Building Blocks

It’s one of the hottest topics every year...the school calendar, and in this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, host Dr. Larry Berger pulls back the curtain with the two people who lead the work: Dr. La’Kesha Henson-Vaughn, Executive Director of Intermediate Schools, and Dr. Charles Allen, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Together, they break down what really goes into...

Get ready for a fun episode as Dr. Larry Berger sits down with his mom, Kitty Bethke. She shares what Larry Ray was really like growing up, the funny moments that hinted at who he’d become, and her reaction when he decided to go into education. Kitty talks about the people who shaped him, whether she still gives him mom advice, and what makes her proudest of the superintendent she raised. A light,...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger talks with Harris Elementary Principal LaShonda Pernetter about the heart and vision behind her campus. She shares what drives her as a leader, the unique experiences Harris offers students, and how her team builds strong connections with families and the community. Principal Pernetter also gives a glimpse into the new ideas taking s...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger talks with Pearland Junior High South Principal Jason Frerking about what inspired him to lead, the programs and traditions that make his campus special. Mr. Frerking also shares about the implementation of “flex days” at PJH South and what excites him most about the future of his campus. This episode offers a quick, meaningful look...

In this episode of Building Blocks , Dr. Larry Berger chats with Lawhon Elementary Principal Veronica Rodriguez, whose love for learning and leadership shines through in everything she does. From what first inspired her to become a principal to the campus traditions that make Lawhon such a special place, Rodriguez shares how her team works together to help every student grow and succeed. Have ques...

This special episode of the Building Blocks Podcast breaks format for an important update on Senate Bill 2124 and its impact on advanced programming in Pearland ISD. Dr. Charles Allen and Dr. Cahill join Dr. Berger and Producer Mac to explain why the district is making this shift, what changes families can expect and how Pearland ISD is supporting both students and teachers through the transition....

In this episode of Building Blocks, Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Audie Johnson, principal of Pearland Junior High East, to talk about leadership, culture, and what it means to create a true sense of belonging on campus. He dives into one of this year’s most exciting changes, the introduction of the Ron Clark House system at East, and how it’s transforming student engagement, relationships, and...

In this episode of Building Blocks , Dr. Berger sits down with Indira Ramirez, Pearland ISD’s Coordinator of Instruction & Professional Learning, and Angelina Bouchard, Middle School Math Instructional Coach, to dive deep into the district’s approach to instructional coaching. After several principals mentioned the positive impact of coaches on campus, Dr. Berger wanted to explore what instruc...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast we are continuing the Principal Series, with Amy Etchberger, principal of Carleston Elementary. Mrs. Etchberger shares what inspired her to become a school leader, the joys of working with elementary students, and the traditions that make Carleston a welcoming and spirited campus. She also highlights the strong family and community partnerships that s...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast , Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Tony Barcelona, principal of Berry Miller Junior High. Mr. Barcelona shares what led him into educational leadership, the most rewarding parts of guiding students through the pivotal junior high years, and the traditions that make Berry Miller a stand-out campus. He also talks about the school’s strong partnerships wi...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast , Dr. Larry Berger visits with Stacie Muras, principal of Silvercrest Elementary. Mrs. Muras talks about what drew her to school leadership and the unique rewards of working with elementary students at the very start of their educational journeys. She highlights the traditions that give Silvercrest its close-knit feel, the strong partnerships built wi...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast , Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Dr. Kai Bouchard, principal of Robert Turner College & Career High School. Dr. Bouchard shares what inspired him to pursue educational leadership, the most rewarding parts of guiding a campus focused on college and career readiness, and the unique programs that set Turner apart. He also discusses how the school pa...

In this episode of the Building Blocks Podcast, Dr. Larry Berger sits down with Dr. Dana Ashley, principal of Pearland Junior High West. Dr. Ashley shares what inspired her to become a principal, the rewarding aspects of leading her campus and the traditions and strategies that make her school unique. She also highlights how West partners with families and the community, along with new initiatives...

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. Together, they explore how the Lions Club helps bring holiday joy to families through this cherished tradition, formerly known as the Angel Tree. Listeners will he...

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 priorities for educational technology this school year and shares how her team is helping campuses navigate new requirements from HB 1481 while keeping classrooms enga...

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 the district. She discusses the importance of balancing academic achievement with emotional and social well-being, and how counselors play a vital role in helping stu...

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 top goals for the year ahead. She also discusses how she defines success for students, and how her department is helping families navigate the IEP process with clarit...

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 recent decision to place armed guards at elementary and middle school campuses, behavioral threat assessments, and the district’s proactive measures to keep students sa...

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 how students get to school safely. Plus, we’re giving you a sneak peek at upcoming episodes you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just...

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 school days. If you’ve ever wanted to get to know the voices behind the podcast a little better, this is the episode for you.  Have questions or an episode sugge...

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 shares how his time in Pearland ISD’s fine arts programs helped shape his love for theatre and gave him the confidence to pursue a creative career. Now a performer, mu...

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 years to staying active in Student Council, National Honor Society, FFA and soccer, Elizabeth was the definition of an involved student. Now working in the f...

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 Pearland High School.  These three outstanding students open up about what inspired their drive for academic excellence, the personal and academic challenges...

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 us through the journey, from learning the basics of welding in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses to designing and building an award-winning proj...

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 elite military bands in the world. Jonathan reflects on his time in the PHS band program, sharing the memories, mentors, and music that helped shape his path. ...