fun next week. Be sure to follow along on social media as we capture more moments from across the district. Welcome back, SBISD! Here’s to a great year ahead! 🎉 #SBISDProud #SBISDPossible #SBISD80
First day. First look. Endless possibilities. 💙💛 Students are officially making the new Guthrie Center their own! On their first day of classes, students got a firsthand look at the new spaces where they’ll learn, create, explore and prepare for what comes next. This is T-2-4 in action, and it’s just the beginning of what’s possible at the Guthrie Center. #SBISDProud #SBISDPossible #SBISD80
What a way to start the year! 💙💛 From big smiles and first-day hugs to reconnecting with friends and meeting new teachers, there were so many great moments across SBISD today. 📸 Check out some of our favorite photos from the first day of school! Here’s to an amazing year ahead! #SBISDProud #SBISDPossible
Fall 2026 Credit by Exam
Fall 2026 CBE testing is available for SBISD students enrolled in 1st through 5th grades for the 2026-27 school year.
Note: Kindergarteners may not test in August.
The district is offering an August CBE Testing Window. Students looking to accelerate in math (often referred to as Math Movers) or whole grade in the fall will have the opportunity to test in August rather than October, reducing missed instructional time in their new class(es). Students with a score of 80% or above may accelerate immediately during the first few weeks of school.
In order to accommodate these changes, students may have a homeroom teacher change.
NOTE: Students are only allowed to re-test once per quarter for acceleration, therefore any July 2026 testers will NOT be eligible to test in August. July and August are in the same testing window. The next CBE testing window will be spring 2027. The CBE testing window will occur in late March rather than early February.
Registration:
• You must register using this CBE Form: MDE CBE Form
• The district has extended the deadline because of the new August testing window.
Monday, August 17, 2026 is the extended deadline. Late applications cannot be accepted!
Testing:
• Testing will be at Memorial Drive Elementary within the district fall testing window of August 18-28, 2026, during the school day.
More information regarding the 2026-2027 Credit by Exam can be found by clicking the link:
Credit by Exam | Academics
Questions? Please contact the MDE counselor, Krystal Zakharov via email: krystal.zakharov@springbranchisd.com
Krystal Zakharov
School Counselor
Memorial Drive Elementary, Spring Branch ISD
11202 Smithdale Road, Houston, TX
713-251-6300
Krystal.Zakharov@springbranchisd.com
🎒💛 School starts tomorrow, SBISD!
As students head back to school, let’s all do our part to help make the first day a safe one.
🚗 Slow down and stay alert in school zones.
🚌 Stop for school buses when lights are flashing and the stop sign is extended.
🚸 Watch for students in crosswalks and near bus stops.
📵 Put the phone down and keep your attention on the road.
⏰ Give yourself extra time. Arrival and dismissal may take a little longer during the first few days.
👮 Follow directions from crossing guards, SBISD Police and campus staff.
Whether you’re driving, walking, biking or riding the bus, a little extra patience and attention can make a big difference.
Let’s start the school year safely, SBISD! 💙💛 #SBISDProud #BackToSchool
As students head back to school, let’s all do our part to help make the first day a safe one.
🚗 Slow down and stay alert in school zones.
🚌 Stop for school buses when lights are flashing and the stop sign is extended.
🚸 Watch for students in crosswalks and near bus stops.
📵 Put the phone down and keep your attention on the road.
⏰ Give yourself extra time. Arrival and dismissal may take a little longer during the first few days.
👮 Follow directions from crossing guards, SBISD Police and campus staff.
Whether you’re driving, walking, biking or riding the bus, a little extra patience and attention can make a big difference.
Let’s start the school year safely, SBISD! 💙💛 #SBISDProud #BackToSchool
Earlier this morning, the Memorial Drive Elementary community gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Lucy's Lab, a special space honoring the life and legacy of former MDE student Lucy Dillon.
Lucy, who tragically passed away in the July 2025 Texas Hill Country floods, had a passion for STEM and a love of learning that touched those around her. Now, the MDE STEM Lab that bears her name will carry that passion forward, giving students opportunities to explore, create and discover through innovative, hands-on learning experiences.
Thank you to Lucy's family, friends and the MDE community for joining us to celebrate this meaningful unveiling and honor a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of students. #SBISDProud
