Building Blocks
Pearland ISD’s Podcast that highlights people who are the Building Blocks of Pearland ISD. Your Proud Superintendent, Larry Berger hosts the show and gives listeners, parents, students and staff an inside look at who is Building Pearland Proud.
Guests will include students, staff, leadership and community members.
#BuildPearlandProud
Episodes
62 episodes
#062 - Alumni Highlight: Darius Wright—Broadway Dreams Born at Dawson
In this episode, we shine the spotlight on Darius Wright, a proud member of Dawson High School’s very first graduating class and now a celebrated Broadway performer. Darius shares what it was like to help shape the culture of a brand-new school...
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28:23
#061 - Alumni Highlight: Mike Collins—From Summer School to Business Owner
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Berger sits down with Mike Collins, a Pearland High School alumnus whose journey from struggling student to successful entrepreneur is a powerful reminder that your start doesn’t define your finish. Mike shares ho...
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37:30
#060 - Alumni Highlight: From Dawson High to Disney Magic
In this episode, Dr. Berger catches up with Mackenzie Hogan, a Dawson High School alumna whose journey has taken her from the stage at DHS to the magical world of Disney. Mackenzie shares how her experiences in dance, leadership, and marketing ...
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25:02
#059 - Alumni Highlight: Football, Life Lessons & Finding Purpose Beyond the Game
In this episode, we reconnect with Dustin Garrison, a Pearland High School alumnus and key player in the 2010 state championship team—a season that still holds a special place in the hearts of Oiler fans. Dustin reflects on the moments that def...
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47:00
#058 - School Board Election Forum
Dr. Berger sits down with four candidates running for the Pearland ISD School Board. In this special forum-style podcast, we provide a platform for them to share their vision, priorities, and perspectives.Whether you're a parent, educato...
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45:51
#057 - Inside School Counseling: How Two Counselors Earned the CREST Award
In this episode of Building Blocks with Dr. Berger, we're diving into the heart of school counseling with two exceptional guests: Tara LeMaire from Carleston Elementary and Landry Angel from Rustic Oaks Elementary. Both counselors rece...
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36:50
#056 - Behind the Scenes, Yet Essential: How M & O Drive Educational Success
Join us for a new episode of the Building Blocks Podcast as Dr. Berger sits down with Ivan Alvarado, a dedicated Warehouse Man in the district's Maintenance and Operations Department. Ivan shares his journey to becoming part of the tea...
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26:40
#055 - Alumni Highlight: From Classroom Dreams to Career Reality
In this episode, we are kicking off our alumni highlight with Joseph Eberhardt, whose journey has taken him from the hallways of Pearland schools to the sidelines of the Buffalo Bills and national track teams—and now, back home as a leader in a...
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43:34
#054 - Grants, Growth & Giving Back: A Conversation with Pearland ISD Education Foundation Director
Dr. Berger welcomes Kim Barfield, the new Pearland ISD Education Foundation Director. With a passion for education and community impact, Kim shares her vision for the foundation and how it continues to support students and teachers across the d...
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24:41
#053 - Kicking It with the Captains: Soccer Captains Jordan Garza & Giancarlo Anaya
In this episode, Dr. Berger sits down with Jordan Garza, captain of the Dawson High School soccer team, and Giancarlo Anaya, captain of the Pearland High School soccer team. These two student-athletes are at the forefront of their teams, leadin...
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26:56
#052 - Classroom to Career: Navigating the Petrochemical Industry
Dr. Berger sits down with Aaron Ennis, a representative from the Brazoria County Petrochemical Council (BCPC), and Mandy Psarovarkas, the Pearland ISD CTE Coordinator, to explore the exciting opportunities within the petrochemical industry. Whe...
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43:26
#051 - Balancing It All: Sibling Success
In this episode, Dr. Berger sits down with two incredible siblings, Jackson and Julia Frerking. They juggle the demanding worlds of marching band, cheerleading, and academics while supporting each other along the way. They’ll share a glimpse in...
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30:15
#050 - Authenticity in Action: SRO - Steven Brown
In this episode, we sit down with a dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO), Steven Brown, to explore his unique responsibilities at PACE. From the differences between SRO work and traditional policing to the essential skills that help bridge t...
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34:15
#049 - Present and Listening: Rise Mentoring
This inspiring episode dives into the transformative world of RISE Mentoring! Our guests share their journey as a mentor, exploring what inspired them to join the program and how they’ve built meaningful connections with their mentees. Gain an ...
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29:51
#048 - Guiding the Way: Supporting Students, Families & Staff in Pearland ISD
Dr. Berger sits down with Dr. Chenda Moore, Coordinator of Guidance Services for Pearland ISD, to explore the role of the counseling department in shaping the academic, emotional, and social development of students. Dr. Moore shares her vision ...
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40:10
#047 - Connecting the Dots: Education, Business, and Community in Pearland
In this episode, we’re joined by Jim Johnson, President of the Pearland Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the Chamber's role in supporting local businesses, fostering economic growth, and its partnership with Pearland ISD. Dr. Berger and Mr. John...
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31:18
#046 - Anthony Porcarello: Steering Safety and Striking Chords
In this engaging episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, we take a ride with Anthony Porcarello, a dedicated school bus driver for Pearland ISD and a professional musician. Anthony shares what he loves most about his role, the safety m...
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30:41
#045 - Supporting Minds, Shaping Futures – The Impact of a School Psychologist
In this insightful episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, we sit down with Pearland ISD School Psychologist Dr. Michael Brandon to explore the critical role school psychologists play in fostering student well-being. Dr. Brandon shares...
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34:32
#044 - Marching to Excellence: Inside the Dawson High School Band
In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, we shine a spotlight on the Dawson High School Band and Catalyst Color Guard, showcasing the dedication and achievements that make these programs extraordinary. We hear from Mr. Tom Bell,...
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41:00
#043 - State Representative Barry: A Fresh Perspective in Austin
Dr. Berger sits down with newly elected State Representative Jeff Barry. Representative Barry shares what it’s like to navigate the start of this new position and addresses anticipated challenges. He shares his strategies for turning obstacles ...
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29:04
#042 - From Dawson ETV to Emmy-Winning Sports Reporter: A Conversation with Chance Johnson
In this episode of the Building Blocks podcast, Dr. Berger sits down with Emmy-winning sports reporter and Dawson High School alumnus Chance Johnson. He highlights the importance of preparation, hard work, and perseverance in achieving his goal...
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35:37
#041 - Building Blocks Podcast - Thanksgiving Edition
In this festive Thanksgiving episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Berger and Producer Mac share a fun and heartfelt conversation to celebrate the season of gratitude. They take turns asking each other Thanksgiving-inspired questions...
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25:08
#040 - Cultivating Curiosity: How the Teacher of the Year Inspires Students
In this episode, Dr. Berger sits down with Mrs. Bhavani Venkataramanan, a teacher at Pearland Junior High West. She shares the influences and motivations that shaped her career path, offering inspiring stories and actionable advice for educator...
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31:41
#039 - From Graduate to Technology Wizard: The ESC 2024 Employee of the Year
Dr. Berger chats with Athul Mathew, the 2024 ESC Employee of the Year and a Turner College and Career High School alum. Our guest shares what inspired him to pursue a career in technology support and reflects on how his passion for tech in Pear...
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26:15
#038 - Empowering Multilingual Learners in Pearland ISD
Dr. Berger sits down with Dr. Susana Franco-Fuenmayor, the Director of Multilingual Programs, to discuss Pearland ISD's Dual Language and ESL (English as a Second Language) programs. She highlights these two key programs and their roles in supp...
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39:54
