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.
Join us for MDE’s Annual Back-to-School PTA Parent Party. Join the PTA and show up on Friday at 6pm - no additional ticket purchase needed!
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
Take a look inside the new Guthrie Center! Made possible through the 2022 Bond Program, this incredible new space is ready for students. We can’t wait to see it come to life as we head back to school! Check out the photo gallery for a first look. #SBISDProud #SBISDPossible #SBISDBond
The newest edition of Inspire is here, and it's packed with everything families need to start the school year strong. From back to school reminders and key dates to district news and helpful resources, this issue has you covered as we count down to the first day of school. Read the latest edition. #SBISDProud #SBISDPossible #BackToSchool
Families – make sure to update your Skyward Family Access mobile app ! The latest mobile app update may require you to run updates from the App Store on your phone before you can sign in. Don't wait until the first day of school!
We've posted step-by-step instructions on our website to help you:
✅ Update the Skyward Family Access app
✅ Reset your password
✅ Be ready for the first day
Take a few minutes now to ensure you're ready to access schedules, grades, attendance and important school information.
🔗 Click here to learn more
The Pony Packet is live! Complete this actionable checklist from the MDE PTA today to make your life easier this fall. 🔗Pony Packet
Please join us at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, August 11 for the unveiling of Lucy's Lab in honor of Lucy Dillon. 🔗Bright Like Lucy
The future is taking shape at The Guthrie Center! We're excited to see the state-of-the-art Career and Technical Education (CTE) facility featured by KPRC2 as we prepare to welcome students for an incredible school year. This September, we'll celebrate the grand opening of The Guthrie Center, a milestone made possible through the 2022 Bond Program and our community's investment in the future. Read more in KPRC2's story and follow along as we count down to opening day. #SBISDProud #SBISDPossible
MDE partners with After 3 After School Program to provide on-campus childcare and enrichment after school daily until 6:00 p.m. Registration is open now.
Registration Link
- Operating Hours: We operate from dismissal time until 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. We also provide services on all early dismissal days from dismissal until our 6:00 PM closing time.
- Daily Schedule: Tuition includes a daily snack, homework assistance, and enrichment club opportunities. We also feature our in-house S.T.E.A.M. curriculum and time for free exploration at the end of each day.
- Enrichment Clubs: For those interested in enrichment clubs only, there is a daily fee of $25 per club. For example, one club is $25 per day for the 12-week fall session, while two clubs would be $50 per week for the 12-week semester.
- Care Options: Occasional care is available for a maximum of two days per week. Attendance of three days or more will be considered full-time.
- Tuition and Fees:
- Registration Fee: $75 per student
- Monthly Tuition: $340
- Sibling Discount: 10%
For additional information, please feel free to give us a call. 🔗After3Website
We can't wait to welcome you back for another great school year!
Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) continues to set the standard for excellence in visual arts, earning recognition as a Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) District of Distinction for the sixth consecutive year. SBISD is one of only 109 school districts in Texas to receive the prestigious honor for the 2025-2026 school year. More than 1,200 eligible districts were invited to apply. #SBISDPossible
