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
74 episodes
#074 - Bright Wishes & Community Pride: The Pearland Lions
In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Lonnie Grohman of the Pearland Lions Club and Cindy Gutierrez, Pearland ISD communications specialist and manager of the Bright Wishes Giving Campaign. Togethe...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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35:21
#073 - Navigating Change: Dr. Laura Reeves on Technology in Education
In this episode of Building Blocks, we talk with Dr. Laura Reeves, Pearland ISD’s Director of Educational Technology, about how technology is shaping the way students learn and teachers teach. Dr. Reeves outlines the district’s top pri...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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33:55
#072 - Building Stronger Student Support: Clara Gerard on Counseling and Guidance
In this episode of Building Blocks, we sit down with Clara Gerard, Pearland ISD’s new Director of Counseling and Guidance Services. Clara shares her journey to Pearland ISD and her vision for strengthening counseling programs across th...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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22:42
#071 - Special Programs Focus: Goals, Support & Student Success!
In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, we sit down with Sheri Maston, Pearland ISD’s Executive Director of Special Programs. Sheri shares her journey to Pearland ISD, what excites her about leading Special Programs, and her to...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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33:31
#070 - School Safety Spotlight: Armed Guards, Threat Assessments & Prevention!
In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, we sit down with John Palombo, Pearland ISD’s Executive Director of Safety and Operations, for an in-depth look at how the district is safeguarding students and staff. We discuss the rece...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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29:02
#069 - Back to School Breakdown: Legislation, Transportation & What’s Ahead!
School’s back in session, and so is the Building Blocks Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Berger and Producer Mac unpack the latest back-to-school essentials from important legislation that impacts our classrooms to updates on transportation and ho...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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33:22
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#068 - G.O.A.T. Episode: On the Mic with Berger & Producer Mac
In this fun, off-the-cuff episode, Dr. Berger and Producer Mac close out this podcast season asking each other with rapid-fire questions as they dive into the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) moments in Pearland ISD, careers and even their schoo...
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30:40
#067 - Alumni Highlight: Jake Cummings - Performing, Directing & Giving Back Through Theatre
In this episode of Building Blocks, we shine the spotlight on Jake Cummings, a Dawson High School alumnus whose passion for musical theatre has taken him from the stages of Pearland to performances and productions across Texas.Jake share...
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26:44
#066 - Alumni Highlight: Elizabeth Campo - From PHS Leader to Food Security Advocate
In this inspiring episode of Building Blocks, we catch up with Elizabeth Campo, a proud Pearland High School alumna whose high school years were packed with leadership, service, and school spirit. From serving as class vice-president all four y...
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22:33
#065 - Meet the 2025 Valedictorians for Pearland ISD
In this special episode of Building Blocks, we celebrate the voices and stories of Pearland ISD’s 2025 valedictorians: Lydia Greer from Turner College & Career High School, Patrick Hughes from Glenda Dawson High School, and Kaiden Vo from P...
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39:53
#064 - HLSR Grand Champions of Grit & Welding Excellence
In this episode, we spotlight Travis Pennica and Matthew Shanks, Pearland ISD students whose hard work and craftsmanship earned them the prestigious title of Houston Livestock Show Grand Champions in Industrial Craft Competition. These two talk...
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32:25
#063 - Alumni Highlight: Jonathan Kraft - From the Pride of Pearland to 'Pershing’s Own'
In this episode, Dr. Berger catches up with Jonathan Kraft, a Pearland High School alumnus whose musical journey has taken him from marching with the Pride of Pearland to performing with the U.S. Army Band ‘Pershing’s Own’, one of the most elit...
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30:01
#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
